If you want to lend your home a new lease of life, then you don't need to consider a major renovation. Just a few key tweaks in the right places can be completely transformative, without costing an unreasonable amount.
But exactly which changes make the biggest difference, and which represent the greatest value for money? Let's take a look at a few of the best ones.
Add a fresh coat of paint
The way that a given space looks and feels is highly dependant on the colour of the walls. This means thinking about both hue and value (or brightness, if you prefer). Lighter walls, by definition, will reflect more light around the space. Darker ones will absorb that light, which can be a problem in smaller rooms.
If you'd like a winning compromise, then you might pick a bright, loud colour to be showcased on a feature wall. Then, you can offset it with safer shades elsewhere.
Update your window treatments
The amount of natural light entering the space matters a great deal, not only to the way that the room looks overall, but also to your health and mental well-being.
Thus, the way that your windows are dressed can make a big difference. Heavy, plush curtains will retain heat, but they can also block light around the sides of your windows, even when they're drawn. For renters, no drill blinds might be a tempting approach. As the name might suggest, they're lightweight enough to be installed without the aid of drills and wall plugs.
Rethink lighting for warmth and style
Your artificial lighting can also spell the difference between a space that's homely and inviting, and one that's stark and alienating. Try to layer warm bulbs at several different heights. A combination of ceiling lights, floor lamps, and the occasional LED strip can help to fill the space, and eliminate all of those stark, nasty shadows.
Swap soft furnishings seasonally
Your soft furnishings might be mixed around as the year progresses, in order to ensure that your décor never gets stale. You might opt for lighter shades and materials during summer, before switching to rich velvet and wool when the temperatures drop. When your furnishings aren't being used, you might simply stash them beneath the sofa, or in a concealed piece of storage furniture, like an Ottoman-style footstool.
Bring in greenery
Finally, it's worth dwelling on the role played by your houseplants, which can introduce a little bit of life and vibrancy into an otherwise dreary space. Their presence has proven mental health benefits, not least in terms of their role in air purification.
Of course, you can get many of the benefits of a houseplant with the help of a low-maintenance fake alternative. These might be preferable for those who lack the time and inclination to look after another living thing. For most homeowners, however, a simple low-maintenance potted plant can make a massive difference to living spaces and office areas.
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