Remember That Energy Clad Has A Silver Lining

Aug 24 2008 Justin And Colin

PICTURE PERFECT

Think about what art can do for your room apart from how it looks.

Here, the three prints positioned above the sofa elongate the room's perceived length while adding decor to a plain wall.

TIP: The ideal height for picture hanging is 56 inches (142.2cm) measured from the centre of your chosen piece to the floor - so please, no more hanging pictures as if you've been wearing stilts.

FIREPLACE

The dated stone-effect fireplace had to go but our new white plaster and marble replacement looks much classier.

New fixtures equal new rooms so spend your cash on visible changes such as fireplaces, light switches and skirting boards to go seriously glam.

Try the Luton fire surround in Bianco Titanio from Wm Boyle Interiors, Glasgow (www.wmboyle.co.uk).

BALANCING ACT

Take a balanced approach when it comes to lamps. The symmetry of one at either side of a sofa makes a strong style statement and it also adds to the balance created by the artwork on either side of the fireplace.

Again, try to plan these things into your redesign and make sure there are sockets where you are placing your new lamps.

Try TableLamps2Go for a great online range (www.tablelamps2go.co.uk).

COSY UP

Don't forget to add layers to soften your look as well as adding comfort.

Here, numerous cosy throws and cushions make it feel much friendlier, while palms and fresh flowers add a delicate touch.

Beautiful boucle cushions and soft chenille throws are the perfect dressing for sofas, especially from £6 to £12 at Matalan (www.matalan.co.uk). It's not how much you spend, but how you spend it that counts.

LIGHTEN UP

It's not rocket science to profess that if you remove a room's gloomiest elements, it will surely lighten up.

Here, we removed the darker details. It was expensive and messy to remove the stone and timber cladding but well worth it.

We recommend banishing problems before you start or you'll end up disappointed.

We painted the walls in Dulux Clouded Pearl 2 - (www.dulux.co.uk).

FRAME IT UP

We got rid of the hulking great settee and added a sofa and chairs with small legs to get them up off the floor.

Box frame coffee and console tables also increase the feeling of space and make the room feel much more modern.

For a similar sofa, try the Ankara three seater, £445, at Dwell in Glasgow Princes Square (www.dwell.co.uk).