Update your home without breaking the bank

https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/70122/easy-style-freshenups-to-transform-a-home-on-a-tight-budget

Norsu Interiors

Has it been a while since you decorated? Perhaps your home is looking a bit tired and needs a revamp or maybe you’ve just moved into a new place and you’re desperate to make your mark on it. Here are some relatively cheap and simple mini-makeover ideas that should reinvigorate your home without blowing the budget.

Paint the radiators

Soak.com

Painting radiators to blend seamlessly into their background is currently hot on the interiors circuit. It’s a perfect way to create a chic and finished look when giving your room a mini makeover. Be sure to pick the correct specialist paint and follow a tutorial. 

Create new dining spaces

Dunelm

Short on dining space at home? Give a room a new dimension by finding genius places to eat. Placing two stylish bar stools at the end of a kitchen peninsula will turn it into a mini breakfast bar for light meals.  

Give a corner new meaning

@dreaming_of_a_sea_view / Instagram

If you don’t have time to update a whole room focus on a corner. This living room alcove by @dreaming_of_a_sea_view is working extra hard as an innovative, tiny home office. The small desk slots in perfectly next to a narrow ladder shelf.

Have fun with lighting

Sofology

Give the living room a new nightly glow by being creative with lighting. LED strip lighting to the back of the TV will transform it for movie nights. Or, horizontal pipe lighting above wall panels can give a feature wall new meaning.

Change the shower curtain

Argos

Sometimes, one simple change can transform a space entirely. If you have a neutral bathroom why not inject colour and pattern with a new shower curtain? Being a relatively cheap bathroom furnishing means you can afford to own a few and change them up with the seasons.

Repaint kitchen units

Topps Tiles

An alternative idea to update a tired kitchen without touching the layout is to paint existing kitchen units a fresh new colour. It’s quick, budget-friendly and easy with the correct preparation and paint.

Install a barn door

Carpetright

Swap out boring regular doors for something more fun. Sliding barn doors look authentic in country style room schemes. With the right amount of wall space to slide along they offer more floor space to work with. Most doors come with sliding hinges to make installation simple. 

Divide an open-plan room

IKEA

A smart room divider will give a large open-plan room new meaning. Privacy and peace are always important aspects of our home, so a divider can offer partial concealment when needed.

Spruce up your outdoors

Cuprinol

Take the small renovation revolution outside by giving your outdoor space a tidy up. Book a slot at the local recycling centre and set to work clearing clutter, trimming back overgrown foliage, and cutting any lawned areas. Freshen up your patio with a colourful lick of fence paint and create an outdoor oasis with garden furniture and weatherproof furnishings. 

Cosy up with texture

Nordic House

Layering texture in a room is the easiest and cosiest way to give a room a new character. Panelled walls, soft rugs and tactile cushions will inject a restful and inviting personality Nordic style. 

Throw a cloth over the kitchen table

The Wisteria Tree

Bold, bright and beautiful, this vibrant tablecloth is a simple way of injecting colour and pattern into a plain kitchen that needs a spruce up. Whether you choose to match it to the colours already in the room or fancy introducing a whole new aesthetic altogether, this striking hand block printed cotton tablecloth is the perfect way to do so.

Invest in a new sofa

Loaf

A cushy sofa with relaxed pleats and deep buttons is a classic sofa design. But, throw in sumptuous velvet in a striking mustard tone and the living room will feature a wow factor focal point everyone will want to snuggle on. 

Change the atmosphere with curtains

johnlewis.com

Make sure your mini bedroom makeover goes from bland to beautiful with full-length curtains. There are so many options to choose from, from off the peg to more luxurious made-to-measure. The drapes don’t have to stick to the windows either. Add hotel-style by creating a dressing area or suspending them from a frame at the end of the bed. 

Style with storage

Garden Trading

We love a storage hack or two. Turn your belongings into gorgeous ‘shelfies’ by decanting everyday items into attractive storage boxes and jars. This works particularly well in kitchens with open shelves and on leaning ladders in bathrooms. 

Update small appliances

Swan

Swapping out old and well-used small kitchen appliances for sparkling new ones will instantly update a tired kitchen. Look for colour coordinated versions or a tone that will pick out the hues of a splash back or statement floor. Be sure to look after your appliances too!

Change or add handles

IKEA

Here’s a super simple action that updates furniture. We love how these mainstream IKEA IVAR cabinets have been transformed into unique sideboards with dark and dramatic paint. Leather handles have been easily added to offer contrast and warmth. 

Fashion a feature wall

Woodchip and Magnolia

If you don’t have time to paint an effect or wallpaper a whole room why not mount a border instead? Teamed with a simple strip panel section this chunky wallpaper frieze is up-to-date. 

Add pattern to floors

Dunelm

Make a statement on your floors without ripping up the existing one. Peel and stick floor stickers create little mess and require no group or specialist tools so will bring the illusion of real floor tiles at a fraction of the price. Alternatively, floor paint is a practical and more permanent option.

Maximise natural light

Carpetright

The more natural light you can draw into your home the brighter and fresher it will look. There are a few simple steps you can take to increase the light in your home: strategically place mirrors opposite windows, opt for reflective surfaces on kitchen units, door handles and taps and switch solid internal doors for glazed doors to bring light into dark areas such as hallways. You will be amazed at the difference these small changes will make.

Get wall painting

Crown Paints

It’s not difficult to learn how to paint a wall with a professional finish. Prep well, try out some samples, choose your colour and spend a weekend to giving one room in your home a fresh lick of paint. Chances are you will love the result and go on to paint subsequent rooms. If you want to be really daring, add a paint decorating effect. Use two or three paints and go for blocks of different colours for a real style statement. 

Roll out the wallpaper

Graham & Brown

A bold and beautiful wallpaper design can really give a room the ‘wow factor’. Pick out your favourite pattern and use it to create a feature wall in your lounge or bedroom or really go for it and cover all four walls. If your budget is tight or you don’t quite have the guts to do a whole large room, start off in a smaller area such as an entrance hallway, cloakroom or snug.

Change your bed

Next

Change your bed, literally. If your mattress is in perfectly good condition, go for a whole new bed frame or just opt for a new headboard. You can transform a bedroom just by changing the style and shape of the bed. 

Refresh the bedlinen

Dunelm

A new coloured or patterned duvet cover, or perhaps the addition of a bedspread, throw, and a few scatter cushions can radically alter how your bedroom looks. Plus there’s nothing like climbing into crisp new bedclothes for the first time.

Tidy up with tiles

Walls and Floors

Whether it’s just retiling a splashback in the kitchen or bathroom or going the whole hog and tiling all the walls (and maybe even the floor), it’s incredible how those little porcelain or stone shapes can alter a room. Patterned tiles are particularly spectacular. Insider tip: larger tiles are generally cheaper to install, because they are less fiddly to cut and don’t require so much grouting. 

Swap out bathroom towels

Dyckhoff

Treat yourself and your bathroom to a set of new towels. If your bathroom is all white or neutral, a new set of patterned or colourful towels can completely change the scheme. Perhaps go for some on-trend leopard print towels to inject a tropical edge.

Replace cushions

Furniture Village

If your scatter cushions on the beds, armchairs and sofa are starting to look a bit tired and dated, take off their covers and get new ones. Maybe cheer the room up with some bright pops of colour or go for a serene scene with a mix of muted pastels and texture. If the cushions themselves seem to have lost their stuffing replace those too with lovely plump new ones that you can sink right into.

Bring in blinds

247Blinds

Turn your windows into a focal point with colourful blinds that compliment or contrast a decorating scheme. Super easy to install: they are cleaner and fresher than traditional curtains as well as space-saving in smaller rooms 

Paint the front door

The Painted Hive

Your front door is the first and last thing that visitors to your home see. To improve that first impression why not replace it? You could go for something modern to create a contrast or opt for one that complements the period of your home. If you don’t want to go to the trouble and expense of replacing your front door, give the original door a new coat of paint or varnish. You’ll be shocked at the difference it makes. @thepaintedhive has lifted her white entrance with a refreshing lick of duck egg-toned paint.

Lay a rug

Carmine & Teal

A brightly coloured rug can really lift a room, but those colours do fade over time. If it’s been a few years since you bought some of your rugs they may have has lost their vibrancy, or perhaps been worn down by heavy traffic or stained by spills. Replace them with lovely new ones, not only will they look great, you will enjoy sinking your toes into them too.

Welcome house plants to every room

Dobbies

Do you dream of your home looking like it’s been pulled from the pages of an interior magazine or film set? One thing that you will notice about beautiful interior shoots is that they are always full of stunning houseplants and vases of beautiful flowers. Bring the outside in by adding grouped plants to your window sill or place an larger one in striking pot on the floor. 

