Inside advice
Introduction
Instant updates to create a welcoming home!
Sandy Cadiz-Smith is a writer specialising in interiors and food. She contributes to a wide range of publications, including the Sunday Mirror, BBC Good Homes, 4Homes and House Beautiful. She was Deputy Editor and Editor of House Beautiful for over seven years as well as their dedicated Food Editor and has also worked as Contributing Editor on BBC Good Homes.
I’m always looking for quick, simple ways to update my home and make it feel more inviting - something that will make that striking difference but doesn’t require too much effort - or too much money. Luckily, a little can go a long way - so try these tips to create a warm welcome and brighten up your home, instantly.
Hallways
Create a good first impression with a welcoming hallway
Create the illusion of space in a small hallway with a floor-to-ceiling mirror - it will create a spectacular entrance too. To create a cosy feel, paint your ceiling a darker shade than the walls. Choose dual-purpose storage to keep your hallway orderly. A rack that includes both a shelf and hooks is ideal for keeping coats, bags, books and post tidy. Use wallpaper for an impactful first impression. Paper the bottom half of the wall and then paint the rest in a co-ordinating tone. Choose a vertical-stripe wallpaper to give the illusion of height in a low-ceilinged room. Treat your stairs to a new striped runner - it will add character as well as drawing your eyes upwards and making your hallway seem more spacious.
Kitchens
Make the most of your kitchen
Replace your worktops to transform your kitchen - something top quality will make even a budget kitchen look special - like Corian®, granite or walnut. Add a contemporary new splashback - glass is an increasingly popular choice. Very easy to clean, and available in a wide range of colours they are available as panels that you fit yourself. Make sure kitchen cupboards are organised and easily accessible by decanting dry ingredients like pasta, rice, sugar and flour into glass jars. Paint blackboard paint on the front of the jars and when it’s dry write expiry dates on the front. Display a colourful tin filled with home-made biscuits for family and friends in an easily accessible place. Try out different recipes, and get the kids involved - baking is a great fun activity for the whole family. For a quick update in your kitchen/diner make new placemat and cushion covers with leftover fabrics – it adds a really personal touch. Replace old cupboard handles and light switches to bring your style up to date.
Living rooms
Create a relaxing living space
Storage is often an issue in living rooms. Make the most of unused alcoves by getting a local tradesman to tailor-make storage to fit. Paint everything in the same colour as your walls so it blends in neatly with your scheme. Create a cosy look by layering different textiles. Add plump cushions in different colours and textures and drape throws over sofas. Introduce sparkling glass furniture to add glamour and shine and transparent surfaces also have the advantage of helping to create a feeling of space in smaller rooms. Freshen up your room by updating window treatments - new curtain poles and modern finials are an easy, inexpensive way to create a new look. Invest in a single designer buy and make it the focus of your room. Go for a stunning chair, ornate mirror or dramatic light. Transform plain floorboards with a can of floor paint - try white or chocolate brown in a high-shine finish, and use it over one level of your home to create good flow and a feeling of continuity throughout.
Bedrooms
Turn your bedroom into a welcoming haven
Warm up a cool, north-facing room by painting in soft pinks or yellows and accesorise in similar shades to pull the look together. Transform a boring bed into a dramatic focal point with an oversized upholstered headboard covered in the fabric of your choice. If your bedroom is big enough, create a separate seating area - place a small table and two chairs in a bay window - perfect for drinking your early morning tea or eating breakfast. Create a focal point by papering the wall behind your bed in a dramatic design – it will work well as a substitute for a headboard, too. Store clothes and bedding in under-bed drawers on castors under your bed. If you’re short of space, fit your wardrobe with modern sliding doors so you don’t need to allow for the extra room for outward-opening doors.
Bathrooms
Transform your bathroom into a stylish sanctuary
For a quick fix on a budget, change your basin and bath taps and add a shiny new shower head. Consider installing recessed lighting - it takes up less space and also looks stylish. You will also need lighting around the mirror - position a directional light on either side of the mirror to reduce shadows. As your bathroom needs to perform several different functions, install a dimmer switch so you can control the lighting depending on your needs. Dual-purpose furniture is the perfect way to make sure you have adequate furniture. Look for revolving cabinets which have a mirror on one side and shelving on the other or under bath shelving. Fit large mirrors on two walls around the bath - it will dramatically increase the light in the room as well as the feeling of space. Indulge yourself with fluffy hand towels and luxurious soaps - for a touch of hotel chic.
