The New Year is just around the corner, so what better time to clear through all your things and start afresh in 2010. If you are a hoarder you may have accumulated loads of possessions throughout your time in your home. Rather than following any design theme your house may have become a mismatch of gifts you don’t like, furniture that does not match and soft furnishings that have seen better days.

The New Year is the perfect time to redecorate and redesign your home and replace many of your older items that no longer hold any meaning. Choosing the same style of decoration throughout your home is the perfect way to tie in all your items together and create a stunning effect. The only problem is – What design to go for? And, how many new items you will need?

French country styled furniture is quickly becoming a popular choice. French furniture often has a rustic look and with the many different pieces available you will be spoiled for choice with the options available. The prices of French reproduction furniture are another reason these items are so popular. You can often find beautiful bookcases and stunning dinner table sets at much better value for money prices than you thought possible.

If you are thinking of a home redesign in the New Year, French country furniture is an excellent choice.

If you are considering a new look for your garden, or even if you just want to enhance the space you’ve already got, you’ll be surprised to find that a few well-chosen touches can go a long way in creating the atmosphere and style you were after. You don’t need to hire a landscaper or stick a great big pond in the middle; you just need to add a few key pieces of furniture and pay attention to detail.

When it comes to choosing garden furniture, you first need to decide on an overall style or theme for your garden. Not sure what to go for? Well, one of the best and customisable options is the shabby chic look. It is a casual and relaxed look, channelling the effortless elegance of English Country living.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vintage ceramics – You can choose matching birdbaths, wall baskets, planters and other decorative pieces in matching aged ceramic patterns, or pick up individual pieces to create an eclectic, unique look.
• Benches, chairs and tables – There is a wide selection of furniture available, including small, romantic loveseat benches and practical yet unusual wooden benches. However, an essential choice is an elegant patio table and matching chairs.
• Lighting – Choose lanterns in a variety of shapes and colours, or candles for a more intimate feel.
• Practical gardening solutions – You can even buy rows of hooks for your gardening tools and attire, or a delicate basket for gathering flowers or fruit.

Is your home ready for the Christmas period? With all the other things you’ve got to remember, like food, decorations, and gifts, it can be easy to forget about those little touches that make the Christmas period such a special time of year. Christmas wreaths are one of these essential decorations; they provide a warm, cheering welcome to all those visitors you will doubtless be expecting. No home is complete without one this Christmas.

What type of wreath should I get?
There are a fabulous range of Christmas wreaths available nowadays. You could choose one with seasonal, rustic, shabby chic or even sparkly charms; perfect for adding that festive touch to your front door. There are styles, sizes and colours to suit all types of door, whether traditional or contemporary, and you can even pick a theme to match the rest of your decorations, such as:

• Light-up LED wreaths in a variety of cheerful Christmas colours
• Seasonal wreaths made up of leaves, berries and other seasonal materials
• Delicate and pretty heart-shaped wreaths
• Metals: gold, silver or brass wreaths
• Simple and rustic wreaths made of decorated pine cones or twigs to create the perfect shabby chic look
• Traditional Christmas wreaths made of green holly and red berries

Whichever one you choose, make sure to buy a weather-proof one, unless of course you’re lucky enough to have a porch. Finally, remember to hang it correctly – you don’t want it falling down before the Christmas celebrations even begin!