Photography: Hannah Puechmarin / Interior design: Angie Rogers
Why is it that when friends come to stay we whip through the house with a cleaning and styling frenzy we otherwise don’t have time or inclination for? If a good old-fashioned spring clean won’t quite cut it, why not lean into the panic and channel this energy to present your home in the best possible light? Your efforts won’t go to waste – long after your guests have gone you’ll continue to enjoy your home styled and decorated just the way you like it.
Don’t know where to start? Try a few of these quick fixes and easy updates to give the house a facelift before your visitors arrive.
1. Style up your entryway for a brilliant first impression
Impress your guests from the moment they step inside with an enviable entry. A slim and stylish console adorned with fresh flowers and a place to leave the keys is the perfect start, while hanging new artwork on the walls creates character and charm. Indoor plants also make a home feel welcoming while offering a sense of sanctuary and, if you have a long, lacklustre hallway, add decorative wall panelling for some texture and depth.
2. Upgrade hardware to focus on the finer details
Everyone appreciates a little attention to detail, so it’s time to sweat the small stuff. Replace your well-worn outlet and light switch cover plates with something brand new – brass-look or matte black options will add a touch of luxe. Follow suit with the handles on your bathroom and kitchen cabinetry – this simple swap out of a handle or door pull can help to create consistency throughout the house, tying everything back to your signature style. Finally, clear out the clutter. Make time for a room-by-room sweep, shifting those out-of-place items back where they belong leaving a trail of tidiness behind you.
3. Living room style revamp
The living room is a constant hotspot to relax and retire to when hosting guests – even more so if your home is open-plan. Dress things up with some new cushions, throws and furniture covers and, where possible, rearrange the layout to maximize available space. Don’t be afraid to change things up for a better layout to accommodate more people while guests gather. A new floor rug goes a long way in making a statement, and freshly cleaned curtains are always a nice touch. If time is on your side, repaint the walls in a sweet, subdued hue to balance out the craziness of the season, or try a feature wall using textured wall panels.
4. Pimp your powder room
Make your visitors feel pampered with a stocked and stylish powder room. Embrace the creative freedom you have here, without the restrictions of traditional wet rooms like steam and spillages. It’s the perfect place to try out that wallpaper you’ve been eyeing off. Easy additions like candles, luxury hand soap and greenery create a resort-like atmosphere, and if you have the budget, some new tapware will certainly breathe new life into the space.
The Edit: Shop no-reno updates for your home
01
Benjamin Ripple Grand Console in Natural Ash
$3515, Globe West
Set the scene in your entryway with an elegant base such as this ripple-textured timber console. Clean lines and twin drawers keep things trim and tidy.
02
Abella Mirror in Bronze
$537.60 (usually $762), RJ Living
With the right placement, mirrors throw light into a space and double the effect of nearby artworks and lighting. Extra points if you can pick up the metallic finish of door handles or furnishings to match in your entranceway.
03
Imes Half Moon Entry Door Pull in Brushed Copper
$119.90, ABI Interiors
Whether your home is classic or contemporary in style, choosing door hardware to reflect the aesthetic of your interiors can begin right at your front door, and then carry through to the hallway cupboards and living room cabinetry details.
04
Cable wool rug in Jade, 170 x 240cm
$2,200, Armadillo
Warm up any room from the ground up with a rug that draws the colours of nature and feels sublime to sink your toes into.
05
Tropical Linen wallpaper in Green
$119/10m roll, Eurowalls
Inject colour and pattern to your heart’s desire in the comfort of your powder room. On such a small scale, it’s the perfect place to spread your creative wings with wallpaper.
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