Home inspiration

From painting and upcycling to restyling and remodelling

Home improvement needn’t be a source of stress. For a speedy way to create a fresh vibe, introduce a new colour scheme. This is about working with what you’ve got and making small changes over time. Introducing new colours and textures via soft furnishings and decorative items creates an immediate feeling of freshness in a space that may have previously felt tired. Start by adding small pieces like a vase or a throw in the colour you’d eventually like to make your room’s signature hue, or experiment with intricate paint effects on wooden furniture. Speaking of which, just moving your furniture has a transformative effect on a room.

A fresh coat of paint on walls is another easy win. Experiment with contrasting colours for a dramatic and bold look, or keep it classic with subtle hues that let your furniture do the talking. Either way, smooth, freshly painted walls are a stunning backdrop against which to showcase your home’s style. If you have a larger budget, new flooring and window furnishings are another way to impact a room’s vibe, especially if you opt for statement blinds or rugs.

Remodelling is more substantial than painting, but when done well it could add to the value of your home. You’ll need to consider layout and whether you can do the work under permitted development or if you need planning permission.

To keep costs down, upcycle. For example, you could rework salvaged cupboard doors and worktops, creating the illusion of a new kitchen at a fraction of the cost.