Introduce new light shades

Anna Jacobs

Light shades, whether they be on bedside lights, office desk lamps or pendant lights take seconds to change. There are some hugely expensive shades on the market, but there are also plenty of good value ones, too. Just by replacing your lights shades you can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. 

Clear the clutter

Cox and Cox

A new year means a new start so it’s definitely a great time to declutter your home. Invest in attractive box files for paperwork and in-trays for post and keep these on your desk or hall table, choose some cool boxes for keeping toys in the playroom and kids bedrooms and select some funky baskets to store toiletries in in the bathroom. Choose storage with a lid for those less attractive items. 

Fake an effect

@crack_the_shutters / Instagram

Exposed walls look incredible but can be timely and costly to achieve. However, it’s easy to fake the look with a wood or brick effect wallpaper. Or, Here, @crack_the_shutters has copied a concrete look in her bathroom using Craig & Rose Artisan Concrete Effect paint. A matt sealant protects the paint in this high-humidity room.

Warm up with a stove

Contura

When it comes to heating, stoves are far more effective than traditional fireplaces. They look cottagecore cute, too, and are relatively easy to install. Not only do they work in the lounge, they will also throw a cosy glow over a kitchen diner or even bathroom. If you don’t want the hassle involved in burning fuel, electric and gas fired stoves are realistic looking alternatives.

Get arty with old furniture

Rothley /@the_shoestring_home

Why not have a go at giving one of your old jaded pieces of furniture a new lease of life by painting it? Chalk paints give a vintage feel and brighter shades help you to achieve a more contemporary look. Interiors influencer Rachel Verney of @the_shoestring_home stamped her own style on this upcycled dresser with perky pink and teal paint. Change the knobs too and your wardrobe, chest of drawers or sideboard will be completely transformed.

Invest in a professional clean

IKEA

It might be that you don’t need to replace your carpets, curtains or upholstery, they just need an intense clean. However hard you scrub at those stains, sometimes only a professional with a heavy-duty carpet and upholstery cleaning machine can remove them. You won’t believe how much newer everything looks after a deep clean. A dry-cleaner might be able to help with removable upholstery such as sofa covers, curtains and cushions.

Move artwork

Norsu Interiors

Just moving the painting you have in your bedroom into your lounge and the photos that adorn your hallway into the dining room can change the way your rooms look. If you have some spare cash you could also purchase a few new pieces. Charity shops are a good place to find great frames fit for an up cycling project.

Get sticking

Urban Walls

Wall stickers, or decals as they are often called to distinguish them from the glittery shapes that toddlers play with, come in all shapes, sizes and designs. They are reasonably priced, really easy to apply, and when you’re ready for another change they should peel off without leaving a mark. 

Put up panelling

Sofa.com

The addition of wall panels infuses a refined feel and they are super popular right now. You wont scroll down an interiors social media feed for long before a DIY version pops up so it’s easy to find a tutorial. Use them to elevate a cosy living room or liven up a bedroom design.

Rearrange wardbrobes

IKEA

If your wardrobes consist of hangers laden down with multiple clothes and shelves that are stuffed full of a jumble of clothes, it’s time to organise it. If you have the space, put up a partition wall and give yourself the luxury of a walk-in wardrobe. If this isn’t an option, refit the inside of your existing wardrobes with glazed drawers, pull-down hanging space and shoe racks so that you can seen where everything is instantly.

Update the stair treads

Lifestyle Floors

Stairs take a real pounding and over the years all that footfall starts to make its mark. Carpet gets thread bare, painted stair treads get scratched and polished wood becomes worn. You could re-carpet, perhaps with a fashionable stair runner; or strip off the old carpet and paint or varnish the bare wood. You can also create a striking feature by going for made to measure stickers on the stair risers.

Inject some scent

Swoon Worthy Scents

If your home is smelling a bit stale and musty, all you need to do to get it sweet smelling again is to open a few windows and light some scented candles. Choose candles that look pretty as well as smell great, so that they look attractive when sitting on the coffee table or mantlepiece when not in use. 

Tidy up the hallway

IKEA

The hallway is all too often a dumping ground. Shoes are kicked off and left in a pile by the door, coats are thrown on the banisters and handbags and school gear are left pooled by the stairs. By adding a basket or rack for shoe storage and bags and hooks for coats, dog leads, hats and scarves this small area instantly becomes a much more functional and attractive space. 

Paint the tiles

Wilko

Tile paint is one of those secrets that few people outside of the decorating trade know about. It’s available in a rainbow of colours and will cover your inherited dated tiles in a matter of hours. You can also get tile stickers that can cover each tile with a new design, just make sure you choose a sticker that matches the size of your tiles exactly. 

Get technical

REDPIXEL.PL/Shutterstock

You can probably halve all the wires snaking around your home connecting speakers, sound systems, burglar alarms and printers just by moving over to smart wireless technology. You can control all the lights in your home, check in on your home when you’re away from it, turn on music and even close the curtains or blinds, for example, all from your phone or tablet. Not only will it clean up the wires, it will make your whole home function more efficiently too.

Crockery update

House of Fraser

Has your original twelve piece crockery set gradually been diminished by breakages, meaning that when people come around you’re forced to bring out odds and ends? Why not spoil yourself and buy a whole new set? Maybe something completely different with a bit of colour or a fabulous pattern on this time around.  

Turn the taps

Meir Australia Pty Ltd

If your taps are a few years old, chances are that a few are starting to drip or the handles are looking worn. If this is the case, think of replacing them. You can completely alter the style of your kitchen or bathroom just by renewing the taps. To be at the height of style go for rose gold, copper or bronze taps. The latest models distribute water much more efficiently too, saving you money and reducing your water usage in the longterm.

Change your unit fronts

Photographee.eu / Shutterstock

Are your kitchen units starting to show signs of wear and tear? Maybe the drawers and doors are not shutting properly, they are scuffed and marked. You don’t need to replace the entire kitchen, chances are the carcasses are still in pretty good shape. Just replace the unit fronts, there are many companies that specialise in just doors and drawers. Your kitchen can switch from traditional in style to contemporary or vice versa within a day. 

Ditch the kettle

KUPRYNENKO ANDRII / Shutterstock

Make more room on your worktops and dump the kettle for a boiling water tap incorporated into your kitchen sink. This handy little gadget will mean you can make a cup of tea or coffee in seconds and have pans of boiling water ready for cooking almost instantly, plus it’s relatively cheap and easy to install too.

Hang gallery walls

Furniture and Choice

These days no modern home is complete without a gallery wall featured in at least one room. Research online for a simple layout to follow and get filling that plain wall with artwork and photography to die for. It works especially well for filling wall space like this as you head upstairs.

Original Article – https://www.larchmontbuzz.com/featured-stories-larchmont-village/the-hancock-park-peninsula/

Today’s newsletter listing for  a condominium at Hancock Park Terrace on Wilcox Avenue inspired us to take a closer look at this neighborhood, known to locals as the Hancock Park Peninsula. We first heard that term a number years ago, referring to the section of Hancock Park that lies east of the Wilshire Country Club golf course, which segments the neighborhood. The peninsula is bounded by Melrose Avenue to the north, Rossmore Avenue to the east, Rosewood Avenue to the south and the golf course to the west.

In 1919, a handful of leading businessmen approached G. Allan Hancock, one of the city’s wealthiest individuals, to secure a parcel of land in the developing Wilshire District that could rival the Los Angeles Country Club’s course.  Hancock was quite willing to lease the land to a group of men at a very modest rental amount and to include an option to purchase it, according to the club’s history.

Among those backing the project was C. E. Toberman, a real state developer who had already acquired some of the Hancock land in the neighborhood. A parcel of that land was site of the Black-Foxe Military Institute, which operated until 1968. The institute was named after two of its original administrators, majors Harry L. Black and Earle A. Foxe. Foxe served as the school’s first president, while Black was its first commandant of cadets.

The school was founded by “highly respected Hollywood financier” Charles E. Toberman, who acquired the property that had once been the home of the Urban Military Academy after the previous tenant defaulted on its mortgage, wrote Patrick O’Donnell, Class of 1949, in his history of the school  “Hollywood Cadets.”

“He had never intended to own a prep school, but once he found himself in the position of owning one, he wanted it to measure up to those in the East,” O’Donnell wrote.

Once Black-Foxe closed, the school buildings were demolished and the Hancock Park Terrace condominiums were built on the land.  But the nearby Los Angeles Tennis Club, also founded in the 1920s remains in continuous use.

Thomas C. Bundy, an avid sportsman who helped organize the Wilshire Country Club,  was also a founder of the Los Angeles Tennis Club and was elected the Club’s first president. His wife, May Sutton, was the first American to win the Wimbledon Singles title at the age of 17.  According to the club’s history, the first ten courts were constructed in 1924 by combining 70 pounds of Irish potatoes with concrete to ensure a smooth, hard surface with a “velvety” finish. With the addition of seven more courts in 1927, LATC became the largest hard-court tennis club in the world. While LATC can no longer claim that title, the club remains as the north anchor of the Hancock Park Peninsula with Wilshire Country Club on the south.

