There are several ways to read this post. You may have spent months (and all your savings!) on the improvement of your space and are suffering from design fatigue. Yes, I know, the opportunity to choose every single little detail is exciting but it can quickly become overwhelming. However, now is not the time to give up, and there are a few final details that you do not want to botch! The finishing touches I mention below are so very important and they can really make or break your design.
The other way to use this article is equally satisfying. And that is because, going through this list can help you refresh your space without the larger time and money investment that a full remodel entails. Do not underestimate the power of making small changes, so even just picking one will make a difference.
#1 - Upgrade your switch and socket plates
Ditch those unsightly discoloured plastic sockets and treat yourself to some nicer looking ones (or at the very least new plastic ones). This is such a cost effective way of elevating your design. So whether you’ve just replaced your kitchen or re-painted your walls, do not let switches and sockets ruin the result!
Metal switches and plates are available from DIY stores, in a range of finishes, starting from as little as £5 for a double socket plate. You can even get some paintable or clear ones to match your walls. I tend to shop at https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/ and https://www.corston.com/ depending on the budget.
If you live in an older property with old wiring (typically prior to the 1960s), you will need to check your lighting circuits are earthed prior to replacing the switches with metal ones.
#2 - Blind cords
I do not hate plastic, it is a useful material, but again, those standard white plastic cords that come with most roller blinds make me twitch. The good news is, you can easily replace them with metal or black ones to match the rest of your room’s finishes. They cost very little and are widely available online, via Amazon or eBay.
#3 - Treat your radiators to (new) pipe covers
Whether you’ve just had new radiators fitted or yours are looking a bit tired, covering the pipes is an inexpensive way of improving the overall look of your room. You can get pipe sleeves and collars from DIY stores in a range of finishes. The thin white ones tend to warp and yellow a bit with time, so I prefer to specify the thicker ones, but again, they are very cheap to replace, so it doesn't matter too much.
#4 - Get your caulking gun out (or buy one, it is a must-have)
No single house has perfectly square walls and flat surfaces, and all buildings suffer from movement so it’s very likely your skirting boards aren’t perfectly flush against the walls or some hairline cracks have appeared along your window frames or cornices. Decorator’s caulk cartridges cost £1 and caulk is dead easy to apply. Simply run an even bead of caulk along the gap, smoothen and remove the excess with your finger and you’re done. Caulk is paintable and flexible so it won’t keep cracking like filler would do in areas where there is repeated movement, and it will make a noticeable difference to your room.
#5 - Wallpaper joins
Wallpaper joins are rarely 100% invisible as the paper shrinks or expands, but if your walls feature large unsightly gaps (and by large I mean half a millimetre!), you can improve the overall look by painting into the gap and wiping across the surface with a damp sponge or cloth to remove the excess (the same way you would grout tiles). Failing that, strategically positioned art work can do the trick!
#6 - Make light fittings work with the design not against it
This is something I mentioned in my last post but this is so important. Your lighting scheme is a key element of your design and inadequate lighting can really break a design. In rooms where you relax, you probably don’t need some ceiling lights at all but if you must, make sure that they’re of a warm temperature (around 2,700 Kelvin) and that the lumen output isn’t higher than needed. Remember that lighting is a great way to highlight some of the room features or statement pieces.
In a bathroom or kitchen, where task lighting is key, make sure the light fittings are positioned in a way that doesn’t cast shadows over the work surfaces or mirrors.
And of course, pay attention to scale. As gorgeous as it may be, a pendant or floor lamp that is too small for the room will look very sad.
#7 - Clean windows and skirting
True fact. We all tend to become oblivious to our own grime. So next time you have an hour to spare, put on some music, grab your favourite cream cleaner, and go over your window frames, skirting boards and other door trims. I promise that by the end of it, you will see a big difference.
#8 - Cable management
Ah to live in a modern world where sometimes cables literally do get in the way… There are many ways to hide cables or at least make them behave a bit better, so do not despair.
For pendant lights and table lamps where it is more difficult to hide the cable, why not replace the flex for a nicer looking one. One of my favourite suppliers Industville has over 50 different types of flex sold by the metre (approximately £4 per metre) so you can immediately make your light fittings look high end. And while you’re at it, add a nice metal ceiling rose to the basket!
That was easy, wasn’t it? Please do share the results with me, and as always, if you have any question I’m here to help.
Until next time,
Delphine
Comments