Chris Warnes
Scrub every inch
Start at the top, tackling cobwebby corners and dusting skirtings, surfaces, blinds and furniture. Wash the curtains if you have them. Vacuum well, including under the bed, and give the room a good airing.
Cull your clothing
Clearing your sartorial scrap heap will make room for the remaining items in your wardrobe. Pieces in good condition will find a happy home in your local op shop, or hit the recycling bin for less-than-lovely items.
Store your shoes neatly
Dedicated shoe racking is fabulous, but if your wardrobe is less walk-in, more walk-out, tuck pairs into their original box or invest in smart, stackable ones. Ikea’s Skubb shoeboxes have a transparent window so you can see what’s inside.
Invest in a rug
There’s nothing nicer than cosiness underfoot on a cold winter’s morning – plus it can give your décor scheme an instant lift. Place a small one by the bed to step out onto. With a large rug, ensure at least half of it extends out from under the bed.
Light up your life
New bedside lamps will instantly change the feel of a room. If space is at a premium, consider low-hanging pendant lights instead.
Banish electronics from the boudoir
Electromagnetic frequencies keep you awake and loose cords create clutter.
Throw on a throw
A pretty cover in a colourful fabric will give your room instant va-va-voom – or tuck a silk or lacy sham along the end of the bed for princess-like perfection.
Reach cloud nine with a new set of bedlinen
Natural linen is best, if the budget allows, as it is cool in summer and warm in winter. Sheridan do a lovely range in beautiful colours. Cotton is still a winner, but be guided by feel rather than thread count to find something you love; very high thread count sheets can actually feel quite stiff.
Plump up your pillows
If you can’t run to a full set of linen, invest in some plush European pillows or textured cushions to update your scheme.
Reorganise your linen cupboard
It’s a job that pays dividends in time saved. Snip loose threads and match up each set of linen, then tie with a ribbon or tuck each set into its own pillowcase to store.
