Don’t move: improve your home instead

Many of us have unfinished business in our homes and gardens.

Have a look around and think what needs done, or even finished – because summer is the perfect time to get going.

Whether it’s freshening up the spare room with a coat of paint, or redecorating the kids’ rooms, at this time of year we are often energised and ready to get our house in order.

Think about fresh, bright colours and dynamic features to really pick you up.

It may not even be a big project, but even changing a feature wall, and using accessories to make any room come alive, is easy and won’t cost the earth.

The good news too is, if you are looking at bigger developments in your home, there are many trusted companies that can offer you startling changes and designs that will make every day in your home seem like paradise.

As for house style the fresh, summer home collections are hitting the shops and the good news is that there’s something to suit every type of decorator, from lovers of classic florals to modernist mavens.

The trend for grey walls and Scandiinspired furniture is waning: traditional furnishings are back in favour, albeit in peppy fabrics.

And, as for those walls, interiors obsessives are currently tickled by all things pink. The future looks bright. If you are planning to have new floors or an extension added on to your home it is best to seek the help of a professional in that field.

If it is work that involves gas work or an electrician, it’s dangerous to use someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, especially for anything involving gas or electricals.

You should use a registered gas engineer for gas work if you are installing a boiler or cooker; and a registered electrician for electrical work, if you are having new lighting or rewiring work done.

You can also check if the contractor is a member of an approved trader scheme.

Seeking advice from professional tradesmen should help save time and money and makes sure you are in safe hands.

And as for our gardens, which are extensions of our homes, you may want to consider new furniture to make sure you can entertain in style during barbecue season.

Pull out all dying annuals and make sure to eliminate all weeds, which will prevent them from seeding and taking over the garden in the summer months.

The key is to prepare for the new season in plenty time.

So why not really throw yourself into home and garden improvements this summer?