It must be quite unsettling if you always have to focus on home security. I feel super blessed to live in a part of the country that feels incredibly safe. Obviously, the town has its issues too, but they pale in comparison to the security concerns that are experienced in other parts of the country. But no matter where you live, home security should always be high up on your priority list, because there’s a particular kind of peace that comes from knowing your home is secure. Whether you’re heading away for a few days, working late, or simply turning in for the night, you want to feel that your space is protected and you are safe. The good news is, improving your home security doesn’t have to mean installing complex systems or spending a small fortune. With a few simple changes, you can keep your home safe and secure.
Security begins with the basics. Doors and windows are often the easiest access points, so it’s worth checking that everything closes properly and locks securely. If any locks feel loose or outdated, or if a door seems flimsy, consider upgrading. Even simple additions like a secondary lock, a chain, or a security bar can offer an extra layer of protection against security risks. And if you’ve recently moved house, it’s always wise to change the locks. You never truly know who may still have a copy of the old keys and the last thing you want is some complete stranger letting themselves into your home while you’re out.
Lighting is one of the most effective (and often overlooked) ways to improve home security. A well-placed exterior light not only makes it easier to navigate your garden path or driveway after dark, it also acts as a deterrent for anyone who shouldn’t be there. Consider a bright 100w LED Floodlight to illuminate your home exterior for added security and peace of mind. A motion-sensor floodlight, for example, can provide a bright burst of visibility that’s enough to make most people think twice. Practical, energy-efficient and surprisingly reassuring.
3. Use Smart Plugs & Bulbs to Create the Illusion of Occupancy
If you’re away from home in the evenings or for a longer trip, it helps to make the house appear like it is still occupied. Smart plugs and smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely are small touches that can deter intruders and provide added home security. You don’t need to light up the whole house—just a single lamp glowing softly in the hallway or living room is often enough to suggest someone’s home. Our Luxaflex motorised blinds in the living room operate on a timer. They open and close on their own, giving us huge peace of mind.
4. Consider a Smart Doorbell or Camera for Added Home Security
Modern smart doorbells with built-in cameras have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Not only do they allow you to see who’s at the door in real time (even if you’re away), but many also offer two-way communication so you can speak directly through your phone. Often, the simple presence of a camera is enough to deter unwanted visitors before they ever approach. It also means that you can let unwanted visitors, such as salesmen or canvassers, know that you won’t be coming to the door and they should please leave your property.
In my previous office, I installed the Hive Smart Home Devices which included smart bulbs, smart plugs and smart motion sensors. These worked alongside my Kami indoor home security camera. As I lived 30 mins away from the office, this gave me immense peace of mind as I could be alerted when someone had entered the office and I could also check the camera on my phone to see if it was someone who was meant to be there or an uninvited intruder.
5. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
This one seems so obvious but is easy to overlook. When laptops, handbags, car keys or other high-value items are visible through a window, they can become tempting targets. Try to avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, especially near windows. Even half-closed blinds or sheer curtains can obscure the view and help protect your belongings from prying eyes.
While the front of the property naturally draws attention, it’s important not to neglect the back of your home. Side gates should be locked to prevent unwanted access and you should secure sheds with a proper padlock. Expensive tools and garden equipment should be out of sight and locked away to prevent any opportunists from helping themselves. A little vigilance in the less-visible areas of your property can go a long way.
Improved Home Security for Added Peace of Mind
You don’t need to overhaul your home to make it feel safer. Often, it’s the quiet, simple steps that bring the greatest peace of mind. By putting a few thoughtful measures in place, you can create a space that feels more secure, more reassuring, and more like home.
Hands up if you want to do some easy DIY home projects this weekend that can transform your home without breaking the bank? Right? There’s something incredibly satisfying about ticking off a home project. Especially when it doesn’t require a full-blown renovation, a team of tradespeople, or a massive budget. Often, people, including me (…definitely me), are put off from doing home renovations due to the immense effort and budget that is involved. I want to do so much in my home but when I think about what needs doing it can feel really overwhelming and disruptive. But there are lots of affordable home improvement projects that can be done easily in just a weekend. All that is needed is just a little time, money, a bit of creativity, and a few clever tricks can make a huge difference to how your home looks and feels.
So, if you’ve been itching to give your space a bit of a refresh, these easy DIY home projects are perfect for a weekend makeover. From simple home upgrades to quick style swaps, they’re the kind of improvements that are totally doable when you’re feeling inspired on a Saturday morning.
