Divine home inspirations

Fancy a change but don't want to break the budget? Lara Page has some inspirational tips for updating your interior and making the most of your living space.

Grey doesn't have to be boring - in fact it can be a remarkably soothing tone that creates a calming, relaxing living space. Keep it fresh and contemporary with bright white furnishings for a soft and elegant look - try stencilling a simple floral pattern to give the room a lift (picture from Crown Paints)

If you have a narrow kitchen and are short of space, but would love to have a seating area, then invest in a pair of bar stools like these ones from Littlewoods Direct. Bright colours can even change the look and feel of your kitchen space, and they won't break the budget.nextpage

Yellow is often overlooked as a room colour but if you choose the right shade (nothing too strong or overpowering) and enhance it with good light (both natural and artificial), it can create a wonderful warm feeling that'll make winter seem a thousand miles away.

If you don't feel brave enough to use a primary colour like yellow, warm up a neutral room by painting it in a rich, yellow-toned shade of cream, beige and caramel, rather than plain white, for a cosier feel.nextpage

'Feature walls' are all the rage at the moment - jump on the trend by covering the focal wall of a room (the main wall you see when you're sitting down) with a bright, daring wallpaper to instantly update your interior. Matthew Williamson has designed a fabulous range of bold colours and patterns for Debenhams (pictured).

With darker days and nights drawing in, it can be hard to get enough light into your home. Cheat by hanging a few strategically-placed mirrors in spots that will pick up natural light - directly opposite windows and patio doors works well. nextpage

If you're happy with your colour schemes and furniture but simply want to brighten the place up, add some shots of colour with a big selection of cushions scattered over sofas and chairs. Matalan (pictured) have some beautifully-embroidered bargains at the moment.nextpage

Rugs are a great way to give your living space a fun and contemporary twist. If the room carries a neutral or white theme, steer clear of dark colours, ornate patterns and heavy fabrics, and opt instead for a retro rug that compliments minimalist surroundings.nextpage

If you find you have extra space in your utility, pantry or garage, how about converting it into a mini home office? It's often hard to work or study when the computer is in a sitting area, dining room or bedroom, so having a seperate workspace can be a godsend. Keep the area bright and uncluttered with clean lines and lots of light. nextpage

Transforming a disused space is a fantastic way to add value to your home and create useful, imaginative new living area. Basements, cellars and lofts are ideal for conversation. If your loft roof is quite low, but you'd still like to make use of the space, how about creating a Turkish-style seating area filled with rugs, cushions and ornaments from your travels for a cosmopolitan feel that's sure to impress house guests.nextpage

Create more space in a capsule-sized room or cellar by opting for a space-saving spiral staircase - this idea also works well if you want to convert unused garage space into a seperate living area. nextpage

And if you really want to make an impact in your cellar, try a dramatic, contrasting colour scheme such as yellow and black - like Elvis's basement at Graceland (pictured). After all, the King can't be wrong!