EASY STYLE UPDATES
CLEVER TRICKS TO MINI DECOR PROJECTS… WE ROUND UP THE SIMPLEST, QUICKEST WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE BEAUTIFUL NOW
FEATURE ALI LOVETT
1 BUILD BANQUETTE SEATING
Maximise space in a dining area with a built-in bench, which can also house deep drawers for storage. Fix a simple storage unit to a wall and make a cushioned back support and seat pad by covering foam-topped MDF or plywood with fabric. Use a pared-back colour palette and natural wood for a calming Scandi feel.
2 COSYUP A SOFA FOR AUTUMN
Give your living room a refresh for the new season by adding layers of tactile textures, leafy prints and autumnal shades of ochre and steel blue. Fold a large throw or quilt in half and lay it vertically over the middle and back of your sofa. Repeat, making it narrower each time and then pile on a collection of cushions in complementary shades.
STYLE TIP Add pattern to your scheme with a Roman blind. It draws your eye to the window and creates a focal point
FABRIC CHEAT SHEET
3 Make a mini gallery wall in a kid’s room by framing special cards, postcards and Polaroid photos.
4 REVAMPKITCHEN SHELVES
Give plain white wood or floating shelves a new lease of life with a length of striped ribbon as a trim along the front edge. Use picture hanging strips or double sided tape to attach, neatly trimming the ends and tucking out of sight.
5 HOW TO PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR
Give your hallway a lift by painting your front door a cheery shade.
■ If you’re painting both sides, check the weather forecast – autumn is a great time of year as it won’t be too hot or too cold for the paint to dry. Begin by unscrewing any handles, the letterbox and any other hardware. For anything else that needs protecting, use masking tape.
■ Remove old, flaky paint by using a scraper. If there are any cracks or deep holes, use a wood filler before sanding down the whole door until it’s smooth. Give everything a good clean with sugar soap and allow it to dry.
■ Paint the first coat, concentrating on raised panels first. Allow to dry for the recommended time before applying the second coat.
■ When dry, remove the masking tape and reattach your hardware.
6 DECORATE WITH WOOD
Add a warm and welcoming feeling to your hallway or living room by displaying logs on a bookcase, in an alcove or piled up under a bench. Whether you need to store them for the winter months ready to use in a log burner or just like their rustic vibe, i
