Wow factor doesn’t have to cost a bomb or involve a team of creatives. A feature wall can instantly and totally transform your space and it can be as elaborate or as straightforward as your budget and time allows. The key is to make sure it stands out, whether it’s a bold colour, striking wallpaper or maybe a panelled effect.

We all know you can never have enough storage but sometimes that’s easier said than done. Maybe there’s simply no budget or space for a huge bookcase or cabinets, but who can’t benefit from some well-placed wall shelving? Keep your home organised and tidy by maximising vertical space, be it with a slim ledge for leaning artwork or a multifunctional shelf. Umbra Cubist large wall shelf, $79, from HipVan.

READ MORE: The 10 Effective Storage Hacks You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

So many homes are let down by gloomy, outdated or ugly lighting. Opt for dimmable bulbs, swap out that faded lampshade or light up a corner by investing in a chic lamp that will instantly brighten up your living space in more ways than one.  Menu Bollard lamp, $159, from Bibliotek.

While they used to be regarded as tacky and outdated (think “grandma’s floral centrepiece from the ‘60s”), faux flowers and foliage have been slowly making a comeback. The latest ones look more real than ever, and they’re useful if you don’t have the time to upkeep fresh ones. Geometric wall frame with artificial Boston fern in antique gold, $74.60, from Noah Garden Centre.

READ MORE: 10 Hardy Houseplants You Probably Won’t Kill

Don’t let vacation photos languish in your SD card – print them out and have them beautifully framed and arranged on the wall. It’s a low-cost way to introduce something personal to your home, and make your space feel more lived-in. Hubsch antique glass frame, $32, from Stylodeco. 

Marble finishings have become almost ubiquitous in home decor, but there is one variation that’s been taking over interiors this year – green marble. It’s a fresh take on the usual white and black, and is a sure way to incorporate something textured and contemporary into your space. Use as an accent piece to make it really stand out. Living bowl, $70, from Boconcept; Howell nesting tables, $1,669, from Etch & Bolts. 

READ MORE: 17 Accessories That Will Make Your Home Look More Luxurious

Cut visual clutter and keep your sofas mess-free with storage solutions that are both stylish and practical, from poufs and coffee tables that double up as storage, to stylish trays for you to corral smaller items on. Notre Monde overlapping dots tray, $225, from Ethnicraft; Kvistbro storage table, $59, from Ikea. 

An easy way to refresh your sofa (and the rest of the room) is by swapping out old cushion covers for new ones. There are so many different styles, colours and textures to choose from – opt for braided ones for a boho look, printed ones for a contemporary vibe or leathery ones for a luxe feel. Anna cushion, $35, from Castlery; Macrame cushion, $95, from Living DNA; Prestige leather cushion, from King Living. 

Soft, textured furnishings can totally change the look and feel of your living space. Unfurl a new rug or embellish your sofa with a throw or two for the ultimate hygge feel.

Hanging a mirror opposite the window works to maximise the amount of light that gets in, essentially making your space look larger than it really is. SP01 Michelle wall mirror, $3,195, from Space Furniture. 

A typical eyesore in living rooms is the myriad of cables and cords at your media unit, whether they’re for the TV, sound system, WiFi router or other gadgets and gizmos. Keep them out of sight by bunching them up in a chic basket. Bosign hideaway cable organiser, $69.90, from HipVan. 

Optimise a small space by choosing furnishings that are designed for it. Modular sofas, nesting tables and shelving units are just some ways that you can make full use of your existing space. Delaktig two-seat sofa with side table, $979, from Ikea.

It just takes a bit of creativity to makeover your living room without anyone realising you didn’t even spend a cent. Simply rearrange your existing furniture and decor items, such as pulling your sofa away from the wall, placing the clock somewhere else, or creating new vignettes on your shelves or coffee table.

Place a beautiful credenza or sideboard behind the sofa or along an empty wall for impact and to zone the living space. A sideboard can also act as a decorative room divider without making the room feel smaller, plus it’s greater for storing things like serveware, drinks and snacks that you can easily break out when guests come around. Vienna sideboard, $3,738, from Kuhl Home.

READ MORE: The One Accessory Every Hostess Needs For A Stylish Home Party

Rich shades of blue are having a moment, from navy hues to deep ocean tones. Inject a sense of calm and serenity into your space with a family of blue ceramic vases, for instance.

Photo: 3LittlePicks

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