Thursday 31 May 2012

16 ways to sharpen d?cor instincts - Decor, Lifestyle

It takes know-how to create soulful interiors, but you can sharpen your instincts with advice from designer James Hawes.

Interior decorating requires patience. Impatience will only lead to mistakes.

1. Edit rooms carefully

When you edit a room, use furniture pieces that you love but they must be stylish and complement the rest of the room.

Empty out the room you?re redecorating and put each piece back, one by one, creatively moving the pieces around until you find the right fit.

2. If something doesn't look right

A lamp on a table, a chair by a sofa - try rotating it.

Sometimes a slightly different perspective changes the whole look and feel of a piece.

3. Think about how you want to use your rooms

Take family photos and use them to add a personal touch to your home's interior.

In my living ??room, I wanted one side to feel sleeker for evening?entertainment, so I kept the floor bare.

On the other side, a rug warms up the space for after-dinner coffee or an afternoon read.

You don't have to use rugs everywhere.

Bare wood floors are beautiful too.

4. Use lamps

Overhead lights help to brighten up a space.

Table lamps help light the people.

5. Connect with your past

Use something inherited or something that?s ?been with you for a long time.

Make the space yours by adding personal items like an antique, a family portrait, a find from a trip.

Putting a personal spin on things will make your home unique and unlike anyone else?s.

6. Use antiques

Use antique vases, chairs or light fixtures to ground a room.

Antiques ground a room.

New houses need lots of antiques, to move away from that newly bought feeling - use antique chairs, vases and lighting to create a homey atmosphere.

7. Avoid using inexpensive, mass-produced products in a new home

Mass produced products look cheap.

In an old house with bones, you can get away with it.

Unique, customised pieces will set your home apart, so make a few expensive purchases and pair them with tailored pieces to make your home feel special.

Shop for d?cor pieces on your travels.

8. Use things in unexpected ways

While ashtrays have gone unnoticed?in the past, why waste a beautiful Baccarat ashtray?

9. Something that's off is always good

Throw in an unexpected ?fabric into a room and watch it work wonders.

10. Invest in a few good pieces

It?s always a good idea to invest in a few good pieces.

Buy the best sofa you can afford. It will be worth it.

11. Don't be a slaveto trends

Trends tied to any one historical period will only limit you.

Incorporate classic, timeless pieces that will still look good 10 years from now.

12. Invest in the dining room last

A dining room needs to be practical while still maintaining its beauty.

Use a plywood table with a beautiful cloth to create a functional space for the family.

13. Don't be impatient

Impatience will only lead to mistakes.

Take your time in collecting the best pieces and in the end you?ll have your perfect home.

14. Buy d?cor pieces on your travels

It?s not all about the photos you take on your trips.

Buy keepsakes?that will remind you of your travels, but will also work well with the decor in your home.

15. If your house isn't working

Host a d?cor swap party and see what you can get your hands on.

16. Consider using screens

Screens are a growing trend and they add shadow, light, architecture, and art.

Article courtesy of ????www.home-dzine.co.za????

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