E-mail your house styling questions to rachel.cooper@timesonline.co.uk

I am trying to update my bedroom as it looks like a child’s bedroom. I am now 17 so would prefer something more grown up, however my parents do not have a lot of money at the moment. Any ideas on where to get cheap curtains/borders or how to make old furniture look a bit more exciting? Caroline Ward, London

The key to success is about achieving a different look by choosing a few cleverly selected pieces – and it doesn’t have to be expensive.

First, refresh the room by painting your existing furniture and walls in neutral colours. Creams, soft beiges or off-whites work well. Then and add some new soft furnishings like cushions, rugs and curtains.

Prepare the walls well now and paint them in neutral colours; you can always change the colour schemes by changing accessories over the years to keep it interesting. I would recommend that you avoid wallpaper borders, as they tend to shorten the height of the room visually and give it that ‘kids room’ association.

Matalan www.matalan.co.uk/pages/homeware does a great range of home accessories that won’t break the bank. Try the Louis XV upholstered chair £150 with some damask cushions and soft chenille throws for your bed. These are available in soft creams and browns for £12 each. The black Deco necklace vase (£15) or cream Overglaze vase (£10) adds that touch of glamour. Think about hanging the printed chandelier mirror (£15) behind your bed or above a dressing table where you might do your make-up.

You don’t need to spend a lot on lighting either. Next www.next.co.uk does a ‘Paris chandelier’ in acrylic which gives a modern twist to an traditional style for only £13. Add a couple of ‘Chrome plated stick lamps with chocolate faux suede shades’ on the bedside table (£12) for some ambient lighting.

To finish the look off, paint your existing curtain pole if it’s wooden in cream/white or buy a simple cream painted wooden or metal pole from Homebase or B&Q and hang Next’s ‘Taffeta chenille stripe lined curtains’ in dark mink (£50 - £90). Or, for luxury on a budget, the ‘Taffeta hidden tab top curtains’ (£10-23) in cream would look great. Et voîla! You’re all grown up.

If you want to have an idea of how the end result would look, find the items on the Internet, print off the images and show your parents how they all work together – best of luck!

Budget: about £300 excluding painting materials or wall coverings/paint.

For quotes on interior design projects, please contact Rachel at her Windsor studio on 01753 831838 or check out her website: www.rachelcooper-interiors.co.uk

Our Experts cannot send personal replies. Questions may be edited and advice is given without responsibility.

E-mail your house styling questions to rachel.cooper@timesonline.co.uk

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