Iam a mother: Home Makeover

Feel like a change? Tired of the same old surroundings at home? Well, why not revamp your home with some simple, easy and affordable changes? Awaken the interior designer in you and get started today.

The Living Room

• A decorating trend that is making a comeback with new styles and materials is wallpaper. It is durable and stylish. It adds immense visual interest, dimension and texture to any room. It’s easy to clean and has a longer life than paint.

• Reupholster the sofa.

• Update your drapery to match your sofa.

• Buy new cushions and a throw to use on the sofa (which can double as a blanket on cold nights).

• Add bold art and new rugs.

• Add a floor lamp with a modern shade in a corner for a warm feeling.

The Dining Room

• Instead of using a tablecloth to cover your dining table, use a table runner – a long rectangular piece of fabric that runs lengthwise along your table. These can be found with beautiful embroidery, sequins or beading. You can also use individual place mats if you prefer.

• Put a large vase in the center of your dining table runner. For added beauty, match the color of flowers in the vase with the runner. On either side of the table, you can place an elegant candleholder with candles matching the flowers.

• Match your table runner with your curtains.

• Reupholster your dining room chairs.

• Update the wall hangings in the dining room and add lights above them.

The Kitchen

• For instant brightness use mirror tiles to update the ‘backsplash’ (the wall area in your kitchen behind the stove).

• Consider repainting the kitchen cabinets to completely transform and revitalize the look. Melamine paint is best – it’s tough, easy-to-wash and can be tinted in a variety of colors.

• Upgrade the cupboard handles/knobs to a chic stainless steel variety.

• Update your kitchen accessories with stylish ones. For example, upgrade your coffee and tea canisters to matte stainless steel to match the cupboard handles.

• Replace your old kitchen curtains with modern and trendy blinds in wood or PVC for a new look. The added advantage to wood blinds is that you can paint them to match your color scheme.

• Treat yourself to new tea towels, oven mitts, and potholders.

• Beautifully framed art that matches the kitchen theme can add sophistication.

The Bathroom

• Replace an old style light fixture with a new style light strip of make-up lights.

• Consider replacing your sink faucet with one of the more modern models.

• Replacing the knobs and handles on vanity cupboard doors and drawer handles can instantly perk up the look of your bathroom. Chrome or brushed nickel knobs in a sleek and modern design can add shine and impact.

• Keep all your personal care articles well out of sight. A cluttered look quickly dates the look of a room, particularly if it’s a small one.

• If the tiles in your bathroom are old and out of style, there are new paints on the market that allow you to paint over your existing tiles. Choose a light, neutral shade such as off-white or cream tones to give your bathroom a spacious feel.

• Another quick and easy update in your bathroom makeover can be achieved by changing bathroom accessories such as the towel rack, soap dish or toothbrush holder.

• Add color and richness with new towels and a matching shower curtain.

Your Bedroom

• Treat yourself to a new bedspread and use matching decorative pillows. Pile them high on your bed, using a variety of shapes, styles and sizes, colors and patterns. Ensure your curtains follow the same palette.

• Candles (that match your bedspread and curtains to follow through with the theme) are a great accent item. Not only can they add a splash of color, they can provide a wonderful mood altering scent.

• Replace the carpet.

• Finish off the room with matching ornaments, lamps, etc.

Your Child’s Bedroom

• For a refreshing change, frame and display your child’s artwork.

• Give your child’s room a theme -for boys soccer or Spider man and for girls butterflies or fairies for example.

• Add enchantment and wonder to a little girl’s room with a small decorative chandelier. She will enjoy looking at the sparkling light.

• Add a wallpaper border to accent the theme.

For any room!

• Paint one wall in a different color and make it a feature wall. When considering painting a room, think of the psychological effect of the color you choose and what environment you are trying to create. Textured paint makes a great feature wall; you can give the wall a suede look, for example. There are many different choices available to make your home unique.

• Don’t ignore the use of mirrors to brighten up a dark room. A collection of several small mirrors can also make a big statement. The reflection of a large mirror in a lounge or dining room can give the illusion of extra space.

• Fresh plants, strategically placed, bring in a bright note.

• Try to use lamps or chandeliers that have a dimmer, as dim light can add cosines to any room.

By: mother and child

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