My house is tired and needs attention....

[oksonowwhat]

I need advice and help here!!

I know it needs decorating and some new furniture although i really don't know where to start. Haven't got much money either but want to get started and make a difference to the house in 2012.

In my sitting room i have....how embarrasing....slightly yellow/orange mexican pine furniture i got from Conway Pine, it is brilliant quality but is it really a house hold embarrassment nowadays?? What shall i do? Bin it??

I also need advice with colour choices for walls and anywhere i can get reasonably priced but individual things for the house.

I am recently seperated so haven't loads of money but i'm planning this as a project for the coming year.

Any help would be gratefully received

I painted my pine furniture recently but with Farrow and Ball Cornforth White. In my opinion it was well worth paying the extra and the one small tin did 2 x chest of drawers, a pine cabinet, bedside tables and a dressing table. The nice thing about this brand of paint is that it looks different in certain lights, so doesn't have that flat look about it. I also did the tops a stained dark oak colour on the chest of drawers and also the knobs to break it up a bit.

A good tip is to get yourself a little book and make lists room by room, of what needs doing, and then tick off as you go. Very satisfying!

Meant to say that I had started painting with a homebase own brand paint and it looked hideous, so changed to F & B and what a difference.

OK I have four pieces like that in the sitting room. We have a hell of a lot of books. It doesn't look too much.

Yes - with the wipe on sander, you don't need to sand at all unless there are any bits that actually feel rough and need smoothing.

Thank you everyone you have been so helpful

Wellhello, i like the idea of the farrow and ball you mentioned and also you did so much with so little!!!

Going to stick with the primer idea aswell so it looks like i'm all set

Thanks Donna aswell about not looking too much, ive just been stressing that i will ruin what i've already got but i feel much better about it now.

Going to keep this thread for the spring and i'll let you all know how it goes !!