Whether you’re torn on two paint colours or are debating whether to extend upwards or outwards, the Real Homes team is here to answer your questions
QWhat can I do to make the most of the space in my small flat?
A Styling a compact space can be a challenge, but there are steps you can take to make it cosy, not crowded…
Invest in a modular sofa to offer a substantial amount of comfortable seating without needing accent chairs. Pair with an ottoman footstool that can act as storage, extra seating or a coffee table with a tray on top.
Paint the walls one colour to create the illusion of more square footage and to help the rooms flow together. Too many single feature walls can make the spaces feel closed in.
Choose nests of side tables rather than large, low coffee tables; they can be moved around and tuck away neatly.
Keep displays on the walls. For instance, instead of investing in a bulky media unit, mount televisions on the wall. In a narrow entrance, add interest and colour with a gallery of pictures, rather than a cluttered console table. And if lamps are taking up space on the floor or tables, fit plug-in wall lights, or give a room drama with a statement chandelier or pendant lights.
Q Is my messy fridge a hazard to my health?
A When decluttering your house, don’t overlook the fridge. Keeping it clean and organised can ensure food is stored safely – preventing food poisoning. It can also help to minimise waste.
Use clear containers for storage so you can easily see what you have in stock, while keeping your fruit, veg, salad, cooked and raw meats separate to prevent contamination. You can also use the containers to store pre-chopped produce ready for quickly making meals in the week.
Stop your condiments and sauces getting lost and forgotten at the back of the fridge by putting them on a small turntable or Lazy Susan that you can rotate to locate the jar you need.
Store meat and dairy on the lower shelves, where the fridge temperature is cooler, and use the upper shelves for your less perishable items. And while fridge doors look designed to hold your milk, they often aren’t cool enough for it to stay fresh. Milk containers are best stored on a central shelf to keep it at a consistent temperature.
To keep track of what’s expiring soon, place foods with the shortest shelf life to the front where you can easily see when they go out of date. If you are storing leftovers, use masking tape as a label to date when they were put in the fridge.
Q Is there a quick and easy way to tackle tiling?
A Peel and stick tiles can transform walls without any fiddly
