Small change, big difference
You can transform your home with minimal cost and environmental impact says LESLEY TAYLOR
SUSTAINABILITY is fast impacting every aspect of our lives; from influencing which groceries we buy to determining where we holiday.
It’s also playing a huge part in home renovations too, as homeowners look to ‘make do and mend’ than simply buy new.
As a result, the likes of YouTube and Pinterest are packed with ideas for homeowners looking to spruce up their existing furnishings.
So if you’re looking to give parts of your home an update, without getting rid of perfectly good fixtures, here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
HEY GOOD COOKING
QUITE often, the kitchen is the heart of the home so it’s important to have the one of your dreams.
However, you can give your kitchen a complete new look with a few simple, cosmetic changes.
Take the cupboards for example. They are a hugely important to both the function and aesthetic of the kitchen. If you’re happy with their layout and how they work, as well as their general condition, why not hang new doors? This instant update will transform the overall look of the entire room.
Less intensive but just as effective would be giving the walls a new lick of paint. This relatively simple, not to mention cheap, solution will cover any blemishes while giving it a modern new look.
Current on-trend colours in the kitchen include cobalt blue, deep grey and cool cerulean. Just remember to use a specific kitchen paint to withstand all the kitchen has to throw at it.
If your kitchen walls are tiled, splashing on a coat of paint is not going to do the trick. So why not remove a small section of old tiles behind the cooker and the sink to create a unique splashback?
Tiles are available in all shapes, sizes and colours, some plain and others with the most beautiful patterns imaginable, which means there are plenty of options to create a bespoke wall covering.
MAKE ONE CHANGE
YOU may think an entire room needs revamping, when in fact, just one significant update will change how the whole room looks and feels. Take the bathroom for example. If your bathroom floor has seen better days, investing in new flooring will transform the entire space. The key is to choose something neutral and timeless, that will work with all the trends that come and go to ensure longevity.
Baked porcelain tiles are becoming an increasingly popular option in the bathroom. Not only do they have a high resistance to water, so are unlikely to develop stains, they are easy to maintain to ensure your investment looks the part for years to come.
MAKE-DO AND MAKEOVER
GOT an old chest of drawers that has seen better days? Upcycling is a great way to get a few more years out of it.
YouTube and Pinterest have some fabulous hints and tips on getting started. But in short, anything goes.
One of the simplest makeovers is a quick and easy paint job. Simply sand down the surface, grab some furniture paint and away you go. To complete the look, invest in some new handles or knobs which can be changed quickly and without much fuss.
A bolder look involves samples of your favourite wallpaper.
Simply measure your drawers and create a template on the back of your wallpaper sample. Cut the paper to size and cover the front of the drawer with wallpaper paste. Then carefully attach the wallpaper, ensuring it aligns with the edges perfectly. Finish by applying a generous coat of sealer to protect the wallpaper from dirt, wear and tear.
If you’ve never upcycled before, make sure you experiment on an inexpensive item of furniture, such as a picture frame or old side table.
And don’t feel like you have to keep the furniture in the same room it came from. Once you have finished upcycling your creation, consider where to place your brand-new masterpiece.
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