Ways to make your home a comfort zone.

During the credit crunch we all will spend more time at home, so here are few ideas that will make your  time at home a lot more pleasurable

·       Start with the entrance to your home. Painting it a bright cheery colour is welcoming and adds individuality. Instead of a door mat mix and match few small rugs to create your very own patchwork design on the hallway floor.

·         Light fragrance candles that will  scent all your whole house and set the mood for you and your guests.

·         Give your staircase some colour therapy by fitting a colourful runner, or if you’re feeling brave, why not paint each step or banister in a different colour?

·         Don’t forget the downstairs loo, as visitors will use it. Although it is a small space, decorate it with an interesting wallpaper, alternatively paint the walls and display prints and family photographs.

·         Let as much sunshine into your home as possible, (not much in this country!) Bounce the light around your room with light colours, and mirrors – they are always a great way to make a room feel bigger and brighter.

·         If the living room is the space where you spend  majority of your time,  reinvent your space with a strip of paint;  running it up the wall and  across the ceiling. This will draw attention to a focus point – such as a fireplace, print, mirror or chair.

·         Introduce a vintage style or a designer piece of furniture, like a tub chair, deco chair or armchair in a vibrant colour. (My favourites are  lemon, orange, moss, mustard, red, and grey.) On a budget, add a dash of colour by painting or re-upholster an old chair or sofa. Or cosy up to your favourite armchair with a super-soft sheepskin and for snug-ability add a throw onto your sofa that you can curl up in while watching your favourite movies.

·         Frame your favourite pictures, photographs or posters in different sized and shaped frames and then display them in clusters, but remember to keep the materials harmonious. (Choose all silver or all black frames for a timeless look). Alternatively display “feel good” fabrics around your home in the form of art. Buy it or do it yourself by stretching any fabric you love over a canvas frame. If you have bookshelves turn them into an impromptu display by arranging the books in colour order.

·         For a personal touch, consider displaying a glam clutch bag, favourite pair of shoes or few vintage knick-knacks around your home.  

·         If you are short of accessories visit second hand or charity shops; look for handmade glass, ceramics, metalwork or textiles, they will be loved or hated in equal measures, but they certainly will be talked about. Display them in vintage glass fronted display cabinets or drawer chests either bought new or from second hand shops. For a sassy surprise  customize the inside of the drawers and wardrobes by painting or papering them.

·         For a quick fix, display fresh flowers in vases around the room, this is the most simple idea but has the greatest effect.

·          Keep all you  paperwork tidy in boxes, you can also place urgent paperwork in a different coloured box so that you don’t forget!

·         Display fresh exotic fruits in a bowl that will not only encourage healthy snacking but the organic shapes, textures and vibrant colours may inspire pallets elsewhere in your home.

·         Lighting in your home is important in achieving the right mood so swap the harsh down lighters for bunched together ceiling lamps with jewelled bright lampshades and strategically placed table or floor lamps.

·         Slow Down: Burn calming, warming and comforting vanilla scented  candles and introduce soft music somewhere unexpected such as in the kitchen or kids play room.

·         In your bedroom, customize your headboard, opt for fabric wall panels finished in quilted taffeta, but keep them all the same colour. Banish the smell of mothballs in your wardrobe and drawers by hanging anti-moth sachets flavoured with natural essential oils. Infuse your clothes with subtle scented soaps wrapped in tissue and place them  in drawers  between  clothes.

·         Add a touch of luxury to your bedroom  by choosing silk bed linen that keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer. It contains protein that makes your hair silkier and doesn’t give you creased “pillow face”. For sweet dreams spray your bed linen with restful lavender scented spray.

·         Buy a group of tactile cushions that you pile up on your bed to create a luxurious and comfortable space. Choose colours that compliment your room. (Berry shades are beautiful and compliment any bedroom).

·         Keep a beautiful glass tumbler with cold water on your bedside. You’ll sleep better if you’re hydrated. Keep something on your bedside that will ensure you start the day with a smile, like a toy from when you were little or a memorable photo of your friends.

·         Embrace nature by collecting pebbles, feathers, shells and sticks and arrange them into displays for any area of your home.

·         Store your loo rolls in a one off craft pieces, imperfect but  pretty wicker basket. It feels more homely than a clinical wall mounted dispenser.

·         Bring a touch of hotel glamour into your bathroom with fluffy Egyptian cotton towels but don’t forget to use some fabric softener when washing them to ensure a tactile treat after a perfect soak in an indulgent bath.

·         End your day with a ritual  by setting your breakfast table the night before with cheap and cheerful plates and glasses, after all it is the most important meal of the day.