Transforming the look of your home is big business. Each year millions of us head to the local DIY store and home furnishings shop in droves to address issues within our homes. Television has a continual diet of DIY and home design programmes, inspiring people to unlock the potential their homes have to become their dream property.

There are several ways to transform the look of both the exterior and interior of your home and not all of them come with an expense price tag. Outlined below are some of the easier and cheaper ways you can transform your home from a functional living space, into a designer pad.

1. Don’t just imagine your perfect home, realise your dream in 3D

One of the easiest mistakes to make when trying to create your ideal home is to have a fixed image in your mind; what you imagine and what is achievable can be two entirely different things. Harness the power of the PC to realise your vision by using a room design tool to allow you to view your creation before you start decorating. This will give you a far better idea about what can be achieved in a living space within your budget.

2. Go for colours that are complimentary

If you are considering a major purchase for your home, such as a new sofa, then it is wise to ensure that you heed the colour scheme that is already in the room, or that you are planning. A room with few furnishings but a great colour scheme works far better than even the most opulent room that appears to be an uncomfortable clash of many contrasting shades.

3. Go for functionality alongside style

Regardless of whether you live in a small house where space is at a premium, or if you live somewhere bigger and have the luxury of a spare room, it is a good idea for you to maximise the space you have. Decorating will of course change the ambience of a room, but smaller design features can also have a big impact. If space is an issue, installing a quality sofa bedis a great way to give a room an added function, as it can serve not just as a living space, but also as a spare bedroom when required.

4. Accessorise

Accessories are a hugely important aspect of home refurbishment; they are the little flourishes that make your home unique. Invest in well-made furniture, quality display cabinetsand beautiful decorations, such as cushions, table clothes and sheets. A few carefully-chosen accessories will not only endow your rooms with character, but also emphasise the care and attention you have put into their design.

5. If you can’t do a great deal, then do a little

The prospect of renovating an entire room from top to bottom can prove to be expensive, but even if you cannot afford a huge renovation, you should try and do a little work. Even just a lick of paint on tired walls and internal woodwork can make a huge difference to the brightness of a home. Addressing scratches on walls, doors and floors, purchasing a few new interior decorations and changing that out-of-date light fitting need not be vastly expensive and can still give a real lift to a home.

Transforming your home need not cost thousands. Having a stylish, well-maintained and intelligently thought-out home is a simple way to make it the envy of all guests. Not only will you add a little zest to your home life, but a house that looks fantastic will be a property that is in great demand, whatever the price and wherever the location.