The simplest home updates to maximise your interior

Revamping your home’s interior is well worth the investment. Not only will you find more joy and comfort in your home, but you will also be more encouraged to invite guests over and use your space more.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of relaxation and pride that comes from returning to a beautifully revamped home after a long day at work.

Revamping your décor has many benefits, so here are some simple updates to maximise your interior.

Add indoor plants

Bringing nature into your home is a great way to make the space feel fresher and more inviting. If you’ve visited a friend’s home and instantly felt relaxed, it may be because they have plants and flowers dotted around the home. Not only are houseplants and fresh flowers ideal for making your home smell great, but they bring a touch of nature and life to your home.

Plants work well in any interior. Greenery can add much needed colour to an all-white, minimalist home. You could add real plants or these faux floor plants to upgrade your interior with a touch of nature.

Create a feature wall

If you don’t want to paint your entire home, you can quickly upgrade any space by adding a feature wall.

Feature walls are ideal if you don’t necessarily want to be surrounded by colour but want to add some interest. If you want to keep your home neutral but add a focal point, a feature wall is great at doing.

You can apply paper or fresh paint to change one particular wall. Although it’s a simple and basic update, you’ll gain amazing results.

Repaint

Speaking of painting, if you have the time and desire, you could repaint your entire home. Whether you want to repaint the walls or the furniture, repainting is a brilliant technique for refreshing your home.

Even if you choose to paint using the same or similar colours, it will transform your home and give it an uplift.

Install new lighting

The lighting you choose for your home can completely alter the mood of your interior. For instance, if you like a relaxed vibe in your lounge, choose table or standard lamps with warm, Edison filament bulbs. You’ll want completely different lighting in your kitchen and other work areas of your home, so opt for overhead and under-counter task lighting with bright LED bulbs that mimic daylight.

Installing different bulbs can help you achieve the different atmospheres that you desire. Also consider investing in new lampshades, as these will make a huge difference to a space. A new glass or crystal chandelier can be a small yet grand feature for your interior. It can transform a basic bedroom or living room into a luxury space.

Update the doors and windows

If your home’s doors and windows don’t maximise your interior design, update them. If you paint the walls, add new furniture, and change the layout yet keep the same doors, the space won’t feel finished.

Your old doors may not align with the interior look you’re seeking. However, you don’t necessarily need to invest in new ones. Stripping down, sanding and repainting the existing doors will give them an entirely new look.

Meanwhile, updating the windows may be necessary if they’re old and ill-fitting. If they’re single-glazed or damaged, they could be making your home cold due to draughts and poor insulation. When this happens, you’ll probably be overpaying on your energy bill. Investing in new or updated windows and doors will save you money in the long run and also upgrade your home’s appearance.

Add more art

A great design tip to upgrade your home’s potential is to consider adding more art. Blank walls and boring spaces can be instantly transformed by adding a picture or two.

If you aren’t into art, you could find pieces that align with your colour scheme. The art doesn’t necessarily need to speak to you personally, it’s adding a layer of interest that’s important. It needs to work in harmony with the other décor, of course, but if it does so, it can instantly make a room feel more homely.

Personal touches

Nothing is more unique than personal touches. You could hang artworks that your children have created, family and holiday photos or homemade decorations.

These simple, one-of-a-kind touches can transform your home and make it feel more personal. They also make great conversation starters when you host guests.

Your home won’t replicate anyone else’s when you feature personal touches.

Install lighter window coverings

If you aren’t getting as much light into your home as desired, your interior will benefit from new, lighter window coverings.

Blocking the natural light with dark blinds or heavy curtains doesn’t give your home the best look. When you install lighter-coloured window coverings, they let as much light pass through as possible.

If the natural lighting is still restricted, remove the window coverings altogether or hang a light, gauzy fabric. Of course, you may need them in your bedroom and bathroom for privacy and sleep. However, removing them from your living space may be best to achieve maximum light.

Use colour wisely

While you may love colour, don’t drown your home in it. If it works for you, that’s fine. However, your interior may feel overbearing when you add too much colour.

