subject: How To Add Value To Your Home On A Budget [print this page] We all love a good home makeover show but Grand Designs is one of the best. It follows people hoping to build a new life, literally; sometimes they build with their own bare hands other times they make use of contractors, but the basic premise stays the same: to create a home that suits their needs, wants and dreams.
Following on from the success of the series came Grand Designs Live, which has now blossomed into the United Kingdom's foremost modern home event. In 2012 it is coming back to Excel London for the eighth consecutive year. With everything from new green innovations to kitsch kitchen appliances, this show has it all. This year over 500 exhibitors, spread over seven different areas, will be taking part. It is a super show to visit for home inspiration and, let's face it, most of us would rather turn to DIY and home improvements allowing us to can stay put in our properties rather than trying to ascend up the property ladder in the current market.
Home improvement can be placed into different categories: from the unassuming and small scale, like a new coat of paint; to the major and large scale, like extensions and loft conversions. If these big scale renovations are a little out of your price range at the moment, don't worry. There are numerous ways to quite dramatically spruce up your home without costing the big bucks.
Doors
First impressions are important. Make your external doors stand out. Get rid of any tired, old and unfashionable front doors in favour of fresh, contemporary and stylish doors that are better suited the new look you are trying to develop with your property.
Don't forget about the internal doors either. It's quite easy to forget about internal doors, however you'll do so at your peril. Chipped paint can be easily repaired, but doors that don't fit the look of the room need to be replaced. For instance, if you live in a Victorian terrace, 1970s pine doors just won't do.
Soft Furnishings
Including colour, pattern and texture to a room is best and most straightforwardly done with soft furnishings. Cushions, throws, new three-piece suite covers, curtains, drapes and blinds can make a surprising difference especially when incorporated holistically.
Flooring
Don't just think that if you lay some Swedish pine floorboards your interior will be instantly enhanced. Some rooms benefit from carpets, whilst others demand solid wood. Tiles and slate are another possibility and don't rule out dark colours; deep and dark shades can have a dramatic effect, especially when offset by light-coloured walls.
