Getting sick of seeing the same four walls? These easy, affordable updates can make a whole lot of difference to any room.
Kitchen sweeteners
The original kitchen architecture has been revitalised rather than renovated here, with the exposed brick painted white for a fresh take, acting as a neutral backdrop to the statement fluted island.

- Breathe new life into old cupboard fronts with a fresh lick of paint. Green bring s a sense of vitality and adds depth
- Open shelves create the illusion of space and draw the eye upwards
- Replacing handles is an easy update for a kitchen. Brass looks chic, or try textures such as leather or suede. Busterandpunch.com has a good selection
Brass mixer tap, £286, astonmatthews.co.uk
Dish drainer, £25, habitat.co.uk
Brass handle, £55, busterandpunch.com
Copper-bottomed pans, £76 for three, sainsburys.co.uk
Glass jars, from £10 each, habitat.co.uk
Pendant light, £155, muuto.com
Artificial plant and pot, £19.50, marksandspencer.com
Chalkboard slow cooker (3.5 litres), £20, johnlewis.com
Dessert plate, £16, anthropologie.com
Storage trolley, £39, ikea.com
Coffee machine, £279, qvcuk.com
Coffee canister, £22, anthropologie.com
Living room luxe-ups
Break up a neutral palette with a bold room divider or by painting the ceiling in a different colour. For rooms with less height, opt for pale shades to help bounce light around. Sofa, £1,899, armchair, £499, and coffee table, £249, all marksandspencer.com.
- Stripes in contrasting shades liven up a space or quiet corner
- Mirrors can act as wall art, reflecting whatever is opposite them – so make sure it’s a good view!
- Mix and match rugs from the same colour palette in different sizes to add texture. Or hem the edges of an old carpet in a contrasting colour for a new look
Print, £45 unframed, heals.com
Pendant light, £85, laredoute.co.uk
Coffee table, £659, conranshop.co.uk
Storage cabinet, £199, johnlewis.com
Plant, £55 (without pot), patchplants.com
Cushion cover, £37, trouva.com
Magazine rack, £66, trouva.com
Bathroom refreshers
Mixing materials such as wood, plaster and stone gives this minimal bathroom design more depth. For a similar roll-top bath try victorianplumbing.co.uk. For pink linen fabric go to romo.com.

Shelving unit, £130, habitat.co.uk
Tile, £28.74, toppstiles.co.uk
Loo-roll holder, £25, heals.com
Artificial bamboo tree in pot, £25, direct.asda.com
Bath mat, £19.99, zarahome.com
Wall hooks, £19 for three, made.com
Baskets, £166.99 for three, wayfair.com
Wall mirror with shelf, £69, made.com
Laundry basket, £225, conranshop.co.uk
Jar, £14.95, victorianplumbing.co.uk
Soap dispenser and storage set, £29, made.com
Hand towel, £8, bath towel, £16, dunelm.com
Bedroom revamps
Neutral shades and natural materials create the perfect bedroom zen. A calming backdrop allows for a few statement accessories scattered through the room. Bed, £599; bedside table, £199; watercolour duvet cover (part of set), £70; striped pillowcases (part of set), £48; orange wool throw, £80; fawn chenille throw, £25; framed print, £195, all johnlewis.com
- Art can help change the dynamic of a space. Create a gallery wall or move prints between rooms to make them feel new
- Bring new life to pre-loved pieces by mixing vintage finds with modern accessories
- For an instant lift, swap plain bedding for patterns or bold colours. Here soft watercolour tones are offset by a sharp orange throw
Storage basket, £80, laredoute.co.uk
Drawer handle, £6, anthropologie.com
Storage side table, £98, oliverbonas.com
Jug, £34, oyoylivingdesign.co.uk
Light switch, £38, busterandpunch.com
Bedding set, from £79, made.com
Coconut and beeswax candle, £49, polkra.co
Report by Nicole Gray