Whether you are living in a short term rental property, are going away to uni and want some extra home comforts, or own a property you are renting out, here are our top styling ideas to turn anywhere into a cosy and inviting space, or as the estate agents used to say, a 'des res'.
1. Using Vases
Beautiful, but mismatched vases, with fake foliage in, can transform a window ledge. Not only that, but they can act as a screen to the outside world, whether it's an ugly view you don't want to see from inside, or to stop passersby seeing in.
Silk , dried or plastic flowers in a variety of shapes and sizes can make a great display and need no care or attention.
2. Using Rugs
Rugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be surprisingly inexpensive. Layering a rug over a carpet adds an extra air of luxury - or can just help hide a low quality rental carpet!
You'll feel you have somewhere clean and fresh should you want to sit or lie on the floor.
3. Using Lamps
There is a plethora of styles, sizes, materials and colours to choose from with lamps. A whole room can be lifted by the addition of just one striking lamp - and imperfect walls will melt into the background!
Alternatively, offering a softer glow in the evenings, place two matching lamps on either side of a sofa or bed for mood lighting that doesn't cost the earth or involve electrical work.
4. Using Cushions
Add all the colour, fun, texture and cosiness you need with an abundance of cushions. Whether you like to co-ordinate, or have feature cushions, there is so much you can do that instantly changes the feel of a room. Add texture with fluffy or knitted plains. Add fun with printed cushions of wildlife, florals or arty pictures. Mix or match colours to go with feature cushions and create an inviting space to lounge in.
5. Using Plant Pots
You don't need green fingers nowadays to have lush greenery in your home. Try grouping a few pots together in one area for impact (or to hide that damp patch on the wall). With a mix of pots you can choose to go natural or fake for a real outdoors feel which will lift your spirits.
With or without a feature gorilla pot!
6. Using Curtains
We all know the difference that curtains can make to a room. Offering an instant transformation, they needn't cost the earth either. Curtains can offer privacy, and help keep draughts out. If you are renting and not allowed to paint your walls, they offer the maximum option for adding personality to your room and making it feel more like home.
7. Using Throws
Ah, the soft enveloping comfort of a throw. Who wouldn't class this as a firm favourite - whether to hide a less than ideal rental sofa, or for added warmth in a drafty flat.
Keep heating costs down with liberal use of cosy throws to snuggle under. Mix and match with your other soft furnishings and accessories.
Colour Supplies, with Home and Garden stores in Wrexham, Wales, and Oswestry and Whitchurch, Shropshire, is a department store selling a huge range of products for your home and garden. Much loved by locals for over 50 years, this family run business has supplied DIY products, paint, garden machinery, furniture, kitchenware and so much more at great prices. With an online shop too, you can now shop 24/7 on a huge range of household goods.
Not all products in store are online, and not all products online are sold in store. All items shown above were available in store at the time this article was published.
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