Making some design changes to your home can feel like a mammoth task, but with a bit of insider know-how you can soon be designing like a true pro. We’ve shared some of the top designer’s secrets with you to help you on your way to interior design heaven. Avoid typical living room arrangements Making small changes to the way you arrange your living area can have a huge impact on the whole feel of the room. Avoid putting furniture directly against walls and resist pointing everything at the TV.
If you’re going for white walls, use art for personality Or, if you’re in a rented property and can’t put things up on the wall, use statement, show-stopping curtains to do the talking, like the designs from Clarke & Clarke curtain fabrics.
Don’t treat mirrors like art Most people when working on the walls in their home automatically turn to the idea of using mirrors as they feel this is a great substitute for art...it’s not. Mirrors are great for opening up a space but should be used sparingly and effectively. Two simple design rules when in doubt: don’t feel the need to use one above every mantel and don’t hang mirrors in between windows.
Make a statement with wallpaper in unexpected spaces Window nooks, chimney breasts, even bookcases and shelving can all be amped up with statement wallpaper and a bit of know-how. We love the statement wallpaper ranges here.
Open shelving is a great alternative to top kitchen cabinets Using open shelving in the kitchen instead of top kitchen cabinets can help open up the whole room and makes the surfaces below more welcoming in terms of freedom for food preparation. Keep the shelves tidy to avoid cluttering the look.
Get creative when it comes to displaying art work If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to displaying the works of Van Gogh on your wall, look for thrifty yet beautiful alternatives. Get crafty and creative by framing your favorite prints or fabrics, or playing around with your old family photos for an elegant, chic and expensive look.
Don’t feel the need to match all your bed linen Gone are the days where all your pillows, throws, cushions and duvet sets in your bedroom had to match. In fact, you can get a really quirky and fresh appeal for opting for mix-matched prints and patterns. There are some lovely cushion covers on the H&M home site to get you inspired.
Use some careful scaling solutions Especially if you have a particularly small space, using a big, statement piece in the room can draw the eye and change the scaling of the room. Whether it’s a chunky chair or a large lamp, make it a focal point of the room to add dimension and interest.
Get smart with the lighting effects
Lighting is key when creating atmosphere and appeal in a room. Avoid harsh lighting in dining or living areas; limit them to bathrooms where adequate lighting is essential. Use a dimmer switch where possible so you can adjust the lighting accordingly. ___________________________________________________ Thank you for the post! See you all tomorrow, Stacy