Spruce up your home this year

Giving your home a merry makeover is easy when you know how. The secret is to concentrate on the seasonal home improvements that really count.

Everyone knows first impressions are important, especially at Christmas. It’s at this time of year that friends and relatives are more likely to turn up on mass and unannounced.

If you’re hosting Christmas dinner this year, you may want to think about sprucing up your dining room.

Creating a feature wall is a clever way too add a splash of colour without too much hassle.

Choose a bold wallpaper or shade of emulsion that complements the existing colour scheme and you really can’t go wrong.

For a professional finish, think about adding a few key accessories, such as a few cushions or a stylish throw, in accent colours to really make an impact.

Investing in a new sofa or dining table makes a lot of sense, too, especially if you’re expecting big numbers.

Opting for a matching armchair and footstool will help complete the look and give you additional seating options.

An extendable table will also come in handy and should ensure everyone gets a place for Christmas dinner.

If you have guests coming to stay, focusing on your spare room or bathroom is a wise move.

It really doesn’t take much to turn a spare room into a luxury guest bedroom. The important thing is to concentrate on the basics.

A good bed, of course, is key but great lighting and storage can make all the difference to someone’s stay, too.

Think about how you would use the room yourself and focus on using the space you have wisely.

For those who really want to impress, a new bathroom suite will certainly do the job. However, it doesn’t have to be expensive.

If you are happy with the existing layout of your bathroom, it’s relatively easy to replace the individual pieces without too much fuss.

Professionals can fit a new bath, sink, toilet and shower within hours and leave the smallest room in your house looking fabulous.

Finally, for a more subtle upgrade, you could always concentrate on your floors. A cosy new carpet or sleek new laminate floor will instantly give your home a boost without any need to redecorate.