It’s that time of year again! Time to air out the cupboards, fix the odd leak and give the grubby walls a fresh coat of paint. Hold on then. Why not give your house a fab makeover? Explore these 6 tips interior designers don’t want you to know.
- Get rid of clutter.
When it comes to interior design, the secret to remember is that less is more. Forget the mantel piece littered with umpteen figurines, vases, candles and ornaments. Rather concentrate on a minimalist approach. Have one or two items grouped together rather than scattered all around. The effect you need to create is clean, flowing lines. The less clutter there is, the more appealing a room will look.
- Make first impressions count.
One of the best places to begin is at your front door. A coat of high gloss paint on the door and a brightly lit glass chandelier will do wonders. Don’t be scared of using bold colours, as long as they contrast well with the surrounds. Potted trees on either side of the door also help create a welcoming effect.
- Create symmetry by using pairs
By styling items in pairs you help create symmetry and are guaranteed to achieve that “professionally designed” interior look. A pair of vases on a coffee table, a pair of stained glass lampshades on either side of the couch or a pair of framed prints above a bed will create a unique symmetry that makes a room look well put together.
- Go dark
The traditional way to make. a small room appear larger is to paint it with pale colours. However, the opposite also works. Dark colours recede away from the eye, creating the illusion of greater depth. By using loads of effective light, you can break up the wall colour. White framed prints or the use of mirrors can be employed to create a bold and dramatic effect.
- Neutral basics and colourful accessories.
When it comes to bigger purchases, such as leather sofas or floor coverings, opt for neutral colours. These items need to blend in so as to be a part of a blank canvas. From there, you can have fun adding brightly coloured accessories such as throw cushions.
One advantage of this approach is that you can ring in the changes more often. Once you have managed to build up a collection, you can begin to implement smaller home furniture changes on a weekly basis; changing from reds to blues and greens.
- Paint your radiators.
Radiators are one thing guaranteed to throw a spanner in the works when it comes to interior design. They are ugly and are more often than not positioned in the wrong place. Instead of wasting money on expensive radiator covers, you can use an acrylic eggshell to paint them the same colour as the surrounding walls. This will help them to blend in. The alternative approach is to make them stand out even more. Paint them in a range of bright colours and place contrasting coloured accessories around them.
Whatever you chose to do, remember that it is your space. Don’t be afraid to show off your own taste, so long as you keep it simple. At the end of the day a home is meant to reflect your own personality, so while the basics may be important, the end result is entirely up to you. Have fun!