In most cases, it’s best to choose a colour scheme. Choose a palette that helps you feel relaxed and calm, as you don’t want to feel stressed or overstimulated while relaxing at home. Soft pastels, light neutrals and gentle greens are best associated with calmness.

When you choose a soft colour palette, it can help to create a timeless look and feel. Plus, it allows you to add flashes of vibrant décor elsewhere in the home without crowding your space.

Declutter

Decluttering isn’t necessarily a new feature like the other recommendations, but it will certainly update your home.

Too much clutter creates a stressful and chaotic environment. When everything is clear and organised, you’ll likely feel calmer at home and in mind. Decluttering is a fantastic way to organise your home and get it in tip-top condition. If you find your home difficult to manage, with chores overwhelming your to-do list, you may find things much easier when you have less stuff.

The best way to declutter is to start with one room and one cupboard at a time. You don’t need to completely declutter in a single day. Spreading it over several days or weeks may encourage you to get rid of more. When you start small and slowly work your way around your home, the task will feel a lot less strenuous and overwhelming, and it should encourage you to push through until you reach that final room, cupboard or shelf.

Don’t panic about getting rid of your stuff. You can pass it on to its new good home – a friend or a charity shop.

More mirrors

Mirrors are a great feature to enhance the brightness throughout your home. They reflect and bounce light around your spaces, helping rooms feel airer and lighter. Plus, they make great statement pieces if you want to add more quirk to your interior.

Adding mirrors to every room and mirrored objects throughout your home is a simple yet effective way to upgrade your home.

Dress your windowsills

Many homeowners forget to dress their windowsills. Even if you’re a minimalist, dressing your windowsills can upgrade the look of your interior.

If you want a luxury interior, add decorative items to the windowsills to add more personality. We don’t recommend using them as storage, as this will make the home look and feel cluttered.

When you add interior accessories to your windowsills, they’ll feel more refined and well-kept. If you want to add personality and fun to your interior, the windowsills are a great place to add books, candles or houseplants.

Update your soft furnishings

If your soft furnishings are looking a little tired and worn, you may want to consider updating them. Bed linen, towels, cushions and throws can benefit from updates every so often. You don’t need to spend a fortune on these pieces, and they’re quick to upgrade, giving you all the more reason to update them.

If you add new bedding, refresh the cushions and install new lighter curtains, you could quickly transform the entire look of your bedroom. Softer and fresher soft furnishings are an easy way to revamp your home without spending much time or money.

Work on tired-looking furniture

Old-looking furniture needs to be renovated if you want to maintain an impressive interior. While old yet beautiful furnishings add personality, worn pieces do not.

You don’t necessarily need to buy new furniture. Instead, you can revamp and upcycle your existing pieces.

For example, you may have an old dresser that hasn’t had any love for decades. If so, you could revamp it by sanding, painting and installing new hardware. You’d be surprised at the difference a quick furniture update can make.

Update the hardware

Speaking of hardware, it’s a simple update you can do to elevate your interior.

Installing new door handles, cupboard handles and fixings can transform the look of your space. Along with a furniture update and a paint refresh, you could be on your way to achieving a much improved home with a few quick and simple updates.

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4 ideas for making your home more attractive

Your home should be somewhere you enjoy spending time and that you feel good about. You may be ready for an update or want to learn about some ways to improve it and make your spaces more beautiful.

In that case, you’re in the right place to find useful ideas for making your home more attractive. All it’ll require is some time and attention to detail on your part and soon enough you’ll have an refreshed and lovely property in which to take pleasure.

1. Clean & dress your windows

One idea for making your home more attractive is to clean and dress your windows. You may not realise it but making them look more attractive can really help boost the appearance of your home overall. Start by giving your windows a deep clean and then decide which curtains and blinds will be the best fit in each room. Consider patterns and other designs if you want to make your rooms pop a bit and have them be more interesting. Hang them high and down to the ground to make them look more elegant and make it appear that you have tall ceilings.

