New Year decorating resolutions

Follow these five golden rules for a more beautiful home in 2008

I will be more daring
Is your home looking a bit beige? Collect paint samples and wallpaper swatches in bold colours and patterns you love, but wouldn't normally consider, and vow to have one on the walls by Easter.

No more costly mistakes
Take time to plan a new scheme. Start by listing your priorities and collecting pictures of furniture, flooring, paints and wallpaper in a folder. When it's full, look through them and see what themes emerge.

Budget won't hold me back
Just £20 (and lots of imagination) is all you need for a new look. Painting the walls a new colour, covering a wall, chimney breast or alcove with statement paper, updating accessories, or simply rearranging the furniture can make a huge difference.

I will learn a new skill
Save money and challenge yourself by learning how to wallpaper or tile. You could even do a home-study National Design Academy interior design course – see www.nda.ac.uk.

I will broaden my horizons
Always head to the same shops? Seek out new and unusual interiors stores, or go online. You'll gather lots of new ideas – and develop your personal style.

For more
Be inspired by our gallery of beautiful rooms.

More Style Tricks

Special Subscription Offer - save 50%!

Subscribe to Ideal Home today for just £20.50 for 12 issues, saving 50% off the full price of £41

Subscribing to Ideal Home magazine has never been easier. You can enjoy the convenience of doorstep delivery.

Take a sneak peek in our June issue

Order your subscription now!