MINI RENOVATIONS FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT
Unleash your home’s potential by tackling smaller jobs that deliver big results
As you walk around your home, there are likely to be time-worn fittings, scuffed flooring and other DIY tasks that don’t quite get ticked off the to-do list. Yet these smaller improvements are an opportunity to perk up your place and have you falling back in love with your home. From sprucing up your hallway to updating your fixtures and fittings, these mini renovations can be done in as little as a few hours, but you will appreciate their impact for years to come.
PAINT YOUR KITCHEN UNITS
Give your kitchen a whole new look by cracking open a paint tin and coating the units and furniture in colour. Much cheaper than new cabinets, there are a wide range of paint finishes that will enhance your scheme. Go high-shine with a glossy finish in a modern or low-light space or opt for a more pared-back gleam with an eggshell finish. Chalk and matt paints will be more muted again, while adding soft texture to your cabinetry. For lots more tips on doing up your kitchen, turn to page 124.
REV UP THE RADIATORS
‘Modern radiators can be up to 50 per cent more efficient than those installed 20 years ago, so over time the benefits of the savings in energy bills will outweigh the cost of buying a new one. New radiators use around 24 per cent lower water content when heating up, resulting in a reduction of over 10 per cent on your bills.’ Andrew Collinge, Heating Product Manager at BestHeating
SPRUCE THE STAIRCASE
Transform a tired staircase with a lick of hard-wearing floor paint, which will be tough enough to take on the traipsing of families up and down the stairs and knocks on the edges of the steps. If the wooden boards are still in good condition, make them a feature by sanding them back and masking off the central section, like Hannah T (@homemade_hannah on Instagram) has. Once the edges have been painted white, varnish the wooden sections for a pristine, easy-clean finish.
REFRESH YOUR WINDOW DRESSING
‘Banish any draughts through your windows with a set of thermal blinds. Cellular blinds are effective at keeping your home warm during the winter and cool during the summer, due to their honeycomb-shaped pockets; these trap air inside and limit heat transfer from the window, which allows homeowners to add a stylish touch while also improving the insulation of their home.’
Kate Duckworth, Senior Marketing Manager at Swift Direct Blinds
5 SWITCH IT UP
Swap out any dated white light switches or sockets for gleaming options
in a metallic finish. Dimmer switches instantly set the tone in your living space, while sockets with USB ports make charging all your devices much easier. And don’t forget the extension cable you’ve hidden behind the sofa – make it an accessory in its own right with a coloured or
striped design.