Katherine Read is a financial writer known for her work on financial planning and retirement finance, covering equity release, lifetime mortgages, home reversion, retirement planning, SIPPs, pension drawdown, and interest-only mortgages.
Bert Hofhuis Is a Founder & Entrepreneur Simplifying the Complexities of Later Life Planning. He Navigates the Intricacies of Equity Release, Lifetime Mortgages, Reverse Mortgages, and Wealth Management With Clarity and Expertise.
In his long professional career, Bert has worked with multinational companies and governments, consulting on various financial and logistical projects in Africa, Europe and Asia.
He founded The Enquirer with a team of experienced finance writers and experts to help demystify topics such as equity release, lifetime mortgages, home reversions and retirement interest only mortgages, for people like himself.
Paul Derek Sawyer is an esteemed external compliance consultant in equity release, specializing in lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. With over 20 years of experience, he expertly navigates the complexities of Equity Release Council standards and regulations.
His focus is on ensuring ethical lending practices and safeguarding consumer interests. Renowned for his expertise in financial services compliance, risk management, and audit, Paul is dedicated to promoting financial security for the elderly.
Bert Hofhuis Is a Founder & Entrepreneur Simplifying the Complexities of Later Life Planning. He Navigates the Intricacies of Equity Release, Lifetime Mortgages, Reverse Mortgages, and Wealth Management With Clarity and Expertise.
In his long professional career, Bert has worked with multinational companies and governments, consulting on various financial and logistical projects in Africa, Europe and Asia.
He founded The Enquirer with a team of experienced finance writers and experts to help demystify topics such as equity release, lifetime mortgages, home reversions and retirement interest only mortgages, for people like himself.
Elevate your home's interiors with these budget-friendly DIY tips. From painting kitchen cabinets to updating bathroom tiles, our expert advice will help you refresh your space without breaking the bank.
Transform Your Home Without Breaking the Bank
With summer on the horizon, it's the perfect time to don your old paint-splattered shirt and tackle some DIY projects to breathe new life into your home. We've compiled expert tips on how to enhance your living spaces on a budget.
Revamp Your Kitchen
Paint Your Cabinets for a Fresh Look
Georgina Burnett, an upcycling and interiors expert from ITV’s This Morning, suggests painting your kitchen cabinets for a quick and affordable update.
“If you have the time and skill, this is a great DIY project,” says Burnett. “Remove the doors, clean them thoroughly with sugar soap or methylated spirit, and then apply a multi-surface primer before painting.”
She recommends durable paints like Zinsser AllCoat, which costs about £18 per litre and covers approximately 10 square meters.
Swap Out Handles for an Instant Upgrade
Sophie Clemson, co-founder of The Living House, suggests changing kitchen cupboard handles to transform the space. Affordable and stylish options can be found at B&Q or Plank Hardware, with prices ranging from £7 to £12.95.
“Consider removing some wall cupboards and replacing them with open shelving for a more modern feel,” Clemson adds. Using scaffolding boards as shelves can also add a unique touch.
Refresh Your Bathroom
Paint Tiles and Update Grout
Painting tiles is a cost-effective way to modernize your bathroom. Clemson recommends using Rust-Oleum tile paint, priced at £24.99 per tin. Refreshing grout with paint designed for this purpose can also make a significant difference.
“Self-adhesive floor tiles, like Floorpops, are another great option for updating bathroom flooring,” Clemson suggests. These tiles are easy to install and remove, making them perfect for renters.
Add Stylish Accessories
Amanda Foster, an interior designer, advises incorporating affordable accessories such as colorful towels, a new shower curtain, or a statement mirror. Swapping out old hardware like taps and light fixtures can also create a fresh look.
Cozy Up Your Living Room
Use Cushions and Throws
Adding new cushions and throws can make a room feel more inviting. Sophie Clemson recommends cushion covers from H&M Home or Dunelm, with prices starting at £2.99. Pair these with feather-filled inserts from retailers like Homescapes or John Lewis for a plush, expensive look.
Bring in Plants
“Plants can be an inexpensive way to spruce up your living room,” Clemson says. Choose plants that thrive in the room's natural light, such as trailing succulents or tall floor plants like the Areca palm.
Play with Paint and Wallpaper
Poppy Ashworth from Graham & Brown suggests using paint creatively to define different areas in a room. “Painting an archway or creating a block of color can add depth and interest,” she says. Adding wallpaper to drawer interiors or shelving units can also enhance your space.
Additional Tips for Every Room
Restyle with Soft Furnishings
Georgia Metcalfe from French Bedroom advises switching out bed linens and cushions to refresh a bedroom. She recommends terracotta and peach tones, which are trendy and complement natural wood and houseplants.
Upcycle and Thrift
Foster suggests finding secondhand items and giving them new life with a coat of paint or decorative hardware. “Transform an old side table into a nightstand or frame a vintage poster for unique wall art,” she says.
Optimize Lighting
Claire Garner of Claire Garner Interiors recommends “layering” light sources to create a welcoming atmosphere. Add a statement floor lamp or strategically place table lamps to enhance the room's ambiance. Affordable options include a Voyager wall light from Dunelm for £24 or a rattan table lamp from Sklum for £54.
No-Cost Upgrades
Rearrange Furniture
Simply rethinking your room layout can make a big impact without spending any money. “Moving furniture away from walls or rearranging pieces can give a space a fresh feel,” Garner says.
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