Adding the X-factor

You don’t need to spend a fortune - or have an out of the ordinary house -
to give every room that something special - all it takes is a little imagination
and a willingness to experiment (and possibly do some DIY).

Large print wallpapers look amazing, but even putting a DIY store buy around
the whole room will add up. Instead, spend your money wisely by creating a
panel of paper on the focal wall - such as on a chimney breast or behind a
sofa.

Hang pictures - in a way that draws attention to them is an art - but an
easy one to learn. And you needn’t spend a fortune to turn a plain wall into
one with real punch. Cheap picture frames can look effective grouped
together, as can those you may already own, but have never thought to
combine.

Using a dark or dramatic paint shade in a room - this will make
a real difference. A bedroom is a good place to do this - darker shades are
often too overpowering for a living space. Then, to finish the look, buy new
bedlinen with a glamorous feel.

Make a display - the cost of a couple of shelves and existing or junk
yard finds is all you need to give a dining room character. Try this in
bathrooms and living spaces too but, as in all rooms, try to keep the shelves
as uncluttered as possible (we’re talking pretty here, not practical) and
attempt to co-ordinate your display by buying things in similar colours and/or
shapes. If you’ve got a few really great objects, displaying them in a group in
a place that everyone will see them is often better than spreading them
around the house.

Hang a big picture - in a room with walls that are largely plain, a very
big canvas or framed picture can have an instant effect. You can buy plain
canvases from craft shops if you want to have a go at creating your own
work of art. If not, stores sell paintings and photographs cheaply - or, better
still, you might be lucky enough to pick something up at a reclamation yard or
an antique shop.

Bring out the sun - in a room that doesn’t get much natural daylight,
using a colour on the walls that will make it seem instantly bathed in sunshine
can have a really positive effect on it. Choose a shade from the lighter end
of the spectrum (strong yellows can seem quite dark in already gloomy
spaces), and do all you can to improve the room’s lighting, too.

Draw Attention To A Statement Piece - whether you’ve bought a
place with a roll top bath or one with a nice countertop sink or impressive
fireplace, you can use colour to further enhance its impact. With a bath,
paint the exterior in a bold or dramatic colour

Dress your table - or kitchen shelves or cupboards with coloured
glassware to transform your dining room (or kitchen) into somewhere special.
Just pick a shade that works with your usual tableware.

Buy a bright rug - putting down a boldly coloured rug is often all it takes
to turn a very plain space into one with wow factor. It helps, of course, if
you can keep the rest of the space fairly plain but beautifully furnished.

Recover furniture - If you’ve got a neglected piece of furniture, getting
it upholstered (or doing it yourself) in a bold fabric will make it stand out. You
can do this with anything - from armchairs to upholstered dining chairs