This blog first appeared on the Cambridge Evening News website.
The August bank holiday is so often ear-marked as a time for home improvements and with this in mind, we have put together a collection of accessories from some of our favourite designers and shops that we hope will inspire you to make those small but effective changes to your home, so that if the big DIY project doesn’t materialise, at least you home will be looking new and improved!
Lighting
Changing your light fittings will make a huge difference to your home. Add lamps where you can and select pendant lights that are beautiful in a room as well as giving the right kind of light for the space.
Single glass shades with black fabric twisted flex and dark bronze ceiling rose in purple, smoked olive, sky blue and yellow ochre. £262 www.rockettstgeorge.co.uk
Rugs
A new rug will add colour, comfort and style to a room and is a great place to add colour or pattern or both. Keep the rug as large as possible and don’t be afraid to sit the sofas and chairs (or other furniture) on it.
Niki Jones Lattice Rug Hand knotted in 100% New Zealand wool. Available in two colourways, shown here in Ash Grey and Chartreuse Green £1250 http://www.niki-jones.co.uk
Flowers
Fresh flowers are a lovely accessory in any room of the home and will bring a welcoming, well-loved feel to your home.. Try to pick flowers and vases that fit in with the style and colours of your home but most importantly, pick flowers you love!
WildGarden Bouquet in Jug. Forget Me Nots, Anemones and Rambling Clematis. £65 plus delivery www.wildatheart.com
Cushions
I am a very big fan of a cushion or two as I think they add luxurious finishing touch to a space, not to mention a splash of colour and pattern. Try to add a selection of different cushions and avoid over co-ordination of fabrics.
Vintage Daisies and Roses Cushion Cover Approximately 50cm x 50cm, envelope back fastening with chunky shell buttons. £57 www.paleandinteresting.com
Bed linen
A new set of bed linen will not only make your bedroom look ship shape but will also be a wonderful reason to get an early night when the bank holiday weekend is over. I think some colour or texture (or both) in your bedlinen ensures that the bed is the centrepiece of your room but if you prefer plain white, a bedthrow will do just as well.
Andrew Martin Arrowstripe Duvet Covers, Multi from John Lewis
£99 – £125 Duvet cover for the duvet cover www.johnlewis.com
Mirrors and pictures
I am always amazed at the difference that hanging pictures and mirrors make to a room – they not only personalise a space but they also draw the eye upwards from the furniture to make a room seem bigger. If you don’t have a great art collection (or even if you do), well framed family photos, mirrors, prints and wall hangings will dress your walls in style. Think carefully about where each should hanging considering the background (paint or wallpaper), the lighting and the height that each piece is hung.
Graham and Green Grand Daisy Mirror 97 diameter £395 www.grahamandgreen.co.uk
Bath towels
A great way to get a bit of colour and luxury into the smallest room in the house is to splash out on some coloured towels. Remember to get a selection of sizes from little hand towels to big bath sheets and check to see if you need additional hooks or towel rails to save them from all being piled onto the towel warmer or radiator.
Designers Guild Saraille Lime Towels £5-£45 www.designersguild.com
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