In the current market conditions many people are now opting to upgrade and improve their home instead of moving. Be clever, this year use your bonus to make an investment in your home by adding value to your existing home.

"A few simple changes, upgrades or additions to a home can make all the difference and you don't need to break the budget to improve the appearance and or function of certain rooms," says Kate van Niekerk, marketing manager for Tile Africa.

"This is particularly true for the kitchen and the bathroom that are considered to be the most popular rooms for improvements and remodelling."

To completely replace the existing tiles in a room would have one of the greatest impacts in the look and upgrade. However, a less drastic and less expensive measure is rather to add design features to the existing wall or floor tiles.

For example, kitchen countertops may be too expensive to replace, so opt for a decoratively tiled backsplash area to change the look.

Alternatively, add a contrasting colour tile or a border of decorative mosaic tiles to a space for a more creative or colourful impression.

In need of a overhaul?

A wonderful and straightforward way of adding a touch of style to a tired area is to introduce an attractive piece of furniture such as a new basin, set of taps, wall cabinet or changing the drawer pulls.

Simply change the mirror, vanity, toilet seat or wall cabinet to a bathroom, or change the taps and sinks in the kitchen to give it a newer, fresher look.

If the bath or shower looks a bit dingy, consider just regrouting the tiles and replacing any chipped tiles. Fixtures for bathrooms and kitchens come in a variety of styles depending on your personal taste and allow for a fresh look without the expense and hassle of redoing the whole room.

Going for an upgrade or a change does not always mean you have to move houses or break the bank — but rather look at your current space and how effective small changes can be made with your Christmas bonus.

Just because you have decided that now is not the time to look for a new home, does not mean that cannot still have that new home feeling.