30 Decorating Moves to Try This Month
Treat your interiors to a pick-me-up this April with these quick and cheerful decorating tricks
The transition between seasons provides the perfect excuse to update your home, so that it feels fresh and reflects the change in the weather. If you haven’t already given your interiors a seasonal spruce up, let April be the month that you dedicate to the project. These 30 must-try decorating hacks – some fast and super affordable, others requiring a bigger investment of time and money – will keep you busy all April long, while reviving your interiors for autumn and beyond.
2. Colour code your book collection
Transform your bookcase into a focal point by organising your reads based on the colour of their spines. Colour-coordinated bookshelves not only look delightful, they will give your library a sense of order and harmony too. Another perk of trying this easy-peasy styling trick is that it it won’t cost you a cent!
Transform your bookcase into a focal point by organising your reads based on the colour of their spines. Colour-coordinated bookshelves not only look delightful, they will give your library a sense of order and harmony too. Another perk of trying this easy-peasy styling trick is that it it won’t cost you a cent!
3. Switch up the layout of your room
Rearranging your furniture, decor and art is a small and fuss-free design trick that can make a big impact. Even the teeniest of tweaks – such as moving furniture away from your walls or transferring a large artwork from its original position to another wall – will re-energise your space and make it feel like new again.
Living room layouts that work
Rearranging your furniture, decor and art is a small and fuss-free design trick that can make a big impact. Even the teeniest of tweaks – such as moving furniture away from your walls or transferring a large artwork from its original position to another wall – will re-energise your space and make it feel like new again.
Living room layouts that work
4. Give your shelves a bright update
Jazz up plain shelves by painting the back of the display case an eye-popping hue or a quartet of different colours, as seen in the dining area above. Alternatively, line the wall or back panels with patterned wallpaper for a punchy, graphic look.
Paint in ‘Raspberry Truffle’, ‘Arroyo Red’, ‘Exotic Red’ and ‘Million Dollar Red’: Benjamin Moore
Jazz up plain shelves by painting the back of the display case an eye-popping hue or a quartet of different colours, as seen in the dining area above. Alternatively, line the wall or back panels with patterned wallpaper for a punchy, graphic look.
Paint in ‘Raspberry Truffle’, ‘Arroyo Red’, ‘Exotic Red’ and ‘Million Dollar Red’: Benjamin Moore
Take cues from this hide-and-seek bar and use the same approach to liven up enclosed cabinetry. Here, white cabinet doors blend seamlessly with the walls and joinery around it, and open up to reveal a glam gold-leaf-lined interior.
5. Try a statement-making mat
A conversation-starting typographic doormat will add spunk and style to any front entrance. They’re practical too; a doormat like the one pictured here will also stop dirt, debris, mud and water in their tracks, which will make cleaning your home during the wet and windy months ahead a whole lot easier.
Ideas to make your home more welcoming
A conversation-starting typographic doormat will add spunk and style to any front entrance. They’re practical too; a doormat like the one pictured here will also stop dirt, debris, mud and water in their tracks, which will make cleaning your home during the wet and windy months ahead a whole lot easier.
Ideas to make your home more welcoming
6. Bring your bathroom to life with bright towels
Add pep to pared-back bathrooms by replacing your old, plain towels with new ones in room-reviving hues or punchy patterns. These cheery yellow towels do the job nicely.
Add pep to pared-back bathrooms by replacing your old, plain towels with new ones in room-reviving hues or punchy patterns. These cheery yellow towels do the job nicely.
7. Introduce practical and appealing entry storage
A messy entry doesn’t make for a good first impression. A foolproof way to banish clutter from your entrance and infuse it with a warm and welcoming vibe is to incorporate smart and stylish storage into the zone, such as this chic metallic tree hanger. Not only does the space-savvy organiser provide a handy spot to stash jackets, scarves, hats, umbrellas and other cold weather gear, but it doubles as attention-grabbing wall art (with an autumn-esque theme) too.
A messy entry doesn’t make for a good first impression. A foolproof way to banish clutter from your entrance and infuse it with a warm and welcoming vibe is to incorporate smart and stylish storage into the zone, such as this chic metallic tree hanger. Not only does the space-savvy organiser provide a handy spot to stash jackets, scarves, hats, umbrellas and other cold weather gear, but it doubles as attention-grabbing wall art (with an autumn-esque theme) too.
