From bachelor space to a chic home

TIP # 1 Make a good first impression

First impressions count, so make the entrance to your home welcoming. Hang an ornate mirror or eye-catching painting on the wall at the front door, and place an entrance table there for keys and parcels. An occasional chair in the entranceway is another simple way to add a touch of sophistication to the space. 

TIP # 2 Clean and tidy up

Living rooms, guest rooms and shelves are usually the main culprits for clutter, so give them a quick clear out for a lighter feel.  Look at your house through a visitor’s eyes and take note of any carpet stains or stubborn grimy marks on the walls. 

Get your carpets steam-cleaned and curtains dry-cleaned, wipe light switches clean and dust all shelves. In the kitchen, throw out old food in the fridge and grocery cupboard. If cleaning isn’t your thing, hire an efficient, trustworthy cleaner from SweepSouth to get the house sparkly clean, and help with time-intensive tasks like windows, cabinets, the fridge and oven.

Tip # 3 Add gorgeous little touches

Update your space in a flash with small decor items. Dress up your sitting room with a sumptuous throw over the back of the couch and add scatter cushions. Mix up patterns, fabrics and shapes for maximum impact. Unsure how to start? Choose one in a striking pattern, then select others to complement it. Next, find a corner where you can create a statement, and put an oversized lamp there, or a small table with a beautiful vase or an attractive ornament placed on top. 

Tip # 4 Instant kitchen makeover hacks

Give the kitchen a welcoming feel by hanging up colourful kitchen towels and swapping out drawer and cupboard handles with more elegant ones. For a pleasing aesthetic, get gorgeous matching appliances – especially ones like the toaster and kettle that typically live on the countertop. In the dining room, lay a runner across a bare table to add oomph, then place a shallow bowl or a big tray on top to complete the look. 

Tip # 5 Turn your bedroom into a haven

A fail-safe way to make your bedroom feel less like a man cave and create a more sophisticated space is to give it a neutral, chic palette that you can build on in terms of colour and decor. Choose a light ivory paint for the wall, and perhaps add a deep-pile cream rug to the floor. Add on to the luxe factor with a cosy throw or a soft comforter folded and placed at the foot of the bed, with plush pillows. 

A stunning idea is to create one accent wall in the bedroom. Use a vibrant colour for instant drama and depth or play it safe and paint the focal wall a few shades darker than the surrounding walls. A smart way to choose which wall to paint is one that already highlights another focal point, such as a bed’s headrest or a couch. Plascon has a useful online colour chart, or try the free Dulux Visualizer app to help you choose the perfect colour. 

Tip # 6 Bathroom bliss

A stack of new towels in one colour adds instant elegance.  Ditch old toothbrush holders and get a new soap dispenser and toothbrush set to place next to the basin. Put up sleek wooden or glass shelves and make sure there’s enough storage space for bathroom necessities.

Tip # 7 For instant effect

Indoor plants are a cost-effective way to instantly breathe life into your home. Place an elegant orchid in the kitchen, or a palm floor plant in the corner of the sitting room. Plants are known for their therapeutic effects, with studies showing that they lower stress levels.