Keeping up appearances
Friday, 19 November 2010 10:31 AM
Keeping a redecorated room spruce and sparkly takes a little effort – but it's worth it, writes Anthony Hill.
Improving your home takes time, money and effort – so it's no wonder that keeping a redecorated space in pristine condition is a priority for many. After all, nothing is more frustrating than dirty scuff marks on a wall that was repainted just days earlier.
What about more long-term options, though? How can a newly renovated space be kept spic-and-span before, during and after an overhaul?
Having formed specialist design company Susan Llewellyn Associates more than 30 years ago, interiors expert Susan Llewellyn was more than happy to share her tips for preventing clutter in the home and keeping furniture in good condition.
Getting rid of clutter
Before picking up the paintbrush or ripping off that old wallpaper, it is always a good idea to clear the room of unnecessary bits and pieces. But deciding what should be thrown out is often easier said than done.
Llewellyn suggests adopting a ruthless approach from the very start: rather than convincing yourself that every item carries important memories and emotional significance, it is better to keep only what you really need. "If you don’t wear that article of clothing, why keep it?" she says.
Keeping rooms tidy
Perhaps an even bigger issue is ensuring that your newly decorated room does not return to its messy state. Who wants to spend valuable time crafting their dream living space, only to have it look like a landfill site within weeks? Our expert believes the answer lies in making the best use of the storage space you have available.
"Put things away in boxes if you've got a garage or an attic," Llewellyn says, adding that if you are limited on space, buying a bed that allows you to stow things underneath it is a sensible solution.
For halls and stairs, Llewellyn is keen to emphasise the importance of a sturdy solution for all that footwear frequently kicked off at the door. "Shoes are terribly messy, so buy a shoe rack and keep it in your cupboard," she says.
Looking after furniture
"As far as keeping furniture dusted and polished goes, the best thing is to buy a good-quality polish and to clean wood furniture twice a year. After that, all you need is a soft duster to buff things up," Llewellyn advises.
On top of dusting and polishing, says Llewellyn, wiping window ledges and white furniture down with a damp cloth will suffice in keeping up appearances.
