Fresh Ideas For The Home

Design legend Mark Hampton once said, "Real comfort, visual and physical, is vital to every room." What does real comfort mean to you? Your living choices may vary depending on how you seek security and sanctuary, but a good way to explore this subject is to ask yourself: How do you feel when you walk through your front door? Does your home bring you joy? Or does it make you feel frustrated and stuck?

Details can make a difference in how your space feels and functions. While a renovation can prove big budget, styling is where your creativity can be channelled to make the best of what you have with minimal spend. Often, you can use what you already have and love.

Now that you have a place to begin, here are some styling mistakes to avoid:

• Too many small objects and not enough “rhythm” Playing with scale can make your interiors more visually appealing. The most beautiful homes have a sense of rhythm with the placement of objects. What does this mean? Instead of having an even amount of space between each object, there is a variety of spacing – sometimes small, sometimes big. It is an overlooked element but important to elevate any setting.

• Overlooking layers and neglecting volume It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that styling is just about adding decorative objects. While they are important, everything needs to be there for a reason. On the other hand, beware of stripping back your spaces too much. They still need to have personality and feel warm and welcoming.

One of the best ways to create a focal point is to display objects en-masse. Sometimes this can be as simple as displaying one variety of fruit or vegetables in a large bowl on the kitchen counter or dining table.

And now, armed with the knowledge of common errors, let’s move on to simple decor ideas to refresh and transform your home:

01. Find A New Spot for Florals

If you’re in the habit of keeping a vase of flowers in your kitchen or living room, extend that love for fresh blooms throughout the house. It's the perfect excuse to invest in a new vase for your bedroom or bathroom. If the upkeep for real flowers is too much, go for faux alternatives or apply the idea to wallpaper and upholstery.

02. Set Up a Cozy Reading Nook

No designated reading nook? No problem. If your home doesn't have any leftover real estate to convert into a reading spot, design your formal living room to serve double duty as a cosy lounge area. Choose furniture with fabrics and shapes that are both sophisticated and homey, perfect for entertaining or unwinding alone. Look for a floor lamp that doubles as artwork to complete the vibe.

Take it a step further by re-styling your adjacent bookshelf with decor accents and accessories like vases and sculptures to break up the monotony of a wall of books.