2. Paint the walls a neutral colour

If you want to make your home more inviting and appealing, consider painting or papering the walls in a neutral colour. You’ll realise that your rooms appear bigger and more airy once the job is done. It’ll help to lighten up the spaces and you may discover that it’s more enjoyable to decorate when you have a clean and neutral palette from which to begin the work. Painting or papering is a project you can take on yourself if you have the time and motivation, so you can save yourself a little money in the process of making this update. You’ll not only fall back in love with the appearance of your home but prospective home-buyers will also appreciate the colour choice if you decide to sell your property in the future.

3. Organise your items & de-clutter

A clean and neat home is a happy home. Make your home more attractive by organising your spaces and de-cluttering your belongings. Get rid of items you don’t use or want sitting around and make sure you reduce the amount of stuff in each area of your home. You’ll find that you feel less stressed out when you’re in and around your home when all your belongings have a place to live that’s out of the way. You’ll also be able to find what you’re looking for in your house quicker when you’re more organised.

When you de-clutter your home, you are clearing the way for optimal function and happiness. You may think this is a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many benefits to de-cluttering your home. A local removals company can help you with the process if it becomes too overwhelming for you.

When you de-clutter your home, you open up space for new opportunities and décor ideas. When our homes are cluttered, it can add to our stress levels and make us feel overwhelmed. When we clear out the physical clutter, we also clear out the mental clutter. This allows us to focus on what is important and brings us joy.

4. Brighten it up with lights & décor

Take the time to finish your home with fresh flowers, plants and elements you might find in nature to help spruce it up. Brighten up your home by adding pops of colour here and there and including more lamps and lighting options. Make sure you have some of your lights on dimmer switches and that you update old and dingy fixtures and lampshades. Make your home feel warm and welcoming from the moment you step foot within by beginning with a tidy and well-lit porch or entryway.

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11 ways to add value to your home: budget-friendly edition

As a home-owner, you want your home to look its best. While many renovations can be costly, some can be done even if you’re pinching the pennies. Fortunately, many thrifty improvements can work to add value to your home. Here are some budget-friendly changes you can make:

1. Improve curb appeal

First impressions last, and there’s no other area in your home providing this than your curb. Having professional exterior cleaning and designing services like Nova Exteriors and others is worth it. If there’s only one project you can work on, focus primarily on your exterior. When it looks attractive and presentable, your home’s value increases as it can attract more potential buyers to view.

If you’re planning on selling your home, many prospective purchasers won’t even make it beyond your curb or front lawn if it appears like it’s a neglected home on the inside.

2. Apply a fresh coat of paint

One of the most inexpensive projects you can carry out on your property to add value is to give it a fresh coat of paint – especially if your home has a dated colour scheme. Revamping tired walls with neutral shades is best. Should you decide to sell your home, you’ll attract more buyers if the paintwork is fresh and when the interior style resonates with a wider range of people.

3. Change your garage door

Replacing your garage door isn’t an exciting change to your home. However, it’s one of the most effective at increasing your home’s value. You can replace your current garage door with a more robust and better-looking one. Also, consider installing added features for it such as an alarm or sensor.

4. Replace knobs on cabinets, drawers and doors

You may not be able to afford to change all your cabinets, drawers and doors right now however, there’s one way to make it look more up-to-date and modern: renew the hardware. Even the most basic units can look better when you fit new hardware. For its relatively cheap price tag, replacing all your outdated knobs & handles can add a wow factor.

5. Add a wooden deck or patio

As for your garden, a wooden deck or patio is something you can easily DIY. With an emphasis on outdoor living, your wooden deck increases your home’s value as it now makes your outside space more attractive. Plus, the ambiance of your garden will look and feel a lot better.

6. Deep clean your home

Deep cleaning your home is one of the cheapest but most effective ways to increase your home’s value. This means going above and beyond the regular day-to-day cleaning.

Generally, to ensure a job well done, you’ll need to call in the help of the experts. They can deep clean all the nooks and crannies to make your home look and feel new again. Those mattresses, carpets and sofas grubby with stains that you can’t get clean yourself? Professional cleaners can make those look brand new.

7. Remodel a bathroom

If you have multiple bathrooms at home but you can only afford to update one, choose the one in dire need of a makeover with the help of expert plumbers.

