The Budget may see us all that little more strapped, however with trends seeing people enjoying their homes, appreciating what they have, and staying in that little bit more, many will be looking to home improvements. The mood has to be optimistic and where better to start than on your own doorstep by enhancing your lifestyle by making the most of what you have. You do not have to go for broke to make small home improvements, so I have outlined my interiors tips on a budget to lift your home for 2011.
Trends and more trends
Trends and more trends, they come and go, and they can cost us lots of money. When it comes to the home try not to go too trendy as trends can date quickly and you will simply grow tired of the look. Stick to contemporary classic styles which will date better and be easier to live with long term.
Paint your woodwork for a dramatic transformation
Simply painting your woodwork can lift your whole home. Painting the woodwork uplifts a room and gives it a fresh, optimistic, feel. Tackling just the skirtings, door frames, and window boards in a soft and attractive colour such as Jasmine White or Antique White can easily be done on a small budget.
Matt woodwork is the skirting of today, using a quick drying wood primer and water based and Dulux Easycare satinwood in the shade of your choosing for perfect woodwork. This will give your woodwork a great finish. Many like to blend walls into woodwork by using the same colour, or some like to go against the grain by opting for a paler woodwork which will drag your room into a new decade.
New floors at a fraction of the cost
Are you tired of those same old floors? Did you have your wooden floors laid in the early nineties and now they look tired? There are a few options to give you a new floor without breaking the bank. Many houses have engineered wooden floors; these can be professionally sanded back and white oiled to give a modern Scandinavian feel. They may take a little more upkeep, but the result is worth it. Your local DIY store will supply white oil.
Painting your wooden floor will create a totally different look again. Give the boards a good clean and a light sanding and, using a roller, follow the undercoat and satinwood routine. Two coats of each will give your floor a fabulous finish and will instantly brighten the room. Finish off with lovely colourful rugs to add a splash of colour and softness.
Where you need to replace a floor, you no longer have to go for solid wood or engineered floors to get the designer look. Good quality laminate floorboards are now seriously attractive. Check out your local flooring suppliers for samples, especially for Balterio laminates.
Making new from old
When looking at an old or tired piece of furniture, remember one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Revamping an old chair or table can give you a great sense of satisfaction.
Most pieces can be painted from MDF to laminate, pine to mahogany; simply ask at your local DIY or paint store. The same applies to those kitchen cupboards — it is quick and easy to do, and you can refresh your look instantly.
Retiling a kitchen, and especially a bathroom, can be an expensive job. Think again and update those overpowering and dated tiles with tile paint. First apply an undercoat or tile primer onto clean tiles, then apply the top coat. You will be amazed how good they look.
For more tips log onto www.dulux.ie
