It is vital to carry out research before decorating a property, it has been claimed.

Linda Barker, interior designer and spokesperson for the Ideal Home show, said people should study as many magazines as possible and keep cuttings and fabric swatches that they find along the way.

"It is about going to the best showrooms to get the best ideas and looking how it is done at the very top end and then fitting your budget around it and not compromising on look," she commented.

Homeowners should arm themselves with information before making a commitment to a certain style and spending a great deal of money, Ms Barker added.

According to House Beautiful Magazine, Brits have fallen in love with the 1950s again, with many inspired by the current make do and mend trend.

Free-standing appliances, retro patterned fabrics and tailored upholstery is beginning to prove popular again, the publication noted.

Homeowners planning to carry out renovation work may wish to consider keeping their belongings safe by using a self storage service.

Written by Emily Sanders