Define Your Style Home Design Ideas
Define Your Style: Home Design Ideas.
Leonardo Da Vinci
once said, -Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication- and when it comes to
interior design this can often by the best route to take if you don't trust
your own design instincts.
There is a danger
however, that your house will blend into every other Magnolia drenched, carbon
copy home that we see cloned on every street in Britain today.
Why do we practice
such safe design? Is it because we suffer from a lack of imagination, or are
home owners up and down the land just not brave enough to experiment? Maybe in
this difficult economic climate we cannot risk straying from that safe colour
palette of cream and white?
I say, why create a
-blank canvas' (just in case you move home), for someone else to put his or her
stamp on. Look for inspiration everywhere and don't fear your own style. There
are several ways in which you can experiment without breaking the bank and
below are a few ideas and tips, which could inspire you to create your own
unique groove.
Firstly, do a little
research. Websites such as www.housetohome.co.uk have a fantastic gallery of
pictures and suppliers that can inspire you and are less likely to be found in
the house next door.
Create a mood board.
Collect images, colour swabs and fabric samples in order to focus your ideas
and inspire you. This way you will be able to see which colours and styles go
together and it will also help you commit to only buying what you need.
Steer clear of the
plain and create simple elegance by choosing a simple colour palette but also
experimenting with different textures of paint and fabrics. B&Q have a
paint colour mixing service, which can match any of your favourite items.
Add a splash of
colour by adding cushions and throws or curtains. Cushions, and more
surprisingly curtains, are easy to make if you have a bit of time on your hands
and you can get quality designer fabrics at greatly reduced prices online.
Stores such as www.digbyandwilloughby.co.uk sell designer fabrics at 10 a meter
instead of the recommended retail price of 30 to 100 a meter. If you don't
fancy making curtains yourself, Digby & Willoughby can get these made up
for you. Alternatively breathe life into a favourite chair with new upholstery
with Fabrics from Digby & Willoughby.
Accessorise with one
or two unique pieces such as a beautiful free standing mirror or a piece of
artwork. To save some pennies you could visit auction houses such as
www.lotsroad.com or www.criterionauctions.co.uk . I recently found a fantastic
seascape oil painting in a charity shop and a beautiful art deco bedroom suite
on www.freecycle.org so keep your eyes peeled.
Love the traditional?
Experiment with mixing the traditional with the new to avoid being old fashioned.
Choose classic wallpapers with a funky twist from companies such as Cole &
Sons and Zoffany to create a feature wall. Visit reclamation yards such as
www.wellsreclaimation.com or sites such as www.salvo.co.uk to find beautiful
antique wooden furniture and natural materials to create a classic and unique
vintage look.
A statement piece of
furniture can be the inspiration for the design of your whole room. Cover an
old chest of drawers or table with fantastic hand printed wallpaper, protected
with layers of clear varnish and jazz it up with new or antique handles. Try www.emmamolony.com
for hand printed wallpapers. Go off piste, I recently purchase antique music
scores from a local bookshop, which cost me 30p each and they make the perfect
vintage wall coverings.
If you religiously
follow modern styles, what is the buzz from the world of interior design, what
are the hot colours for 2010?
Colours from Mexico
such as, burnt oranges, sunny yellows, gingers and taupe's are on trend.
Various shades of midnight blue with greying whites are in vogue and as well as
being chic and ultimately classic, they would be a good long-term investment.
Soft vintage colours, such as neapolitan pinks and yellows reflect the current
boom in homemade crafts and reclaimed materials. Other colours in style for
2010 will be natural hues, soft beiges and nudes with green or purple
accessories.
There are plenty of
ways to create your own unique style and to update your home. And remember, to
play on the words of Jim Rohn, -if you don't design your own style, chances are
you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you?
Not much!'
Helena Searle
January 2010
Post Title → Define Your Style Home Design Ideas
