An interior design expert has revealed the best ways to tweak your décor, without turning your home into a building site.
Kate Conrad, lead Designer at Madison & Mayfair, says Spring is the best time of year for interior design touch ups.
She said: “It’s the season of brushing away winter cobwebs and starting afresh. Not only will your house look brand new, you’ll also feel rejuvenated.”
“You don’t need to spend thousands of pounds on ripping out appliances. Simple swaps will go a long way.”
Here, Kate shares her six secrets for the ultimate spring refresh.
- Spring clean
It’s a cliché for a reason! As the days get lighter, dusty corners and marks on the wall will start to show. Start the season with a deep clean and declutter. Organise your drawers and take stock of the stuff you’ve hidden away over winter. Giving away items you no longer need creates space to introduce new design elements. Try rearranging furniture, or swap pieces between rooms. It’ll feel new without spending an extra penny. My best tip is to incorporate storage into your décor. Invest in beautiful wicker baskets or pouffes that double as foot rests.
- Look at lighting
As we haven’t quite hit long summer days, lighting remains a key consideration in your home. You should tailor this carefully to a room’s purpose, as lighting affects your mood, health and concentration levels. Smaller purchases like table or floor lamps can be a fashion statement in themselves. Shop around for different shapes, textures and colours. In rooms with higher ceilings, try a dramatic light fixture.
- Appeal to the senses
Coming out of winter, I like to use interior design to create an airy atmosphere. The best way to do this is swapping out heavy blankets and quilts for lighter materials. Linen, silk and cotton work particularly well. You can also trigger this sensory shift through different candles and reed diffusers. Herbaceous and citrus scents help bring the outdoors in. Add pops of colour by swapping cushion covers, curtains and accessories.
- Add personal touches
Nowadays, we often forget to print and display family photos around the house. Investing in photo frames is the best way to personalise interior designs, while maintaining a lovely atmosphere. Wall art is also a brilliant way to spruce up flat spaces and show off your personal taste.
- The ordinary things
It’s no secret that homes undergo a lot of wear and tear. We pay least attention to the things we use the most. So centre you décor decisions around these. Replace cupboard door knobs, handles and taps for a new sensation without tearing out entire rooms. Store shampoo, washing up liquid and soap in glass bottles for a chic but budget-friendly look.
- Natural inspiration
Spring is a celebration of nature, so let’s reflect that in our home décor refreshes.
Opting for furniture made from natural materials adds depth and texture to a room. Rattan and wood are particularly effective.
Greenery also helps reduce stress levels, by making us feel connected to nature and adding colour to a room. Faux plants are a good alternative to temperamental plants with time-poor owners.