Dramatic room renovations with a big reveal

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/86643/amazing-real-home-makeovers-before-and-after

Bari J. Designs

The internet is awash with blogs that show step-by-step renovation journeys in real homes across the world. These inspiring DIY junkies undertake much of the hard work themselves, often on a shoestring, and are a goldmine of ideas you can use in your own projects. From pink kitchen makeovers to budget bathroom remodels, these before-and-after room makeover photographs should get you reaching for the paintbrush… 

Before: A stark U-shaped kitchen

Cassie Pryce

UK stylist Cassie Pryce has been in the interiors business for a while, so she knows what it takes to transform a room. Her original kitchen – all-white, with black appliances – was modern and fresh, but too plain for her creative eye. 

After: An on-trend open kitchen with character

Cassie Pryce

She replaced the old peninsula with a chic kitchen island wrapped in pale stone, making the space flow perfectly into the open-plan area. New cabinetry in soft matt green injects some subtle colour to complement the tones in the textured faux brickwork and contemporary leather bar stools. 

Before : A dated mismatch of bedroom colour

Bari J. Designs

Artist and designer Bari Ackerman of Bari J. Designs took part in a ‘One Room Challenge’ project to transform the bedroom she shares with her husband. A large, over-dominating bed and blue feature wall shrank the space and made it seem out of date. 

After: A modern maximalist master bedroom

Bari J. Designs

Now, however, an emerald green velvet bed described by Bari as “utterly delicious” sits beneath an incredible ceiling wallpapered with floral print and vibrant colour. A faux stud wall accommodates the twin floating shelves that sit on either side of some flamboyant bubblegum pink artwork. The gold chandelier and bedside pendant lights, meanwhile, nail the luxe look Bari was going for. 

Before: An impractical long and narrow space

Christopher Peters

The kitchen design company, Christopher Peters, worked with a couple in Leicestershire who had grown tired of their long and narrow kitchen and living room. The owners wanted to re-imagine the space, as the dynamics no longer worked for their busy family, and it lacked storage and natural light. 

After: A fluid and functional space

Christopher Peters

The new arched ceiling with feature wooden beams increased the height by a few feet. Bi-folding doors allowed the newly planned space to flow into the garden. Thanks to the skylights, natural light now floods the room. A new grey kitchen with built-in larder offers plenty of storage, while the eye-catching dining nook is a perfect addition for long leisurely mealtimes. 

Before: A dull, worn-out space

Swyft / @feel_wright_at_home

Interior-savvy first-time homeowner Kirsty Wright has built up a large following under her handle, @feel_wright_at _home, thanks to her decorating skills and quirky ideas. When Kirsty moved into her home in Glasgow, her bedroom was a soul-destroying scheme of deflating magnolia and dated mahogany woodwork, which is typical of properties that were formerly rented out. 

After: A bold and beautiful bedroom

Swyft Home

Kirsty described her new bedroom to Swyft Home as “an eclectic mix with bursts of colour”. Despite the bedroom’s expensive look, the project cost under £100 to achieve. The bright yellow fireplace, armchair and dressing table were all salvaged and upcycled.  

Before: A lived-in living room

stylebyemilyhenderson.com

This boring box-shaped living room was crying out for help from the team at Style By Emily Henderson. The small room with spoiled carpet was certainly well-used and lived-in, as you might expect with a family with four children under 16!

After: A fresh and funky family room

stylebyemilyhenderson.com

It took Emily and her team just seven hours to transform the dark and cramped space into a bright new room. The fresh new carpet makes the biggest difference and creates a neutral foundation for the muted and calm colour palette. Vintage wood pieces add warmth, while family photos above the comfy sofa make the space homely and relaxed. 

Before: A neutral rental bedroom

Paper & Stitch

Britni Mehloff, founding editor of Paper & Stitch, transformed this bland rented bedroom to make it more useful. It lacked inspiration and function, although the existing fireplace offered a great feature to work with. 

After: A book lover’s room with Boho style

Paper & Stitch

Newly painted walls instantly brighten the bedroom, while a slimmed-down desk allows it to double as a multifunctional home office. The fireplace goals were scored: it’s now a textured focal point, thanks to the eye-catching floor tile stickers. A collection of old books fill the unused hearth, while muted pastels and tasselled soft-furnishings finish the relaxed Bohemian vibe. 

Before: A clash of outdated patterns and prints

Instagram / @Renovating_Love_lane

Talk about a retro living room! Instagrammer @renovating_love_lane had a lounge that looked like it had been frozen in time, with its overload of jazzy vintage patterns and prints. The box design, meanwhile, made the room feel small and cut off from the rest of the house. 

After: A chic, period-style space

Love Lane

An incredible renovation opens up the living room into a chic, period-style hallway with a statement tiled floor. Beautiful Crittal doors offer the best of both worlds as the glass panels let in plenty of light. And, when the doors are closed the living room get cosy as the plan is to add a log burner later. 

Before: A cramped and dingy bathroom

designingvibes.com

Interior designer and DIY-er Erica Van Slyke from Designing Vibes had to wait five years to transform her 1980s bathroom, which she felt was the “antithesis” of her style. The absence of natural light, along with a tiny shower, made it feel more like a dingy cave. 

After: A boho farmhouse bathroom

designingvibes.com

The reveal was worth the wait. The bathroom is now a “spa-like retreat that every woman deserves,” says Erica. Demolition of the wall between the bath and shower opened the space up, so the shower now feels lighter and brighter, with glass panels. A shiplap feature wall and wooden vanity ooze Erica’s signature farmhouse style, while the pretty Victorian-style tile flooring is actually click-and-lock vinyl plank, simply installed over the top of the old floor. 

Before: An ugly narrow kitchen

Almost Makes Perfect

Molly Madfis of Almost Makes Perfect owns a kitchen that is part of an open-plan layout. This meant that the dark wood cabinets and murky yellow walls affected the whole ground floor, and she could see them as soon as she walked through the front door. Her plan was to brighten the room and lighten it up as soon as possible. 

After: A Scandi-cool galley kitchen

Almost Makes Perfect

The ‘less is more’ kitchen reveal doesn’t disappoint. The only change to the layout of the floorplan was moving the fridge slightly to the right. IKEA cabinets and (used) semi-handmade doors and drawer-fronts kept costs down without sacrificing individuality. Two-tone natural wood and white cabinets open up the space up and create warmth by working together in Nordic-style harmony. 

Before: An empty brown space

@angiestithdesigns

This typical US condo-style space was dark and unloved before @angiestithdesigns and her team got their hands on it. The combination of brown-on-brown and a fireplace that had seen better days made it very one-dimensional and rather depressing. 

After: A cool and light family room

@angiestithdesigns

The family room is now light, fresh and furnished. Large, soft grey sofas and armchairs are arranged socially to make the space inviting. The ‘born again’ feature fireplace now hosts eye-catching grey geometric tiles and calming coastal artwork. 

Before: A drab, beige living room

The Otto House

Hannah Otto beautifully documented the renovation of her charming Victorian terrace with the yellow door (yes, there is a post on that makeover) and is now onto her next home, The Otto House. Part of the overhaul included tackling this lacklustre living room and converting it into a bright and beautiful space for the whole family…

After: A nude living room with period features

The Otto House

The open-plan living room has been transformed! The brown fireplace, dirty dishwater walls and grey carpet have all been stripped out. Painting the room in apricot white, she’s highlighted the ceiling and section above the picture rails with buff nude tone. Best of all is the fireplace: painted in baby pink with geometric tiles, it’s a super-simple idea that makes a huge impact. By working with the period features in the room, she’s kept enough of the old to work with the furniture, updating a quality wooden table with a modern chair.

Before: An average neutral bathroom

Gold is a Neutral

The creator of Gold is a Neutral, Jessica Hurrell, is a showbiz journalist turned interiors writer who now channels her love of decorating into a successful blog about the ongoing renovations of her London home. She had her hands full when she decided to tackle her bathroom makeover, having to work around some of the expensive luxe elements that were already in place, like the heated towel rail, cabinetry and plumbing for a bath and shower cubicle.

After: A glam black and white bathroom

Gold is a Neutral

Jess admits this incredible bathroom makeover was a challenge, but she describes it as “the bathroom of my dreams.” Black walls, a brass basin cabinet and statement tiled flooring, while that Victoria & Albert roll-top bath is luxe and dramatic. She cleverly got rid of the bulky tiled shower cubicle and bath surround without moving the fixtures, replacing them with a glass walk-in shower, while the radiator has been painted to match the walls. Genius!

