Ten laidback budget tips to relax a room

1 Lighten up. Paintwork even taken as far as pure white, adds purity and simplicity, plus it will amplify light, bouncing it around the room.

Add pale flooring or carpets. Natural light diffused through sheers will illuminate every corner on dull days, and be gentle on the eyes even on the brightest afternoon.

2 Recycling and up-cycling used furniture, (the latter being where you actually create something potentially more valuable by playing about with it), are of the moment and ideal for the gentle embrace of sentimental surroundings. Err on the side of chic over shabby.