Jayne Kiely's tips on adding value to your bedroom & living spaces

In part three of our eight-part series on adding value to your home, our expert Jayne Kiely looks at two pivotal areas of the home.

Thoughtful design can transform the way we experience our homes, particularly in bedrooms and living spaces where comfort and atmosphere are key. It’s relatively easy to upgrade these areas with the help of furniture, rugs and ambient lighting, but considered choices can go further, creating spaces that feel cohesive, inviting and personal.

Bedroom

Storage is all-important. If you don’t already have built-in wardrobes or a small walk-in wardrobe and you have the space, seriously think about it.
Unsurprisingly, the bed is the most important thing in a bedroom. If your bedroom isn’t huge, don’t fill it with a Californian king-size bed as this will give the impression the room is too small. Make sure your choice allows room for bedside tables.
Bedrooms are about relaxation, so paint the walls with calming colours such as a soft green or warm neutral.
Bedding should be inviting, so layer up with soft duvets, natural fibre throws, Euro pillows and sleeping pillows. Try to avoid having too many pillows on your bed – less is definitely more on the styling front. Everyone wants a hotel-style bed.
Fabric headboards are a smart way of making a bedroom look more luxurious and can be purchased easily (or made yourself).

Living room

Open-floor plans remain the preferred way of living. Gone are the days when Mum (or Dad) was shut away in the kitchen beavering away while everyone else was sharing drinks and laughter. If you don’t already have an open-plan kitchen/living/dining and it’s relatively easy to open these areas up, why not consider it.
Create a focal point, whether it’s a fireplace or built-in shelving and arrange furniture around this to create conversation spaces. If you’re looking to sell, styling with modern sofas, throws and cushions is important. It helps potential buyers make emotional connections.
Add large carpet squares or rugs under the couches to soften the floor and acoustics and define the space. If your carpet is tired, consider replacing it. If that’s not an option, then get it cleaned professionally.
If you have a set of French doors in your living room or access some other way to the outdoors. Don’t block the natural pathway, as light rooms are most desirable.
Upgrade lighting to ensure it has a contemporary look. Use a mix of ceiling, task and accent lighting to create ambience.
Declutter, declutter, declutter. People want space, so think about taking away unnecessary furniture to make the area feel larger.