As the housing market battles to keep its head above water, many Shropshire homeowners are making the decision to stay put for now and give their surroundings a whole new lease of life.

Shropshire interiors expert Giles Norbury, who with wife Susannah owns Stanway Fabrics & Interiors, near Much Wenlock, says: “Revamping your home is becoming a national pastime and more and more home owners are choosing to weather the financial storms on familiar territory by giving their property a makeover.

“Many of our customers are finding they are enjoying the opportunity to give their home a facelift.

“They are looking to refurbish, often with a specific budget in mind.

“It can actually cost very little to change the feel of a place and sometimes the simplest solution creates the transformation they’re looking for.”

And with a busy 2009 on the horizon, Mr Norbury is looking to take on a new recruit with an in-depth knowledge of taking measurements for curtains and blinds.

They will also need to have the ability to advise customers on the best way to dress their windows.

“We need someone who will go out to people’s homes and not only expertly measure for window dressings but who can also give the customer ideas on the most effective way to make the most of their windows,” he said.

Stanway Fabrics, which operates from an idyllic setting in the Corvedale, next to magnificent Shipton Hall, also has expert help at hand on white where advisors can assist customers to find easy solutions to their home refurbishment ideas.

“Our staff at Stanway can offer expert advice,” said Mr Norbury.

“Sometimes all it takes is adding a contrast border to a plain curtain which can emphasise – or tone down – the mood of a room. Adding a braid or trim can also enhance colour.

“Using a striking, designer fabric on the front of a cushion and an equally appealing, though perhaps low cost option on the reverse, is a simple trick of the trade yet is amazingly effective.

“We have thousands of metres of fabric on the roll including many designer options.

“Stanway has always been able to offer top branded fabrics at heavily discounted prices to help give your home that glossy magazine look without the high costs often associated with interior design.

“There are so many ways of achieving that designer look without breaking the bank, and our staff are always delighted to help customers find the best solutions for their homes,” added Mr Norbury.

Stanway Fabrics & Interiors also has a gift shop packed with further ideas for the home including lamps, throws and picture frames.

There is also a coffee shop for those who want to take their time over their design choices.