Remodelling your bathroom can increase your home’s value simply because it improves its functionality and aesthetics. No one likes to do their business in a bathroom that looks mouldy and full of grime.

8. Update the lighting

Perhaps, your home is equipped with ancient light fittings that look like they’re coming to the end of their life. Perhaps they’re hard to clean or no longer in style and are detracting from the overall ambiance in your home.

Replace this old lighting. Many homeware stores have a wide variety of options from which to choose, depending on your style and budget.

9. Invest in energy-efficient fixtures

One of the most important features of homes today is for them to be energy-efficient. If you can’t afford to install solar panels for now, then at least make other smaller changes in your home to make it more efficient.

Insulating your home properly is an important step in making it more energy-efficient. Good insulation keeps your property warm in the winter and cool in the summer, thus cutting down on the need for central heating in the cold months and air conditioning in the warm months.

Also, consider switching electrical fixtures & fittings to more energy-efficient examples. For example, use low-energy, LED bulbs and install a smart thermostat. A smart meter allows you to monitor which of your appliances are energy guzzlers.

10. Plant a tree

If you aren’t planning to sell your home soon or in the next few years, why not plant a tree? If your garden is flat, an inexpensive way to transform its outlook is to add a tree. It can provide year-round, seasonal interest; blossom in the summer, colourful autumn foliage and bare branches offer a stark winter silhouette. Also, hanging a string of festoon lights in your tree will make your outdoor area feel a lot cosier at night.

11. Add more storage space

One of the common problems with smaller homes is the lack of storage space. Providing sufficient room to stow away rarely needed items is one of the best ways to add value to your home as it improves its functionality.

Go through each room of your house and look for areas where added storage space is needed. Be imaginative. You can start with any wasted vertical space you may have, so you can add shelves or cupboards.

Conclusion

Every home-owner aspires to make their house look its best and add value to it, but not everyone has spare cash to spend on major improvements. Many of the tips above are suitable for those on a shoestring budget!

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5 things to add to your home that will improve looks and function

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Everyone wants to live in a home that they love. Everyone wants to live in a home that has genuine value – both sentimental and financial. If you’ve been in your home for a while now, then you’ll know all about how it’s more than just a place that you spend money on in order to keep yourselves alive. There’s something special about it. Even if you’re not the biggest lover of the home you’re in, you can’t deny there’s a certain level of fondness for it. You can’t help it – it’s as though it’s a part of the family.

You’ll try to personalise and customise as much as possible without going overboard – adding different designs and colour combos along the way. You’ll do your best to make sure it’s attractive to those visiting while functioning excellently. If it looks good and performs properly, then you’ll be happy.

What are some ways you can add to your home in order to improve the looks and function? Well, here are five ideas.

Garden seating area

There are many aspects to decorating a garden, but a seating area can act like a centrepiece of a garden and becomes a focal point. Not only does it add year-round visual interest, but it will also provide a great service on sunny days. They’re also extremely versatile when you have company over and want to entertain outdoors. There are plenty of seating area ideas online if you ever want to go about creating one.

Solar panels

If you’ve had a solar panel erected on or around your home, then you’ll already know all about these. In years to come, every single home-owner will have them put in as it just makes sense. They may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but installing panels on the roof provides you with electricity and lets people know that you’re going green!

Artificial grass

If you’re not the biggest fan of maintaining a garden and continually having to mow the lawn, then this is going to be perfect for you. Artificial grass is laid down once and then you barely have to touch it again. It’s one job and then done. It also looks very pretty and has a consistent look for years.

Loft conversion

If your home is in need of some extra space, then having a loft conversion done would be a great idea. So many people have attics that are underused and gathering dust. Turning it into a productive and attractive room makes all the sense in the world.

Windows and doors

This may sound like a simple and boring final point, but it’s something that should be touched upon. Doors and windows are fundamental parts of a home; they’re important in shaping the appearance and character of the exterior of your property. Badly maintained windows and doors make a house look uncared for and unattractive. It can also be problematic having ill-fitting doors & windows that let in noise and draughts. Consider having them replaced, it will make your home look so much more cared for and will enhance your day-to-day life.

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