Does your home need an update? Have you been meaning to get rid of that 80’s wallpaper, ditch the dusty curtains and pull up that old carpet? If so, 2016 is the year to get it done.
For many people, decorating (or redecorating) is something they put off and procrastinate over, as they think it’ll be embarking on something that is both expensive and stressful.
If you want to give your home a makeover and impress your friends and family, here are some of our top tips:
Get Organised
Deciding to redecorate and then getting stuck into it the next day is not the way to go. You need to make a plan and think about how you want your home to look. Think seriously about any changes to your family- are you planning to have a baby at some stage or will the older kids be moving out?
It’s also a good idea to think about the styles you like. If you’re new to decorating, you may not be entirely sure about what colours you like and you may worry that you’ll “go overboard”. Watch some decorating shows, grab some interior design magazines and maybe go to some open homes to see if any particular styles and decorating strategies are sticking out to you. There are also plenty of design websites and blogs and sites like Pinterest which can teach you the basics or at least give you some inspiration.
Work as a team
It’s unlikely that you’re the only one living in the house that you’re planning to redecorate, so don’t be afraid to ask for input from your significant other or family. If they live there as well, it’s likely that they would love to have a say in how it looks, particularly for their individual rooms.
Get everyone involved, and make a list of some of the things everyone wants to have included in the redecoration.
Think about colour
If there’s one thing that can make a room look larger or smaller, and make people feel either energised or relaxed, it’s the colour that you paint your walls and use for your curtains, bedspreads, tiles, and carpets.
Think about whether you would like the same colours to extend throughout the house, or if you’re fine with each room having a different colour and feel. Neutral colours can work well for this, as they allow you to change up your look with new curtains and carpet without having to repaint.
Invest in lighting
Changing your lighting can make your room look bigger, draw attention away from certain areas, and give each room a warmth. Ditch the fluorescent lights and look for interesting bulbs, lamps, and lampshades in weird and wonderful stores, flea markets, garage sales and antique stores.
Have fun
Redecorating is a chance to change the look of your home, and make it more interesting and welcoming. You’ll be able to express your personality and the personalities of your family, so don’t take the whole process so seriously and have fun.