Reflect Light and Style with a Statement Mirror
Arch mirror from Neutypechic
You can transform your home with a statement mirror. Adding a mirror is one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate a room, because mirrors have a way of changing the way a room looks. A mirror not only reflects light and makes the room feel brighter, it can also help to create a sense of space and make a room feel bigger. Try positioning a mirror opposite a window to bounce soft natural light around the room.
And if you choose something with personality—a bold frame, an antique finish, or an organic shape—it can double up as a piece of art. Adding statement mirrors is one of those simple DIY home upgrades that has a big impact with minimal effort and minimal cost.
Play with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Neutral Botanicals Removable Wallpaper Mural Available At Wallsauce.com
If you’ve ever stood in front of a paint chart feeling overwhelmed, peel-and-stick wallpaper might be your new best friend. It’s a fun, low-commitment way to experiment with colour, texture, and pattern. And the best part? You can remove it without leaving a trace.
Use it to create a feature wall in a living room or bedroom, line the inside of open shelving, or even add interest to a plain hallway. This is one of the most budget-friendly home improvements you can make—and it’s a great way to explore your personal style without committing to anything permanent.
Transform Your Front Door with a Pop of Colour
A beautiful front door entrance. Image c/o Yesterhome
Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home and it really sets the scene for how you want to feel as you step inside when you return after a hard day. Giving it a fresh coat of paint can completely change the tone and character of your exterior. It really is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home exterior for maximum impact.
Try painting a few swatches onto card and taping them to your door so you can see how the colour shifts in different light. Whether you go bold with teal or yellow, or keep it classic with black or sage green, it’s an easy DIY home project that delivers an instant boost in curb appeal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, paint the inside of the door too—why not let that cheerful colour greet you on your way out and in?
You’d be amazed how something as small as a cupboard handle can transform a space. Swapping out tired or mismatched hardware on kitchen cabinets, bathroom drawers, or even internal doors is a simple home upgrade that brings everything together.
Choose hardware that works with the overall mood of your space—brushed brass for warmth, matte black for contrast, concrete door handles for an industrial feel or mix and match for an eclectic look. Don’t forget areas like towel hooks, door hinges, and light switch plates—small details matter.
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, treat it like the focal point it is. Whether it’s brick, tile, or wood, painting your fireplace can make a huge difference to how the room feels.
Stick to paints that are heat-resistant and suitable for fireplaces, and think about the atmosphere you want to create. A dark, moody shade can feel dramatic and cocooning, while a soft neutral can make the room feel light and modern.
Painting the fireplace is one of those easy DIY ideas for home that feels bold but is surprisingly quick to do.
Switch Things Up with Designer Light Switches
Light switches are one of the most overlooked elements in interior design—and yet we touch them every single day. They’re like punctuation marks in a room, quietly doing their job, often unnoticed. But what if they could be more than just functional? What if they could be beautiful too?
This is where designer switches come in. Gone are the days of basic plastic toggles—today’s light switches are tactile, stylish, and beautifully engineered. Think matte black dimmers with knurled finishes, brushed brass rockers that feel weighty in the hand, or sleek, sculptural plates that sit like jewellery on the wall.
Swapping out old, discoloured switches for something more intentional is one of those easy DIY home decor projects that makes an unexpectedly big impact. It’s a subtle but powerful detail that instantly elevates a room. Whether you prefer a minimalist vibe or something with bold contrast, there’s a finish and style to suit every interior.
And if you really want to dial up the luxe factor, opt for a coordinated set of switches, sockets, and dimmers throughout your home—it’s like a well-curated outfit for your walls.
Raise Your Curtain Game
Clarke & Clarke Congo Velvet Amber Curtains from Blinds2Go
One of the simplest ways to create the illusion of height and elegance is by adjusting your curtain rods. Instead of hanging them just above the window frame, raise them to just below the ceiling and use full-length curtains to draw the eye upward.
This easy DIY project for the home can make ceilings feel taller and rooms feel more luxurious—without spending a fortune. You might need to let out a hem or invest in longer curtains, but the impact is worth it.
With these easy DIY home projects, you can begin to update your home today. All it takes is a bit of time, effort and budget, and you will have an appealing home to enjoy. Incorporate statement mirrors, paint, and new hardware to add personality and charm one room at a time.
