Even a few small changes to your home décor can have big benefits for your mood. From adding strategic pops of colour, to simply thinking differently about your living spaces, Niamh O’Reilly’s got 7 hacks to dial up your décor for spring.

As the saying goes, home is where the heart is – and it’s amazing how a little bit of love and attention around the house can improve your wellbeing.

­The right colour palettes, combined with a little reorganisation and rethinking of your current spaces, is a simple, easy and affordable way to makeover your home, without investing a huge amount of time or effort.

1>> REFRESH YOUR REAL-LIFE PHOTOS

Yes, we mean those real-life photographs you’ve printed off and framed, not the digital kind.

Whether you have a nest of photo frames or one or two on a shelf, it’s time to refresh what you’ve got inside. ­ There’s nothing like looking at the special memories our photos give us, but more often than not, we neglect to update them with the newer memories, milestones and important events in our lives.

You’ll instantly feel the benefit of the new additions to your photo frames and if you haven’t printed off any pictures in a while, then now is the perfect time to do it. Make a stunning photo collage centrepiece with this (1)White Rubix 15 Picture 4x6" Multi Wall Photo Frame, visit oliverbonas.com. Give your photos a new look with this striking (2)Thick Edge

Marble E­ffect Frame €4, and give your shelf a complimenting lift with this (3) Small Ridged Decorative Base €4 and (4) Knot Ornament Abstract Face Wire Ornament €3, visit Penney’s.

2>> MUSICAL CHAIRS

­They say a change is as good as a rest and the same can be said for your home décor. It’s truly amazing how the simple act of moving a piece of furniture can have a profoundly positive effect on your space.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try moving your sofa or your favourite cosy chair to face more daylight, which is a natural mood booster, especially at this time of year.

If you find yourself looking to curate your newfound space, why not try this striking (5) Giclée Print of style icon Brigitte Bardot from €19.99, visit Hapenny Design on marketstreet.ie

Don’t forget that mirrors are one of the best ways to give the illusion of space, so why not place one in a brand new location in your home and reap the instant lift it will bring. (6) Stretton Cream Leaner Mirror €350, visit harveynorman.ie

3>> CASH-IN ON CALMING CANDLELIGHT

­There’s a reason snazzy hotels and restaurants always have scented candles burning, no matter the time of day – they look and smell divine and evoke a feeling of wellbeing and happiness. Drink in the scent of this dreamy (7) French Linen Water Candle €25, visit maxbenjamin.com and you’ll imagine you’re on a summer verandain Provence.

If you’re looking to keep yourself grounded, then there’s not much that can beat the restorative and healing scent of lavender and eucalyptus and this (8) Handmade Soy Wax Candle €25, visit cleanslate.ie, is the ideal addition to your mood boosting regime.

4>> SOFT FURNISHING SWITCH-UP

A few carefully chosen soft furnishings like cushions and throws can instantly transform any room. It’s a great way to garner tangible results without committing to larger scale interior projects or home improvements.

Mix your new additions with your current collection and try things in different locations. Look for items with more than one dimension such as this double-sided (9) Ochre Tree Cotton Blanket €80, visit georgeandmilly.com. Play with texture by draping blankets or throws off the back of the sofa. Max out those scatter cushions and accent with one larger piece, like this stunning (10) Kingfisher Cushion in turquoise from €60, visit Irish textile designer trutrustories.com, for a pop of colour.

5>> ORGANISE THE CHAOS

If you’ve ever found yourself watching a deliciously soothing organisation video on a social media platform, you’ll know that tidying up is a hot trend that’s not only strangely enjoyable, but the end result is a surprisingly effective mood booster.

If you’re dreaming of jetting off to sunnier climes, then why not give your wardrobe the full Marie Kondo treatment and get your summer staples ready to go, for when the sun shines. A full-on wardrobe trawl is oh-so satisfying and investing in some smart storage like this (11) Alizee Blue Fabric Storage Box €27, visit oliverbonas.com, will keep it from getting chaotic.

If your home office could do with some new year sprucing, this elegant and super stylish (12) Plant box €199, visit aprilandthebear.com, is not only multifunctional, but is an eye-catching design piece to make you smile.

6>> CARVE OUT A READING CORNER

So many of us love reading, but it’s not always easy to find the time. Snuggling down with a good book is one of the best forms of escapism and regular readers say it relaxes them and helps them feel less stressed.

Be it daily journaling or curling up with a good book, there’s no denying that it’s good for the soul and the mood. So why not carve out some space in your home and turn it into a reading corner? You don’t need much to make it a haven for relaxation and self-care.

Style up your favourite reading chair with soft materials and layer blankets with cushions, throws and fleeces.

What better addition to you newfound reading corner than a (13) 100% super soft Merino Wool Cushion or collection of cushions like these €67.50 each, visit olannmor.com

Nothing conveys comfort like a (14) Donegal Sheepskin €90 and coupled with the peaceful addition of a (15) Hanging Plant €16, you’ll find your mood instantly restored. For both items, visit store.killruddery.com.

7>> PLANT LIFE

Never underestimate the positive power of the humble houseplant to breathe new life back into a room. It’s an instant, sure-fire way to boost your mood, not to mention your overall health. Set up some mini herb gardens on your kitchen windowsill; apart from the unbeatable taste of fresh herbs in your dishes, if you close your eyes and breathe in, you’ll be transported to far flung destinations. Pots of lavender are always a winner and excellent for calming the senses.

Succulents are an ideal low maintenance plant to bring life into your home. Try this cute (16) Sweetheart Hoya Kerrii Plant, set in Handmade Ho Pot from clayplants.ie, €26 or experiment with hanging plants from above. Or simply place pots in more unusual places in your home like these indoor beauties from (17) Killruddery starting at €3, visit store. killruddery.com Keep those indoor plants hydrated between water changes with this beautiful (18) Pink Flower and Plant Mister €13.50, visit bellmeadowliving.com, that’s so stylish it’s the perfect addition for your next ‘shelfie’.

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