House feels dingy

carrielovesfanta

Hi all,


I wondered if anyone has some tips for making an old house feel less dingy?


I'm renting and the house really needs some tlc. I keep it clean and tidy, but it just feels sad and dark in there. There's a lot of old, dark wood (both furniture and fittings).


Any thoughts very much appreciated!


Thanks


clf x

elona

Fresh flowers, some light or bright posters, cushions or throws?

PlutoinCapricorn

I agree that colourful accessories - that you can take with you if you move - are a good option.

It is amazing what you can get for low prices in places such as Wilko and Dunelm Mill - cashback and sales reduce the costs too. The colours and designs in the throws make me want to buy most of them. I got a lovely picture on canvas from Dunelm for £4.99 in a sale.

Aldi and Lidl have special buys that might be suitable.

PlutoinCapricorn

Dark wood is a good background for coloured glass and vases.

You can get kitchen utensils in colour ranges too.

bexster1975

Light coloured curtains, bed linen other accessories. Mirrors ( big ones) will help. Lots of different lighting options around rooms.

Bexster

candlelight_2013

Hi,

I suppose you are not allowed to paint anything.

As Elona says, cushions and throws in light colours, table lamps. they don't have to be expensive, you can pick them up from Ikea, or if that is too far away from where you live, Asda..

If you have a large plant wrap some clear fairy lights around it. If you don't have a plant, go out and find some tree branches, spray paint them in silver or white and wrap fairy lights around the branches. I have this as part of my decorations this year (my DGD did it for me) and it looks gorgeous.

I don't like central lights I much prefer table lamps.

If you are going to be there for some while it might be as well to look for pictures or posters in charity shops. Try to find pictures with light coloured frames and also you might find some things in the January sales.

Hope this helps, good luck

Candlelightx

moneyistooshorttomention

White....white....white...and lots and lots of airing I would say.

Reason being = that's exactly what the house I recently bought felt to me....so I just "belted it with white" and will think further later as to what to do about it to make it feel "individual"/"like my home" but at least (for now) it feels clean and modern.

Apart from that....personally I would throw "individual" type throws, etc, over all furniture possible and make with creative lighting. Soft lighting hides a multitude of sins (at least come evening anyway).

Other than that = plants possibly? That is not bog-standard boring type indoor pot plants...but something a bit "wilder" and more individual. Blow spider plants and the like...

PlutoinCapricorn

I got some round solar lights that sit on the windowsills all day and glow at night. Some change colours. They are intended for outside but I like them inside.

candlelight_2013

Also lots of candles and tea lights, it makes such a difference at night, and your home will feel really cosy

Candlelightx

HOWMUCH

Extend the curtain poles so that the curtains do not block any of the window and are against the walls if you can. Then pick a colour you like and splash it into pictures, cushions, throws, flowers, rugs the larger the better. if the walls are emsulioned ask the landlord if you can paint either magnolia or white?

SpikyHedgehog

I'm guessing you're renting it fully furnished? So can't change much about the furniture?

One thing that I find really changes the look of a room/house is the lightbulbs - get some (energy saving) that are equal to at least 40 Watts, 60 for the kitchen. Keep the existing ones to put back when you move out! & making sure the lampshades are clean too - maximise the light in the house!

If you can (cost & landlord permissions), changing curtains, putting up mirrors, adding throws & cushions to furniture will all help give it a brighter feel.

Would the landlord let you paint the walls?