****, white and blue…
If I was to say red, white and blue, what would be the first thing to pop into your head? The union flag, the American stars and stripes or maybe even the French flag?
What about yellow, white and blue? Nothing – no, well let me help you.
Where the fashion industry goes, the design/interiors world is never far behind (remember?). And this spring and summer season the designers have gone bold and neon and the catwalks glowed like never before. Block bright colours, clashing or complimentary, it all goes. If you’re a fan of trends and like your home to reflect this, check out the pics below.
If you’re a little cautious and like to dip your toe into trends, then go for some choice accessories against a plain background.
If you’re going for the complete look then get yourself some bold, graphic wallpaper and/or paint, rugs, cushions and accessories and build up your look – but stick to your palette so as not to create an eyesore!
I love… sideboards
So over the last year I have developed an unhealthy obsession for sideboards. If you’re around my age (late 70’s baby) there was probably one in your parents house, last seen in the background of an old photograph – but much to my pleasure they’ve made a serious comeback. For your hallway, your living or dining room there’s space in your life for one of these beauties. I think the basis of my love comes from the fact that I have stuff, lots of stuff, but I strive and campaign for a clutter free life (as seen here), so a sideboard allows me to keep all my ‘stuff’ without it being on display. I get to cheat!
Whatever your style taste I assure you, if you want one, there’s a sideboard out there for you. If, like me you’re a fan of 50’s type furniture, generally referred to as ‘mid-century modern’, then check out this beauty. Chunky units and legs, simple lines and handles, they’re built to last and with the right accessories can fit into most schemes.
Most people opt for functional storage and if it looks good that’s a bonus. This sideboard is an example of both, fit for purpose and good looking in a simple way. Throw a mirror into the mix and you’ve added another dimension to a great piece of furniture.
If you’re a fan of all things really modern with a retro twist then you too can have some sideboard fun with a new take on the old classic – as long as you can work out how to open it…
And if you’re someone who looks to do things just a little bit different then fear not you can get in on the action too. This reproduction sideboard would sit perfectly in a themed scheme – think Oriental, Global traveller or just because you love it!
I like… colour
I’ve already had enough of the grey, cold and snow so seeing this page in an old magazine made me forget my woes (for like a second).
I’d love to put all these colours in a room…
Isn’t it pretty? Makes me think of a beach and a steady supply of cocktails.
I like… pretty sunsets
Yesterday’s sunset was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen in the UK. As my phone’s camera didn’t do it any justice you’ll have to take my word for it, the colours were breathtaking – honest…
Lighting – part two
Living rooms. Choose good ambient lighting and use dimmers to heighten the atmosphere. Task lighting can also double up as accent lighting. A well placed lamp behind a sofa or chair can give your living space some added oomph as well as being kind to your eyes.
Dining rooms. Always have a strong background light that creates mood and atmosphere and keep your ambient light low with wall lights or washers. Suspend low pendants but only if there is enough ambient lighting in the room, especially in open plan spaces.
Hang pendants centrally over dining tables and balance with table/floor lamps.
Spotlights overhead will work, but need careful planning to avoid shadows when you’re eating.
Kitchens. You will definitely need a combination of lighting and planning to balance task and mood lighting. All kitchens with wall cabinets should have task lighting to avoid shadows from ambient lighting. Kitchens with no wall units give you the space to create unique task lights with wall lights or LEDs under shelves.
Think about lights inside cabinets and track or spot lights are perfect for giving light evenly throughout a space.
Hallways. Consider direct lighting on the stairs – LEDs or low voltage fixtures. Try to stamp your personality into your hallway with some impact like an eye catching pendant. Accent lighting can be used to highlight intricate plaster work, art or personal pieces. Wall washers mixed with ambient lighting will give you a good mix to create mood and atmosphere – success here means you’ll always love coming home.
Bathrooms. Always have strong task lights (probably not what you want first thing in the morning but you’ll learn to love it) and ambient lighting for everyday bathroom needs. Low-voltage down lights are a good idea as they create evenly spread ambient lighting and also allow you to zone areas within your bathroom.
So there you have it, enough for you to be getting on with. Go forth and bathe your homes in glorious light(s)!
Lighting – part one
Lighting is a tricky thing. At best it can add drama and atmosphere to your space – at worst it can leave you with a dull, thoroughly uninspiring room. Lighting tends to be an afterthought when most people plan their living spaces, one light in the middle of the ceiling as standard and maybe a table lamp or two – maybe. If that’s all you need in your room then your work is done, but in most cases carefully considered and well placed lighting will give your room a fabulous lift.