Before: A lacklustre living room

At Charlotte’s House

Connecticut-based Charlotte Smith has been described as a ‘DIY Diva’. The mum-of-five has gone from self-confessed DIY amateur to a well-known TV personality offering home renovation advice. She documented her living room makeover on her blog, At Charlotte’s House, applying her “fun, frugal repurposed and eclectic” approach to great effect. In this picture, we can see that although the room is large, bright and in good shape, it’s cluttered and feels cramped, with mismatched furniture and no real over-arching design.

After: A spring-ready sitting room

At Charlotte’s House

Designed around a fabulous green feature sofa, the theme of this new living room update is clearly botanical. Large fig plants and a vintage-look illustrative wall hanging create a lush and refined vibe, made inviting by a soft tufty rug and mix-and-match cushions.

Before: An uninspiring grey living room

The Gold Hive

The Gold Hive is an interior and design blog that chronicles the restoration of a craftsman’s bungalow in San Diego, California. With a background in art, Ashley Goldman shares her home DIY projects, specialising in historic preservation and restoration with modern style. She used her skills to tackle an inoffensive but bland living room scheme. With its neutral white walls, tired furniture and thrown-together look, it had the feel of a rented space.

After: A moody den makeover

The Gold Hive

The plain and unloved room has been transformed into a cosy TV den with walls that change hue from almost black to a rich, dark green over the course of the day. Fresh white woodwork balances out the dark scheme, while a statement velvet sofa and an unusual double pouffe in contrasting soft leather stand out against the dramatic backdrop.

Before: An ordinary brown kitchen

Sugar & Cloth

This kitchen will look familiar to many of us. Wooden cabinets – as popular and practical as they still are today – give the room a colour scheme of dull brown. Home renovator Ashley Rose tackled this dated decor and documented it on her blog, Sugar & Cloth. “By far, this was our most-hated space from the original house listing photos. When we bought the house, the kitchen was really sectioned off, had an awkward layout, and generally just very dreary.”

After: A perfect pink kitchen

Sugar & Cloth

Pale shaker cabinets are complemented by pink painted woodwork and gold fixtures, creating a luxe and light modern kitchen renovation reveal. Teamed with light floors, the white upper cabinets and splashback create a bright and serene space that looks divine. The curvaceous metallic bar stools set against a Caesarstone waterfall island finish the room with a touch of 1950s Hollywood glamour. See the full Sugar & Cloth kitchen makeover here. 

Before: A humdrum hallway

Come Down into the Woods

Kate Woods of Come Down into the Woods and co-founder of No. House Rules has transformed her home from what she jokingly describes as “a peach palace” into a quirky space with a “kitsch cool” touch. This hallway could be in almost anyone’s house; it’s not unpleasant, but it lacks style and was ripe for a makeover… 

After: An eclectic entrance

Come Down into the Woods

Beautiful period features like the polished herringbone floor and stone fireplace remain (though we think the floor may have benefited from sanding down), but everything else has been completely changed. The wood-panelled walls are painted in a mid-tone grey, the perfect choice for updating traditional features, but it’s the black staircase with that striped runner that really makes the space sing. Fun features like a gold radiator cover, fringed floor lamp and art deco velvet occasional chair finish the look perfectly.  Take a look at Come Down into the Wood full list of before and afters here.

Before: A featureless white kitchen

Mad About The House

Mad About the House is an award-winning website by author and interiors journalist Kate Watson-Smyth. Her stylish home was created from two dingy rental flats and is now so beautiful it is even used as a location house for homewares and fashion brands. Her kitchen update (we can’t really call it a makeover as it was already darn nice) makes a key colour shift from glaring whiteout to a cool and sophisticated space.

After: An elegant contemporary kitchen

Mad About The House

Kate collaborated with her favourite kitchen companies to transform her open-plan kitchen. From the sleek dark cabinets by Naked Kitchens to the elegant worktop by Ceaserstone, this multifunctional cooking, dining and socialising space now has new depth and character. By keeping the layout the same she will have kept costs down, and the four-tone colour scheme is perfectly balanced.

Before: A dull guest bedroom

Apartment Apothecary

Katie Orme has turned her blog Apartment Apothecary into a full-time career, and she is full of ideas about how to make your home look and feel better. Katie’s look is minimal and bright with a vintage twist, so we couldn’t wait to see what magic she had worked on her cluttered and plain spare bedroom…

After: A stylish second bedroom

Apartment Apothecary

Kate gutted the room to create a new smooth finish for her chosen colours of soothing grey and white. In addition to a new picture rail and radiator, she also installed a slim black iron fireplace into the chimney breast to create a new focal point and accentuate the period style of the room. A vintage mirror and upcycled chest of drawers are all that is needed to give this room an uncluttered and soothing vibe that’s the complete opposite of what it was. 

Before: A wasted outdoor space

Young House Love

Blogging couple Sherry and John from Richmond, Virginia have renovated three homes together, sharing countless DIY projects on Young House Love. Besides writing a few best-selling books in the process, they’ve posted about the wonderful backyard renovation of their latest project, a clapboard duplex in the historic old town of Cape Charles.

After: A smart summer terrace

Young House Love

Sherry and John have turned this run-down building into an immaculate outdoor living space with lots of practical features. A smart set of wooden steps lead down to a paved patio area, surrounded by easy-to-maintain grass borders. A cute mint green door, festoon lights and even outdoor showers make this a homely and welcoming beachside backyard.

Before: A dingy, dated bathroom

The Painted Hive

Kristine with a ‘K’ runs The Painted Hive blog from Melbourne, Australia. A mother and self-taught interior decorator, she is proud to champion brilliant budget decorating ideas that look like a million bucks. Consider this amazing bathroom makeover as prioof of her awesome skill…

After: The perfect white bathroom

The Painted Hive

Her dated beige bathroom has been transformed into something fresh and bright via a navy bath panel and statement (hand-painted) stencilled vinyl flooring. Gold taps add a touch of luxurious sophistication; you’d never guess that the entire bathroom revamp cost less than AUS$2000 ($1.5k/£1.1k).

Before: An empty shell

Swoon Worthy

Kimberly Duran of the award-winning blog Swoon Worthy calls it her ‘virtual home’. Lucky for us she’s shared her real-life home renovations, as you need to see how she turns an empty shell into a glamorous bedroom to really believe it…

After: A beautiful grey boudoir

Swoon Worthy

Kimberly loves the maximalist approach and so knows how to add a lot of different patterns, textures and accessories to a room without throwing the whole look off-balance. Here, a monochrome jungle wall mural teamed with a dusky pink headboard makes this busy but beautiful bedroom an oasis of kitsch. The cowhide rug contrasts with hot pink curtains and adds the perfect finishing touch to add texture to a large floor space. 

Before: An old-fashioned bathroom

The Pink House

The Pink House blog, founded by Emily Murray, started after she became a mum and is about her love of decorating. Fast forward seven years and the one-woman website has now expanded to a team of four who post regularly about interiors, travel and shopping, with plenty of homes and makeover inspiration along the way. Murray turned her hand to sorting out this dull bathroom, which suffered from awkward sloping ceilings and a lack of light.

After: A modern metro-tiled bathroom

The Pink House

The tiny bathroom has been transformed from an uninspiring and dark problem room into a luxurious, hotel-style sanctuary. By covering the entirety of the angled wall with gleaming white metro tiles, Emily managed to bounce light into every corner and made the space feel much more uniform. To amp up the glamour, luxurious gold fixtures and that Osborne & Little Derwent Wallpaper in Charcoal are perfectly positioned.

Before: An orange wood cabin

Deuce Cities Henhouse

Alison Allen has been blogging about her small property portfolio on Deuce Cities Henhouse since 2009. Her long-established blog has featured some loving fix-up journeys, including a 110-year-old Minneapolis house, her current home and, more recently, this amazing but old-fashioned A-frame style cabin in the heart of Western Wisconsin. 

After: A modern holiday cabin

Deuce Cities Henhouse

Now, this is what you call a kitchen makeover! Gone is the orange pine wood, and in its place we have a small but perfectly formed two-tone scheme. With its brilliant white cupboards, the forest green cabinetry looks fresh and makes the whole open-plan room look brighter and more modern. Using a statement floor with a monochrome gingham pattern, Alison hasn’t played it safe, but the look works flawlessly. 

Before: A drab and dark hallway

Sophie Robinson

The lauded interior designer Sophie Robinson loves to inject colour and personality into every space she touches, and those are qualities this plain and dimly-lit hallway could clearly benefit from. With a low-beamed ceiling and tiny windows buffeted by heavy curtains, there were some quick wins to be had, but no one could have anticipated just how different the end result would be…

After: A vibrant, violet modern hallway

Sophie Robinson

Sophie’s entrance hall has been transformed into an uplifting kaleidoscope of bright colour that most of us wouldn’t dare to use. With a deep amethyst purple shade for the walls, a pink front door and a patterned tile floor, the space has real visual impact. Painting the woodwork a brilliant white balances the stronger elements. If you’re brave enough to take the plunge and try a look like this, we bet you’ll absolutely love it!

