Time to refresh your habitat

Refresh your habitat with some new year style resolutions . . .

I WILL FIND NEW USES FOR EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

The start of a new year is the perfect time for an interior re-vamp and, when looking for inspiration, go no further than objects around your house, says interior finishes consultant Alessandra Salomone.

"Instead of throwing away old glasses or wine bottles, use them as candlestick holders and let the wax drip down the bottle," she suggests.

"Or, if you have an old tea pot which has lost its lid, put it in the garden with a pot plant inside."

If you are in the mood to embrace your creative side, keep all your chipped crockery and enrol yourself in a mosaic course to make yourself something to brighten up a room.

Display old books by placing them in an open cabinet, Ms Salomone says.

"This creates a warm, homely feel on a blank wall in the home. Any old distressed pieces lying around can be used in a new or old home to create a homely feel," she says.

"Don't limit yourself when you're shopping either, some of the most interesting pieces I've come across are in second-hand stores and salvage yards. And don't forget grandparents' homes, they have some of the best finds. Remember, it's all about re-cycling and making your home a reflection of you."

I WILL ADD CHARACTER TO MY HOME

Mix existing furniture with a few new and locally designed pieces, says Majool's Kylee Symes.

"I have my sights set on a few great Australian design pieces such as the fabulous Zaishu stools for my living room to add a bit of innovative Australian design," she says.

"A Yellow Diva chaise (created by English architect James Davis and Australian industrial designer David Walley) is also a must for relaxing at the end of the day and adding a splash of colour to your living space."

I WILL NOT PLAY IT SAFE

Don't be afraid to experiment, says local homewares designer Anna Chandler.

"Everyone is playing it safe these days, especially when it comes to their homes. They tend to keep with neutral tones, often painting in beige, cream or white," she says.

"They are worrying about the resale value of the property and then end up surrounding themselves in these neutral tones for 10 years. Why deprive yourself of beautiful things in the chance that you might sell? Do it today."

I WILL BUY A PIECE OF ORIGINAL ART

Interior designer Megan Prentice recommends making this the year to buy a piece of original art.

"It can potentially give you a lifetime of joy," she says.

"We spend so much time in our homes and placing artwork in a well-used living area can bring soul to a room and reflect your personality and taste.

"Most of our clients worry about choosing the right piece of art but it is always best to choose artworks you respond to."

Her number one tip is to buy the piece of art you fall in love with, whether you love it for the subject, style or simply the colours.

"Perth has some fantastic galleries which showcase local and interstate artists," she says.

"If you see something you like but want some time to consider your purchase, we recommend you ask the gallery to place it on hold for a couple of days. This can avoid potential disappointment when you return and find it has been sold."

I WILL BANISH BORING LIGHTING

Stark, one-dimensional lighting is a common decor crime. So why not make your lighting work twice as hard and double as a feature as well as a practical fixture?

Ms Symes moved into a new home recently and plans to get the feature lighting sorted out in the new year.

"I know how important lighting is to set a mood, so I wanted to move in before we made any major decisions," she says.

"Make a real effort to seek out as much locally designed product as you can; WA has a lot to offer in the way of young and cutting edge designers."

I WILL ORGANISE THE WALK-IN WARDROBE

"Organisation is going to be one of the biggest things for me in 2010," Ms Symes says.

"I am so excited about sorting out my walk-in wardrobe. The Ximula range available from Majool . . . allows you to design a dream wardrobe unit that can be fully adjusted to not only fit your current wardrobe space but, if you move you, can take it with you."

I WILL LOVE MY BEDROOM

Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary so make it a space you love.

When choosing paint, Ms Salomone says light hues are good to work with in a bedroom as you're not restricted when choosing accessories.

"Also, why not add a feature wall to your bedroom? Hang a mirror, a piece of art or make a photo board," she says.

"Lastly, incorporate new and old. Just because you decide to re-vamp a room, doesn't mean you have to go out and buy a whole new suite.

"Work with what you've already got. I love the look of distressed furniture but you don't have to go searching through salvage yards to find it. Paint it, let it dry and rub it back with sandpaper to create the rough luxe look."

I WILL PERSONALISE MY ENVIRONMENT

"Your home should be the place that brings you the most happiness and gives you that jolt of memories from the past or a travel experience," Ms Chandler says.

"People tend to surround themselves with blandness instead of beauty and good times and we don't do that with our food so why do it with our homes"

I WILL SET THE TREND IN MY HOME

Forget trends - what is "in" this week and what was "in" last week - and set your own trend to suit your style, Ms Chandler says.

"You should pick items and colours that you want to see in your home and don't follow the ideas of others. I see people all the time who have no direction then come alive when we give them advice," she says.