By Monique Warner

Since it takes some effort to adjust to a new home, here are a few tips to help you personalize your space …

Colour your home

Painting the walls, even just one feature wall, is a great way to add colour to an otherwise bland space.

When it comes to picking a colour, here’s a quick guide to how colour could affect the mood of a room:

*Green – Use this calming colour in rooms where you want to relax, like the living room and bedrooms.

*Blue – Soothing shades of blue in a bedroom encourage sleep, while bolder blues in the home office will help boost concentration.

*Purple – Known as a creative colour, try using purple in craft rooms or your children’s playroom.

*Pink – A nurturing colour, pink helps create a warm ambience in bedrooms or living rooms.

*Red – Use red accents in the kitchen and dining room to help stimulate the appetite.

*Yellow – Add some sunshine and brighten up a dark room in the home with pops of yellow.

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If you are renting, speak to your landlord about the rules and regulations about painting. If you aren’t allowed to paint the walls, add colour to your home by painting old wooden furniture, like bookshelves and coffee tables.

Thrown and scatter

If painting seems like a schlep, simply use patterned and colourful throws and scatter cushions to bring life to your home.

Added to sofas, beds and benches, scatter cushions and throws are must-have accessories. What’s more, if you have an old couch, covering it with a throw is an instant and cost-effective update.

Add art

Displaying personal photos and artworks really makes a home unique. And you don’t have to spend a fortune either – simply pick some of your favourite photos, print them in a classic black-and-white format, frame and hang them on a feature wall for a striking, personal touch.

Go green

The final and most budget-friendly way to personalize a home is to simply add some plant life. Whether it’s a few potted plants or a vase of fresh flowers from the garden, plants instantly liven up a space.

Happy decorating!