Original Article – https://www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/the-original-sixth-street-viaduct-in-construction

For those whose cultural center comes from within the city, the bridges, especially the Sixth Street Viaduct, are not an entry point to the Los Angeles mystic. They are geographical and historic centerpieces of a larger city, otherwise faceless in pop culture fiction.

Ed Fuentes, KCET

Ninety years ago, the Sixth Street Viaduct may have started life as a functional overpass on the Los Angeles River, but in the decades since, it has grown into a symbolic gateway between downtown and the communities of Boyle Heights. Erected during the Depression in 1932, the viaduct’s famous steel arches have starred in movies, TV shows, music videos and car commercials. This “bridge of destiny,” as referred to by artist Ruben Guevara in his book, is where “east meets west.”

As Angelenos prepare for the opening of the brand new Sixth Street Viaduct, this look in the rear view mirror shows the original Art Deco landmark courtesy of the Los Angeles City Archives located at the C. Erwin Piper Technical Center. One of the gems in this archive is a slightly-worn greyish cloth-covered album displaying about 100 photos documenting the construction of the 1932 Sixth Street Viaduct.

A Brief History of Bridges in Los Angeles County

Not only are these images a detailed visual account of the construction process — from hillside excavations to bridge abutments to river piers — but they also show pre-viaduct vignettes of the downtown and Boyle Heights streets and hillsides that were forever changed. As the city officially opens Michael Maltzman’s homage to the 1932 viaduct (demolished because of its “concrete cancer“), these 4×6-sized black and white time capsules provide an important visual record of the original Sixth Street Viaduct and the landscape it transformed.

The concrete viaduct stretched over the river from Whittier Blvd on the east to Sixth Street on the west. It was the longest concrete bridge in Los Angeles (3,546 feet) and, at the time of its opening in 1932, it was the longest in California.

The Art Deco landmark was the last of the Los Angeles River bridges built between 1910 and 1933, and one of the first to break away from the revival architectural styles that inspired earlier bridges. According to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning, the Sixth Street Viaduct — designed by Merrill Butler, Louis L. Huot and Louis Blume — was built in the Streamline Moderne style that influenced later bridges such as Mid-City’s West Boulevard Bridge and San Pedro’s Gaffey Street Bridge. While each of the Los Angeles River bridges had a unique architectural style, they were all designed under the guidance of the Municipal Art commission which, to quote D.J. Waldie in his book “Becoming Los Angeles,” had a goal “to work for the gradual elimination of ugliness.”

In addition to the album full of Sixth Street Viaduct construction photos, the City Archives has about 9,000 photographs documenting the Bureau of Engineering’s work throughout the city and beyond — from bridge building to street paving to right-of-way projects. Oversized albums were created for the Glendale-Hyperion Viaduct, Fourth Street Viaduct, Ninth Street Viaduct (now the Olympic Boulevard Viaduct) and Macy Street Viaduct (now César Chávez Viaduct). A look at the bureau’s budget from 1932 (also housed at the City Archives) indicates that no money was set aside for a professional photographer in the department. City Archivist Michael Holland suggests that the viaduct photos were most likely taken by someone on the survey team who swapped a survey scope off the tripod for a camera.

In following their assignment to meticulously chronicle the construction of a new viaduct, these photographers also captured of how this iconic concrete monument forever transformed the landscape along the Los Angeles River.

Where to Find SoCal’s Magnificent Bridges

Sources

Galvin, Andrea, Teresa Grimes, and Elysha Paluszek. Bridging Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA: City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering, 2018.

Guevara, Ruben. Confessions of a Radical Chicano Doo Wop Singer. Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2018.

Los Angeles Department of City Planning. “Historic-Cultural Monument Application for the Sixth Street Viaduct.” Published November 1, 2007, https://planning.lacity.org/staffrpt/CHC/11-1-07/CHC-2007-4658.pdf.

Mikesell, Stephen D. “The Los Angeles River Bridges: A Study in the Bridge as a Civic Monument,” Southern California Quarterly (Winter 1986), The Historical Society of Southern California.

Roth, Matthew. “Whittier Boulevard, Sixth Street Bridge, and the Origins of Transportation Exploitation in East Los Angeles,” Journal of Urban History 30, No. 5, (July 2004).

Sanchez, George J. Boyle Heights: How a Los Angeles Neighborhood Became the Future of American Democracy: University of California Press, 2022.

Waldie, D. J. Becoming Los Angeles: Myth, Memory, and a Sense of Place. Canada: Gibbs Smith, 2020.

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/gallerylist/70160/easy-kitchen-updates-that-anyone-can-do

Walls and Floors

Looking for easy kitchen updates? You don’t have to spend a fortune on a complete refit to give your kitchen a makeover. Whether it’s a weekend decorating project or kitchen accessory refresh, these nifty and inspiring kitchen update ideas will transform the heart of your home without the hard work or huge costs.

Paint the ceiling

Dulux

Painting the 5th wall, AKA the ceiling, is a statement that is having a moment, so it would be a shame to leave the kitchen ceiling white! Not only can painting the kitchen roof a different colour add drama and character to the room, it can also increase the sense of space by drawing the eye up. 

Stock up on glass jars

Primark

Budget-friendly high street stores have cottoned on to clear storage jars being stylish, functional and desirable. So now it couldn’t be easier to store cereals, nuts, pulses or spices in a thrifty and satisfying display on kitchen shelves, complete with wooden tops and fancy labels.

Give greenery a go

Matalan

Bring the outside in by decorating your kitchen with an array of plants. You could opt for a small tree in a corner spot, low-maintenance cacti for shelves, potted herbs on the windowsill, or a bold orchid on your kitchen island. Mix in a few faux versions for any spots that don’t get much sunlight.

Paint cupboard doors

Rust-Oleum

It’s the makeover trend taking over our Instagram feeds; if replacing cabinetry is too costly, painting your units could be a more frugal alternative. A lick of paint will totally transform dated but well-made pine doors into a new Shaker-style kitchen. Why not go for an on-trend dark shade? If this project seems daunting, there are kitchen upgrade companies that can transform your units in no time.

Add texture with baskets

IKEA

Investing in basket storage will not only keep your kitchen organised but add an extra element of texture, colour and character to your kitchen scheme. With just one visit to IKEA or The Container Store you’ll have an easy refresh of the space.

Tidy your table

Matalan

A fresh table setting is a simple trick that can give a kitchen a new lease of life. An easy option is to buy a new tablecloth. A fun and colourful, waterproof version is practical and mess-free when little ones are about. Or, for something more sophisticated, lay a textured fabric table runner add a pretty centrepiece, then complement the look with homely bench cushions in matching tones.

Upgrade your window dressing

English Blinds

Whether you’ve got an amazing view to frame or not, carefully selected curtains or blinds will add an extra decorative element, as well as creating shade and privacy. If you have a neutral kitchen, a patterned textile could add a splash of personality, or if your kitchen is already full of colour, a neutral shade will look sleek.

Slot in a breakfast bar

Dunelm

A handy breakfast bar shelf can add extra workspace in a tiny dining area with relatively little effort. Make use of spots you might not otherwise consider, like this small but perfectly formed work surface added to what could be an existing larder. Hooks for mugs add orderly style and decanting dry foods creates an endearing cook’s atmosphere in the space. 

Install a kitchen island

Dunelm

A kitchen island is often at the top of a new kitchen wish list and it’s obvious why. Forgo the complete unit refit and simply purchase a freestanding island instead. A flat-pack model is affordable and makes great use of central space by creating an additional worktop, extra storage space and a small dining area. Plus, you can take it with you if you move too.

Choose chic small appliances

Dunelm

It’s amazing how different a simple white or grey kitchen can feel once you add a few well chosen small appliances. Toasters, kettles and coffee machines in cool designs and colours will add personality to an otherwise bland kitchen. Look out for limited edition pieces for added interest.

Lay down a rug

Cult Furniture

Don’t rule out rugs when revamping your kitchen. Adding soft furnishings to your space can really soften an industrial-style interior and create a cosy, homely aesthetic. Choose a colour that complements your cabinets and to avoid any accidents be sure to buy rug grips to prevent slipping.

Freshen up with metro tiles

Topps Tiles

If you’re looking for a timeless element, you can’t go wrong with a metro tile. Harriet Goodacre, Brand Communications Manager and Tile Consultant at Topps Tiles, explains why: “It’s a great choice for those looking for high style, but low cost. These versatile tiles can be used in a variety of laying patterns, from a classic brick bond to a bold double block herringbone, meaning you can truly stamp your creativity on your kitchen.”

