Ten minutes is all you need to transform any room. Be it with fresh flowers, a well-styled coffee table, or a spontaneous reshuffle of furniture, a thoughtful touch here and there is all it takes to inject love, style and soul to your home.
Here’s how.
STYLE
“Don’t be guided with what is in magazines and on-trend, as it will soon go out of fashion. Instead, use as inspiration when you place and style items in your room. Everyone has something that inspires them. Choose a theme, then group things together that you like. It could be flowers, animals, leopard print, beach, a period in history, sport. Make it fun and relaxing. Your home should tell a bit of a story about yourself and your family – have confidence in your own style!”
Hunter and collector Catherine Cornish, of Brisbane interiors company Sachs and Cornish.
ORDER
“Begin by eradicating clutter. Have your windows cleaned, polish your furniture and antiques, and add a whiff of heavenly smelling room spray.”
Gallerist Sarah Templeman of Sarah Templeman Gallery, Perth.
“Tidy up, plump a cushion or two, light a candle, open a window or light the fire. Make the beds, plump and air your pillows and doonas. Straighten piles of books, and give all the curtains a shake so they fill with air and fall to the floor gently, whether drawn or open.”
Kim Pearson, interior design and visual stylist, Perth.
SPACE
“Adjust furniture so it’s the layout you like, and don’t be afraid of moving furniture away from walls.”
Kim Pearson
“Create smaller zones out of one big area for character and make the area useful and comfortable.”
Catherine Cornish
COLOUR AND PRINT
“Choose the base colours of your room, and then slowly build other colour on top of it using, for example, soft furnishings like cushions, throws and floor rugs.”
Catherine Cornish
“A patterned rug on the floor instantly brings a room to life.”
Claire Fabb, Stylist
LIGHT
“Group different sized candles – small, tall, round and large – to create a beautiful feature. At night, it makes for romantic moody lighting.”
Claire Fabb
“Lamp light is always pretty and adds character.”
Catherine Cornish
“Lamps add ambience and a warm glow to a room. Always upsize with modern light globes where necessary. I also love the look of fairy lights twinkling through a window.”
Sarah Templeman
“Dim overhead lights and switch on the bedside lamps for instant ambience.”
Kim Pearson
BE CREATIVE
“Always use lovely quality interior design fabrics. Be budget-minded and buy remnant pieces or second-hand on the internet. They look great thrown over an old couch. Loads of cushions always look great. Try mixing and matching modern and vintage. I especially love vintage tapestry cushions.”
Catherine Cornish
“Update your window dressings. Bamboo blinds or pre-hung curtains can add a totally new look. Add a throw to the end of a couch to create a warm, cosy atmosphere. Carpet stores have wonderful cut-offs of great textured carpets you can use as a rug or runner in your home. Explore and see if there is something fun you can add into the mix.”
Claire Fabb
FURNITURE
“Spend your money on one decent piece of furniture, and buy the rest second-hand. Second-hand couches accessorised with beautiful throws always look great.”
Catherine Cornish
“Throw a lovely piece of fabric over an old and ugly table for an instant make-over.”
Catherine Cornish
ART
“Buy a vintage object or gorgeous second-hand painting for $10. It does not need to be a name unless you are into serious art. They are not only cheaper, but better quality and have a story.”
Catherine Cornish
“Create a new focal point by hanging a beautiful piece of art or statement mirror.”
Sarah Templeman
“Adding a mirror to a wall can add a different perspective and make smaller rooms seem larger.”
Claire Fabb
STYLE-IT-UP
“I don’t like indoor plants, and prefer to use leaves from my garden. I arrange them in a large vase or pot. It looks great, and lasts ages. Leaves still look good when they have died and are brown and brittle.”
Catherine Cornish.
“Use a special catch all or cocktail tray to hold treasure, and arrange a fancy decanter and glasses on a side table. So luxe.”
Sarah Templeman
“Piling a range of glossy books on your coffee table. It is a great talking point and they are also beautiful to look at.”
Claire Fabb
“Flowers cover and hide all manner of sins.”
Kim Pearson
“When it comes to your personal effects, don’t be show-off; it stresses out guests. Groups of things on walls, and loads of books and magazines arranged in piles always looks understated, unpretentious and stylish. Your home is yours, so decorate it for you, and other people will enjoy being in it. I promise.”
Catherine Cornish.
Article Courtesy of domain.com.au
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