Planning to modernise the interior of your home could involve major renovation or building work, which will include the help of expert planning, architects, builders, designers and so on, to achieve a truly stunning result. If you intend to keep what you have in terms of the structure of the property, it could involve furnishings, kitchen appliances, or a new bathroom suite. However, simple but effective accessories can also add a modern twist to the interior of your home.
For a complete change, consider the following for modernising the look of your home:
• Major changes to the structure of the property, such as changing the position of walls to alter room space.
• The extensive use of glass for more space and ventilation.
• Replacing windows with modern designs.
• Opening up staircases or installing a spiral staircase.
• If the ceiling is high enough, adding a layer for an upstairs living, working or sleeping area.
• Removing old fireplaces and hearths for more modern alternatives.
• Installing a new bathroom –consider a counter top basin, a square-shaped bathroom suite, large modern shower enclosure with an unusual rectangular or square-shaped shower head, rainforest shower or wet-room, and sinks and taps that are fitted to the wall.
• A Belfast kitchen sink or the complete opposite, an inset sink.
• A minimalist kitchen with white, gloss, handle-free units.
• A breakfast bar or island, and gas-lift bar stools.
• An integrated stainless steel oven and hob, and a stainless steel, crystal and glass chimney hood.
Advice will need to be sought from experts so that alterations are made correctly whilst retaining the original shape and character of the property (if applicable). It will depend on how old your property is as to what changes you can make to it, and, of course, it all depends on your budget.
Changing the windows in a property can give it a whole new look, both inside and out, and it could benefit you in terms of warmth and energy bills as well. Also, consider replacing tired old curtains and nets with fresh, modern blinds or shutters for a modern twist, replacing fascias and guttering, or repainting the masonry on the exterior of the property.
Accessories for modernising your home
If you are replacing sofas, choose brightly striped seating and vibrant cushions to accent exposed brickwork and wooden beams. Get creative and reupholster a traditional wooden-legged occasional chair in a bold or abstract design such as swirls, letters, or a striking floral design; or recover the cushion of an old, distressed armchair using fresh, bright fabric.
If there is a mantelpiece, consider painting a panel of it in a tonal colour to bring it to life and to contrast with the natural elements of the room, or hang bunting over exposed beams. Add a striped rug to a wooden floor. Finally, adding a modern twist to your home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Choose contemporary accessories such as lamps, birdcages, quirky ornaments, and a multi-faceted mirror to hang above a traditional fireplace, and modern art. Simple, bright accessories can make all the difference and you will find that they add a contemporary flair to any traditional room.
