INTERIORS
10. In terms of furniture, what should first time buyers splurge and save on? Going back to my earlier point about focusing on the rooms where you’ll likely spend the most time, it’s wise to invest in a good quality sofa and bed, you want these to last and be comfortable. For the rest of your furniture, divide into “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves”. You want pieces that are functional to start off with that can then be upgraded or replaced in time. 11. Finally, where would you recommend first time buyers shop for bargains? Check out TK Maxx, H&M, Dunelm, Matalan, Next Home or Zara Home as well as department stores like IKEA and John Lewis that have ranges to suit different budgets. Online retailers such as Wayfair and Etsy have excellent pieces too. Don’t forget supermarket homeware departments either!
light fittings, consider uplighters, floor or wall lamps, table lamps, recessed or cabinet lighting. They also don’t have to be expensive, there are online and high street retailers with great options. 9. What about wallcoverings? Are feature walls still popular? When you first move in, it’s often easier to keep walls a neutral colour until you’ve finished furnishing. Feature walls are here to stay, in fact they are being expressed more creatively than ever. Think wallpapering, panelling, colour block panels, half-height painting, or a combination! These make a great focal point for living rooms and bedrooms, but if you’re new to decorating, start with somewhere small like a downstairs cloakroom. Feature walls can add drama to smaller spaces but are simpler to redecorate if you change your mind at a later date.
homes but in hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. You’ll soon find yourself naturally gravitating towards a style. 7. Should one style be adopted throughout the home, or is mixing and matching OK? This is really a question of personal taste. The mixed up, maximalist, eclectic look can be really striking but you do have to work at it otherwise it can look inconsistent. For first time buyers new to home styling, I advise keeping a consistent base colour theme and injecting complementary accents, fabrics and materials into each room for individuality. 8. How is it best to use lighting around the home? Lighting is important and often overlooked. Good lighting helps a space feel bright and inviting, especially in rooms with fewer windows. Don’t just focus on ceiling
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