I’m an interior whizz – 7 cheap tricks that will turn your home into a posh pad for under £15… and one is free
Owning a mansion overlooking the Hollywood Hills might be a pipe dream for most.
But that doesn’t stop us from wanting to upscale our UK homes – even if it means doing so on a lemonade budget, rather than a Champagne one.
We spoke to Interior Stylist & TV Presenter Maxine Brady in partnership with ConservatoryLand to learn her cheap decor tricks under £15 which will give you a luxe look for less.
And the best bit – some of her ideas will cost you nothing:
Tidy up your garden
Paint your front door in an eye-catching colour like red, yellow or hot pink which will make your entrance stand out.
Create a great first impression by improving your kerb appeal.
Maxine says, “At the front, get rid of weeds, power-wash the paving, sweep the drive and hide the wheelie bins. Paint your front door in an eye-catching colour like red, yellow or hot pink which will make your entrance stand out.
“This will cost you a £10 can of paint (see what colours you have lurking in your shed that you can reuse). Even uPVC doors can be painted with specialist paint so don’t let plastic doors stop you from updating your porch!
“Finish by polishing your door furniture to make your home’s exterior look super chic. If you have a rear garden, paint planters and fences to smarten up your outdoor space. Conservatories and garden rooms need a quick spring clean to get rid of cobwebs and clean the glazing.
Give every area a clear purpose
Split the room into zones.
In busy homes, rooms can serve many purposes which can be confusing. Reverting rooms back to their main purpose will give your home functionality.
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Maxine asks, “Do you have a home office in your dining room or a makeshift laundry space in the conservatory? You’re not alone.
“It’s easy for rooms that serve many purposes to look messy and ad hoc. If you have an open plan design, split the room into zones and make it clear how you use each space using rugs.”
Amazon have some bargain rugs at the moment for as little as £9.99.
Clear clutter
Edit your belongings so that you have more floor and shelf space.
Clutter can take over a home, devaluing your space. Make space by having a clear out.
Maxine advises, “You don’t want to strip your home of personality totally but you will want to edit your belongings so that you have more floor and shelf space.
“Getting rid of broken, unwanted or unsuitable items will make your space feel fresh and new. And you’ll feel better for giving away unwanted items to charity or you could always have a car boot or yard sale to put towards your home.
Use throws and cushions to revive old furniture
You don’t have to go to the extreme of buying new furniture to make your home look stylish, a blanket of coloured cushions will give your furniture an instant update
Battered-looking furniture can make a home look tired and worn. Update them yourself for an expensive look on a budget.
Maxine says, ”If your home is filled with furniture that has been bashed about, it will make your home look tatty. But you don’t have to go to the extreme of buying new furniture to make your home look stylish.
“An affordable blanket (£9) and colour cushions (£8) will give an old sofa an instant update (I love La Redoute who always have great homeware sales). Own Ikea furniture? Take a look at Bemz who make made-to-measure covers in funky patterns and colours like my updated sofa.”
“You can use a can of paint to vamp up scratched furniture. Or use a tablecloth to hide a scratched dining table top. It’s about coming up with clever ideas to hide or transform furniture you already own which will give your home an elevated look!”
Utilise mirrors
When staging your home, place mirrors opposite windows for the best effect helping to bounce natural light
Wall mirrors are an excellent way to make rooms feel bigger, lighter and more open.
Maxine says, “When staging your home, place mirrors opposite windows for the best effect helping to bounce natural light.”
“Key areas to hang a mirror are in small hallways and landings as they will make these dark areas look bigger and brighter. Look out for mirrors with decorative frames for a glamorous look.”
B&M sell mirrors from as little as £7.
Treat yourself to fresh linen and towels
An easy way to give bedrooms and bathrooms a quick makeover
Fresh bed sheets and bath towels are easy ways to give bedrooms a quick makeover.
Maxine says, “You don’t need to break the bank by investing in these. My favourite linens in my own home are from my local supermarket and they wash so well for just £16 for a double set!”
“Keep your towels looking fluffy by washing them with lots of fabric conditioner and popping in the tumbler dryer so they feel soft to touch.”
Primark have great value bedding from £7.
A simple vase of flowers
Blooms can create an instant feeling of freshness – Home stagers always recommend adding life to your home with houseplants and fresh flowers
Home stagers always recommend adding life to your home with houseplants and fresh flowers.
Maxine says “A simple vase on the kitchen table or a potted plant in the lounge can create a feeling of freshness in an instant.
“ Nothing looks more sophisticated than a vase of garden cut blooms. You don’t have to buy new vases either – jam jars and drinks bottles look effortless.”