INTERIORS THAT DO THE WORK FOR YOU

HOW TO BE MORE UMAGE

Have different textiles for different seasons – cushion covers, throws, etc, which can be easily stored when not in use. Changing your textiles in autumn and spring will instantly refresh a room, without you having to do (or spend) too much. Some Scandinavians change curtains seasonally – but that might seem a bit too umage.

Make a list of any small jobs that need to be done in each room – redoing any damaged paintwork, or clearing and organising a kitchen drawer. Then, set aside a day each month to do one or two things on the list.

Add some

green A floorstanding plant will add height to a seating area, while a smaller, trailing plant adds interest to a shelf. It’ll take a bit of looking after, but the aesthetic and air benefits are worth it. Create a shelfie

Writer and stylist Martha Roberts has written a book on the subject (Shelfie: Clutterclearing Ideas for Stylish Shelf Art), and maintains that clearing and then reorganising a mantelpiece, bookcase or kitchen shelf is a calming, relaxing experience. Plus, it will become a thoughtfully arranged collection of objects, rather than a stressinducing jumble.

You don’t have to buy something new to change your interior Think about moving your furniture around; rearranging it can completely transform the look of a room.

Put on a display – pictures add character to a space – frame a collection of inexpensive prints, photos, even children’s drawings, then lay them out on the floor to come up with an arrangement you like, and use masking tape to delineate where to hang them.