Label storage jars

Hobbycraft

Dry goods decanted into clear storage jars look homely and stylish in equal measure. But, why not add order to your open-shelf display with easy homemade labels? A Cricut machine will give you a creative licence to design artistic versions that fit with your existing decor. Choose fonts and colours that complement your kitchen’s style.

Paint up a butler table

Olive Barr

If you don’t have the time or patience to re-paint a whole kitchen, choose one element for an easy update. Bar stools, a set of wooden kitchen steps or a chunky butler table will add a pop of contrasting or complementary colour to your kitchen scheme in a flash. 

Stencil over an existing floor

Nicolette Tabram Stencils

Floor stencilling is a hot trend hitting social media home feeds right now. It’s a budget-friendly and easy move that can transform your kitchen floor in just a weekend. Interior influencers and floor stencil addicts such as @Iamhayleystuart and @Carlaelliman recommend using minimal paint while stencilling and always cleaning your stencil as you work.

Install and paint panelling

Aura Kitchens

Wall panels can make a rustic alternative to tiled splashbacks and look the part in farmhouse-style kitchens. EASipanel Tongue & Groove Wall panelling is water-resistant primed and can be easily cut down to size, minimising joins. The cladding can look stunning as a kitchen island feature too. 

Pimp up the extractor hood

@girl&grey / Instagram

We are so in love with this easy kitchen update created by Girl&Grey! An otherwise unappealing kitchen extractor hood has been wrapped in organic-style sheets of slatted wood. The feature lends itself perfectly to the ‘mountain cabin style’ that owner Courtney was trying to achieve. 

Grow a herb garden

IKEA

Fancy growing your own? Introduce some greenery into your kitchen with an indoor herb garden. Not only will you have fresh herbs on hand to spruce up your dishes, but they’ll fragrance your kitchen with their heavenly aromas too. If you don’t have green fingers, fear not, some high-tech containers are even self watering.

Install LED lights

Second Nature

Installing LED strip lights under kitchen cabinets or plinths is an easy DIY method to illuminate your kitchen without having to enlist the services of an expensive and time-consuming electrician. The little strips of light-emitting diodes can be cut to size or connect for a seamless fit. 

Freshen up the tile grout

Walls and Floors

Give tired kitchen tiling a new lease of life by going for a grout makeover. If you are a dab hand at DIY, you can remove the old grout and replace it and there are plenty of tools to help with the labour-intensive task of removing the old filler. However, if that sounds like too much hard work, a grout pen can whiten existing grout and enliven the current tiles. Or, why not choose different colours for a completely new look?

Replace a door

JELD-WEN

Whether it leads to a pantry, utility room or garden, transforming an old door with new look will give a kitchen a fresh twist. If you have room either-side, a sliding barn-door is rustic and fun. Or, why not jazz up a plain uPVC door with a lick of specialist paint in a bold colour? 

Switch cupboard handles

IKEA

Changing your kitchen cabinet handles, knobs, or pulls can be a simple way of refreshing dated kitchen cabinets. However, before you commit to a whole new set of hardware, remove one handle first and take note of the holes left behind. Any new handles will need to fit this gap or cover it up. Alternatively, you can use wood filler, but this will lengthen the project.

Highlight the kitchen island

Harvey Jones

If you don’t have the time or budget to repaint a whole kitchen go for an area that can be transformed into a focal point. This kitchen island creates a statement when painted a sugary pink. Tie the new hero piece into the kitchen scheme by adding a few choice accessories, in this case a vase of pink roses. 

Swap out bar stools

Dunelm

Want to keep your standard kitchen on trend? Choose affordable yet stylish furniture that can be easily switched as fashions or your tastes change. These wicker and metal bar stools inject an up-to-date natural tone and stylish texture but can easily be dressed up or down with soft furnishings in on-trend colours.

Add a paint effect

Africa Studio / Shutterstock

Creating a colourful paint feature on your walls can really elevate your existing kitchen. Opt for a tonal stripe just above the worktops to disguise any nuisance marks, or go big and bold with a geometric pattern. Use painter’s tape to mark out your design to keep lines clean when you paint. 

Replace cupboard doors

HUSK

You don’t need to rip out a whole kitchen to transform your space. If you’re still content with the existing layout, leave the kitchen carcasses as they are and install shiny new cupboard doors. You’ll get the look of a brand new refit at a fraction of the cost. Do some research to find the correct fit — you could enlist the original kitchen fitters or go with a door replacement specialist like HUSK which transform IKEA or Howdens kitchens.

Install shutters

Dunelm

The correct window dressings can really make a room. Shutters are smart and practical in the kitchen and are an excellent choice as they take up less room than blinds, keeping windowsills clear. What’s more, if food or water spills onto them they can be easily cleaned to look like new.

Fake a splashback

Crown Paints

An alternative to tiling a splashback, a coat of hardwearing paint can protect vulnerable areas. Paint a band of contrasting colour above worktops to create a splashback effect that can be scrubbed and wiped regularly. Here, a refreshing lemon tone brightens the look of this classic grey kitchen.

Create a tiled feature wall

Original Style

Wall tiles can make a striking statement, especially if you opt for bold designs. And even classic metro tiles can look unique if you use a different tile pattern such as a herringbone layout. Luckily there’s a tile for every budget. Here, three-dimensional tiles add geometric depth to this modern kitchen scheme.

Revamp with stickers

Pixers

For another easy way to revamp tired kitchen cupboards, opt for patterned self-adhesive vinyl or stickers. In this plain white kitchen, pink terrazzo adhesives impart bags of personality in a playful pastel print. For a final flourish, carry the pattern across to your dining area with a matching wall canvas.

Update your fixtures

Norsu Interiors

If your chrome kitchen tap has seen better days, inject a touch of bling into your kitchen by replacing it with an ultra-modern gold mixer. Or for an edgier scheme, try a chic matt black tap instead. Whatever your choice, a simple fixtures update can make all the difference.

Go for opulent extras

Dunelm

Rejuvenate the look of a neutral kitchen with a few luxurious additions. Highlight a kitchen island with a trio of chrome pendant lights that reflect light and finish the deluxe vibe with plush button cushioned seating. 

Mount a peg rail

Printer + Tailor

A sturdy wooden peg rail will make a timeless and practical addition to any kitchen, whether traditional or contemporary. Hang utensils, cookware and storage baskets to instantly boost your kitchen’s storage capacity and free up valuable worktop space.

Put your wine on display

Next

Instead of piling up bottles or cases of wine in the corner, put them out on display in a wine rack. Whether it’s wood, metal or even a crafty upcycle project, a statement storage solution will add interest to your kitchen, as well as making worktops more orderly.

Pick a standout feature

Harvey Jones

If you’re not a fan of overly bright or colourful kitchens, keep it simple but add one standout feature to grab all the attention. A vibrant dresser, architectural lamp or enormous plant converts a previously traditional space into an interesting one in a flash. We love this unit painted in a zesty orange.

Switch up the splashback

Wren Kitchens

To transform the look of your kitchen, you don’t even have to touch the units. Installing a colourful splashback can add a fresh pop of colour and texture without overwhelming your existing design. From block colours to bold patterns and even opulent metallic finishes, there’s no end of choices.

Keep storage cohesive

Garden Trading

Give a busy kitchen streamlined order with coordinated savvy storage units. Tidy cleaning bottles and brushes into a caddy and keep a row of matching seagrass baskets on the worktop for any stray bits and bobs. Bigger versions will look smart above kitchen cupboards to keep larger objects out of sight.

Revamp an old dresser

Burbidge Kitchens

A good quality kitchen dresser is the perfect kitchen storage solution and it needn’t cost a fortune. Upcycle a worn-out model with a fresh coat of paint and new handles. If your dresser is fitted with glass doors, make sure you put your best crockery on show.

Add a statement clock

Dunelm

Bring some interest to a plain wall with an oversized statement clock that matches the style of your kitchen. It’ll create a cool focal point and keeping track of time might prove useful when it comes to the cooking too…

Replace your worktops

Magnet Kitchens

It might sound pricey, but replacing your kitchen worktops could be less expensive than you think. Opt for a new laminate, faux marble or wood finish and you’ll be surprised by how much it updates the space.

Install a statement cooker hood

Angel Appliances

Update your cooker hood for a fast makeover. From sleek metallic models to stylish sculptural shapes, there’s a whole array of quirky designs out there to choose from. Opt for something with real architectural impact, it’ll instantly lift your existing units.

Have a reshuffle

Harvey Norman

If you usually keep books, spices or mugs on open shelves, consider moving things around to give your kitchen a fresh look. Start by decluttering — it’s amazing how freeing up space can create the illusion of a bigger kitchen.

