10 living room refreshers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.