Ideas please!

[frazzled3ds]

So, I'm considering a spot of decorating/updating of parts of the house, but on a fairly limited budget. As such it's likely to be largely 'quick fix' cosmetic type stuff (paint, small changes that won't cost the earth etc) and to help me not end up spending all my time on Pinterest etc I was wondering if any of you have some top tips on things to consider when planning this?

I'm considering things like giving the doors through the house a facelift, maybe changing door handles etc too, and was wondering what sorts of things I should think about to help me narrow down my shopping list and make a decent impact despite small budget.

What kind of stuff would you be thinking about and why?

Thank you very much!! :D

[wobblywonderwoman]

If your budget allows you could change switches to chrome- it would really modernise the space.

Got for new ceiling lights (IKEA or Argos)

Chalk paint furniture

I see dulux timeless recommended on here frequently (we just went for off white non branded and love it)

[frazzled3ds]

Ooh, thank you wobbly - I'd never even considered the light switches etc - what a great idea! Ceiling lights may end up being shade changes rather than actual fitting changes (don't trust myself with electrics that much!) but a good thought too.

Chalk paint is great - though I need more practice - had a go at doing the dining table a while ago and don't think I put enough on it as it's looking rather erm.... distressed.... (but then three boys probably doesn't help that!). Will look up dulux - don't mind paying slightly more for the basics like paint if it's going to last the course!

Thank you :)

[wobblywonderwoman]

You're welcome. We gave just revamped our place and tried to on a budget. Love the heart of house stuff at Argos.

IKEA kallax cubes to hide lots of stuff but I had a massive declutter. I think thats the key.

If the house is repainted and nice fresh cushions and hand towels on display (then few touches like the switches or lights) it will look great.

[frazzled3ds]

Yup decluttering also got to feature - I'm attempting to take the Kon-Mari approach (it's a very slow thing but my clothes have now stopped taking over the very limited space in my bedroom at any rate!) and as I do that, I'm thinking ahead to how I want the place to look as the clutter reduces and the space increases!

starts planning trip to IKEA....distracted by thoughts of meatballs....

[JT05]

Changing door handles can be costly, especially if they work the door latch. If you buy cheap ones, they often are badly made and can fail to work properly.

I have had to replace cheap failing door handles before, a good set can cost upward of £30 per door.

[AliceInUnderpants]

If you are on Facebook, check out a page called DIY on a budget.

[Kaisha02]

A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. How about a feature wall in the kitchen? Contrasting walls in the living room etc? Doesn't have to be bold, can be soft colours for a big impact.
Repaint the skirting, it makes a huge difference.
I agree with updating the light switches - also new lampshades, a new rug too maybe? Changing the layout of furniture can make a big difference.
Cheap A3 photo frames from the Range with DIY prints in can look amazing in a hallway or above a headboard.
Chalk paint on furniture is good although can mark easily. Use Zinsser primer (expensive but worth every penny) and an oil based Eggshell paint for a wipe clean smooth finish.

[PigletJohn]

for door furniture, see ironmongerydirect.com

[frazzled3ds]

Thanks for all the suggestions - some great ones! In a perfect world I'd be getting rid of the rather tired laminate floor too but can't stretch to that - rugs are a good idea to hide it. I like the picture idea - got plenty of snaps of the boys I could use and really should print them :)

[poochiepants]

One thing that often lets down a house-refresh is the state of the woodwork, ie window frames, doors and skirting. If they have been just painted over year after year they tend to loose their crispness, so think about sanding those back before you repaint - sticking lovely new handles on doors doesn't always refresh, it sometimes highlights what you wanting to hide!

Good luck!