The thought of renovation mistakes brings me out in a cold sweat and this is what has put me off renovating my own home to the extent that it needs it. Mistakes are costly and some can be irreversible and the idea of getting it wrong scares me. Sure, renovating a home is exciting, but it’s also a totally overwhelming process. It’s easy to get caught up in the vision of your dream space, (just check out my Pinterest account if you’re in any doubt just how caught up I am with teh vision!) but without careful planning, small mistakes can quickly turn into expensive problems. And I ain’t got time or energy for expensive problems. From budget miscalculations to structural surprises hiding behind walls, home improvement projects can go off track in an instant. So how do we avoid the common renovation mistakes and save ourselves, time, stress and a whole heap of money? Let’s find out!
1. Cutting Costs on Renovation Materials
There’s a big difference between being budget-conscious and cutting corners. While it’s tempting to save money wherever possible, choosing the cheapest materials is one of the most common renovation mistakes homeowners make.
The reality? Low-quality materials wear out faster, need replacing sooner, and can even compromise the structural integrity or overall finish of your renovation. That bargain kitchen worktop might seem like a win—until it starts chipping after a few months. Cheap laminate flooring? It won’t hold up to heavy foot traffic for long.
Instead of opting for the cheapest option, focus on value and longevity. Prioritise high-traffic areas like flooring, countertops, and fixtures, where durability really matters. If budget is a concern, look for smart swaps—engineered wood instead of solid hardwood, quartz over marble, or a high-quality second-hand kitchen instead of a brand-new budget one.
2. Ignoring Structural Issues
Nothing derails a successful home renovation faster than discovering major structural problems after you’ve already started the finishing touches. Peeling back layers of an older home often reveals hidden issues—damp, crumbling plaster, faulty wiring, or even load-bearing walls that need reinforcement.
It’s frustrating (and expensive) to have to rip up brand-new flooring because a plumbing leak was ignored. That’s why structural repairs should always come first. Before picking out paint colours and cabinetry, invest in a thorough home inspection. Addressing foundational concerns, electrical updates, and plumbing repairs early on will save you from costly headaches down the line.
If your plans involve renovating a garage—whether as a workshop, utility room, or home gym—it’s essential to assess both the structure and the access points. Replacing an old or damaged door with one from a reputable overhead door company can improve insulation, boost security, and prevent issues like leaks or warping from costly water damage that could compromise your renovation efforts.
It is always worth organising a professional home inspection if you are in any doubt as to the structural integrity of your home.
3. Over-Renovating in Pursuit of Perfection
We all want our homes to look their best, but there’s a fine line between thoughtful improvements and over-renovating. Some of the most charming features in older homes—original beams, slightly uneven wooden floors, or period fireplaces—can get erased in the quest for ‘perfection.’
Over-renovating can also mean making changes that don’t align with the rest of the home’s character or neighbourhood. If you pour thousands into high-end renovations that outprice similar homes in your area, you may struggle to get a return on investment if you ever sell. This is when you need to decide whether it’s a better call to renovate or relocate.
The key? Enhance rather than erase. Preserve period details where possible, focus on timeless updates, and avoid ultra-trendy changes that could date quickly.
4. Neglecting Plumbing, Electrical, and Roofing Upgrades
It’s easy to focus on what you can see—beautiful tiles, sleek kitchen units, or stylish lighting—but what’s beneath the surface matters just as much. Ignoring essential upgrades to plumbing, wiring, or roofing can lead to expensive and disruptive problems down the road.
If your home has outdated plumbing or faulty electrics, these should be addressed before you start the aesthetic work. Ripping up brand-new flooring to replace faulty pipes or rewiring after plastering is the kind of renovation nightmare that’s best avoided.
Similarly, if your roof is in poor condition, investing in roof repairs now will protect your entire home from leaks, dampness, and heat loss. A good rule of thumb: focus on function before form—it’s much easier to add stylish details later than to redo major structural elements after finishing work is complete.
5. Choosing to DIY Over Calling in Experts
A DIY approach can be a great way to save money—but only if you know what you’re doing. While easy DIY home decor tasks like painting walls or installing shelving might be manageable, certain renovation tasks should always be left to the experts.
Electrical work, plumbing, and structural changes require specialist knowledge and certification—botching these jobs can be dangerous and, in some cases, illegal. Even seemingly simple jobs like tiling or flooring can cost double if mistakes need professional correction later.
If you’re determined to DIY, be honest about your skill level.Start with small projects and research thoroughly. But for major renovations, hiring experienced tradespeople will save time, money, and stress in the long run.
How to Avoid Common Renovation Mistakes
Avoiding common renovation mistakes isn’t just about knowing what not to do—it’s also about planning smart from the start. Here are some tips for a smooth, successful home renovation:
Set a Realistic Budget Always include a contingency fund for unexpected costs (10-20% extra is a good rule).
