Redecorating is often at the bottom of our to do list at this time of year, somewhere below keeping children entertained, holidays and days out. Although we may not have time to get out the brushes and dust sheets, it is a great time to start mulling over ideas.

I once worked for an Iranian gentleman who would often say “I cannot afford to buy the cheapest.” He was a charismatic salesman and obviously this was a sales ploy, but there is wisdom in it. I would expand on it by saying “Do it once and do it well.” If something is well planned, well made, and is something you absolutely love, it will be far more enduring than something which is simply an of the moment trend.

If you are decorating on a tight budget, it is a good idea to keep in mind a useful tip to prevent your project running away from you; It is far better to allocate the greater part of your budget to areas that you use daily, such as the kitchen, rather than a little-used spare room. Or on other words, save where you won’t notice and spend where you will.

In nearly every home there are certain things that might feel like an afterthought left over from a previous owner or property developer, basic items which can look cheap or stand out for the wrong reasons. They may seem like small details, but these touch points, such as door handles, drawer pulls, and light switches are a necessity and something that you will use every day.

A tired, dull kitchen can be completely transformed with a coat of paint and a new set of good quality ironmongery in a beautiful finish, and your daily routine will be all the more pleasurable for it. If you are just after one or two door handles, vintage bits and pieces can be found on local markets and online, or you could go and speak to your local blacksmith. But if you’re looking for a full set of matching doorknobs and drawer pulls, whether your style is traditional farmhouse, rustic, vintage, eclectic or cool and contemporary, From The Anvil offer an amazing array of different styles and finishes.

For a traditional look, try painting cabinets in a classic navy or deep green like Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue or Studio Green, finishing with aged brass or bronze ironmongery. Or for a more modern country style use natural materials and bright, vibrant colours. Try F&B’s vibrant Stone Blue complemented by beeswax or pewter hardware.

The warm of glow of polished bronze or hammered copper look super glamourous with cool, contemporary monochrome schemes or jewel-bright blues and vivid greens like Stiffkey Blue and Verdigris Green from F&B. While for a more laidback rustic style, try light, neutral tones of F&B’s timeless School House White and Shaded White paired with pewter ironmongery.

For the greatest impact I would always start with paint. Generally, a room has more wall than anything else, so paint is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to update any space. It is also brilliant for making smaller changes without the need to redecorate an entire room. Giving a flea market find, or a piece of furniture you’ve had for a long time, or indeed your entire kitchen a new lease of life with a coat of delicious colour and a new set of knobs is not only an affordable and sustainable way to update your home, but it is also immensely satisfying.