Quick and Easy Ways to Refresh Your Home

The events of the last 18 months or so has meant that we’ve all spent more time in our homes than ever before. It’s no surprise then that sales of homeware soared during lockdown. Although we’re now venturing out more and maybe heading back to the office, months of being at home has given many of us the time and opportunity to spruce up our living space. It doesn’t have to be expensive and time-consuming though; here are some quick and easy ways to refresh your home.

Change the light fittings

Upgrading your light fittings and lampshades can make a big difference to the look of a room. When we moved into our house we inherited a rather ugly silver light fitting in the living room that looked out of place with the rest of the décor. Recently, my dad removed it and fitted this stylish black caged teardrop pendant light in its place. It has made a big difference to the overall look of the room, especially with the spiral filament light bulb. At first I was wondering how to get the bulb inside the cage, and then I realised that it opens out like a flower…pretty!

The hallway is the first room people see when they enter your house, so making a good first impression is important. I replaced a plain fabric lampshade with this vintage industrial pendant, complete with funky filament lightbulb. The cords on both these light fittings are quite long, so they would be suitable for a high ceiling. My dad shortened them though, so there’s no danger of anyone banging their head! Just replacing two light fittings in the hallway and front room has really made a difference.

Add some wall art

Recently, I’ve been adding more wall art around the room, and it’s remarkable how much difference it has made. Adorning the walls with framed prints and photos really lifts a room and brings it to life. As well as framed prints and photos, I have a couple of wooden African animal masks hanging on one of the walls, plus a leopard head wall sconce. These additions reflect my love of wild animals and nature, although they might not be everyone’s cup if tea. But that’s the beauty of adding affordable wall art – you can put your own stamp on a room with minimal outlay.

Switch up the soft furnishings

New cushion covers are another very inexpensive way of introducing colour to a room. If you’re handy with a sewing machine (I’m not, but I wish I was!) you could make your own. Or, you could knit some with chunky yarn for a cosy winter update. Otherwise, you can pick up some bargains in the big supermarkets’ homeware sections, or the discount stores that are in most towns and cities. A cosy throw will cover up a tired-looking sofa or chair too.

Add foliage

I love plants and have them on every windowsill. If you’re not particularly green-fingered, stick to hardy plants that require minimal care. Succulents, cacti and trailing plants such as ferns and spider plants are the easiest options. I have loads of Aloe Vera plants – I started with one and now I have a house full of them! They are very useful to have in the kitchen in case you burn yourself (just break a leaf off and rub the juice on the burn). I’ve recently bought some hanging planters to add more greenery to the living room. Plants bring a room to life and compensate for the lack of greenery outside during the winter months.

Rearrange the furniture

It might sound obvious, but moving furniture around can make a massive difference to the feel of a room. When I was a child, I remember my parents periodically switching the sofa and chairs of the three piece suite around. It totally altered the look of the living room and was a source of much excitement to me! But you don’t even have to go that far; simply moving side tables, lamps and storage units will give your home a refresh.

I hope these quick and easy ways to refresh your home have given you some inspiration!

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Disclaimer: I was gifted the light fittings in exchange for a review. All words and opinions are my own and totally honest. I would never recommend something that I wouldn’t use myself.