BIG decorating plans for your cosy living room?
Research from OVO Energy reveals that two in every three households spends around £5,000 a year on home improvements.
Bring down that bill with these space-saving tricks . . .
Bring down that bill with these space-saving tricks . . .
PERFECT PALETTE: Stick to lighter shades of the same tone to make the room feel spacious.
Cool grey, cream and white will reflect light. But you can then add warmth with textured throws or cushions.
If light hues are not your style, don’t be afraid to try the latest decorating trend: Drenching.
Paint the entire room and ceiling as well as shelves in a bold, dark colour. The flood of one colour will unite the space and can make it seem bigger.
LOOK UP: Use vertical space to your advantage. Think about mounting your TV on the wall or try floating shelves.
Tall floor lamps also raise the eye level. Plants can be hung from curtain rails or wall hooks in macrame baskets to draw the eye upwards.
The less clutter on the floor, the more spacious the room feels.
MIRROR, MIRROR: A simple way to make your living area feel airy and light is to use mirrors to bounce the natural light around the room.
According to interior experts, the secret is to place mirrors at eye level, on the wall opposite a window or very near one.
STORAGE SAVERS: Double up on furniture with secret storage to conceal clutter.
Ottomans, coffee tables with lids or nesting tables work well, while wall-mounted cupboards in the same shade as the wall will hide even more.
Show some leg when it comes to drawers and sideboards, as furniture raised off the ground creates the illusion of more space.
THINK ABOUT ANGLES: If your room is an awkward shape, consider a corner sofa to fill the gap in a useful way.
A sofa with a separate footstool is also a good investment — as it can be moved to create a corner sofa, or used as extra seating when you have guests.
Or place a tray on top of the footstool and use it as a coffee table when needed.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability
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