15 Dec 2010 by
shoppingmum After so long, we tend to get bored with our homes. The colour scheme is too bland, the curtains are tiresome and the layout in the living room doesn’t seem to flow any longer. But if your budget doesn’t stretch to a complete remodel and your time frame doesn’t allow for painting and wallpapering the entire house, you don’t need to feel you can’t make a change. There are ways to rework existing spaces and dramatically change the look and feel of your home without getting the builders in or hiring an interior decorator.
A really easy, almost instant way to change a room is to alter the lighting. A few new lamp shades on side tables instead of wall or ceiling lights can soften a room, making it feel more sensuous and relaxing. At the same time, a dramatic, bold centre lamp hanging from the ceiling over the dining table is a simplistic way to add colour and drama to an otherwise average room.
Lighting shouldn’t stop with light bulbs. Natural lighting is crucial to opening up a room, making it feel more spacious and welcoming. Change heavy drapes or blinds for sheer muslin or light, coloured curtains. If you want to ‘dress’ a room, particularly a pale or light coloured space, adding a flash of colour at the window with eye-catching curtains is a great way to do so without so much as touching the walls.
If you do want to spruce up the walls, but lack the determination or finances to do so, then make a lasting impression on just one wall. The ‘feature wall effect’ is well tried and tested, but don’t feel like it is too passé for you to give it a try. Make the most of fireplaces and stairways, as these are great places to draw the eye to. If you lack traditional features, don’t worry, interesting angles and shapes look just as good dressed up in a patterned paper.
Soft furnishings can act as a pick me up and inject a new lease of life into your room. You can change the cushions, bedding and even sofa covers every season if you wish adding a freshness every few months.
In the bedroom, this is easily done just by remaking the bed, albeit in new colours. Bedding now comes in all colours and fabrics so you can opt for brown silk one season followed by white cotton the next.
Pricedropper offers a wide range of bedding sets as well as other essential homeware items.
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