Style it!
You've moved in. You might even have unpacked your boxes. And chances are, even if you've moved into a newly built property that's just been freshly painted, you're itching to get on with stamping your own personality on your own four walls.
But what do you do? Should you go for paint? Wallpaper? Bold primary colours or soothing neutrals? It's all a matter of personal taste, but in case you're stumped for ideas, here's our take on this summer's key look - coastal comforts in shades of sea and sky...
First of all, start with some inspiration. We found this fantastic seaside-iinspired look from John Lewis for open-plan summer living. The whole look would set you back over £2,500, but we show you how to get the same feeling of light, space and sea air for a lot less. It’s all about the natural colours of summer. Think rock pools, golden sandy beaches and cool azure seas…
Now, start to build your look...
Start with…comfortable seating and light wood furniture in golden seaside shades
Ektorp corner sofa in Idemo beige £615.62 www.ikea.co.uk
Rose dining set £259 www.wilkinsonplus.com
Add… soft furnishings in ocean tones
Left - Teal berber style rug £70 - £250 www.next.co.uk
Above - Britannia cushion £35 www.lauraashley.com
Finishing touches… modern accessories and sparkling glass bring the sea within reach, even in the urban jungle
Aqua pleated top vase £12 www.tesco.com
Set of three natural lined baskets £10 www.wilkinsonplus.com
Just a hint… give your interior that sun, sea and surf feeling with a few beach-inspired accessories in sandy neutrals or shining azure blue
Moroccan faux leather pouffe £24.47 www.tesco.com
Textured ball in caramel £1.99 www.dunelm-mill.com
Pair of aqua glasses £5 www.wilkinsonplus.com
In the July issue of homefocus magazine we managed to copy the whole look on a budget of £1295.54 - that's a saving of £1204.46!
For more 'Get The Look' inspirations, make sure you get your copy of homefocus every issue. Check out a subscription by looking at our 'Contact Us' page, or just look out for a copy at your local housing association, borough council or supermarket...
Main picture details - Branco corner sofa unit £1075, Maine lamp table £57.50 and coffee table £77, Quebec dining table £288 and chair £96, Shikona rug in duck egg £140 - £595, Linara cushion in lagoon £19.50, Grand Canal print £100, vases including Aero £11.50, blue glass £26, Cube £12, tall vase £25, lamp base and shade from a selection. All from www.johnlewis.com