Interior design expert says shop Amazon for 2 cheap room upgrades – a comfy pick ‘can instantly give a room a facelift’
BUDGET-FRIENDLY Amazon buys are among an interior designer’s must-try hacks for instantly upgrading living spaces.
He said many homeowners overlook features that could make a “huge” difference to the overall appearance of rooms.
Ryan McDonough is an interior design expert at My Job Quote, a UK-based company that connects homeowners and tradespeople.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he shared his expert tips for revamping homes.
FAB FURNISHINGS
McDonough recommended investing in several features that effortlessly enhance spaces.
“A comfortable rug can instantly give a room a facelift and can help to pull a room together,” he said.
“Although some rugs can be quite expensive, you can get rugs for fairly cheap, depending on where you shop.
“Amazon is a great place to find budget-friendly rugs.
“Choose rugs that can handle heavy foot traffic, especially if you are placing the rug in a room such as the hallway or living room.
“Choose colors and patterns that complement the space.”
He said decorative vases or pots filled with plants and flowers can be another beautiful touch.
He recommended rejuvenating old jars with paint to save money.
“Colourful plants and greenery can help to improve your mental health and allow you to add a bit of nature into your home,” he said.
“Plus, plants can also help to clear the air in your home. You can get cheap indoor plants in many places but Amazon is a great option.
“You can easily get cheap indoor plants delivered directly to your door.”
PERFECT PAINT
McDonough said getting DIY-savvy with paint is one of the “easiest” ways to improve the aesthetics of your home.
“If you want to improve the appearance of the inside of your property, one of the best things you can do is re-decorate,” he said.
“Re-decorating the entire home can be costly, so if you’re on a tight budget, it may be worth re-decorating room by room as and when you can.
“We would suggest starting with the living room as this tends to be the room where you’ll spend the most time and also the room where your visitors will likely spend the most time.
“Try to use colors that complement each other.
“Look at the décor in the room and the color of things like the couch and choose colors that work well with these items.”
He suggested opting for light neutral colors for a more expensive look.
“Alternatively, add some small neutral decorative items throughout the home,” he said.
“Some examples include throw cushions, small art pieces, and neutral-colored candles.”
SMALL SOLUTIONS
He said it’s common for homeowners to neglect updating their light fixtures because they’re not within eyesight.
However, it’s a simple change that brightens the space and can make rooms seem larger.
Even something as small as a new light shade can make a world of difference.
Ryan McDonough
“Take a look around your home and see if any of the rooms could do with a lighting update,” he said.
“You can get new light fixtures for relatively cheap at a range of DIY and home product stores.
“Even something as small as a new light shade can make a world of difference.”
Tired-looking hardware in the kitchen and bathroom can also be updated cheaply if you “shop around” to find the best deal.
OPULENT OUTDOOR
The interior design expert said the painting hack can also be used to upgrade the exterior of your property.
“Painting your front door can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal,” he said.
“Choose a color that works well with the overall theme of your home.
“You will also need to ensure it matches with your window surrounds.
“To further improve your entrance, consider adding potted plants or a hanging basket with some colorful blooms outside your front door.
“A few simple touches can go a long way.”
He said to use a pressure washer to clean driveways and replace cracked paving slabs.
Windows should also be cleaned inside and out for an inviting look.
“Adding a doormat in front of your front door is a very fast way to improve the appearance of the outside of your home,” he said.
“A clean, new entry mat can make your home seem much more inviting and welcoming to guests.”