8. Dig out your Christmas lights
Infuse your interior with sparkling style and a magical mood with twinkling fairy lights. String the lights across your ceiling, wrap them around exposed beams or place a strand of battery-powered lights in a tall glass vase to create a gorgeous, glittering centrepiece. Practical too, fairy lights will also provide extra illumination on dark, gloomy autumn days.
12 fairy light delights
Infuse your interior with sparkling style and a magical mood with twinkling fairy lights. String the lights across your ceiling, wrap them around exposed beams or place a strand of battery-powered lights in a tall glass vase to create a gorgeous, glittering centrepiece. Practical too, fairy lights will also provide extra illumination on dark, gloomy autumn days.
12 fairy light delights
9. Make over dull doors
Give plain doors pizzazz by painting them a cheery colour or adding an attention-grabbing motif. As you can see looking at these two head-turning doorways, they definitely make an entrance and lend a hearty dose of character to the otherwise restrained settings.
Give plain doors pizzazz by painting them a cheery colour or adding an attention-grabbing motif. As you can see looking at these two head-turning doorways, they definitely make an entrance and lend a hearty dose of character to the otherwise restrained settings.
10. Splash out on a new shower curtain
A new shower curtain has the power to completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom. I love this graphic floral design, but if you’d prefer a look that’s a bit more subdued, opt for a geometric pattern in a more restrained palette instead.
A new shower curtain has the power to completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom. I love this graphic floral design, but if you’d prefer a look that’s a bit more subdued, opt for a geometric pattern in a more restrained palette instead.
11. Perk up your home with uplifting typographic prints
Hang positive affirmations and cheery messages around your home. They’ll not only pep you up on grey, gloomy days, but the typographic prints will also ramp up the style cred of your space. Create your own, download free designs off the internet, or buy prints from online marketplaces such as Etsy or Society6.
Hang positive affirmations and cheery messages around your home. They’ll not only pep you up on grey, gloomy days, but the typographic prints will also ramp up the style cred of your space. Create your own, download free designs off the internet, or buy prints from online marketplaces such as Etsy or Society6.
12. Paper your walls with a temporary treatment
A quick and fuss-free way to give your interiors a facelift is to line your walls with removable wallpaper. Create an accent wall or go all out apply the same patterned paper to all of your walls. Alternatively, introduce two different wallpaper designs if you want to create a dynamic, high-contrast look that really wows.
Creative ways to use wallpaper at home
A quick and fuss-free way to give your interiors a facelift is to line your walls with removable wallpaper. Create an accent wall or go all out apply the same patterned paper to all of your walls. Alternatively, introduce two different wallpaper designs if you want to create a dynamic, high-contrast look that really wows.
Creative ways to use wallpaper at home
Removable wallpaper also works a treat on ceilings, a surface that’s – as you can imagine – quite tricky to paper using traditional treatments that require adhesive.
13. Think pink
Inject your interiors with of-the-moment style by working Rose Quartz, a heavenly blush pink, into your scheme. Crowned one of Pantone’s Colours of the Year for 2016 (it shares the honours with Serenity, a chalky blue), the chic sorbet hue lends itself to throw cushions, art and feature walls – three design elements spied in this swoon-worthy living space. Notice too how lashings of black and white, along with the timber floors and metallic accents, ensures the pink-tinged scheme takes on a sophisticated air, rather than an overly sweet vibe.
Inject your interiors with of-the-moment style by working Rose Quartz, a heavenly blush pink, into your scheme. Crowned one of Pantone’s Colours of the Year for 2016 (it shares the honours with Serenity, a chalky blue), the chic sorbet hue lends itself to throw cushions, art and feature walls – three design elements spied in this swoon-worthy living space. Notice too how lashings of black and white, along with the timber floors and metallic accents, ensures the pink-tinged scheme takes on a sophisticated air, rather than an overly sweet vibe.
Another simple (and obvious) way to work this dreamy hue into your interior is with rose quartz decor, like these gorgeous bookends. The blush-tinged crystal will add a touch of colour and boho charm to any space, and infuse it with positive energy too.
