Update your home and give it some presence

If you want to give your home a little wow factor and really make an impact, there are some clever shortcuts you can use, to make a statement and get your home noticed.

Making an entrance

A well-decorated and welcoming hallway sets the tone and is a good place to really make your mark. Think about the impact you want to make – do you want it to be calm and neutral, in cool, light shades or perhaps you want it to shout out hello to your guests. Some of the new, larger print wallpapers would work well here and think about where to place one or two unusual pieces, like an old chair that you’ve had recovered in funky fabric, or an old-fashioned umbrella stand that will get people talking.

Lighting

There are plenty of stylish lights and light fittings available now at all the big DIY stores that should help you alter the mood of a room and place the focus on the most visually interesting areas. Use lighting as a decorative feature to generate atmosphere and highlight pictures and reveal texture. Think carefully where you place the lights for the most impact and consider one of these oversized lamps that make a statement in themselves.

Collecting

all have things we are naturally drawn to – even if it’s simply unusual shells we’ve collected on the beach. Think about something you really love – however eccentric the idea – and start up a collection to build into a display. Tin toys, salt and pepper pots, the ubiquitous teapot collection; a series of artefacts gathered together always looks interesting and gives a sense of personality to a home.

Finishing touches

Remember that adding some finishing touches to a place does not necessarily mean filling it with clutter. Often less is more when you are trying to make an impact and a few carefully chosen pieces will really set your home apart and give it the updated look you desire.
If you have a very simple living room, for instance, one bold idea will really make a difference, like a huge, oversized print on the wall. Or a clash of brightly coloured chairs with a natural wood table would transform a traditional-looking dining room.
And in the kitchen why not use the new Lenor Infusions Black Diamond & Lotus Flower. The seductive black bottle, with its silk white liquid inside, looks good enough to feature in the smartest of homes!