House into a home

Turn your house into a home
If you’re still living in the marital home, or even if you didn't get to stay in the marital home after yoru divorce settlement, you may be looking for a fresh look to complement your newly divorced status.

However, if you were born without the Lawrence Llewelyn Bowen gene for creative flair, gorgeous flowing locks and find those shirt cuffs keep dangling in the paint pot then making the most from your home can be a daunting task.

Whatever style you aspire to, whether it is ultra modern minimalist or swagged and draped country house, the myriad of books and magazines dedicated to achieving the look you want means that you should never be short of inspiration or advice.

That well known bookseller with a big presence on the high street, Waterstones, has a good range of books online to help you turn your home into a palace. Look out for Collins Complete DIY Manual.

As for magazines, newsagents shelves are collapsing under the weight of popular favourites such as Country Living and World of Interiors.

The trouble with all this advice. is that it can be difficult to know when to stop so keep it simple. For example, you don’t need to repaint every wall to give a room a new look. Change accessories instead. Lamp shades, picture frames, cushions etc. can make a dramatic change to the look and feel of a room, and a well placed light can completely transform the atmosphere.

Neither does it have to break the bank. Lots of the bigger supermarkets now stock ranges of inexpensive housewares that you can fling into your trolley along with your ready meal for one and the cat food to perk up your décor. 

As with people, houses need a little TLC now and again. Whether it’s general upkeep, a bit of DIY or a facelift for a tired room, if you look after your house, your house will look after you in your post divorce life.