Glam-up your home’s forgotten corners
Rediscover interesting spaces and find a beautiful ‘new’ house right under your nose.
You don’t have to spend very much – if anything – to make a big difference to your home. Give yourself half a day one weekend, and see what you can achieve.
Light fantastic
• If you’re dealing with a pokey space like the top of a stairwell or the end of hall, light will radically change its appearance.
SOLUTION: Rows of garland lights or a light netting are easier to accommodate than a table lamp.
Mirror Mirror
• Clever use of mirrors makes a tight corner seem bigger.
SOLUTION: Glaziers sell mirrored glass for much less than new framed mirrors. Or go for vintage brass edged versions at second hand shops, online or markets.
Hallways
• Find a new home for coats that’s out of sight and put a statement ornament in its place.
SOLUTION: Decorative driftwood displayed in a vase makes a stunning decoration. If your hallway is narrow with no room for shelves, hang interesting objects from the wall – framed album covers, pretty bags of shells, anything!
Wonder walls
• Dull narrow landings and small cloakrooms deserve a makeover with fabulous wallpaper.
SOLUTION: In a small space you can afford to splash out on a luxurious design. A heavy pattern will add dramatic interest and set off plain, coloured walls around it.
Living Room
• Corners are key places for parking household clutter. Throw away everything you don’t need and find a home for everything else.
SOLUTION: If you’ve got a chair that’s become a clothes dump in your bedroom, place it in this corner of the lounge with a standard lamp to create a new reading area.
Savvy tip
Create a new experience in your kitchen – replace under-used surfaces that collect piles of mess with something colourful and fun like an impromptu art area. Cover a patch of wall with blackboard paint and hang up a pot of chalks.
Pass it on – the latest colour trends
Hot paint colours for autumn/winter 2010 are blues and purples that get brighter, cooler or richer as you move from lounge to kitchen to bedroom. For interiors inspiration, check out www.dulux.co.uk.