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As a decorator, I often see beautiful homes and their charm has very little to do with expense. Here are some of the simple and affordable things many people neglect, which make a big difference to how other people see and experience your home.
Messiness
The quickest way to get a room picture ready is to tidy up. It’s easy to get used to everyday items scattered all over the house, such as a stack of mail on the dining table, a bicycle in the lounge, dishes piled around the sink and the kids’ toys everywhere. You’ll be surprised how much prettier your house is when everything is in the right place.
The inability to part with junk
Throw or give away everything that you don’t need and don’t like. Try not to be too sentimental. Ugly ornaments don’t go unnoticed and take the beauty away from an otherwise pretty interior.
Ugly exposed curtain rails
It’s 2016 and time to get rid of your old-fashioned white curtain rails with hooks. It spoils any pretty interior. Curtains with eyelets or loops are much easier to hang and wash than curtains with hooks. If your curtains with hooks are still in a good condition, you can still switch to more elegant curtain rods with big rings. Curtain rods are available in black and various metallic colours. Less is more when it comes to finials.
Scatter cushions that have seen better days
Give your scatter cushions a critical look. If the fabric is full of fuzz balls, the inners are flat as pancakes and the look is outdated, it’s time to go shopping. Scatters are an easy way to keep a bedroom and lounge on trend.
Contractor lights
Replace the spotlights that come standard with many townhouses. You’ll be surprised how much character and style a pretty light fitting or new lampshade gives.
A tatty toilet seat
A toilet seat should look perfect and sparkling. Once it starts chipping, fading, changing colour or the wood starts cracking, it should be replaced. Go for for the most luxurious seat that fits such as a soft close durable plastic seat.
Mismatched towels
Keep it simple and stick to a matching set of towels per bathroom. Use your mismatched towels for washing the dog or car.
Old faded tea towels
Rather buy a set of new tea towels every season instead of bleaching them. With today’s open plan kitchens, tea towels have to double up as ornaments.
Read more tips and tricks for decorating your home:
- 5 ways to give your bedroom a luxurious 5-star feel
