Extra mile

BRIGHTEN UP

A quick way to make an instant impact in any room is through the use of colour. But, say trend experts, don’t over do it!

The bright, zesty colours of last year are being replaced this year by rich, jewel colours – think turquoise, amethyst, ruby and emerald. Try using them as a feature colour, pairing them with a more muted palette.

And don’t simply think paint – how about wallpaper, stencils or even designer transfers? Expand your vision to include floors, ceilings, doors, windows and accessories – anything else that can hold a burst of colour.

Need colour inspiration? Try www.crownpaint.co.uk/inspiration

LIGHTEN UP

Got a gloomy kitchen or bathroom? Time to brighten it up!

Putting in a larger window or a skylight, as some designers advise, is not exactly a quick or cheap remedy. So instead, perhaps think about changing the light fixtures.

Brighter or better-positioned lights will literally brighten up your day, completely changing the look and feel of a room – and all for a relatively small amount.

Of course, be sure to ask a skilled electrician to do the job for you.

Need a trusted tradesman in your area? Try www.ratedpeople.com

VINTAGE LOOK

These tough economic times are fuelling our appetite for nostalgia, say trend commentators, so the look this year is vintage.

In the bathroom, think antique mirrors, traditional taps, roll-top baths and vintage-style towel rails.

In the kitchen, how about painting or stripping cupboard doors or replacing worktops? Even spending just a few quid on small alterations, such as changing the cupboard handles, can make a large difference.

Or if you want to make a bolder, more expensive statement try a designer cooker hood – all the rage and look like works of art. Check out the most outrageous at elica.co.uk

Or for help sourcing vintage styles try www.iwantvintage.co.uk

GO GREEN

OK, so being eco-friendly is much more than a trend – but, increasingly, ‘green’ ideas are finding a place in our homes.

Just a few simple switches can help you do your bit for the environment – and cut your utility bills. Try swapping spotlights for LED bulbs, which are not only energy-efficient but still give you instant brightness. Aerated taps and shower heads can help to save water. And look out for renewable, recycled or reclaimed furniture, fixtures and worktops.

Upgrading to more efficient appliances, such as dishwashers, can save you money in the long-term, too.

For energy-saving ideas, try www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

STOP AND THINK!

Perhaps the best advice from experts is this: before you make any changes, think carefully about why you are doing it.

Remember, your tastes may not be the same as other people’s so you don’t want to alienate potential buyers. And, as estate agents will tell you, don’t assume that spending money will automatically add value.

However, it is also worth remembering that a little DIY effort can have large rewards, so go ahead and give it a try.

If you need a bit of guidance, there’s lots of free online help, from ‘how to’ videos to calculators to work out how many tiles or tins of paint you’ll need.

But a final word of warning: over-ambitious DIY projects could end up causing damage that costs thousands of pounds to put right. So make sure you have the right insurance.

For advice on home insurance, go to www.kwik-fitinsurance.com