It’s easy to stop noticing parts of your home when you see them every day, especially when you live a busy lifestyle and dont get much time to sit and take it all in. But every so often, you might find that something about the way your home looks (or functions) nags away at you. It might be a corner that feels unfinished or an entire room that’s just never quite worked. If it’s been on your mind, it’s probably worth changing, and not just the usual tweaks either. Some of the most satisfying updates are the ones you don’t always think of straight away.

If you’ve got any kind of garden space and you like being outside in the summer, an outdoor kitchen isn’t just for show. It’s one of those things that sounds extravagant until you’re out there grilling on a sunny evening with everything at hand. No more running back and forth through the patio doors with your meat and veggies out of the fridge which can be a frustrating part of the hosting. They’re not cheap to install, but if you already spend a lot of time outside, it can be so worth the investment. Just be realistic about the budget and the build time, a decent contractor will walk you through what’s possible without overdoing it.

Bathrooms tend to fall to the bottom of the list when it comes to home improvements, even though they get used constantly. If yours is still stuck in the early 2000s or feels like it belongs in a rental flat, it’s probably time to do something with it. You’ve likely come across walk-in showers, but a walk in bath are less common and actually really practical. No awkward climbing in and out, especially with tired legs at the end of the day or if you're bathing a little one. Just don’t forget to lock the door before you fill it. The last thing you want is water seeping across the floor.

Some things make a home feel more personal straight away, and a photo wall is one of them. You don’t need a massive gallery setup or matching frames. Just pick a wall that feels a bit blank and start adding your favourite prints. It could be family holidays, baby photos or just those funny day to day snaps that usually stay hidden in your phone. It’s also one of those features that can be as simple or decorative as you like. A string of fairy lights around the edge or a few dried flowers in between can look great too.

The hallway’s probably not somewhere you spend much time, but it’s the first part of the house anyone sees. Think about adding a narrow bench with hidden storage or swapping out the usual coat rack for something that actually fits the space. A mirror can help if it’s a bit dark, and a washable runner will save your floors on rainy days.