Prioritise Structural Work Plumbing, wiring, and roofing should be tackled before cosmetic updates.
Invest in Quality Choose durable materials for high-use areas to avoid costly replacements later.
Work With Skilled Tradespeople If a task requires expertise, hiring professionals is always the best option.
Don’t Rush Thoughtful planning will always yield better results than last-minute decisions and slow renovating gives you time to work out how you want to use your home and how you want your home to feel.
A well-planned renovation can transform your home without unnecessary stress or costly mistakes. By learning from these renovation mistakes, you can make confident choices that lead to a beautiful and long-lasting result.
Are you clued up on roof maintenance and what needs to be done to keep your roof in the best condition? Since we bought our home we have realised that roof maintenance is an important task that we, as homeowners, should do regularly. And we didn’t learn this the easy way either. Sadly, we have had numerous issues with our roof that have resulted in costly and damaging leaks. We are now saving up to replace the entire roof as it no longer makes sense to keep footing the roof repair costs. I’ve written before about knowing when it’s time to get a new roof and for us, it is definitely time. So you don’t find yourself in this position, I have put together a quick post sharing what we should have done to ensure our roof was well maintained and watertight.
Roof maintenance is important because it protects your home from the elements. If it sustains any damage, like ours did, it could lead to more extensive issues around the house and increased repairs. Damaged roofs can lead to dampness, increased energy bills, and excessive noise. They can also allow wildlife to enter your home, leaving you with an unwanted pest problem.
Regular maintenance not only preserves your roof’s lifespan, but also saves you money in the long run. With the average roof replacement costing around £7,000, it’s financially wise to prolong the life of your roof for as long as possible through regular roof maintenance.
Let’s take a look at some ways you can take care of your roof to help ensure it remains in good condition for as long as possible.
Do Regular Roof Maintenance Inspections
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Ideally, you should inspect your roof frequently, at least twice a year, but especially after extreme weather. This was a recent mistake we made, not checking after a big storm. A few days later, after heavy rainfall, we noticed the leak. If we’d have checked stratight after the storm we would have noticed and fixed it before the rainfall.
Roof inspections can be difficult to do, particularly if you have a multi-story house, because it will be difficult to make a proper assessment from the ground. You might be able to get a better view of your roof from a neighbouring property so try that first. If not, a good tip is to fly a drone over the property and check out the footage to see if there are any issues.
If it is not safe for you to access the roof yourself, consider calling in the professionals who can inspect the roof safely at least once a year or during the winter season to check for damage and carry out required tasks such as shingle roof maintenance. Their professional insights can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your roof’s condition and the necessary maintenance tasks.
If external inspections prove too difficult, at the very least you should access your loft to see if you can inspect internally to see if any light is coming through or damage has occurred that might require repairs.
Check Your Ceilings
Another indicator that something is amiss with your roof is the presence of moisture on ceilings. We all know moisture isn’t supposed to be on the ceiling so any signs need exploring immediately. This is how we first discovered that our roof was starting to have issue. One night during some bad weather, water started dripping through the ceiling in one of the bedrooms. my husband went up into the loft and found that a roof tile had been dislodged and was allowing rain to pour in through the hole. The roof felt and loft insulation was sodden and had started to seep down through the ceiling.
If you see moisture on ceilings or even running down walls and there isn’t a bathroom above you, this is a telltale sign you need to get your roof fixed or at least, checked out. The presence of moisture on ceilings can indicate water is coming in through the roof, and you need to get it inspected as soon as possible before the water damages more of your home.
The location of the water and rooms affected will give you an indication of which part of the roof is damaged. You can check out what is going on yourself, or you can again get expert roofing companies to assess the damage and carry out repairs for you.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutter cleaning is not just a part of roof maintenance, it’s a crucial task to ensure proper functioning. Gutters are designed to direct water away from your property, preventing water damage. If they’re blocked or damaged, they can’t do their job effectively, leading to potential roof issues.
As part of your maintenance checks and upkeep schedule, you need to regularly check and clean out your gutters. They can experience damage from the environment, local wildlife, and even damaged parts of the roof. The presence of roofing materials in your gutters can alert you to the fact that your roof has sustained damage and needs repairing, even if you have not noticed any signs.
Maintain Nearby Trees and Plants
The landscape around your home can be a risk factor in terms of damaging your roof, especially if you have large trees close to your property and branches overhanging the roof.
