Simple home hacks

Looking to spruce up your abode without spending a fortune? Interior experts The Design Paddock share five simple ways to uplift your home’s interior.

The power of paint “One of the most effortless ways to reinvigorate and transform a space is a fresh 1. coat of paint,” says Millie Alison, co-founder of The Design Paddock. “The hallway or the entry to the home are often overlooked. These areas are important as they connect to the spaces you live in and can set the initial impression. A fresh coat of paint can make the biggest difference here. Try a gloss trim paint to contrast against a matt or low-sheen wall paint. You’ll be surprised at the impact.” Also, consider repainting your front door or even garden pots for a powerful change. This can instantly achieve a more inviting entry.

Rearrange the furniture “Many people use the TV as the centrepiece of the living room, however this 2. should not be the case,” says Katrina Garrett, the other co-founder. “Living rooms should be centred around conversation and comfort.” Katrina suggests that between the warmer and cooler months, there’s an opportunity to rearrange spaces. “Fireplaces are the perfect focal point to arrange your furniture around in winter. Also consider moving your armchair beside a window to create a reading corner or a spot to wind down and enjoy some sun.”

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01 Refresh living spaces with a coat of paint © Photographee. eu/Shutterstock 02 Rearranging your furniture can change the feel of your home © Phillipp Shuruev/ Shutterstock 03 Add drama with an eyecatching pendant light.© Olga Prava/ Shutterstock

Switch up your lighting “Lighting plays a big part in the atmosphere and ambience within a room. Subtle changes can have a dramatic impact on the way a space feels,” says Millie. 3. “Warm light globes are a must. Also, think about where your lighting is focused, and adjust it. Try highlighting an artwork or incorporating a new feature pendant above your dining table. It’s important to note that lighting should be both beautiful and functional; a directional light in a hallway is a great way to not only feature an artwork but also reflect onto the wall and light up the space beautifully.” Alternating lighting throughout the house is another way to make spaces feel cosy. Incorporate varying scales and heights, such as table lamps, floor lamps, wall lights, dimmable ceiling lights and pendants in soft textures.

Reprioritise and de-clutter “With the extra time people are spending at home, there’s no better time to take charge and get rid of clutter. Explore ways to store possessions 4. in cabinets or boxes, and if there isn’t space and you no longer need items, let go. Interiors should feel full, but not cluttered,” says Katrina. “Organising your bookshelves can bring life to a forgotten area. It’s always good to start with larger items such as bowls, jugs or artwork – this will help achieve scale and balance. Books are a beautiful inclusion to an interior. Try stacking them in varying directions to add interest. Add your treasured keepsakes on top of piled books – different heights can help balance your shelf styling.”

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5. Reinvigorate with soft furnishings “Soft furnishings present an opportunity to incorporate colour, texture or pattern to a space without the intensive labour,” says Millie, suggesting softening your bedroom with a rug beneath the end of your bed, introducing a bedhead, re-covering a chair or adding throw cushions. Deciding on your fabric can be difficult. “Be clever with the way you use your fabric. A cost-effective way of achieving a similar result may be to upholster the back of your cushions or bedhead with an affordable plain fabric,” says Millie. “I’ve also previously chosen beautiful tea towels or fabric cuttings and framed them for cost-effective art.”

04 Organise your bookshelves to be a talking point © LightField Studios/ Shutterstock 05 Soft furnishings, like throw pillows, are an easy way to change the feel of a room

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