Home improvement tips

Everybody enjoys a good home makeover programme but Grand Designs is one of the most enjoyable. It follows people that are about to build a new life, literally; occasionally they build with their own bare hands but more often than not they use contractors, but the basic premise stays the same: to build a home that suits their needs, wants and dreams.

On the back of the success of the series came Grand Designs Live, which has now blossomed into the United Kingdom's most popular contemporary home event. This year it is returning to Excel London for the eighth year in a row. With everything from new green innovations to kitsch kitchen appliances, this event has it all. This year over 500 exhibitors, dispersed among seven different sections, will be taking part. It is the ideal place to visit for home inspiration and, let's face it, many people would rather do our own DIY and home improvements allowing us to can stay put in our properties rather than trying to climb up the property ladder in the current market.

Home improvement can be placed into different categories: from the minimal and basic, like a new lick of paint; to the dramatic and big, like extensions and loft conversions. If these large scale renovations are a little out of your price range right now, don't fret. There are plenty of ways to quite dramatically improve your home without costing the big bucks.

Doors

First impressions count. Make your exte
al doors stand out. Get rid of any crumbling, old and out dated front doors in favour of fresh, contemporary and stylish doors that fit the new image you are trying to create with your home.

Don't forget about the internal doors either. It's quite easy to brush over internal doors, however you'll do so at your cost. Peeling paint may be easily sorted, but doors that don't fit the look of the room need to be replaced. For example, if you live in a Victorian terrace, 1970s pine doors just won't cut it.

Soft Furnishings

Injecting colour, pattern and texture to a room is best and most straightforwardly achieved with soft furnishings. Cushions, throws, new three-piece suite covers, curtains, drapes and blinds can make a surprising difference particularly when incorporated holistically.

Flooring

Don't just think that by laying some Swedish pine floorboards your interior will be instantly improved. Some rooms benefit from carpets, whilst others cry for solid wood. Tiles and slate are another option and don't discount dark colours; deep and dark hues can have a dramatic effect, especially when contrasted with light-coloured walls.