We all want a beautifully decorated home, and over the past month, I’ve looked at interior trends that are ‘in’ and ‘out’ in 2021, which is great if you want to be on ‘trend’ but some of the larger, significant items in our homes might not be easily or affordable to replace. So this month I’ve taken a look at 12 ways to update your home and achieve stunning style without a costly price tag.

1. In order to achieve a stunning new interior, declutter. Take a look around and ask yourself whether you need everything you see, this could be furniture, accessories, and rugs.  Having a clear-out can be a daunting task but having a good clear out will make you feel liberated and ready to take the next steps. Think about joining an online marketplace and sell your unwanted ‘stuff’ too, any monies raised can then go towards purchasing something new.

2. What style do you want to create? Have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, use resources such as Pinterest for inspiration but beware not to over mix styles.

3. Avoid ‘matchy, matchy décor’. It’s easy to get carried away and purchase entire matching sets but if you want to create a styled, chic look don’t do it. Instead create an artful mix of materials, finishes, textures, and furniture (upcycle some of your old furniture to fit in with your new scheme).

4. It’s all in the detail. Whilst only a small detail changing knobs on furniture and doors, switches and sockets can make a big impact.

5. Upcycle. If you have a decent piece of furniture that you like and just can’t bear to part with, inject new life into it by giving it a lick of paint or by upholstering it to fit your new colour scheme.

6. Go big with artwork. Use oversized artwork to give your home a sophisticated feel. Position your artwork on large or small walls to create a focal point and incorporate your colour scheme.

7. Rugs are often overlooked, and they are so much more than an accessory to enhance your home décor. Rugs can be used to define and zone spaces in a room in addition to unifying and connecting rooms. Use them to inject colour, reinforce your style, cover and cosy up a vast space, add character and create pathways.

8. Changing your lighting and bulbs can make a huge difference to a room. Reignite an old lamp with a new shade and change your central lighting with a WOW piece. You don’t have to spend a small fortune as many high street and online discount stores offer some fabulous options, just make sure they are all compliant with UK standards.

9. Window treatments can be easily and affordably changed. Think about the proportions of your window, layer the windows with blinds and curtains. Hang the curtains on a track that sits a little higher above the window aperture and slightly wider to add fullness to the look.

10. Be wise with your accessories. Accessories are a cost-effective way to update any room and can completely change the look and feel. Artwork, vases, candles, cushions, throws, candles can all contribute to giving a room an updated look, but be careful not to over clutter, you don’t want to cheapen your new look. Take time to curate your accessories, placing them thoughtfully and carefully.

11. Give boring worn down furniture a lick of paint and new handles and it will look like a different piece without the price tag.

12. Finally, less is more philosophy is the best advise ever. Go for fewer pieces but be conscious that each item marries the other yet also has its own soul and style.