14. Display your prized collection
Create a point of interest on a mantel, shelf or wall by showcasing similar items together. Whether you want to create a vignette with your favourite vases or show-off your prized Pez collection, the arresting arrangement is sure to attract the eye and lend plenty of personality to your space.
Create a point of interest on a mantel, shelf or wall by showcasing similar items together. Whether you want to create a vignette with your favourite vases or show-off your prized Pez collection, the arresting arrangement is sure to attract the eye and lend plenty of personality to your space.
15. Give plain walls a dramatic paint job
Painting your walls is one of the simplest ways to update your interior. If plain block-coloured walls are too staid for you, get creative and experiment with different painting styles and techniques, like the two-tone feature wall in this sleep sanctuary. Here, a chalky peach paint has been applied on top of a cornflower blue base. Notice how the blurry freehand style of the lower portion of the wall gives it a dreamy quality. The end result is absolutely heavenly.
Painting your walls is one of the simplest ways to update your interior. If plain block-coloured walls are too staid for you, get creative and experiment with different painting styles and techniques, like the two-tone feature wall in this sleep sanctuary. Here, a chalky peach paint has been applied on top of a cornflower blue base. Notice how the blurry freehand style of the lower portion of the wall gives it a dreamy quality. The end result is absolutely heavenly.
Do you desire a look that’s more chic and contemporary in style? Paint a cool geometric motif on your walls instead.
Awe-Inspiring projects using 1 can of paint
Awe-Inspiring projects using 1 can of paint
16. Decorate with seasonal hues
Freshen up your interiors by replacing your decor with accents in seasonal hues. For autumn, this means burnished orange, rusty red and earthy greens and browns. These cold weather trans-seasonal colours also work well for winter, along with decadent jewel tones, powder pastels and shades of grey.
Freshen up your interiors by replacing your decor with accents in seasonal hues. For autumn, this means burnished orange, rusty red and earthy greens and browns. These cold weather trans-seasonal colours also work well for winter, along with decadent jewel tones, powder pastels and shades of grey.
17. Get rugged up
A speedy way to ramp up a room’s style game is to introduce a stop-and-stare patterned rug. Not only will it add colour, character, texture and graphic interest to the space, but it will help visually anchor the scheme and make it feel warm and inviting. Choose a design made from plush, woolly fibres and you’ll have happy feet all autumn and winter long.
A speedy way to ramp up a room’s style game is to introduce a stop-and-stare patterned rug. Not only will it add colour, character, texture and graphic interest to the space, but it will help visually anchor the scheme and make it feel warm and inviting. Choose a design made from plush, woolly fibres and you’ll have happy feet all autumn and winter long.
18. Curate a cheap and cheerful gallery
Creating a gallery wall needn’t been an expensive endeavour. Curate one on the cheap by commissioning your pint-sized Picasso to whip up artworks for you; reusing illustrations from old calendars, framing off-cuts of cool wrapping paper, and downloading free printable graphics from the web are other easy options.
A guide to creating a gallery wall
Creating a gallery wall needn’t been an expensive endeavour. Curate one on the cheap by commissioning your pint-sized Picasso to whip up artworks for you; reusing illustrations from old calendars, framing off-cuts of cool wrapping paper, and downloading free printable graphics from the web are other easy options.
A guide to creating a gallery wall
19. Dress up your windows
Another way to energise your space is to switch out tired window coverings with snazzy new ones. Since autumn is well and truly here and winter is not far behind, consider investing in window treatments made from thick, insulating fabrics that will help keep the cool air out and warm air in. Heavier blinds and drapes will also prove practical during summer, as they’ll help block the harsh summer sun.
Another way to energise your space is to switch out tired window coverings with snazzy new ones. Since autumn is well and truly here and winter is not far behind, consider investing in window treatments made from thick, insulating fabrics that will help keep the cool air out and warm air in. Heavier blinds and drapes will also prove practical during summer, as they’ll help block the harsh summer sun.
