Five budget ways to improve a new home
Setting up home can be an expensive business; once you’ve saved enough for a
deposit and started parting with a large chunk of your monthly salary for your
mortgage payments, chances are you aren’t going to have a lot of cash spare to
decorate your new pad to meet your ideal specification. When you are just starting out
it can be difficult to know where to cutback and when to invest as you don’t want your
home to have a cheap-looking finish, however there are a few initial changes you can
make when you move in that won’t break the bank:
- A lick of paint can make all the difference - painting your walls is the first
recommendation of most interior designers because it makes your home look fresh
and clean and also allows you to put your own style stamp on the property without
spending a lot of money on wallpaper. Don’t limit your painting to the walls though
- a fresh layer of paint on your front door will make a good first impression on your
visitors.
- Your windows are another feature which are likely to draw attention, so make sure
the paint on your sills are in good condition and that the window panes themselves
are clean. Opt for inexpensive window dressings such as wooden blinds
which will let light into your rooms while maintaining privacy.
- Next turn your attention to the finishing on your cupboards, doors and drawers.
New handles and door knobs are a simple way of making tired fittings look more
up to date and give your whole property the appearance of being well-maintained.
- Unless you can afford to redecorate on a frequent basis there are few ways you can
update you home more quickly and effectively than introducing plants and
flowers. These will bring welcome colour into a room and can be changed
regularly with little expense, giving your home a mini makeover with the seasons.
Lighting and light fittings can make a large difference to the atmosphere of your
room. Maximise the amount of light in your room by doing away with overbearing shades
and replace instead with light coloured shades which allow more light to be omitted. If
you have a little more money in your budget consider adding some strip lighting or wall
mounted lights where appropriate.
