Interior design that makes your house a home

A house is not a home until you fill it with the things you love. Personalising the space need not mean spending lots of money, however. A simple addition such as a pretty lamp or candle holder can instantly transform the room into a calm and relaxing space.

Shopping around for interior design items used to mean trawling the high street and visiting dedicated DIY stores, but nowadays you can pick up some great pieces from online auction websites. Affordable and unique additions in the form of pre-owned items not only keep you within budget, but also offer a different feel that cannot be achieved when buying on the high street.

Let good lighting set the mood for each room

Although bright lights may be useful when reading, lounge and dining areas most often benefit from subdued lighting, or even candle light. It instantly provides a soft romantic ambiance rather than what can be harsh lighting from a central light fitting.

Channel 4 Homes takes you through what you need to think about when it comes to lighting your living room, from the size of the room to whether the lighting will be balanced. There are even some tips on how to put artwork and wall hangings in the best light.

Retro themes

Whether you like Victorian style or 60s chic, you can put your stamp on where you live by introducing a theme. Red Magazine offers some good ideas for putting a modern touch on pieces of retro furniture, bringing them up to date without losing their history.

Comfort and relaxation

The one thing that will make your house into a home is being able to relax and feel comfortable whichever room you are in. Comfy settees and squishy cushions that coordinate or complement the colour scheme provide a haven after a busy work day, and offer that much-needed space to just be yourself.

Range of textures

Not always something that is considered when thinking about a makeover, different textures within a room make it more interesting, and provide an easy way to transform it on a low budget.

Fluffy cushions, textured wallpaper, and soft thick-pile rugs or carpets all go a long way to providing a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.

Warm colours

Nothing personalises a house more than its colour scheme. Whether that is bright orange, warm yellow or pastel hues, it is a testament to your personality and style of living. Warm colours offer a cosy feel, whereas brighter splashes of colour might be more suitable for a kitchen, and can be used for wall tiles, accessories or light fittings.

This article in House and Garden magazine shows how a warm colour palette can enhance a smaller room, making it welcoming and cosy, but the same can be applied to any room in your house. Mustard yellows and rich, deep reds are a good choice, particularly for the autumn and winter months.

Framed family photos and memorabilia, and souvenirs from travelling all help to make your house a home, are inexpensive, and will help you to get your space organised at the same time as de-cluttering.

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