Think of home and comfort is the first thing that comes to mind, a place that exudes beauty and cosiness. However, in our attempt to make our abode beautiful, we sometimes go over the top, giving it an over-decorated museum-type, almost garish look. This year, create your own intimate space that is homey and cosy while being stylish and elegant. Here are some quick tips to give your home that extra character by using different colours, themes and decorations.
Life on the coast
In this tropical island nation, the ideal way to decorate is to follow a theme where you always feel close to the coast. Use colours inspired by the sun, sand and water, and replace tile floors with wood or stone. Create the mood with cane couches upholstered with soft fabrics, and place bamboo or palm trees on either side. For the wall, buy paintings inspired by nature to create a serene environment. Put dried flowers or potpourri in a glass bowl and place it on the coffee table. Light up the house at night with incense candles.
Country style
Think Jane Austen and the first thing that comes to mind is mansions, dark Oakwood furniture, four-poster beds, skirted table covers, handmade rugs, embroidered curtains, all oozing class and grandeur. Who wouldn’t want to decorate their home the old fashioned English way? For starters, do up your walls with wallpaper in subtle but rosy colours. Buy couches with flowery patterns and dark wood armchairs for the living room. A grandfather’s clock will help enhance the décor. Old chests and wall bookcases with brass and iron knobs can add that extra class. Fresh flowers and silver or wrought candle stands would be a good way to decorate the dining table.
Freshen up
Blend the past and the future to create a brand new level of freshness in the decor. Make your home a fantasy land, filled with a surreal ambience where you can shut out the troubles of the world. Decorate with drapes, cushions, bed covers and other knick-knacks in shades of Pearlescent White, Sea Coral Blue, Icy Mist, Lavender Secret, Pink, Violet and Gold. Escape from reality when you enter your very own vibrant fairytale land.
Small is Big
It’s all about the small touches, the little things that add character. Give your living room wall a personal touch by hanging tiny wooden frames with pictures of family and friends. You could even buy a brand new vase for the floor or the dining table and fill it up with artificial or dried flowers. Tiny decorative artifacts can do a lot to brighten up and give a new flavour to your living space, but ensure that you don’t over-do it. Too many knick-knacks can clutter and take the charm out of the decoration.
Teen theme
Plan a colourful theme for your children’s room. Buy bright printed or striped curtains and bed spreads. Decorate their study table with flowers and pictures and place colourful bean bags on the floor. Put pictures of their favourite sportsman or rock band on the wall. You could even hang an electric guitar or a baseball bat on the wall, depending on their interests.
Laid back
While fancy couches can make your home look chic and elegant, a comfortable lifestyle theme ensures that you get your quota of peace, quiet and relaxation at home. Decorate your living room with reclining chairs with printed upholstery in bright cheerful colours. You could even put hammocks by the windows to lie back, relax and take in the breeze. Bead curtains and carpets in shades of Rosy Blush, Bronze Metallic and Dark Burgundy, can do much to accentuate the theme.
De-clutter
Too much furniture can make the room look cramped and small. If space is of the essence, you can replace bulky couches with floor cushions and place them on a rug. Cushions in lively colours can light up your room while making it look spacious and super comfy. Keeping your home tidy and free of clutter can also give it a spacious and bright look.
Stainless steel
While all our energies are usually directed towards revamping and decorating our living area, the kitchen is often forgotten. From drab and dreary tiles to modular kitchens, today, stainless steel makes the statement. Get stainless steel cabinets combined with vinyl flooring and make your kitchen look fresh and trendy.
The ageless antique
The colours of the past, charcoal gray, coffee, champagne, beige and a spicy red can give your home a very retro look. Classics can be styled to look trendy, while they continue to emanate an elegance of the past. You could hang an antique door from India as artwork, or add a fresh coat of paint to antique cupboards and cabinets. Style them with drapes and upholstery in vibrant colours. So whether its classical art or war-era furniture, let these vintage pieces from the past be an inspiration for the future,
Lighting
Lighting can make or break the way a house looks and feels. While ceiling lights give the home a cold feel, lamps exude warmth and coziness. Buy stylish table and floor lamps and place them in your living room and bedroom. Complement the lamps with soft textures on your furniture and drapes. You could even buy small and delicate chandeliers with soft lights, which can create the perfect ambience for a party. Big bay windows will ensure plenty of sunlight during the day making your home bright and cheerful.
By Sunaina Anand (Courtesy of ProperyGuru)
By Sunaina Anand (Courtesy of ProperyGuru)
