Most of us have never spent as much time at home as we have in the last year. If you’ve also been working from home, you may feel as though you’ve barely left the building. It’s safe to say that your home has never been as important as it is now, but after so much time spent here, you may be feeling sick of the same four walls. This article provides some tip and trick on how to give your property a facelift and how cheap storage can help.

Now is a great time to tackle a few interior projects that could transform your property. These don’t have to cost the earth, and it’s possible to give your house a makeover in a way that is still eco-friendly.

Follow our top tips to give your house a fresh new look.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home. It’s not only a place for cooking, but for spending time with your family, helping the kids with their homework and entertaining guests (when possible).

If your kitchen is feeling dated, you may long for a fresh, sleek new look. New kitchens can be expensive, but there are simple ways to revamp your kitchen without spending thousands of pounds. Even better, working with what you have will be better for the environment too.

The first simple solution is to give your kitchen a fresh lick of paint. If it’s not been decorated for years, a coat of ochre, navy or soft grey can transform the way space looks.

Wooden cupboard doors can also be transformed relatively simply. Choose a new paint and handles, and watch as your kitchen goes from dated to modern in just a few brush strokes.

Changing the flooring, blinds and hob can also smarten up your kitchen.

Bedrooms

Having a bedroom that you love will offer you a sanctuary to escape to at the end of the day. If you can’t afford to buy new furniture, second-hand bargains can often be found online. It’s likely you’ll be able to find items that have hardly been used, which could save you a fortune.

Try charity shops for the furniture that can easily be transformed with a little craft knowledge. Reupholstering antique chairs, restoring wardrobes and having a rug professionally cleaned could all give you fabulous bedroom interiors at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

If your bed has a headboard that you no longer like, covering it in a fabric that matches your décor can give it a new lease of life.

Bathroom

Despite regular cleaning, bathrooms can start to look dated. Even the most fastidious of cleaners will notice water marks, damage to sealant and even mould developing over time.

Having a brand new bathroom fitted is an inconvenience, especially if you only have one toilet in your house. It is far easier, and more sustainable, to make changes to what you already have.

Cheap tools are available from hardware stores to help you remove the sealant. Replacing old, dirty sealant with a fresh white product can make a world of difference.

If your bathroom looks dated, replacing the bath panel with something more modern can have a big impact. Replacing the shower curtain is also a great idea. A shower screen will add far more luxury than a curtain.

Plants

Purchasing plants is a great way to give your home an eco-friendly makeover. Plants give us clean air to breathe and give your home a beautiful, calming appearance. From a small cactus on a shelf to a collection of floor plants, pot plants or even a hanging jungle, adding a little greenery is one of the simplest ways to transform a room.

If you have previously struggled to keep plants alive for longer than a few days, choose a hardy plant that doesn’t need much attention.

Eco-Friendly Choices

If you are keen to make sustainable choices whilst giving your house a make-over, there are some other areas that you can consider.

Materials

Some materials are superior when it comes to protecting the environment. Consider using reclaimed floorboards instead of buying new, for example. Non-toxic sustainable wallpaper, water-based paints and natural wool carpets are also excellent eco-friendly choices.

Lighting

If you haven’t already, it’s time to switch to lighting options that support LED bulbs. LEDs are 95% efficient and use far less power than traditional bulbs. Not only will you save money on your electricity bills, but the bulbs last for far longer and so won’t need replacing as often.

Windows and Doors

Smart new windows and doors can transform a property. They are also likely to be far more efficient at retaining heat than the ones they are replacing. This can help to reduce your heating bill significantly by reducing the amount of energy you consume.

If you are not in a position to replace doors or windows, invest in draught excluders. These could be as simple as a long cushion placed at the base of the front door, or a curtain on the inside of the door that you draw across to keep the house warmer.

Carbon Footprint

In our modern world, we are able to source items from all over the planet. However, this increases our carbon footprint. Where possible, shop for products that are sourced and produced locally to reduce the number of miles your new item has travelled.

Light a Candle

Rather than purchasing expensive plug-in refills and paying for the electricity they consume, you could return to the more traditional scent of a candle. Soy candles are more sustainable than paraffin, but still offer beautiful scents. Be sure to purchase a soy candle that is cruelty free.

How Can Self Storage Help You?

Whilst you are giving your home a makeover, the rooms can feel cluttered and messy. You may need to move large furniture including beds and dining tables, or else cover them to prevent damage by tools or paint splashes. Renting a cheap storage unit is a great way to make your project quicker and easier.

Located in the centre of Fareham, you can easily place bulky items into a household storage unit until your project is complete. This will leave you with more space at home to move around, with peace of mind that your possessions are in safe hands.

If you are taking on a restoration project, you could even use your storage unit as a workshop. You won’t have the inconvenience of needing to pack away your tools or materials at the end of each day, and whilst you’re working on your project you’ll be free from distractions.

To visit Stop and Store in Fareham or to reserve a secure storage unit, enquire online or call us on 01329 556174.