2. Add a rug
A simple way to add colour and design, but do measure the floor space before you shop so you know what size to look for. If it’s going in the living room by itself, look for a central pattern or a large scale contemporary floral design – these are very “now”. If you’re putting it under a dining or coffee table, look for a border pattern. At either end of the budget scale, look at Blossom, or Harlequin Eloni, and Parallels is a contemporary border choice.
Top tip: When laying your rug, always try laying it in both directions to see which you prefer. A rug's pile will catch the light, so in one direction it will look lighter and the other darker – the difference can be quite dramatic, especially on wool or silk rugs.
3. Change your cushions
Add colour, texture and design to a tired sofa or chair. It’s a good idea to pick up on the design and colour from your rug or curtains.
Top tip: Always work with an odd number of cushions, and alternate them to add texture, design and colour depth. Try mixing texture, pattern and plain cushions for interest.
4. Light and shade
What kind of daylight do you have? Sun in the morning means an east–facing window, late afternoon west–facing, and if you get the sun most of the day, south–facing. No sun means north–facing, but remember artists like north–facing as this gives a truer light to colours!
One of the most important parts of any design, and the one people often overlook, is changing the feel of any room just by the lighting. Use lamps to create soft pools of intimate light and a central ceiling light for general lighting.
Top tip: Simply changing the bulbs can make a dramatic difference to a room. The traditional light bulb will give a slightly yellow hint, halogen gives a bright, clean,, white light, and fluorescent and low energy bulbs give a slightly blue hint. But for better light, especially in a north–facing room, try a daylight bulb (703 17502, available in our shops at £3.85 for a twin pack), and see what a difference it can make.
Changing the lampshade on a tired old lamp or ceiling light can help lift your room, and be a very easy way to add colour and texture to your room. Our Gemma and Natasha lampshades start at under £20. The Jubilee ceiling light fitting looks expensive but is only £58.50 – its simple but elegant contemporary lines make it a decorative feature in its own right. Or if the tired old lamp needs to be completely replaced, here’s a little touch of glam in this cream resin lamp base, ideal with a Gemma shade.
5. Mirror, mirror
Now to move some of the light around by adding a mirror – mirrors can help make a room brighter and larger. When you’re shopping for one, think how you want to hang it: portrait style helps to give height to a room, whereas landscape can help to make it look wider or deeper. Place a vase of flowers in front of the mirror and the size of the bunch instantly doubles!
Top tip: Position the mirror opposite a window and in line with the ceiling light for maximum impact for both daytime and the evening lighting.
6. And finally: if you can, move the furniture around.
This will give you an instantly different look to the room by helping to open it up. Try using a small or medium sofa as a room divider. (If you move the sofa in front of the radiator, do make sure there’s room for airflow and that it’s not too close.)