20. Add colour and character with house plants
Breathe life into your home by bringing in some greenery. House plants will not only add a generous dollop of lively colour and fresh, organic style to your interior, they will also infuse it with a hip, relaxed vibe. Indoor plants are also excellent air purifiers, and studies have shown that they can boost concentration and lower blood pressure, just a few other reasons why it’s time to green up your home.
Our 10 hottest indoor plants
Breathe life into your home by bringing in some greenery. House plants will not only add a generous dollop of lively colour and fresh, organic style to your interior, they will also infuse it with a hip, relaxed vibe. Indoor plants are also excellent air purifiers, and studies have shown that they can boost concentration and lower blood pressure, just a few other reasons why it’s time to green up your home.
Our 10 hottest indoor plants
21. Mix and match your bedding
Having a few fun quilt covers on rotation is a no-fail way to keep your bedroom looking fresh. If, however, you want to take things to the next level, mix and match them together, along with throw cushions and sheets in contrasting fabrics. My favourite pairings are floral patterns with geometric or animal prints, and polka dots or stripes with abstract geometric designs.
Having a few fun quilt covers on rotation is a no-fail way to keep your bedroom looking fresh. If, however, you want to take things to the next level, mix and match them together, along with throw cushions and sheets in contrasting fabrics. My favourite pairings are floral patterns with geometric or animal prints, and polka dots or stripes with abstract geometric designs.
22. Revive dull curtains
Are your curtains looking a tad worse for wear? Give drab or tattered neutral curtains a new lease on life by dip-dying them using fabric dye in your favourite hue or a shade that complements your colour scheme. If your curtains are dark in colour, use bleach to create an ombré effect instead.
Are your curtains looking a tad worse for wear? Give drab or tattered neutral curtains a new lease on life by dip-dying them using fabric dye in your favourite hue or a shade that complements your colour scheme. If your curtains are dark in colour, use bleach to create an ombré effect instead.
23. Paint your trim
Punctuate intricate architectural features such as skirting boards, cornices and architraves by painting them an accent colour. Choose a rich, moody tone such as sleek black or sophisticated charcoal grey for an ultra sophisticated look, or a livelier hue to create a scheme that oozes personality and playfulness.
Punctuate intricate architectural features such as skirting boards, cornices and architraves by painting them an accent colour. Choose a rich, moody tone such as sleek black or sophisticated charcoal grey for an ultra sophisticated look, or a livelier hue to create a scheme that oozes personality and playfulness.
If you go down the bright, bold colour route, keep the rest of the scheme relatively pared back. This will ensure the coloured trim remains a focal point, and that the scheme doesn’t look too garish and busy.
24. Upcycle old furniture
With a fresh lick of paint and new handles or upholstery, you can transform any old piece of furniture into something worthy of display. Hunt around your home for furniture that could do with a facelift or scour secondhand shops, online classifieds or the streets on kerbside collection day for items that you can pick up for a song – or better yet, free!
With a fresh lick of paint and new handles or upholstery, you can transform any old piece of furniture into something worthy of display. Hunt around your home for furniture that could do with a facelift or scour secondhand shops, online classifieds or the streets on kerbside collection day for items that you can pick up for a song – or better yet, free!
25. Create a bespoke bedhead
Is your sleep sanctuary totally snooze-worthy? And I don’t mean in a good way. Awaken your bedroom scheme by framing your mattress with a striking bedhead. There’s no need to head to the shops and splurge on a pricey one – just make your own. This cool rustic creation is fashioned from a piece of live edge wood.
Is your sleep sanctuary totally snooze-worthy? And I don’t mean in a good way. Awaken your bedroom scheme by framing your mattress with a striking bedhead. There’s no need to head to the shops and splurge on a pricey one – just make your own. This cool rustic creation is fashioned from a piece of live edge wood.
Meanwhile, this custom pegboard bedhead is visually punchy, practical and super affordable. Genius!
13 creative DIY bedheads
13 creative DIY bedheads
26. Beautify (and brighten) your space with statement mirrors
A strategically placed statement mirror has the power to completely transform your space. After all, it will serve as a show-stopping focal point, add a touch of opulence and bounce light around your room, making it appear bigger and brighter than it really is. The rooms pictured here provide two great examples of how to decorate with mirrors – choose one statement mirror and let it be the hero of your scheme, or cluster several together and create a glam mirror gallery wall.
