For many people, the enforced time at home during lockdown has provided an opportunity to develop new skills or revisit old interests. Restrictions may be easing, but there is still plenty to do around home. Sam Funnell from Fine & Country Rugby gives some tips on creative home projects.
Let’s face it, we’ve all spent more time at home recently than we would under normal circumstances. For many, the time has been used productively to tackle essential home maintenance, both internally and externally. But once you have done all the necessary basic painting and refreshing and have the neatest garden in the area, it is time to tackle the details. Small changes can be an inexpensive and quick way to achieve a new look.
One of the details that is often overlooked is doorknobs and handles. Replacing handles on dated furniture can provide an instant upgrade. They are inexpensive and can be bought online or click and collect to maintain social distancing measures. Something as humble as a new doorknob on the front door can make a real design statement.
Recycling and upcycling old furniture is another way to remain productive. If you have a set of drawers that are past their use-by date, breathe new life into them by creating a planter. A quick paint and lining the drawers with plastic mesh before filling with soil provides a great stand. If you have a large number of plants in pots, it’s a creative way to group them with eye-catching effect.
A fun way to update plant pots and give them a cohesive look, while using up old paint, is to marble them. As children, you possibly marbled paper or eggs as a school art lesson. It is a simple process but very effective. Use a disposable container and fill the base with paint of one colour. Drop other colours on the surface and swirl them across the top with a stick or fine brush. Dip or roll the pot across the surface and enjoy the pattern it creates.
If you are interested in tackling something a little larger, but still relatively quick and easy consider updating your stairs. Worn carpet can be removed and stairs stripped and stained or repainted. The paint can be as simple or as creative as you like. Painting a black chalkboard runner adds drama as well as a practical non slip surface. Wallpaper can be used on the risers as a design element.
On the décor side, there are also a number of lampshades that can be made at home. Twine or yarn can be soaked in wallpaper glue and wrapped around a balloon as a mould. Once the glue is dry, pop the balloon and hang your lampshades, giving a room a new look.
Whatever changes you choose to make this time, do remember that at some point, life as usual will resume, or something close to it, so don’t go too wacky with your colours. Stay within your home’s colour scheme and you can’t really go wrong.
For advice on selling or buying property, please contact Sam Funnell on 07714 515484 or visit http://www.fineandcountry.com