HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
Subscribe
Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

11 best bar stools to elevate your kitchen

11 best bar stools to elevate your kitchen

12 large pots that will make your plant look amazing

12 large pots that will make your plant look amazing

8 small things that can take your home from blah to beautiful

8 small things that can take your home from blah to beautiful

7 best indoor plants for your bathroom

7 best indoor plants for your bathroom

{headline}

{headline}

Take a peek inside our cosy June issue

Take a peek inside our cosy June issue

A new service now delivers gorgeous plants to your door

A new service delivers plants to your door

Freedom Furniture launch new autumn/winter collection

Freedom Furniture new collection

{headline}

{headline}

How to style your home office

How to style your home office

12 affordable (and stylish) home office essentials

12 affordable (and stylish) home office essentials

8 stylish desk chairs

8 stylish desk chairs

Get creative with this home-delivered DIY pottery kit

Get creative with this home-delivered DIY pottery kit

Top 7 buys from Ikea's new April collection

Top 7 buys from Ikea's new April collection

Big W has released a new kids’ bedroom collection – and it’s beautiful!

Big W has released a new kids’ bedroom collection – and it’s beautiful!

Your ultimate guide to working from home

Your ultimate guide to working from home

  1. Home
  2. Decorate

10 living room refreshers

Give your living areas a lift with these quick, easy and wallet-friendly updates - by Shelley Tustin
  • 23 Jun 2017
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers
10 living room refreshers

1. Change around your furniture

Before you call in the heavy lifters, draw your room to scale on a piece of paper, do the same with your main pieces of furniture on a different sheet, cut them out and see if you can make them work in a different configuration. Perhaps think about changing the focus from, say, the TV to a window with a pretty view or the fireplace.

John Downs

2. Add some accessories

Just as statement jewellery can lift an outfit, cushions and textiles can transform a room. Try Spotlight or No Chintz for a host of fabrics to make a throw or envelope cushion – a simple sewing project which can be run up in an afternoon.

Hayden Vale

3. Create your own artwork

Frame keepsakes to make a personal montage, or source a cheap canvas from a craft store. Try sample pots or spray paint for swirls of freehand colour, or stretch a length of fabric over the frame for instant wow.

John Downs

4. Revitalise tired furniture with a fresh coat of paint.

Annie Sloan Chalk Paints can be used with very little or no preparation, come in a range of French provincial style shades and give great coverage. Colourwise, white is timeless and goes with everything, while black is having a moment, and is great for giving a traditional piece a more modern look.

Simon Whitbread

5. Invest in a rug.

They are less about softness underfoot and more about defining spaces and adding personality. Try Temple & Webster for a fabulous range in all shapes, sizes, colours and patterns, and at very reasonable prices.

Sue Stubbs

6. Max up on mirrors.

The secret weapon of interior designers, large mirrors reflect light and make a space appear bright and airy. Try auction houses for pieces that can be updated with a coat of paint.

Marcel Aucar

7. Fashion a feature wall.

Use bold paint, a decal or wallpaper – it’s a little work for a big result. Try Pickawall for wallcoverings that can really make a statement.

Chris Warnes

8. Introduce living colour.

Potted plants last much longer than cut flowers, and will add bursts of beautiful greenery and even colour. Spring bulbs such as hyacinths make a lovely display and deliver a wonderful fragrance as a bonus.

Eve Wilson

9. Shake up your shelves.

Rearrange photos, objects, books and ornaments to devise new vignettes; the stylist’s trick is to group in odd numbers, and to stick to a limited palette to give the look cohesion.

Sue Stubbs

10. Look to your lighting.

A few strategically placed lamps can work wonders to give a room a completely new feel. If you’re pushed for table space, consider a floor lamp, perhaps paired with an armchair to create a reading corner; try Beacon Lighting for a broad range.

Shania Shegedyn

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

Recommended to you

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

11 best bar stools to elevate your kitchen

11 best bar stools to elevate your kitchen

12 large pots that will make your plant look amazing

12 large pots that will make your plant look amazing

8 small things that can take your home from blah to beautiful

8 small things that can take your home from blah to beautiful

7 best indoor plants for your bathroom

7 best indoor plants for your bathroom

{headline}

{headline}

Take a peek inside our cosy June issue

Take a peek inside our cosy June issue

A new service now delivers gorgeous plants to your door

A new service delivers plants to your door

Freedom Furniture launch new autumn/winter collection

Freedom Furniture new collection

{headline}

{headline}

How to style your home office

How to style your home office

12 affordable (and stylish) home office essentials

12 affordable (and stylish) home office essentials

8 stylish desk chairs

8 stylish desk chairs

Get creative with this home-delivered DIY pottery kit

Get creative with this home-delivered DIY pottery kit

Top 7 buys from Ikea's new April collection

Top 7 buys from Ikea's new April collection

Big W has released a new kids’ bedroom collection – and it’s beautiful!

Big W has released a new kids’ bedroom collection – and it’s beautiful!

Your ultimate guide to working from home

Your ultimate guide to working from home

HomeBeautiful
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
HomeBeautiful Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Instyle
  • marie claire
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Health Engine
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • Airtasker
  • Society One
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

Shop This Offer
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug