If you are having guests coming to visit and your home is looking a bit drab, these quick tricks to spruce up your space.
Are guests coming to stay for the weekend, but your home is looking a bit drab? Try these quick tricks to spruce up your space.
1. Get the guest bedroom and bathroom in order
Clear away as many of your personal belongings as possible from the areas your guests will be using, such as the bedroom and bathroom.
"Empty a drawer in the bedroom, make space in the wardrobe and leave extra hangers so they can unpack. Make sure there's space in a wardrobe or under the bed, so they can store their empty suitcases," says Abbie Allen, personal concierge and founder of Lifestyle Elements.
Mastering the logistics is key, says Angie Kelso, CEO of Platinum Housekeeping. "Remove your items from the bathroom counter, so guests can put their toiletries on the vanity," she says. "It's also a nice touch to leave a laundry bag for their washing."
On the day your guests arrive, open the windows in the bedroom so that the space smells fresh and clean.
2. Add an accent wall
A quick coat of paint is one of the fastest ways to freshen up your house. You can even go one step further and create an accent wall using a vibrant colour to give it instant drama and depth.
Play it safe and paint the focal wall a few shades darker than the surrounding walls, or, if you dare, use a bold colour to add excitement and importance to the room. Be intentional about your choice for an accent wall. A smart move is to choose one which already highlights another focal point, such as a bed’s headrest or a couch.
3. Peel ‘n stick splashbacks
Give your kitchen and bathroom an instant makeover with a gorgeous peel and stick tile decal for basin and oven splashbacks. A splashback is essential if you want to prevent your kitchen walls becoming greasy and grimy, and tiles, even mosaics, are as easy to apply as they are to keep clean.
SEE | Kitchen DIY: How to make a splashback wall
4. Decorate untapped corners
You don’t have to spend money to add style to your home - use what you already have. Cast your eye around and find empty nooks or shelves, then decorate them with groupings of three of a similar kind of ornament, like decorative bowls or vases. Transform an empty corner with a small narrow table that has a plant on top, or create a vertical gallery space by hanging a row of similar sized and styled pictures one above the other.
It takes minutes to transform basic, unused spots in this way, plus it adds character to your home by using what you already own and love.
5. Bring on the green
Indoor plants are a cost-effective way to instantly breathe life into a home. Get the green aesthetic by placing an elegant orchid in your kitchen, or a palm floor plant in the corner of your sitting room. Plants are also known for their therapeutic effects, with studies showing they lower stress levels. Some plants have fantastic air-cleansing benefits, too.
6. Tidy up the outside
Don’t forget the outside. If guests are coming to stay they’ll be spending time outdoors, so make sure your garden is entertaining worthy. Start with a basic, but thorough cleaning of windows, gutters and passageways, then tidy up the lawn areas. If possible, do minor repairs and painting touch-ups.
7. Rent in entertainment
Your house may be beautifully decorated, but if you have youngsters coming to stay and your home doesn’t cater to them, they’ll find it a boring and uninspiring space. Don’t go out and buy expensive gadgets, rather rent a giant TV screen and PlayStation to keep them (and dads, too!) occupied and happy.
Lastly, try these ideas for instant effect:
- Replace the pillows on your sofa, but mix up patterns, fabrics and shapes for maximum impact. Unsure of how to start? Choose one in a striking pattern, then select others to complement it.
- Lay a runner across a bare table to add oomph to a room. If you don’t have a runner, use any piece of pretty fabric that can be laid flat. Place an attractive shallow bowl or big tray on top to complete the look.
- Give your kitchen a brand new look simply by hanging up colourful kitchen towels and swapping out drawer and cupboard handles with more elegant ones.
- A large statement floor lamp adds chic to any room.
- Declutter! Ask any decor stylist and they’ll tell you most rooms just have too much stuff in them. By taking out just one or two items you allow the room to breathe and give items which remain the chance to really stand out. Rotate the items out to another room, then switch them back in again when you’re in the mood for change.
(Sources: HomeDzine, Homes to love)
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