It’s that time of year when spring cleaning takes centre stage. Now is the time to brighten up your home as the evenings lengthen. Take advantage of natural sunlight. Place mirrors in the darker corners of a room to reflect light around the room.
Under-cabinet lighting beneath kitchen units will get rid of shadows on worktops. You could also consider installing lights in display cabinets, particularly those containing glass ornaments or accessories. The soft light creates a calming atmosphere.
A new carpet is an easy way to add a colour focus. Lighter colours can make a room look more spacious, while red instantly adds warmth.
For colour on a budget, add bold accessories. Lime green or hot pink may not normally be your style but a bright vase or bowl can brighten up a dull kitchen or dining table.
If you’d rather not go all out with colour, think about a feature wall. Dramatically patterned wallpaper or a daring colour can be stunning on just one wall, or on the chimney breast.
Instead of changing a suite of furniture, why not bring your living room to life by choosing a new fabric in a completely different colour?
Getting storage sorted
No one wants to feel cluttered and claustrophobic in their home, so while you’re spring cleaning why not take the time to examine some storage options? Just a few small design tricks can make your living area feel more expansive.
Choosing furnishings with multiple functions is a good start - a sofa bed, a cabinet that can hide away clutter, storage chests that can ‘moonlight’ as tables, and tiered coffee tables that can be moved around the room as needed.
Try looking up in your living room. There is probably nothing higher than five feet in the room, so why not utilise that space? Install some shelves to display plants, photos, or any attractive knick-knacks. Shelving can also be placed over some windows, if it suits, making an attractive feature in the room.
De-clutter your bedroom. Keep your bedroom relatively free from ornaments and accessories, and avoid a build-up of clutter by taking a few minutes before bed to clear away anything that is not being used. Under-bed storage will help to keep the room tidy.
If you still need extra space and restructuring is within your budget, you could consider extending your living area outwards by incorporating a patio or decking, with the use of French windows or bi-fold doors.