Show off elegant accessories

united photo studio / Shutterstock

Minimalism may be on trend, but displaying your prized kitchenware never goes out of style. Leave out some well-selected, beautiful accessories in complementary tones for a sophisticated vibe. Copper pots, pans and mugs mounted on a wall rail will work well when paired with tea towels and plant pots in darker shades.

Add an upstand

Wren Kitchens

If you’re working with a tight budget and don’t have the funds to splurge on an expensive splashback or lots of tiles, an upstand, an extension of the kitchen worktop which goes a short way up the wall behind the worksurface, will protect walls and give a polished finish at a fraction of the price.

Paint dining chairs

Garden Trading

We do love a quick furniture revamp. For an easy DIY idea, consider transforming existing kitchen dining chairs with a coat of furniture paint, it’ll make the world of difference. For an on-trend look, embrace black, or for a softer feel try a two-tone finish in blush pink and white.

Lay fresh flooring

Tile Mountain

A new floor can spruce up a room no end. Herringbone designs are a stylish way to add refinement and elegance to your space. If you’re not lucky enough to have original parquet floors, cheat the effect with lookalike tiles or laminate copies which can easily be laid.

Decorate with art

deVOL

Artwork isn’t just for bedrooms and living rooms, so liven up your kitchen with paintings or prints. Whether you go for black and white photography or perhaps a food-related print in an interesting frame, it’ll add a beautiful bohemian feel to your cooking space. Here, vintage pieces add to the heritage feel of this forest green kitchen by deVOL.

Replace doors with fabric

Laura Ashley

Fabric skirts have been used in place of kitchen doors for many years and seem to be making something of a comeback. Whether you choose just one skirt under a butler sink or go for a whole run of material, it can be an affordable way to introduce colour and texture into your kitchen. Plus, if you use fusible webbing, it’s an ideal no-sew project.

Add a chalkboard wall

IKEA

Give your kitchen an instant modern update with a chalkboard painted wall. This fun feature will make organisation a breeze. You could scribble to-do lists, motivational quotes or simple notes to other members of the family or housemates.

Roll in storage space

IKEA

If you’re after extra storage space, buy a kitchen trolley that will fit seamlessly into your scheme. It can even double up as a serving unit for food and drinks, as well as providing an extra workspace for when you’re cooking up a storm.

Display chopping boards

Dulux

Bring natural textures into your kitchen by displaying simple wooden chopping boards and serving platters. Hang an assortment of grains and sizes from a peg rail for a rustic flourish that keeps the worktops clean and uncluttered.

Complement with colour

Crown Paints

If you can’t repaint your kitchen, find accessories that will accentuate its existing colour. With a neutral or monochrome colour scheme, add in some bright accessories. You could be extra daring and opt for a canary yellow fridge, or go for gentle splashes of colour across storage jars and artwork. If your kitchen is already bright, accessorise with items in a complementary or contrasting colour combo.

Create whimsy with wallpaper

Laura Ashley

Wow-factor wallpaper might not seem like the natural choice for a kitchen but hear us out. It’s a great way to add personality to a room, plus there are lots of hardworking wipeable versions if you’re worried about splashes and stains. It can define an open-plan area or be the starting point for a theme, like this whimsical blue coastal motif which is carried throughout the room with nautical accessories and a fisherman-style pendant light. 

Update kitchen linen

Next

A fresh set of tea towels, cloths and perhaps oven gloves is probably the easiest and most budget-friendly way to add a touch of newness to a kitchen. Choose shades and patterns that work with the seasons for instance, these aqua tones are suitably uplifting for summer. 

Showcase your tea towels

Helen Russell Creations

Whether you’re a budding chef or struggle to make toast, bring the gourmet feeling into your kitchen by hanging up bright aprons and tea towels. If you have space, a wooden ladder propped against a wall can act as an apron holder, but otherwise a few hooks will do the job just as well.

Make a feature of your cookbooks

Roundhouse

No kitchen would be complete without a great cookbook collection. Arrange them on a picture rail to display each cover individually, stack them on top of each other on the worktop or, as in this example, place them vertically on open shelves. Don’t forget to bookmark your favourite recipes.

Layer open shelving

Harvey Norman

There’s no need to hide all your fabulous kitchenware behind cupboard doors. Keeping everything in the open allows for easy access to your things and makes your homeware work double-time as décor too. Layer up your shelving to create a cool feature wall with plenty of storage spaces.

Make crockery a feature

Next

For a coherent and stylish look, display your best plates, dishes and jugs on open shelving or inside glass cupboards. This works best if your crockery is in complementary colours and patterns. Add some big books, candlesticks or plants to create a focal point with a rustic vibe.

Install pendant lights

Alex Jane

Brighten up your kitchen in more ways than one with well-placed lighting. Opt for three pendant fixtures in metal or glass to give the room a cool industrial feel, as well as introducing balance and extra light into the space.

Free up the work surface

IKEA

Keep worktops clutter free by hanging rails from wall units to hold utensils and condiments, thus keeping them within easy reach. Chrome looks chic in an all white kitchen while a matching plant pot with lush green herbs will add a touch of colour.

Remove wall cupboards

Tile Giant

Extracting existing wall cupboards will not only give your kitchen a whole new look it will also make the room appear much bigger and brighter. Replace the bulky storage with a single run of open shelving set against country-style wood cladding for a minimalist yet homely look. 

How to create the ultimate home spa

Original Article – https://www.loveproperty.com/galleryextended/73193/luxury-bathroom-ideas?page=1

Aquabella

Looking to make your bathroom a luxurious sanctuary? You don’t always need to spend a fortune to achieve that at-home spa experience. From changing up the paint colour to on-trend tile tricks, take a look at these luxurious bathroom ideas. And, if your budget is a little more flexible, then check out the latest tech and you’ll soon feel like you’re at a relaxing retreat without stepping a foot out the door!

Be at one with nature

Aquabella

Choose calming tones inspired by Mother Nature. Blow the budget on a curvaceous moon-shaped bath and then decorate with shades like pale stone, soft green and meadow yellow to create a soothing backdrop to relax. Textured materials such as jagged stone effect tiles, wooden flooring and bamboo accessories will complete the organic yet spa look.

Layer your lighting

Mereway

Put an end to your lacklustre bathroom with the right lighting solutions. Call in an electrician, and go for a layered approach: spotlights create a brightness for the whole room and can be controlled with dimmer switches for mood. Bathroom-safe sconces can highlight certain areas, such as the bath, and under-cabinet downlights create a relaxed mood when used alone.

Shine with a copper bath

BC Designs

A metal bath in an opulent copper or gold finish is an absolute showstopper and instant shortcut to luxury décor. Pare back on the accessories with something this lavish though, to avoid accidentally making it look cheap or tacky. Neutral and matt finishes make the copper tones of this vintage-style tub the star. 

Angle the bath

Aquabella

Many upmarket hotels steer clear of conventional bath positions, opting to install them at an angle instead. It looks expensive because it takes up valuable space and doesn’t feel like all the furniture in the room has been pushed to the edge. 

Create seamless style

English Blinds

Concealed plumbing and a trayless shower with frameless shower screen keeps things minimal, creating a bathroom retreat for pure relaxation. A wall-hung sink lifts the appearance and also makes after-shower cleaning a breeze. A large flat mirror increases the sense of space and keeps the look totally streamlined and luxurious. 

Create a feature wall with tiles

The Baked Tile Co.

A feature wall in any room makes a serious style statement but a tiled version in a bathroom will certainly turn heads. This beautiful fresh floral tiled mural in soft greens and peach creates a tropical oasis in this bathroom niche.

Marvel with marble

Walls and Floors

Marble creates a striking aesthetic. Some trends come and go, but marble looks like it’s here to stay, which is just as well as there is a reason the Romans loved it in their spas. As a natural material, each piece of stone has unique veining so you’ll never get the same look twice. Single pieces of marble are prohibitively expensive, but you can cheat the look with marble-effect ceramic tiles, with surprisingly effective results.

Grow a forest in your bathroom

Dobbies

Biophilic design is big news again this year, so why not turn your bathroom into a rainforest full of life with plenty of potted plants? A row of trailing and moisture-loving greenery will purify your room with oxygen and create an incredible visual impact.

Double up on showers

Aquabella

Designing from scratch? Walk-in showers with room for two are simply bliss. Or, if you have space in a wet room why not splurge out on a matching pair? Minimal fittings will enhance the sense of space and look ultra indulgent, especially if there is a statement bath on show too.

Choose coloured sinks

Aqualbella

Throw the bathroom rule book out the window and install mood-boosting coloured sinks. Manufacturers are catching on to this jazzy idea and it is becoming much easier to find pink, grey, blue or even black sinks in amongst the usual sea of white. This modern bathroom looks ultra-fresh and inspiring with a pair of coral pink, circular sinks surrounded by curved features and jazzy pattern.