Once you’ve decided you need more lighting, the next thing to do is choose the type of lighting you need.
- Ambient lighting creates your atmosphere. Pendant lights, spot lights and track bulbs – but try to use these with secondary lighting.
- Accent lighting highlights or defines specific areas. Rope lights, LEDs, gel lights, picture lights, down lights etc.
- Task lighting provides functional qualities and minimises shadows. Wall mounted lights, cabinet lights, floor lamps, table lamps etc.
- Decorative lighting rarely provides enough light for tasks or to practically use a room, they simply provide effect and interest. Installation art lights, fairy lights, decorative chandeliers etc.
Now you know what you need your lights for, where are you going to put them all??
And then there was light…
One of the most common complaints I hear from people is that their rooms are too dark. They’ve either inherited dark decor from previous owners or have a space that doesn’t get great natural light. If you suffer from either of these ailments all is not lost – whatever your budget is, there are some simple ways to light up your life.
Big budget stuff:
Add a window. Obviously this solution depends on the position of your room, if you’re sandwiched between other rooms this clearly won’t work. Or is there is an outside wall? Can the room structurally take such an alteration? Get a professional in to survey the space.
Light tubes/pipes – great for spaces that may have no direct access to natural light like basements or to increase the amount of light coming into a room. They basically transport/direct light from one place to another. Again this will need to be fitted by a professional.
Medium budget stuff:
Flooring – what does yours look like? A dark coloured thick carpet may be comfy but it won’t be doing much to lighten your room. If you’re a carpet fiend go for a lighter colour to give the impression of bigger floor space. Wood floors? Strip them back to the lightest colour possible, few coats of varnish et voila. Tiles? Choose larger than usual tiles (especially if your room is small) as larger tiles trick the eye with their bigger surface area.
Ceiling. Are your walls coloured? If they are, paint your ceiling a lighter colour as this will break up the different room and clearly increase the light above your head.
Furniture. Not many living rooms can comfortably handle a three piece suite and you may not realise how much space (and light) they’re taking up. Invest in a new smaller suite in appropriate colours and see the difference. Your bed frame could also be sucking up light without you realising it. A wooden framed bed could take a re-paint and make a big difference. Or you could swap your divan for a framed bed.
Lighting. The most obvious thing to do when you need more light, is to go and buy a light – right? Yes and no. Before you go stocking up on lamps and/or brighter bulbs, make sure they’re the right ones. What’s your main function in the room? For example if you read a lot, floor standing lights placed behind or close to your reading ‘seat’ will work wonders and your eyes will thank you.
Small/no budget stuff:
Mirrors are a great and easy way to bring light into your room and bounce it around. Big statement mirrors are great, but if your room can’t take the size, you can go for two or three smaller ones strategically placed. Mirrored pieces will also help spread the light – such as coffee and side tables, console and dressing tables. Just be careful not to turn your room into giant disco ball with too many reflective surfaces.
Windows. Your existing window treatment could be blocking out the natural light you’re getting. Big heavy curtains can look great but if you’re starved of light how about swapping them for blinds that take up less space in the room and let in more light when they’re not in use.
Well – I think that’s enough for you to be getting on with…
Quick tip #4
You want to decorate and don’t know where to start – choose your scheme:
Contrasting/complementary scheme
Choose colours directly opposite on the colour wheel, or opposite but one (red and green or red and blue-green). The starkest contrast will come from the primary colours, so be careful using exact opposites on the wheel as they ‘shout’ at each other for attention in a scheme.
A good idea is to use one colour as your main theme and the contrasting one as an accent. This is definitely one for the colour lovers.
Quick tip #3
You want to decorate and don’t know where to start – choose a scheme:
Harmonious scheme
Choose colours that are next to, or close to each other on the colour wheel (yellow and orange or blue and blue-green). The key is to use a tone of one and a shade of the other, or a pure hue of one and a tint of the other to avoid clashes. Happy paint shopping!
Get the look: Global Traveller
A celebration of culture that reflects influences from around the world and is mainly built up around handcrafts and textiles. If you are a frequent flyer this is a great way to showcase treasures from your travels.
Fabrics: natural fibres are very important and rich effects are created with texture and/or designs. Handcrafting, rich embroidery and printed patterns all add to the look. The types of patterns you go for will depend on the culture you’re drawing from. This is an ‘easy’ style so don’t worry about symmetry, keep the look relaxed and effortless.
decorbydelali 