Even plants and shrubbery over lower-level roofing can be a cause for concern especially if you’re not maintaining them. Broken branches, wildlife activity, and debris from trees can cause issues with your roof, and ideally, you want to make sure that tree branches are at least 10 feet away from the property to protect your roof and your home.
Also, overhanging branches will impact shade and moisture on the roof, and can cause moss growth or rot. Take the time to inspect the health of your landscaping and ensure that nothing is risking the roof, and if it is, take immediate steps to address it.
Remove Growth From Your Roof
If your roof has damp or shaded areas, it might be at risk of moss, lichen, and algae growth. You need to ensure your roof is free from harmful algae, moss, and lichen as they can trap moisture and moisture, which, as mentioned, can cause massive damage to your roof and home. If you notice the presence of this buildup, you need an expert roof cleaner to come and assist you in clearing it away using their specialist roof cleaning equipment.
Don’t attempt to power wash the roof yourself, as power washers can cause damage to roofs, and you need special products and techniques to avoid causing more damage. You can, of course, attempt to remove it yourself by other means, but it can be tricky, and you need to practice the best roof safety techniques to ensure you don’t come to any harm yourself. It’s always safer to call in the professionals.
Address Roof Repairs Quickly
When it comes to roof maintenance, don’t procrastinate on repairs like we have. Address issues as soon as they arise to prevent them from escalating. Delaying repairs can lead to more extensive damage, increasing the cost and effort required to fix your roof.
Even small issues like a pinhole in your roof material or missing shingles can exacerbate, and before you know it, you have a larger issue on your hands. Roofing repairs aren’t always cheap due to the labour required to complete them and skills you need for effective roof repairs, but the result of not promptly addressing issues will be much more. If you wanted to be super sensible it might be worth creating a special savings fund to help you cover the cost of the roof repairs, so if you do encounter any issues, you have a lump sum to fall back on or use towards a completely new roof if required. I wish I was that sensible or that I had that money to set aside in the first place.
Apply Sealants and Coatings
If you have a flat roof, it is vital that you provide added protection through the application of sealants or coatings. Sealants or coatings can protect your roof from UV damage, water intrusion, and weathering, and can help extend your roof’s lifespan. It is always advisable to call in the professionals for this job.
While on the subject, always check caulking around your roof flashing and replace any damaged or old caulking to help prevent water from seeping into vulnerable areas such as your chimney around vents and roof valleys.
Prioritise Ventilation
Good attic ventilation is essential all year round. Good ventilation helps heat escape in the summer and prevents ice dams in the winter. This can be in the form of cable vents, ridge vents, or soffit vents. If your roof does not have good ventilation, it can cause many issues, including heat damage and mould growth, which are detrimental to a healthy roof.
If you don’t already have vents, it might be an idea to install them, especially if your attic feels hot and stuffy, but if this is the case and you do have roof vents, you need to check them for obstruction and damage to ensure they’re working as required.
Your roof is an integral part of your home structure, and proper care and maintenance can help you preserve and even extend its lifespan. Take the time to carry out regular inspections, get repairs done as quickly as possible, and ensure that you are aware of the damage your roof can sustain, the warning signs of a damaged roof, and your neglect of its care and upkeep to allow it to provide maximum protection all year round.
I live in a really small home. It’s a small two-bedroom flat and with two tween daughters, we really have to make the most of every square inch. It’s not easy at all and it is getting more difficult with every year that passes as the kids accumulate more stuff. Progress upgrading our flat has been snail-slow because my husband and I have been busy building multiple businesses. But we have learnt a lot along the way. Because most British homes tend to be on the smaller side we need a lot of creativity when it comes to small home ideas. So today, I want to share some advice to help you make impactful upgrades to your small home.
Declutter Your Small Home
When thinking about the upgrades you want to make to your small home that can make the biggest impact and help your home feel more spacious, the best place to start is with a really thorough declutter. Nothing else you do will make much of a difference if you are still trying to cram too much stuff into your small home. It’s time to get ruthless. Get rid of everything you haven’t used in a while and are unlikely to use again. Sell belongings, take the rest to the charity shop and anything that needs binning can go to the local recycling centre. If you find you have a lot of stuff to get rid of, consider hiring a skip to save yourself a lot of hassle. One drop-off, one pick-up, and you’re done. I am dreaming of doing this at the moment. I would love to have a thorough clearout and only hang on to the essentials and things that bring me joy every day!
