We all want our guests to be wowed and welcomed when they enter our homes. Yet it’s not always easy to achieve the effect you desire without the help of a professional designer or decorator.
Several questions run through all of our minds when we set about updating our homes: will this piece look good among my existing furniture? Is my taste on trend? Will the trend I have taken a shine to endure, or will I tire of it within a few weeks?
In order to take some of the pressure off, we’ve put together this top 5 list of fabulous home trends and decorating tips we’re confident will not only endure but look great for years to come.
1. Statement Artwork
Using artwork to highlight the architectural features of your home is a great way to inject personality and interest into any space.
Whether you decide to scour flea markets and antique fairs for vintage photographs and framed oil paintings, visit high end galleries, or frame large and small pieces of your favourite wallpapers, you can use artwork to add colour, whimsy and intrigue.
Break up large, empty spaces with several artworks, clustered together in mismatched frames, or create a sense of order and sophistication with a trio of similarly sizes pieces hung in a straight line.
2. Florals
Florals never go out of fashion. Whether you opt for a dramatic floral wallpaper, or simply update your existing furnishings with floral scatter cushions and cut flowers, you’re sure to add a sense of warmth and a splash of colour.
If you’re aiming for tranquillity and calm, choose muted hues I complimentary colours, while if you fancy creating a bolder scheme, clash and miss-match prints and patterns to your heart’s content.
3. Urban living
The urban living look isn’t for lovers of chintzy frills. It’s pared back, slick and contemporary; structured around clean lines and raw materials.
If you’d like to inject some urban cool into your living space, consider brick and concrete effect wallpapers, which bring texture and contrast, as well as sleek, monochrome furnishings, sheepskin rugs and gadgetry galore.
4. Bring the outdoors in
Animal, bird and butterfly prints and patterns, house plants clustered in pretty pots and terracotta and earthenware bowls and vases all blur the distinction between indoors and outdoors.
Take things to the next level with artificial trees and striking murals.
5. Classic touches
Certain things never go out of style. High quality lighting, rugs, throws and ornaments all make a house a home.
Trust your own taste, develop your own style and dare to take risks; you’ll soon have a home you’re happy to show off whenever the opportunity arises.