Easy style updates
Best buys and clever tricks
1 CHANGE YOUR FOCUS
Re-work your living room layout as winter draws near. Arrange seating in a sociable set-up with the fireplace as the focal point and add a couple of smaller side tables dotted around instead of one large coffee table.
2 RUN A PEG RAIL ABOVE WORKTOPS
Keep kitchen essentials within reach by running a length of wooden peg rail above a splashback. Hang utensils, chopping boards and baskets for a rustic look.
3 KEEP TO THE RULE OF THREE
Try a trick that stylists use: odd numbers look more visually appealing than even numbers. Try grouping three (or five) items together to avoid too much symmetry.
4 CATCH CLUTTER
Put an end to bits and bobs being left on the stairs by hanging a basket in a handy spot so that family members can throw in stray gloves, scarves, dog leads and more when they come home.
5 GET YOUR BED WINTER READY
Put summer sheets away and switch to warmer bedding. Go for cosy brushed cottons, tactile knits and a thicker 10.5 tog duvet for a toasty night’s sleep. Add a plush rug to take the chill off underfoot.
6 WORK MORE TEXTURE INTO A ROOM
All-white or neutral schemes can look flat without colour so use texture as an accent. Choose tactile pieces, from woven pendants to touchy-feely rugs and cushions.
7 ENJOY TIME SPENT OUTDOORS
Make the most of warmer autumn days in the garden. Load the table with lanterns, cosy-up chairs with throws and enjoy harvest suppers and Halloween celebrations.
8 SLOT IN SOME STORAGE
Use under-seat space to add extra storage in a kitchendiner. Low-level cupboards can double-up as bench seats with space inside for crockery.
9 SQUEEZE IN EXTRA STORAGE
Double up with a two-tier side table if living room space is tight. The perfect spot for a lamp or cuppa (plus stowing space underneath), it’ll slot neatly next to a sofa or armchair.
10 PAINT WALLS A DUSKY SHADE
Create drama by painting panelling a deep shade. Teal is a perfect balance of blue and green, so any wood looks great against it, while metallic coppers and golds add a hit of luxe.
11 GO BIG IN A SMALL SPACE
Have fun by using a flamboyant wallpaper in a small room such as a downstairs loo or cloakroom. Take pattern wall-to-wall for a bold look or team with panelling in a toning shade.
12 KEEP A SELECTION OF VASES
Have a few vases on hand so you have one that best suits your display. On-trend reeds and grasses suit a weighty, narrow-necked vase like this which will support the long stems.
13 UTILISE YOUR BEDROOM SPACE
Floor-to-ceiling storage here puts alcoves either side of a bed to good use. Connect them with a full-width headboard in the same colour to create a streamlined display shelf and fill the space above with a bold wallpaper.
14 CREATE A PROJECT MOOD BOARD
Steal a corner where you can set up a desk to work on crafts or creative projects. Prop a board against the wall for pinning up samples and swatches for inspiration.
15 ORGANISE A SPOT TO SIT
Re-work hallway space to include a bench where you can sit and take off shoes. Choose a slimline design that can tuck against a wall, with stowing space underneath. Add a peg rail above for coats.
16 TRY A WALL OF MIRRORS
Fill the empty space above a bath with a gallery of vintage mirrors, a clever way of bringing more light into a small bathroom. Paint frames to match for a co-ordinated look.
17 SPICE UP THE DINING ROOM
Revamp a drab dining table without spending a fortune. New serving plates and platters in a warm colour or cheery pattern will brighten up a plain dinner set, or add a decorative table runner and linen napkins.
18 CREATE A PICTURE DISPLAY
Find a common theme so that the artwork hangs better together. Go for all-matching frames and mounts, or choose a colour or subject matter that links the pieces.
19 CONTRAST COLOURS
Add a surprise flash of colour inside a dresser or cabinet so that crockery pops against the background. Try burnt orange with navy or shocking pink with charcoal grey.
20 COSY UP A LIVING ROOM
Put down a plush rug in front of a sofa to give a tired space new focus. A decorative kilim-style rug in rich tones will give the room added warmth.