Don't underestimate the power of accessories. Carefully chosen, the right ones can give your home a fresh look without breaking the bank. Lamps, rugs and candles in zingy hues will add a hit of colour without being too drastic. A hot pink cushion is easier to live with than an entire wall!

Invest in patterned bed linen

Give a room an instant lift by investing in patterned bed linen. It's a simple yet effective way to accessorise a bedroom without cluttering the space.

Mocha Ravello bed linen collection, from £4.99, Dunelm Mill.

Statement storage

Cleverly fitted storage can be a great way to give your room personality. Accessorise the shelves with your favourite books and knick knacks.

Blue shutters, California Shutter Company.

Choose a statement clock

Clocks are fast becoming artwork in their own right and are the perfect way to put a stamp on a plain wall in your home.

Red oval clock, £117, Graham & Green.

Choose statement lighting

An interesting or unusual light fixture will give your room added 'wow'. A stylish and practical way to accessorise.

Statement lighting, Habitat.

Add softness with a throw

You can't go wrong with a cosy fake fur throw. Drape it over a sofa, armchair, or on the bed and you can wrap it round yourself on cold nights. Look for luxe, butter-soft fabrics to add a touch of glamour.

Luxury faux fur comforter, £103.40, Occa Home.

Dye white textiles

Instead of splashing out on the latest bright kitchen accessories, you can revitalise cheap white cotton ones. Aprons, teatowels and oven gloves can all be easily dyed in the washing machine. Genius!

Sunflower Yellow machine fabric dye, £5.49, Dylon.

Display coloured glassware

It's simple to add instant style to any room with an opulent glass vase or two. For a contemporary edge, look for distinctive shapes, textures or colours. Buy new or scour boot sales and charity shops for vintage finds. Rich jewel colours are spot on this winter.

Rosa vase from £15, Amberley vase from £30, both Casa Couture collection from House of Fraser.

Invest in a great mirror

A floorstanding mirror is a savvy investment as it makes any room appear larger. More versatile than a hanging mirror, simply prop up against a wall for an instantly larger space.

Venetian Floor Mirror £168, Graham & Green.

Pile up cushions on the floor

Cushions needn't be reserved for beds or sofas. Buy oversized ones and make your floor an appealing lounging spot. For warmth and comfort, look out for cosy knitted covers. Or if you're handy with the knitting needles, why not make your own?

Knitted Floor Cushions, from £74.95, Rockett St George.

Hang plates on the wall

Think of new ways to display your treasures. Instead of putting plates in neat rows on a kitchen dresser, why not hang assorted designs in an informal arrangement on your living room wall for a contemporary look?

Botanic Garden Plates, from £9.75, Portmeirion.

Choose black bathroom accessories

Bathrooms are one of the easiest rooms to brighten up on a budget. All you need are a few coloured towels, a soap dish and a toothbrush mug to liven up a plain white suite. Try jet black for a modern twist - timeless yet dramatic.

Black jewel soap dispenser, £10, black jewel cotton bud box, £10, black glass vase, £22, hanging mirror, £18, all Matalan.

Use everyday items as vases

The simplest ideas are often the best. Patterned china or pretty painted jugs make charming vases. Just fill with cottage garden flowers for homespun appeal.

Hand-decorated Pink Hearts teapot, from £39.95, and mug, £15.95, Emma Bridgewater.

Decorate curtains with tie backs

It's all in the detail. Transform plain curtains into a work of art with decorative tie backs. Look for rope, beads, tassels, jewels, ribbon and glass, or make your own from offcuts of fabric.

Evie curtain tie back, £25, Chloe tieback, £30, both Laura Ashley.

Dress up your dining table

In these more careful times, everyone's entertaining at home. Dress your table for the part with a smart table runner in the latest fashion obsession - teal. Use with simple white or black china for maximum impact.

Teal Scattered Flowers runner, from £6.99, Dunelm Mill.

Decorate your hallway

A collection of twinkling tealights, candles or ornaments on a wall-mounted table won't take up much space in a hall, but will create a warm and welcoming glow for visitors.

Moroccan lanterns, £7 each, Store Twenty One.

Lay a fabulous rug

Stylish fireplace accessories are often hard to find, but a statement rug will draw the eye to an attractive fireplace. Try independent interiors shops or websites for more unusual styles.

Stamp Rug, £695, Rockett St George.