Home & Lifestyle 9 September, 2020

7 Ways to Update Your Home on a Budget

There's nothing like having to stay at home to make you re-evaluate your living space. Months of staring at the same four walls can ignite an interior overhaul like no other and with more time on our hands than ever before, it's the perfect opportunity to update your home. Whether it's just a lick of paint or an entire room make-over, you can't beat a décor refresh to lift your spirits and make your surroundings a more joyful place to be.

Luckily, you don't need to break the bank to spruce up your sanctuary this season. At Westfield London's Home Quarter, we have plenty of inspiring interior (and exterior) accessories that will amp up the desirability of your home. Think seasonal greenery, repainting that skirting or finally getting round to replacing those grubby sockets – it's the little tweaks that can make the biggest difference to your space and give it the facelift it deserves.

BUMP UP THE CURB APPEAL

You don't have to be selling up to be mindful of your home's curb appeal. Simple upgrades like shiny new door furniture, a lick of paint or beautiful foliage can make a huge difference to the exterior of your abode. Simple down lights, replacing a tired pathway for contemporary tiles or adding in a chic new fence can instantly transform the feel of your space, making it a welcome sight to come home to.

Brass Nordlux Bulkhead Outdoor Wall Light, £85 John Lewis and Partners

Cecilia Fibrestone Planters, from £99 West Elm

REPLACE THE HARDWARE

An often over-looked element of a room, functional hardware can refresh your interior in an instant. From bland plug sockets and switches to out of date door handles – there's an abundance of options that will breathe new life into your space.

Why not opt for shiny brass, ornate printed handles or cottage-style wrought iron? You'll be so  surprised by the results, there'll be no stopping you!

Antique Brass Oval Mortice Knob, Set of 2, £30 John Lewis and Partners

SWAP OUT YOUR PILLOWS

The simplest and most cost-efficient way to update your home on a budget is to change key accessories that draw the eye in a room. Throw pillows or removable sofa cushions can completely change the look of a room without spending a fortune on new furniture. Most sofa companies (including DFS) offer changeable sofa covers, which can give the illusion of a new design without the price tag.

Alternatively, swap your current throw cushion covers for a new colour, texture or print to bring your interior into a new season.

Hydrangas Cushion, £63 BoConcept

Velvet Cushion, £39 Heal's

CHANGE UP YOUR BEDDING

Is there a more comforting feeling than crawling into a freshly made bed? While we may file it under a yearly purchase when the last set is threadbare and discoloured – snapping up new bedding can give your bedroom a new lease of life. From linen and Egyptian cotton to silk and satin, there are plenty of options to have you counting down until bed time.

And why stop there? Style your new bedding up with a couple of throw pillows and a bedspread for that cosy hotel feel.

Tempur-Fit™ Fitted Double Sheet, £59 Tempur

Washed Linen Duvet Cover Set, £59.99 H&M Home

Luxury Hungarian Goose Down Support Pillow, £75 The White Company

SHOW YOUR WALLS SOME LOVE

Make staying in more interesting by giving your eyes something pleasing to look at. Fill blank walls with beautiful artwork, wall hangings or an antique mirror for a stylish touch. And if you're feeling brave, create a statement gallery wall with a mixture of art, illustrations, personal photos and pressed flowers to bring some personality into your home.

Felt Wall Art, £169 West Elm

Set of 5 Copper metal picture frames, £80 Habitat

REFRESH WINDOWS

Whatever the size or style, windows hold a huge amount of potential to update your home. Swap tired window furniture for more modern alternatives such as antique brass, stainless steel or wrought iron to add character and a fresh coat of paint can instantly brighten up the area. If you're lucky enough to have a bay window, why not add in a sill seat? It'll create a perfect nook to curl up in with a good book.

For a more generous budget, you could also dress your window with new curtains, an additional blind or voile and stylish tie-backs that compliment your interior theme.

2-Pack Tie-Backs With Tassels, £12.99 H&M Home

RAISE YOUR LIGHTING GAME

A trend-focused light fitting can turn your space into a Pinterest-worthy destination in an instant. Firstly, decide on the function and atmosphere you want to create in the room and look for ways to bring this into a stylish fixture. Whether it's dimmable wall lamps, a striking ceiling pendant or cosy table lamps, the right lighting can bring a fresh feel to your interiors.

Black Stoneware  Nalpur Table Lamp, £100 Raft

Moxley Natural Bamboo Easy-To-Fit Ceiling Shade, £35 Habitat