If your cupboards are bursting at the seams, hanging a pot rack is one sure way to reclaim your shelves. And it's a mighty good-looking solution. It can carry pots and pans and other utensils and free up valuable bench space. But hang it high enough so it's not a head banger, too!

When guests come to stay, it's the little things you do that can make their time with you all the more memorable. At bedtime, offer a tall glass of water, and make it extra special by serving it on a small tray along with a vase of flowers.

VIP treatment
Keen to decorate and looking for ideas? Instead of grabbing the paint charts, take inspiration from the colours of a favourite item. Pick a shade, then get your hardware shop to create a paint colour for your new scheme.

Wrap it around
Want to create a cosy, family friendly atmosphere for your dining area and gain storage to boot? Add a few built-in bench seats. These convenient, oh-so-comfy seats maximise every spare centimetre of space, especially if they can fit into a corner. And whether you build them yourself or have them custom made, you only need a simple box configuration. Hinged lids or drawers allow for ample storage, while cushions and padding can be held securely in place with Velcro.

New vintage
What a fabulous retro display for a shelf, so easy to achieve and so very affordable. These gorgeous vases were bought from op-shops and garage sales. Similar styles are fairly easy to find but the shopping secret is to look out for a consistent theme or colour group to match your room. Give them a good scrub, add fresh flowers, and they'll come up looking as good as new - at only a fraction of the price!

Make me over
For a quick room update that makes no mess, doesn't involve paint and needs very little effort, bring on the accessories. Here's how: pick up a few cushions in shades that complement your decor, add a colourful throw and a bunch of your favourite flowers. Take a few minutes to arrange them (this works well for the bedroom, too), then sit back and enjoy.

Open-and-shut case
Accommodating a table of a reasonable size is not always easy in a small kitchen, but it can be done by using one in a gate-leg style. The table itself is relatively compact and can comfortably seat two. To extend, lift one or both of the side flaps and hold them in place with the gate legs, which slide out. If you're lucky enough to find a pre-loved table from a second-hand shop, jazz it up with paint. Or, you can opt for a new model (this style still retains the traditional design).

Here's a glass act! Seek out a set of tall elegant glasses - or glass shapes that take your fancy - and make an enjoyable visit to a candle shop. Buy wax to make candles to fit, or see what you find in ready-made candle sizes - and of course, go scented. Then wrap the glasses in coloured paper, add your own details and tie off with string.

Up beat
The most unlikely items can make the best pieces of furniture. So hunt around your place, keeping an open mind. A drum from an unused kit makes a colourful side table. Unusual twists like this create interest and add life to an otherwise plain room, but be careful, just one piece like this at a time!