Christmas revamp

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Over the last few years, technology has led to some very impressive changes in the way we watch television

YOU might just want to whisper it, but there’s only 11 weeks to go until Christmas Day.

It’s a scary thought, especially when over the next few weeks your plans will include buying and wrapping presents, food shopping, going to parties – and getting the house looking spick and span in time for the festive season.

Suddenly, the timescale for redecorating the spare bedroom, giving the living room a face lift, updating the bathroom and replacing worn-out furniture seems rather short.

Preparing your home for Christmas needn’t be stressful, but timing is key.

Starting your preparations early on means you will be finished revamping your home long before the first Christmas card drops on the door mat.

And with your house in tip-top condition, you’ll be more than happy for friends to drop in.

The best way to see what improvements need to be made to your home is by treating it like a stranger’s home. Start outside and take a good long look at the exterior. Is the front door needing a lick of paint, and do the hanging baskets and pot plants need refreshing?

These things are relatively inexpensive to put right, but can make all the difference between making guests feel as though they are stepping into a home that’s welcoming and cared for, instead of which is neglected.

Cluttered, dark hallways that are used as a general dumping ground for everything from coats to schoolbags are a big no no too.

For an instant facelift, de-clutter by tidying away any un-necessary items such as lightweight summer jackets hanging on coat hooks; freshen up paintwork, add a mirror to reflect light and brighten dark areas with a lamp.

Many people opt to change their artwork seasonally as well. Choosing to do this doesn’t have to be a budget buster as many stores now sell paintings, prints and wall hangings at very reasonable prices.

Next, there’s the living room. If your sofa needs replaced and you simply don’t have enough seating for all then now’s the time to start looking for new items. It’s something of a buyer’s market at the moment with some exceptionally good deals being offered on the trendiest of new styles.

Another quick way to give a room an instant face lift is to have a new window treatment. New curtains and blinds can completely change the look of a room, especially when teamed with accessories such as scatter cushions and candles.

During the Christmas period, the television becomes a focal point for many families. Over the last few years, technology has led to some very impressive changes in the way we watch television, with high-definition, wide screen units literally transforming lounges across the land into home cinemas.

Since hi-def TVs came out a few years ago prices have tumbled, making them not so much a luxury item anymore, but a reasonably priced must-have.

Elsewhere dining rooms can be brightened with crisp table linens, napkins, sparkling glasses and candles, while lamps with adjustable height capabilities are worth their weight in gold.

The good news is homeowners don’t need to spend a fortune to make their living space looking welcoming and inviting as there are lots of ways to refresh a room including:

Reframe photos: Attractive, well-made frames not only add class to a space but place special attention on precious memories.

Invest in a rug: Small splashes of colour via a rug, whether on a hardwood floor or low-pile carpet, add interest to any space.

Re-arrange furniture: Simply moving the couch, coffee table or ornaments can make for a whole new room.

Eliminate clutter: A room can appear much larger, and more sophisticated, using smart solutions like a storage ottoman or air-vacuum pack.

The run-up to Christmas is also an excellent time to decorate, and now is the ideal time to look at what’s on offer. The trendiest of houses now boast wallpaper — there are currently hundreds of stylish designs to choose from.

Whether you want to draw focus to one wall of a room, or wallpaper an entire space from floor to ceiling, there are some beautifully creative ways to do it.

Flock effects, metallic finishes and delicate floral designs all vie for attention when it comes to dressing up your wall space.

Finally, don’t forget two of the most important rooms in any house, the kitchen and bathroom. A new kitchen, built for you and tailored to your requirements, not only creates a contemporary space with lots of storage, but will add value to your home for years to come.

A new bathroom and tiling can also add value to your home as well, but more importantly it can become a mini-retreat where you can relax, re-charge your batteries and build-up your strength to cope with the big day itself.