Go luxe with accessories

Ella James

Little extras make a big difference. Expensive looking toiletry storage adds a glamorous touch and looks much nicer than mismatched bottles and tubs. These smart navy accessories have perfect powder room appeal and will look stunning in grey or white schemes.

Choose metallic fittings

Britton

Hardware, fixtures and furniture in opulent metallics such as brushed brass or rose gold instantly add an element of luxury. Brushed finishes conjures up a vintage twist or if it’s glamour your are after the shinier the better. 

Double up on sinks

Benjamin Moore UK

This bright and fresh bathroom will head off any morning arguments with dual sinks. Make practicalities a priority by choosing a twin sink vanity with plenty of allocated storage and install matching hooks above to hang plenty of towels for everyone. 

Add a small sauna

Nordic

Live like the Swedes and install your very own home sauna. It’s more feasible than you might think. Small one- or two-person saunas can be added to an area the size of the average shower and, if you’ve got room and budget, why not install a steam room too! It not only looks Scandi cool, but the health benefits are fantastic. 

Or try an infrared sauna

Dario Lo Presti / Shutterstock

A buzz feature to hit bathrooms is the infrared sauna. What’s the difference? These use infrared heaters instead of conventional hot stones. The red bars gently heat up, are not hot to touch, and a session inside is less sweaty. They are super effective at excreting toxins, boosting your immune system, aiding in weight control, as well as giving you the same benefits of beautiful sunshine all year round without the harmful UV rays. We’re sold! 

Sink your tub

Bathroom Mountain

Create the feeling of stepping into a hot spring with the aid of a luxurious sunken bathtub. Here, that vibe has been achieved with a tiled frame that cocoons the tub. Minimalist furniture and accessories give the look a cool Japanese influence.

Go for a Crittall screen

C.P. Hart

Shower enclosures are making a splash in bathrooms right now and this Crittall-style version has to be a favourite. The industrial-meets-Art Deco style sits beautifully against exposed brickwork and a very unusual green trough sink. A circular mirror balances the gridded lines and a few different varieties of houseplants soften the whole look. 

Pack a punch with wallpaper

Feathr

Who says you can’t have fun in the bathroom? Wallpaper is less expensive and less permanent than bathroom walls tiles so it pays to be brave with a daring look. These big bold jungle prints dominate the space and look incredible teamed with rustic island-style bathroom furniture. 

Create a hammam-style sanctuary

johnlewis.com

You don’t necessarily need tiles in the bathroom to create a luxurious look. Smooth walls painted a warm plaster-pink hue can create an inviting spa-like atmosphere similar to steamy Moroccan spas. Finish with hammam towels, fluffy dressing gowns and leafy exotic plants. 

Make a statement with flooring

Flooring Superstore

A beautifully tiled floor can make a budget bathroom look stunning. Keeping the bathroom suite and wall tiles white and simple will keep the room balanced and will then let your chosen flooring sing out with pattern and colour. Your materials don’t have to cost a fortune to look luxury – these bold weave pattern tiles are actually vinyl!

Splash out on towels

George Home

Top-quality 100% cotton towels will feel great on your skin, plus they’ll last for much longer. What’s more, they can shape the look of your scheme by adding colour and pattern that can then be easily changed with the seasons. These moon crescent print bath towels add contemporary interest to neutral schemes. 

Stick with traditional furniture

Mereway

A timeless bathroom suite won’t date in a hurry so it’s wise to invest in good quality furniture. Pretty pale blue tones are on-trend but can always be updated with a new coat of paint later when tastes change. Neutral but patterned tiles on walls will complement the elegant scheme and suit any update that comes along.

Paint the ceiling a colour

C.P. Hart

Keeping up with the latest trends will make your bathroom feel cutting edge. Look up and paint your ceiling any colour but white! Using that fifth wall will give the room a touch of wow and originality that can be done in just a weekend. This pretty pink ceiling looks stunning set against black fixtures and fittings. 

Enjoy a whirlpool experience

Villeroy & Boch

Whirlpool baths were thought to be super cool back in the 70s and 80s. Thankfully they have become a lot more understated and soothing with quiet-jet technology and modern styles to choose from. If you’ve got the space, a bath sunk into an island gives you that dreamy spa-like experience at home. 

Incorporate pebbles and stones

Tile Mountain

Many spas use pebbles and stones to recreate the feeling of natural bathing in mountain springs. Get the same effect with sheets of pebble tiles that are much easier to install, smooth underfoot and can go across floors and up walls. Steal a trick from the professionals and create an illuminated recess within a shower to hold your essentials.

Install shutters

Shutterly Fabulous

The popularity of shutters means they are becoming much more affordable as manufacturers compete against one another for business. Streamlining the bathroom with stylish shutters as a window treatment will create a high-end finish and much-needed privacy. They look especially good in traditional period schemes. 

Heat up the radiators

Frontline Bathrooms

Make the radiator part of the decorating scheme by choosing a stylish version that echoes the colour and theme of the bathroom. This wall-mounted black lattice-style radiator sits perfectly against the framed Crittall-style windows and black statement bath. 

Set the mood

Victorian Plumbing

Shower time just got a whole lot more fun! LED thermostatic showers change colour with the temperature of the water. No more scolding or freezing temperatures when you step in the shower as the colour of the water will give you a clue. Turn off the bathroom lights for an invigorating disco shower, we dare you! 

Keep warm underfoot

Breadmaker / Shutterstock

Underfloor heating is efficient, space-saving and what could be better in winter than stepping out of the bath or shower onto a warm floor? Tiles made from natural materials such as stone and slate are an ideal flooring choice for combining with underfloor heating. Recreate the look with a high-quality vinyl, which can also be used with underfloor heating.

Install a smart shower

Triton

Join the digital revolution. A HOST wireless mixer shower has a digital control panel that does a whole lot of work. It can be programmed to a personal favourite temperature and flow for each member of the family. It also has a remote control to get the shower running before you leave the comfort of your bed. Genius! 

Use dark colours

Tapi Carpets

Create that dramatic, cocooning spa feel with dark walls and tub. A double-ended roll-top bath in a bold colour choice will transform your bathroom, and don’t be afraid to enhance the look with a dramatic wall colour. Add lightness with white painted wooden shutters to reflect light into the space, so it’s not overwhelmingly dark during the day.  

Try a surround-sound experience

GROHE

If you have the budget, take it up a notch and with just one touch, you can transform your shower into your own personal spa with GROHE’s F-Digital Deluxe shower system. Stimulate your senses with the ambient coloured LED lighting to suit your mood, and use Bluetooth technology to connect your favourite music playlist to the in-shower speakers. For the ultimate spa at home experience, enjoy a complete detoxification with the use of steam – bliss!

Include a bespoke vanity

Scumble Goosie

Add a unique personality to your bathroom with a bespoke washstand. Forget run-of-the-mill styles, an upcycled sideboard or cupboard can be transformed into a stylish bathroom vanity by installing a sink on top. Leave the washstand unpainted for a natural, country house look or use chalk paint and finishing wax to link it into your bathroom scheme.

Display intriguing accessories

Kelly Hoppen

If new fixtures and fittings are beyond your budget, opt for stylish accessories to set the tone. If you don’t have the real deal, these white resin coral sculptures will add soothing texture and interest to all bathroom schemes. Group together at different heights for a true oceanic look or add in a few votive candles to up the ambience and atmosphere at bath time.  

Make your bath a modern icon

George Home

A statement standalone bath is perfect for contemporary tastes. Smooth curves and deep filled – what better way to end a tiring day? Team the bath with a chrome, floor-mounted mixer tap for extra wow factor, and use freestanding furniture to give you somewhere to place your cup of tea, glass of fizz or toiletries.

Include a chair

lauraashleyusa.com

When does a useful object become luxurious? Here it’s all about scale and a twist of the unexpected. A comfortable, upholstered chair blurs the lines between bathroom and dressing room, creating a look that’s straight out of a boutique country spa hotel.

Upscale your mirrors

lauraashleyusa.com

Lean an oversized statement mirror for an elegant touch. This window-style arch design looks fabulous in monochrome schemes and has an industrial twist. 

Supersize your shower head

Soak.com

An extra large rainfall shower head is a sought-after accessory in the world’s most stylish homes. It will not only make a bold and luxurious statement, but will be irresistibly inviting too. 

Glow-up your shower curtain

Anthropolgie

Throw away your grimy old plastic shower curtain and invest in a new quality linen version that looks the part. This beautiful vintage-style pattern looks more like actual luxury curtains draped around the roll-top bath and is in keeping with the bathroom scheme’s luxurious eclectic vibe.

Create a place to pamper

Aquabella

Give yourself room to get ready by creating a designer dressing table area for your bathroom. This awkward alcove has been given a glamorous purpose thanks to the navy blue feature wall and vanit-style dressing table with stool. Finish the minimalist but luxe look with a circular mirror and bath mat.