A strategically placed statement mirror has the power to completely transform your space. After all, it will serve as a show-stopping focal point, add a touch of opulence and bounce light around your room, making it appear bigger and brighter than it really is. The rooms pictured here provide two great examples of how to decorate with mirrors – choose one statement mirror and let it be the hero of your scheme, or cluster several together and create a glam mirror gallery wall.
27. Repurpose old crockery
Rescue chipped and mismatched teacups and pots from the back of your kitchen cupboard and use them as flower pots, vases and planters. As you can see, the makeshift vessels ooze vintage charm and quirky appeal, and are a welcome touch whether placed on your dining table or by your bed.
DIY teacup planter pots
Rescue chipped and mismatched teacups and pots from the back of your kitchen cupboard and use them as flower pots, vases and planters. As you can see, the makeshift vessels ooze vintage charm and quirky appeal, and are a welcome touch whether placed on your dining table or by your bed.
DIY teacup planter pots
28. Mix styles
Does your home look a bit blah? A simple way to inject it with drama and fresh appeal is to work contrasting design styles into your scheme. This eclectic dining area – which blends vintage, contemporary, traditional and bohemian design elements (the blue and white tie-dye rug is, undoubtedly, the hero of this head-turning space) – shows how its done.
Does your home look a bit blah? A simple way to inject it with drama and fresh appeal is to work contrasting design styles into your scheme. This eclectic dining area – which blends vintage, contemporary, traditional and bohemian design elements (the blue and white tie-dye rug is, undoubtedly, the hero of this head-turning space) – shows how its done.
29. Update cabinetry with new knobs or handles
Switching your cabinet knobs and handles is a quick fix that will give your kitchen or bathroom an instant facelift. I love these eye-catching blue lucite handles, which add a playful touch and contemporary flair to the transitional scheme. Reimagine the room with standard chrome handles and the space would lose some of its charm and appeal.
Blue lucite handles: Needham Lock & Hardware
Switching your cabinet knobs and handles is a quick fix that will give your kitchen or bathroom an instant facelift. I love these eye-catching blue lucite handles, which add a playful touch and contemporary flair to the transitional scheme. Reimagine the room with standard chrome handles and the space would lose some of its charm and appeal.
Blue lucite handles: Needham Lock & Hardware
For a fun and quirky touch, replace stock standard handles with novelty designs. These cutlery-shaped handles definitely take the cake.
30. Add rich texture
Layering your bedroom (or living area) with different textures will make it feel infinitely more cosy, warm and inviting – three qualities that we crave during autumn and winter. As this delightful guest bedroom proves, a richly textured scheme also offers loads of visual appeal and plenty of tactile pleasure. The space boasts velvety throw cushions, plush carpet, a wool blanket and a luxe sheepskin throw, creating the perfect spot for hibernation once the cold really sets in.
TELL US
Which of these decorating tricks will you try this month? Do you have any of your own you’d like to share? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
10 Small Changes for an Autumn Happy Home
Budget Decorator: 15 Decorating Updates That Won’t Cost a Cent
6 Tactics to Help You Discover Your Personal Decorating Style
Layering your bedroom (or living area) with different textures will make it feel infinitely more cosy, warm and inviting – three qualities that we crave during autumn and winter. As this delightful guest bedroom proves, a richly textured scheme also offers loads of visual appeal and plenty of tactile pleasure. The space boasts velvety throw cushions, plush carpet, a wool blanket and a luxe sheepskin throw, creating the perfect spot for hibernation once the cold really sets in.
TELL US
Which of these decorating tricks will you try this month? Do you have any of your own you’d like to share? Tell us in the Comments.
MORE
10 Small Changes for an Autumn Happy Home
Budget Decorator: 15 Decorating Updates That Won’t Cost a Cent
6 Tactics to Help You Discover Your Personal Decorating Style
Nothing perks up a room like a vase filled with fresh, vibrant blooms. They not only add a burst of colour and texture to your space, but also infuse it with natural beauty and a pleasing fragrance. My top flower picks for autumn are dahlias, hydrangeas, David Austin roses, tuberose and chrysanthemums.