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IMPROVE YOUR HOME

IF we’re not thinking of moving these days we’re apparently indulging in altering our homes – sometimes minimally but sometimes dramatically.

IF we’re not thinking of moving these days we’re apparently indulging in altering our homes – sometimes minimally but sometimes dramatically.

It’s mostly the knock-on effect of lockdown and being at home so much more. Many of us have realised the shortcomings of where we live and are determined to do something about it.

We’ve probably also saved some money by not going out and not spending much all those months so there may well be a budget for home improvements, if not for moving home completely.

If this seems too dramatic, though, too life-changing – or you’ve simply not got the money currently to spend large amounts on either moving house or a major home alteration – there are things you can do that won’t cost as much.

In fact, you may opt for a mixture of affording a couple of more expensive changes and doing a few clever fixes of your own. On the simplest level, giving your home a fresh coat of PAINT can make any space – inside or out – cleaner, brighter and more modern.

You may want to be fairly modest in the colours you choose to paint the outside of your home but a splash of colour on your front-door can prove really eye-catching. You might even want to invest in a new front-door. After all, it’s the first thing that greets visitors and doors today are both stylish and practical so do have a look at what’s available.

The first thing that visitors see when they get inside your home is often the STAIRS. If your stair carpet is looking a bit shabby, and this coincides with your hall flooring needing updating, why not consider stripping the whole area back to the wood and sanding and wood-staining it?

An eye-catching stair-runner can show off the warm wood and look very contemporary at the same time. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. Go along to your local flooring store and see what’s on offer.

If your hallway is rather dark, use bright paint again to lighten it and invest in a large mirror to reflect light and open it up. Charity shops are great places for large mirrors at really pleasing prices – and you get the satisfaction of helping a charity as well.

Is your LOUNGE looking in need of a revamp? Whether you have a bare chimney breast where a fireplace used to be or not, consider installing one. It can provide a focal point for the room instead of the TV. You can pick up old fireplaces at car boots and antique shops, perhaps along with a handsome fire grate if you like that style.

If you want something more modern, today’s fireplaces come in a huge variety of styles – including traditional ones to match the décor on older houses so it’s definitely worth having a look around.

Your SOFA may be past its best and need replacing and, if you are going to invest in one or two new items, this is certainly one that is well worth it.

If, though, you’ve got an older or vintage sofa in good condition that just looks a bit sad or the coverings are threadbare, consider re-covering it. Clever needlewomen (and men) may look on this as an enjoyable challenge but it’s worthwhile getting a professional upholsterer in for the job.

Alternatively, there are several well-known companies that have a wide range of bespoke covers to specifically fit your sofa or comfy chairs. Just having new covers, or even throes in a rich or modern fabric, can make a real difference to the whole room. Again, consider your flooring here and think about the original wood, if your floorboards are suitable. Glowing floors and cosy rugs in a lounge can give it a new lease of life.

Decorating here with a mixture of plain and wallpapered walls can also make your home feel up-to-date. Contemporary wallpaper comes in all kinds of patterns and textures for plenty of choices and can make a room more interesting.

Creating your own shelving for recesses is also both satisfying and cost-effective.

Invest in a couple of new pictures to help alter the look of your lounge. Group family photos on a wall and look around for pictures with interesting frames to enhance the room.

Again, charity shops score here - as they do if you’re looking for material to make striking new curtains or blinds. Mill shops are also great places to get beautiful toning material. Add home-made matching cushions or throes for a co-ordinated look

If you can’t afford completely new units for your KITCHEN, a lick of paint and new handles can make all the difference. Or, go for new worktops, possibly in a cheaper design that mimics a high-cost one, and match-up kitchen accessories to the new colour scheme for trendy styling.

You can also transform a kitchen with a new splashback or tiles. Adhesive glass splashback panels are easy to fit and brighten up this area, as they do in BATHROOMS.

If you do want to make your home bigger but can’t afford an extension or a large conservatory to give you another room, think about converting your LOFT.

Converting your loft into an extra bedroom with an en suite bathroom not only adds value to your home but gives you so many more living options. Use it as a work space, playroom or second lounge if this suits your lifestyle better. Alternatively, if you’ve got dark corners upstairs, install a skylight to a bedroom or landing area. You will need some professional help here but go to places like Checkatrade to find installers. And if you’re looking at WINDOWS generally, this may be where you want to invest some money. New windows dramatically change the look and lifestyle of your home – not to mention cutting bills. If you’re looking for more home-changing ideas, there are plenty of blogs and websites online and places like Pinterest show how to recycle everyday items to enhance your lifestyle.

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