As we welcome in a new year with, it has to be said, a certain level of relief, many of us are looking optimistically to 2021 hoping that it will bring more certainty in these uncertain times. An uncertain couple of years may leave you reluctant to invest in your home, which leaves you in a bit of a catch 22 situation. Your living space is looking tired and depressing, but you don’t have excess budget to spend, so you leave it, when really the thing that would really cheer you up is a good revamp.
Any good interior designer will tell you that you don’t need to break the bank to transform your home. Here are some of our top tips from Trust A Trader’s designers, painters and decorators.
Declutter
The first rule of home design is to have a good declutter. You know that feeling that you get when you take the Christmas tree down? Well, getting rid of clutter that has been there so long you don’t even notice it magnifies that feeling. Piles of books or pictures stacked in a corner, a “stash” area where family members automatically chuck bags, shoes, laundry… they all add to the feeling of chaos. If you haven’t looked at, used or noticed something in the last 6 months to a year, get rid of it. If you have space, store it, if you don’t – charity shop or sell it. If it has high sentimental value, pass it on to another family member on long-term loan. One thing is certain, once you have got rid of those little things, your space will feel bigger, cleaner and brighter.
Deep clean
Much like a declutter, it is impossible to emphasise enough the impact that a deep clean has on your home. Tired, grubby floors and upholstery are given a new lease of life and brighten up your home without having to invest in new carpets. A professional cleaner can do the job for you – if you have some budget, it could be money well spent. At the very least, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaner – those stains that you now see as part of the carpet pattern will be gone in no time.
A quick repaint
One thing that sparkling upholstery and carpets will highlight is grubby, chipped paintwork. A quick coat of white on skirting boards and doors, and even a lick of magnolia on walls are low cost and can hide a multitude of sins. If your budget doesn’t extend to designer wallpaper throughout, pick a feature wall and match it with a complementing paint on the other three. If you have the time, it’s best to do any redecoration before you get the carpets cleaned. If your carpet has been done already, perhaps hire a professional painter and decorator – it would be a shame to ruin your newly cleaned carpet.
Making the most of your home is relatively easy – if you have the inspiration and can find the right local traders to help. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more ideas and advice.