Maximise Every Inch of Space in Your Small Home
Once you’ve pared everything right back it’s time to look at spacial planning. The layout of your small home will have a huge impact on how spacious it feels. It is totally possible to live in a tiny home that doesn’t feel tiny at all. I had this realisation when my husband and I spent the weekend in a small private spa in North Devon. It was roughly the size of two containers and yet it felt pretty expansive. This was primarily down to the layout, but also the many ways that the owners had used biophilic design in the property. So if your home feels like a collection of tiny, separate boxes, it might be time to rethink the layout.
Old houses love their walls. They divide, they frame, and they hide staircases in weird places. But sometimes, all they do is make life harder. Removing just one wall can open up a space in ways you didn’t expect—turning a kitchen and dining room into a social hub or making a dark hallway disappear into something airy and useful.
Not keen on full demolition? Even switching a traditional door for a pocket version can make a difference and improve the flow in your home by creating more room to move and fewer obstacles.
One thing we have learnt over the years is that it pays to invest in multi-functional furniture. When you live in a small home, everything that you bring in has to work super hard for you to earn its place. Some of the best storage solutions don’t even look like storage. An ottoman bed that lifts to reveal under-bed storage works wonders in our bedroom for storing away bed linen and extra towels as well as spare bags and backpacks. We also have a coffee table in the living room with storage inside for extra blankets and cushions. When it comes to choosing furniture for a small home, multi-functional pieces are well worth the investment.
Use Natural Light to Open up the Space
The internal window in the home office allows natural light to move through this North London terraced house by Cairn Architects | Photography by Peter Landers and Anna Stathaki
One way to make a small home feel larger is to make the most of the natural light that you have available. A dark room shrinks. A bright one expands. Light is magic like that. So make sure that windows are unobstructed. Don’t place furniture that will block natural light from entering the room. Choose window treatments that let the maximum amount of light in during daylight hours and make sure you hang curtains outside of the window frame so that they don’t block out any light when open.
Mirrors can help to bounce natural light around your small home. Place them opposite a window, and all that natural light will be reflected back into the room. They also create the illusion of having another window in the room making it feel double aspect and much more expansive.
Another trick is to switch out solid doors for glass-paned doors and adding in internal windows that let light move throughout your small home uninterrupted. This can allow natural light to illuminate darker, narrower spaces that need brightening.
If your home lacks natural light like mine does, consider how to effectively use artificial light. Layer your lighting by choosing a mixture of overhead lighting, table lamps, wall sconces and LED lighting under shelving and cabinets. This will help your home feel more flexible as you choose the right kind of lighting for a given moment.
Storage is more important than ever in a small home and there are some clever ways to maximise your storage solutions. Having your belongings out on display will only make your small home feel smaller due to the visual clutter. Instead, meticulously curate what you want to have out on show and store everything else away neatly and out of sight.
If you have open shelving units, consider adding small storage boxes so everything is out of sight and streamlined. If you have awkward alcoves, consider creating built-in storage cupboards with doors that keep your belongings out of sight.
If your small floor plan doesn’t leave much room for added storage cabinets, consider using the vertical potential of the walls. The space up near the ceiling is wasted space and can easily be maximised. For example, if you don’t have space for a floor-standing bookcase, install a book shelf about a foot below the ceiling that extends around the room. This keeps your books out of the line of sight but still accessible and makes the most of that unused space.
Create Depth with Colour and Texture in a Small Home
It is very tempting in a small home to stick with white or other very light colours when you decorate. Wisdom tells us that lighter colours reflect light and darker colours absorb it. Whilst this may be true, no amount of white paint is going to make a particularly small home feel as spacious as you’d like. Instead embrace cosier darker colours and give your home some personality.
Texture can bring your home to life and will make a big impact as it will not only make your small home feel cosier but it will also add layers of visual interest and tactility that will tantilise the senses.
If you are lucky enough to have outdoor space make sure you are maximising its potential. Vertical gardens can turn a bare wall into a lush green feature. A foldaway bistro table and chairs mean you can eat outside, even if it’s just a morning coffee. And if your garden connects to your home, matching indoor and outdoor flooring can blur the boundary, making everything feel bigger. Whether you have a large garden like we do, a small courtyard, a narrow balcony or a tiny strip of grass, there is always a way to upgrade it to benefit your small home.
No matter the size of your small home, there are affordable upgrades you can make that can help you to maximise it’s potential, make it feel more spacious and organised. Remember, the best small homes don’t try to pretend they’re bigger. They just use every inch brilliantly.
If you have any tips to add, please share in the comments.
