Looking for some hot tips to update your home this season? Cowan Building takes a look at some of the top trends, and how to easily and affordably update your home.

 Getting tired of your living space or office? It’s not uncommon for many homeowners to want a quick update to refresh the areas they spend most of the time dwelling. If a revamp or renovation is not on this year’s budget schedule there are some simple, yet very effective ways you can add new life into your favourite space.

Think Furnishing

The experts agree that adding a splash of colour or an interesting piece of furniture to any space will add an interesting focal point to your space. You must ensure this piece fits with the feel and theme of the room. Adding a stunning piece of antique furniture to an ultra-chic contemporary space may seem out of place and be more of an eye-sore than a focal point. However, adding a brightly coloured, and unusual item will add an element of colour, and freshness while also keeping with the contemporary feel of the space.

Don’t be afraid of colour!

Adding a splash of colour through patterned furnishings or details can uplift any room. This can be as simple as adding:

• Colourful statement throw-rugs

• Interesting light and bright pillows

• Patterned lounging chair

• New artwork

 It’s easy to keep up with all the new trends emerging just by simply adding or updating the soft furnishing in your home or favourite space.

If you require a new carpet scheme, you can also use colour or interesting patterns as your focal point. However, it’s important to remember that some of the new trends are just that new. Going for an ultra-modern, bright, and patterned carpet may date quickly as another new trend emerges. Paint is pretty easily adaptable to these changes, however, carpet may not be. If you do want to make a statement, and the current trend may date, consider utilising rugs instead of the whole carpet.

 Traditional homes and federation dwellings can certainly encompass more bold and older styles of carpet in the home, including dark red or blue. These are always best used as accents on stairways or in halls. Remember that like paint, block darker colours will also make the area seem smaller.

 Good Lick of Paint

Dusting the old paintbrush off and giving your house a spruce-up will certainly add lightness and freshness this season. Panting your space, a new colour is the cheapest and easiest way to update any space. Some experts also advise matching the skirting boards with the wall paint to give your room extra heigh. If you are only doing touch-ups, ensure you match the paint perfectly to eliminate a patchy finish.

Adding a focal wall with a completely different colour can also help rejuvenate your home. It’s good to remember that darker colours will make the room seem smaller, so if you are considering painting one wall in beautiful charcoal, consider if the area could take this. Larger rooms are ideal for darker colours walls. For smaller spaces consider sticking to lighter colours and perhaps using artwork to add focal points rather than block colours. Many experts do suggest only sticking to the three-colour rule. So don’t go overboard with colours. The traditional colour rule for any home is 60% dominant colour, 30% secondary colour, and 10% accent.

 Before you paint doing forget to wash your walls of all dirt and dust with sugar soap and always use quality brushes and rollers for the best finish.