Big little buys: Affordable home updates that can make a difference to any room

April 19, 2020

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

Folding shelf, £89, muuto.com

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

Stool, £128.99, wayfair.co.uk

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

Tile, £4.40, ottotiles.co.uk

Coffee machine, £279, qvcuk.com

Shelving unit, £20, ikea.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

Cushion, £29, made.com

Planter, £120, trouva.com

Vase, £25, habitat.co.uk

Throw, £60, johnlewis.com

Coffee table, £659, conranshop.co.uk

Storage cabinet, £199, johnlewis.com

Sofa, £2,700, habitat.co.uk

Plant, £55 (without pot), patchplants.com

Rug, £398, anthropologie.com

Cushion cover, £37, trouva.com

Magazine rack, £66, trouva.com

Vase, £45, conranshop.co.uk

Chair, £199, ikea.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

Shelving, £39.99, very.co.uk

Bath bridge, £29, 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

Toilet brush, £50, amara.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