Sprucing Up Your Home For The New Year

Ok, you’ve done the run-up to Christmas, the actual Christmas bit, the run-up to New Year and the actual New Year. You could be forgiven for feeling a little jaded. But those New Year’s resolutions really aren’t going to happen unless you do something constructive about them.

Well, one way of making a difference – and it doesn’t have to be a resolution, just something you really want to do – is giving your home a makeover and adding a whole range of new styles to spruce it all up. It’s not that difficult and you don’t have to spend a fortune, especially if there has been the odd maxed credit card over the festive season.

So let’s take a look at some ideas to help stimulate your design juices.

Hello 2018!

Ready or not, here it is, and you have 12 months of it ahead. Now 2017 has gone with the fairies, you don’t have to channel white on white any more. Yes, it was, and still can be attractive, but if you want to move with the times, look at ways to break up white, perhaps by using a black trim to make a statement.

Different rooms require different design solutions, so think about what will work best for you in individual rooms.

Living spaces

Apart from the bedroom, these are spaces you will spend most time in, so you want them to be comfortable but have an attractive decor that adds to that relaxed feel you want. This year, it seems that lavender, lilac and violet are on the colour agenda, and with so many hues to choose from, you can paint soft-toned walls, perhaps accentuating with a splash of pink to draw the eye but still provide a comforting environment.

It’s not just paint that can make the difference. You can incorporate these colours into your home with artfully placed throw rugs, artwork and pillows. In the end, it comes down to your own eye and what you feel works best in your living spaces.

Window coverings

It might sound boring but the way you decide to cover your windows can make a major impact on not just how your living spaces appear, but also on the other rooms in your home. Curtains and blinds are often the go-to solution and can be attractive additions to the decor, especially in terms of colours and decorations.

A popular alternative is to use window shutters that add a real sense of style to your rooms. They are easy to install (you can do it yourself if you prefer) and can be made to fit any size or style of window. Half-moon, bay or just standard sizes, you can find a range of wood and other materials to suit the way you want your home to look. Affordable shutters give you options that are worth considering when you go for your home makeover.

Work on your lighting

It’s easy to forget how important good lighting is in any room. Take the bathroom, for example. If you don’t have good light, whether it’s from a window, overhead electric or quality mirror lighting, then you’re going to have dissatisfied family and guests who are trying to shave or wash without being able to see clearly.

Take that on to your kitchen. When you’re making food, you need to see what’s going on. Darkness can foster danger, so look to LED ceiling lights and under-counter lighting to put yourself on top of all the culinary challenges that you – and others – need to deal with.

Your main living spaces also need appropriate lighting. Have a mixture of bright options for the early evening as people are beginning to settle down after dinner, and use dimmer switches with a remote control to gradually bring down the brightness and create a different ambience. Strategically placed lamps with attractive shades, either placed on the table or as uplighters, can add to that feeling of relaxation. Spotlights can subtly illuminate wall areas, especially if there is artwork you would like to be seen.

During the day, this is where shutters can improve the natural light because they can be adjusted to let in as much or as little light as you want. In colder months, they also act as an additional layer of insulation.

Choose what suits you

Whether it’s moving furniture around, doing some decluttering to free up spaces, painting or putting in new window coverings, rugs or throws, the sky’s the limit. Be imaginative, explore your options and have a beautiful home for the rest of the year.

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