Update your home without bringing in the builders or spending all of your hard-earned Christmas bonus on unnecessary renovations, by following some simple décor tips to make your current living space fresh, just in time for the New Year.
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This December, get down to some well-needed “spring-cleaning” and prepare your space for some new arrivals. Whether you enjoy following décor trends, want to open up a small space, refresh a space or add something new to the old, making the changes will certainly provide some much needed inspiration.
When it comes to re-decorating or renovating one’s home, there is always a concern about going over budget or spending too much on an item which could have been bought at a cheaper price, elsewhere. To avoid this, do your homework before leaving the house.
- Browse through brochures and magazines to find items on trend and that may be on sale.
- Search for images of the kind of look you would like for your space and keep these pictures with you, so that you can gain inspiration of what you are looking for in-store.
- If you are visiting a specific mall, jot down the stores you would like to visit and the kinds of items you would look at purchasing from there.
- Create a round figure for every item you are looking at buying before you start your shopping, so that you keep within your preferred budget and don’t end up with buyer’s remorse.
When it comes to deciding on what items to choose, select spaces in your home that you spend most of your time in or those which are often seen by visitors.
For the lounge area:
Small décor changes: You could update the sofa with scatter cushions and match a colour to the curtains. If you prefer a light and airy space, to make the area feel bigger, opt for sheer curtains. Alternatively, add in a single seater sofa with a bold colour or print, to tie in the complete look and add in a modern appeal to the room.
Lighting: Lighting can either brighten up the space, or make it feel cosy. A bright room will appear open and larger, whereas lamps with a shade will often allow the room to feel warmer and cosier. Another tip is to add layers to ceiling lights, by adding lamps on your side tables, if you don’t already have these.
Flooring: Adding a new rug to your lounge area could hide any imperfections, or make an old floor look like new. The latest trends in carpeting include rugs, bright colours and plush carpets.
Dining room: Add space to small areas by placing a large mirror on a wall. This will open up the space and make it appear larger. If the mirror is placed opposite a window, it will also reflect light which will make the room brighter.
Bathroom – You could update a worn rug in the bathroom with something more on trend. At present, the trend is using an accent rug within the bathroom as a focal point and to add a pop of character to a stale space. Worn towels should also be updated to allow a better flow of colour and style throughout your bathroom. Generally, when used daily, one’s towels start to look old and worn within 2 years and need to be replaced. If you have different colour towels and they are on “display” in the bathroom, then it is time to get selective and choose the colours that match, whilst putting the odd ones in a cupboard, for when needed.
If your bathroom or toilet is looking dull, why not brighten up the space by adding in a mosaic to freshen up the space. For the shower, one could update the shower floor with a mosaic or perhaps add in a new shower rose. Ensure you add in costs for installation, unless you have a handyman on hand to help.
For 2021, get into the habit of keeping things tidy, especially if you have a large household. Purchase a tall boy dresser that may act as a trendy piece of storage space within your bathroom and ensure the colour you choose matches your existing décor. If you have a medicine chest, you can remove this and add in a stunning mirror to add modernity. The tall boy dresser will then act as the space to store all your necessities.
Kitchen: A kitchen can get a new look in a few ways. Firstly, one may want to update a backsplash with tiles, mosaic or cladding, or just update the appliances and purchase items that are either the same colour to allow the space to look complete, or replace old items with new ones. And rather than leave them out on visual display, pack them away into a cupboard and only bring them out when needed.
Fresh coat: For any DIY enthusiast, painting is the first point of call when a space needs refreshing. A fresh coat of paint will give the room life and remove any unwanted marks and stains on tired walls. Wallpaper is also an option, however an important tip is to ensure you have a professional to fit this, to guarantee a smooth and professional finish.
Sleeping space: For many, the bedroom is not just a space to lay one’s head. It is the place you spend the most amount of time in. If you would like to do a complete overhaul, the first place to start would be the walls. Next would be the bed. If you have the budget, replace your old bed with a new one and start the year off with a good night’s sleep. If you don’t have the budget for a new bed, then purchasing a new duvet cover and curtains is the most cost effective way of bringing the room together. Add scatter cushions to the bed to add a layered effect, portraying comfort.
If you have a smaller room and are a practical person, then you may want to purchase a 2-in-1 dressing table. Some bed stores sell these in the form of a side table, with a long mirror attached. One is able to use the table as storage, use it as a mirror as well as rest items on it.
Keeping cool: An air conditioner in the South African summer is seen as an upgrade to any home. However, if the price is too costly, and does not fit within your “mini-makeover” budget, then a mist fan or ceiling fan may be the next best thing to keep you cool, and the mozzies away. Another plus is that the floor fan can be packed away when not needed and will not ruin the look of the décor.
With your new changes, you are sure to feel happier and ready to take on the New Year!
So, should you reside within the Umhlanga Rocks, Durban North or Springfield areas, pop into either Granada Square, Park Boulevard or Springfield Retail Centre when shopping for home items, as these Centres can offer most of your home upgrading needs. From carpets, to home appliances, tiling, taps and vanities, to furniture, bedding and more, you are sure to find something for every room of your home at one the amazing stores situated within these Centres!
Upgrading your home has never been easier, and with tons of in-store specials this festive season, indulge in a unique shopping experience.
Remember to adhere to all Covid-19 regulations and restrictions!
Image Courtesy: Supplied
