With most of the world’s population confined to their homes, the result is an unusual situation where we are forced to spend a substantial amount of time at home. Whilst there is not much you can do, one option that is in compliance with government regulations is to redecorate your home. Perhaps you need to restructure the way you spend your days, or maybe you can’t move into your new space or splurge on new furniture items yet. Whatever the reason, we spoke to five different interior experts who share their tips of how to refresh your home by yourself, without spending a penny.
Maximising space in the kitchen
‘Kitchen spaces are prone to clutter which can make a space feel small and unorganised. Take this time to clear everything out of your 
cupboards, check all your used by dates and dispose of anything inedible. When restocking the cupboards, organise your items logically with labels so you can see what you have by putting similar foods together and taller items at the back. Be selective in what you have on your workspaces balancing out your appliances with a vignette of decorative canisters and a wooden chopping board. Don’t be afraid to move artwork and incorporate it into your arrangement by leaning it against the upstand.’- Jennifer Jarvis, Senior Interior Designer at Helen Green Design
Create a home bar
‘Cocktails have made a real comeback recently. Clear a space on a sideboard and lay out your finest glasses and bottles to create a focal point for your kitchen or dining room. It is also important to have different garnishes to add that final touch to any drink. A simple bowl or two in matching glassware design to your other glasses will make it feel effortless. During these unusual times, routine and socialising are important. If going for a post work drink with friends or colleagues was part of your normal routine, continue this at home over a video app or with immediate family.’ - James Ashfield, Studio Manager, Rigby & Rigby
Bringing nature into the home
‘Try bringing nature into your home in an architectural and dramatic way. Blossom laden branches look wonderful in large glass jugs on your kitchen table, or you could also put leaf buds in a jar of water and watch them unfurl. Your nature area could be in an entrance hall or by a window in the sitting room. Every time you go for your daily walk, try and bring back something to place on this table to decorate. This can also be a fun, shared activity with your children.’- Vanessa Arbuthnott, CEO of Vanessa Arbuthnott
Shop your home for ‘new’ accessories
‘Remove all unnecessary furniture or non-furniture items that you have gathered in time and leave the space as light and breathable as possible. This will apply to any space, day or night. Make a list of all the items in the room and re-think your way of using it. Sketch a new way of using the space and try it out, you'll find that it feels almost as amazing as moving to a new place.’ - Cristina Chirila, Senior Designer at FCI London
Clean your light fixtures
‘Dull and dark homes not only use extra energy to light up but they can also have a negative effect on your mood too. One of the most simple ways to brighten up your home is with a good quality, bright bulb. Old and dirty bulbs are known to release less light, so pick yourself up a new one or give your old bulb a good clean and your home will feel instantly brighter. We suggest using a white light bulb for a super bright home, or a yellow light bulb for a warm and cosy home.’ – Georgina Horspool, Lighting Designer at Alexander Joseph
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