Interior Design Thoughts from Lockdown
We are going through very strange times at the moment, with many people seeing only their own 4 walls for weeks, if not months, on end. We, like many others, have worked on some interiors projects, maintenance and repair jobs and other restyling projects. One thing that lockdown seems to have made us review is our home environment. Maybe you hadn’t considered a décor update in your home, but we know that having been confined to your homes many of you would love to refresh your home so now is the perfect time to do so!
Interior design and restyling doesn’t have to be budget busting, we very much believe that there is a beautiful interior finish for any taste and any budget.
The Living Room
Other than the kitchen, this is arguably the most communal space in the home, used by everyone in the family. It is a place for relaxing, entertaining, watching television, playing games and much more. Very much a multi-purpose room, especially in a time when open plan living is incredibly popular, you need to choose your furniture and colour theme carefully.
A sofa is often the largest, most prominent item of furniture and can affect the tone of the whole room. Choose your sofa wisely and you will love it for years to come
For a small room this sofa from Neptune is lovely as is on high legs and deep enough to be comfortable but not too deep. Leave a gap between the sofa and the wall to create an illusion of space.
If you need something hard wearing for children and pets, look at Loaf clever velvet. It is very hard wearing and practical while giving a lux finish. Sometimes darker colours can be as tricky as light ones as they show all dust/fluff/pet hairs so we would suggest a mid-tone for best longevity. Alternatively, a tweed with a mix of colours in the fabric hides stains well. Also, if you choose a sofa with a fixed back you won’t be constantly plumping up the cushions or putting them back on straight after the kids have played! The Pudding sofa from Loaf is a great choice for a busy family home.
If space and storage are at a premium in your room, opt for a table with hidden storage like this ottoman table from White Company. Alternatively, when you need extra surface space, a nest of tables is perfect. This trio of tables from Maisons du Monde adds a lovely rustic touch to a room and has coordinating items such as media units and shelves.
The ability to either brighten or darken the room makes the living room a versatile space to use during the night or day. If you have a light room with large windows or a television that faces a window install good blinds or curtains. A thick luxe fabric curtain adds a spot of luxury and will be able to complement any colour scheme. We often suggest to clients that we have bespoke curtains made as they are crucial to a design and having them made gives us a much wider choice of fabric and style and means we can tie all the elements together much quicker but if you are on a budget try these Geometric curtains off the peg from Dunelm – great value!
At the opposite end of the scale, you need to also ensure that the room has enough lighting options. Choose a beautiful ceiling light fitting for an artistic centrepiece and marry that with side and table This light fitting from Wayfair would be an incredible statement investment and perfect over a kitchen island or table. We also love this side lamp, also from Wayfair, for adding a pop of colour to a room in a very natural way.
Finally, soft furnishings are a quick and easy way to make a room look and feel different. A change of rug, curtains and cushions can transform your living room. With the hot weather drawing to a close, it’s the perfect time to think about cosy blankets and throws; add a different colour and create a homely autumnal look.
Whether you are looking at a complete renovation or simply to swap a few key things in the room, there is a way for you to create a fresh look in your home.
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September 2020