10 quick home makeovers

Colour your world
Strip old wallpaper, then go all out with a new colour scheme. Cohn likes metallic paints and suggests applying them with contrasting colours for walls, doors and moldings; for example, a silver door with black molding and lime or aqua walls if you like to experiment with colour; or a copper door with taupe molding and ivory walls. "Once you're going to change it, get a little crazy - it's only paint," she says.

Out with the old
If you have remnants of fabric lying around, put them to good use: cover cushions (just fold and tuck, no need to sew) or drape them over a sofa arm. You can also use fabric to embellish cabinets or bookcases, says Thomas. Cut fabric to size, wrap and staple around a thin piece of board, then place it at the back of the cabinet. Add a small lamp to spotlight the fabric's colour and sheen.

Bedeck the bathroom
Update your bathroom by removing the medicine cabinet and replacing it with a large mirror in a gilt picture frame, suggests Cohn. Add matching towel bars and even new taps for your sink. Drape fluffy towels in wonderful colour combinations like aqua and chocolate. Most importantly, if you don't have an exhaust fan, get one. It will eliminate the possibility of mold and mildew. 

Warm up the room
Place an ottoman by the fireplace and top it with a short stack of books or magazines, an English teapot and a teacup, says Thomas. "It looks like you were just cozying up by the fire."