You've just about made it through the stress of moving, and now that you're finally settled into your new home, you're faced with yet another daunting task... decorating.

After decluttering and selling the things you no longer need on eBay, you're feeling cleansed. And it can be tempting to throw yourself into an entire home makeover, right? But as we know, these things take time (not to mention a lot of careful planning)... In the meantime, here are some simple tweaks that will get your home looking fabulous, fast.

1) Go big on texture

There's no better way to give love to an empty room than with the addition of soft furnishings. Stock up on velvet cushions, fur throws and textured wool rugs for a quick and easy way to add softness and a feeling of luxury to your lounge, bedroom or study.

2) Make a good first impression

The hallway is the first and last thing your guests will see, so it's worth making it look inviting. Invest in a small entryway table and add a stylish lamp, a ceramic bowl for knick knacks and a vase of flowers to add character. Hanging a mirror near the door will also instantly open up a narrow space.

3) Master the art of staging

Giving key pieces of furniture room to breathe is something few people get right, but once you master the art of elegantly editing a room, you're onto a winner. If a coffee table or armchair looks squashed or oversized in your new home, sell it on eBay - it's so easy to list, and if you're selling a large piece of furniture, you can list it for collection only. With so many beautiful furniture pieces to choose from on eBay, you can then invest in a single statement piece you love instead. Once you've made your purchase, let it shine by keeping the rest of the room minimal, adding personal touches via carefully-selected books, frames and trinkets.

4) Get the lighting right

Take a look at the overhead lighting in your new home. Is it modern? Is the light too harsh? Installing a dimmer is an easy way to inject warmth and mood lighting into a room without committing to a new fixture, while adding lamps and lanterns to bedside tables and side boards will break up any harsh glares coming from above.

5) Focus on the details

Whether you're planning on upgrading your kitchen or not, there are easy tweaks you can make to get the space looking dinner party-ready, fast. Leaving a colourful crockery set out on show will give the room an instant style injection, so before you even unpack, decide if your old set is worth keeping. If you fancy something new, list your old set on eBay to make some extra cash. Updating your kitchen hardware by seeking out unique drawer pulls and knobs is a quick-fire way to smarten up cabinets, while a set of hanging copper pans will bring a modern edge to the room.

6) Create your own urban jungle

Plants and flowers instantly breathe life into a home, and for minimum cost and effort, are a great way to elevate your dwelling to the next level. Get the green aesthetic by adding an elegant orchid to your kitchen worktop or a large palm floor plant to the corner of your lounge for colour and a sense of vivacity.

7) Dress the windows

If you haven't yet got around to painting the walls, at least make sure your windows are dressed - a room without curtains or blinds looks bare and unfinished. Opt for good-quality materials such as natural silk, linen and cotton (they can still be off-the-rack), and make sure they're thick enough to give you sufficient privacy.

Source: http://www.housebeautiful.co.uk

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