The spaces we occupy in our homes are continuously evolving as we do, whether it’s due to a change in tastes or lifestyle. This is why adaptable decorative and softer touches are not to be underestimated when redesigning a home. Read on below for a few impactful tips and tricks to add an injection of character and add a sense of freshness to your home.
Joinery
When contemplating how to make subtle but significant changes to a space in your home, I’d suggest reconsidering existing in-built joinery. A lick of paint can turn well made but dated and ordinary joinery into a real focal point without the faff of having to repaint all the walls.
A splash of rich colour on a large or significant piece, such as a wardrobe or bookcase, can create a striking feature and infuse the room with colour in a more reserved way. After all, as delicious as some colours are, they can be a bit overwhelming in large doses (hello, cherry red!)
Get creative with the hardware and decorative details as well. Inject a little playfulness or character with pieces that echo elements or motifs in the wider scheme. One of my favourite ways to elevate joinery is to add papered inserts to create beautifully textured or patterned panels.
If commissioning new custom joinery then choosing interesting shapes for the applied woodwork is another method for adding a sense of individuality and uniqueness to your home. I’ve previously designed a pair of bookcases with curved Moorish arches and a Strawberry Hill Gothic inspired cabinet for a playroom but your inspirations may be quite different. Architecture is a great source of inspiration here!
Window Treatments
Window treatments, such as curtains, blinds and shutters, also have a great capacity to enhance a space, as well as, offer privacy and shade.
An expanse of bare glass , ill fitting blinds or meagre curtains can make an otherwise thoughtful and attractive room feel a little unloved. Especially, in homes with large feature windows, it’s crucial to consider how to dress them to do justice to the rest of the scheme.
Though custom window treatments are a relatively expensive investment they’re often one of the factors that bring everything together for a sophisticated and finished look. Being custom made means they can be completely tailored and personalised for the space, the scheme and personal preferences.
And any one who’s shopped for ready made curtains and blinds will have found that if you can find the right size (often a challenge in itself) in a pleasing fabric (another challenge), they’re often sold without the structured interlining needed to create an elegant drape when hung. Details like a classic pinch pleat header are often difficult to find off the shelf too. Choosing handmade means as well as selecting just the right fabric you can also opt for more unusual shapes, such a scalloped edge, a pelmet or a rouched detail.
Interior designers are probably the only ones that get genuinely excited about these things but if you analyse your favourite interior inspiration images you’ll likely find most of them have a well hung custom window treatment or two!
Colour & Pattern
Colour is what makes a room sing. It’s a source of life, spirit and vitality in a space. Expression of oneself through this medium is often accompanied with trepidation - people so often find colour intimidating, or associate it with garish and overwhelming combinations.
But the real beauty of colour is its vast spectrum. Its array of hues, shades and intensities can be used to conjure a host of moods and feelings. It can even be used to evoke memories of certain countries or periods in time. It’s ability to transport and transform is what makes it such a joy to work with.
If apprehensive, or if you prefer a certain aesthetic discipline, sticking to a narrow palette of two or three colours, or using a single colour in variety of shades can be the perfect way to introduce just enough colour.
As for pattern, perhaps the most important aspect to get right is scale. A rough guide would be to layer fabrics that have varying scales of pattern i.e. small, medium, and large, as opposed to all small, all medium or all large scale which would look one dimensional and off.
For an example of this concept, take a look at the decorative box in the image of the jewel toned bedroom above. Notice the way it’s echoed on the larger zig-zag motif on the lampshade and again on an even larger scale on the cushion.
If you feel daring and decide to experiment with clashing patterns, try to ensure a certain synergy runs through the ones you pick to ensure there’s enough harmony to tie the contrasting patterns together.
Accessories
Accessories are the fun stuff. The pretty things. The proverbial icing on the cake. Maybe some people would say they’re the frivolous things but they’re all the little touches that make somewhere feel homely and lived in. They’re the smaller elements that avoid rooms feeling too functional and utilitarian. For bathrooms you may wish to consider pretty bottles for your soaps and moisturisers, wicker baskets for a multitude of things, and little dishes for jewellery and trinkets.
I’m not averse to a sentimental knick knack but tend to advise steering away from too much clutter. These are the small pieces show there has been care and attention paid to the space and a more reserved approach means you can appreciate each one.
In study and work spaces, I like to recommend surrounding yourself with personal objects and mementos that remind you of your favourite people and places. Nice photo frames, plants, smart utensils for pencils and pens, and beautiful art work all help to inspire contemplation, ambition and focus.
