Ah, the start of a new year, a time of planning, decluttering… and enormous self- inflicted pressure to improve our homes. A time when we look to implement those changes we’ve been putting off in the run up to Christmas. But if life post-pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that best laid plans don’t always turn out the way we’d like.
Lisa Marconi of DesignLed (designled.io) believes that in the face of a cost of living crisis, we should consider scaling back a little in 2023. ‘There is so much making big renovations difficult, including delays in lead times and supply issues. Work is more expensive than normal, and that’s not even taking into the account that we'll all have less disposable income,’ she says.
'One thing I would say is if you have money to put into your house, focus on the energy saving measures like insulating your home, better windows, upgrading your boiler system or even switching to greener energy if you can. Don’t underestimate the happiness a warm home and less stress about paying the bills to heat it can bring you.’
‘Why not resolve to be more accepting of your home and what you’re able to achieve in 2023?’ suggests Clare Flaxen, a cognitive behavioural therapist (clareflaxen.com). ‘Instead of going into the year armed with a huge list of everything you want to change, try shifting your focus to enjoying what you have and accepting the bits that are less than perfect or can’t be altered right now.’
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2023 من Real Homes.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2023 من Real Homes.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Side-return extensions
An efficient use of redundant outside space, extending to the side is the mart way to gain the extra room you crave and transform the way you live
Spa-style bathrooms
Prioritise self-care and put pampering on your daily schedule by taking bathroom design inspo from your favourite spa
Light & bright
Rachel's main requirements for her kitchen extension were a window overlooking the garden and space to entertain. We reveal how she made her dream a reality
Colourful kitchens
Let your personality shine with a style that makes you smile from that morning cuppa to dinner time. Don't be shy, go for bold
In the zone
Using clever design and planting, Pauline has transformed a blank canvas into an elegant, contemporary garden complete with social spaces, a cutting patch and a pond
Heart of the home
Faced with three living spaces and a tiny kitchen, Jo and Chris have devised a clever, broken-plan layout where the kitchen takes centre stage
Pre-loved treasures
Deborah has filled her south London home with character without breaking the bank, thanks to her smart shopping know-how and eye for a bargain
A new leaf
Dani Sandels embraced her passion for botanics and natural textures in the renovation of her family home, resulting in a space that delights the eye at every turn
A learning experience
Steph and James honed their home-improvement skills as they updated their old house and overgrown garden with help from family and friends -
SAGE GREEN
A calm, tranquil and fresh hue, our colour guru, Amelia, shares why you can't go far wrong with this nearly neutral