Saturday, November 24, 2012

Sweet Home of Mine


Interior design is constantly evolving.  Our homes mean different things to us now more than ever.  Entertaining is no longer confined to the dining room, with the lady of the house slaving away all Betty Draper style in the kitchen.  Our homes now say so much about who we are, rather than just being designated formal and informal living spaces.  Our homes are not just places where we live; they're where we work, entertain, create and recharge.  They are a place of refuge and a showcase for our identities.  Interior design isn't just that 'matchy match' look of the fifties, rather it's now an intelligent artform, creating homes that are both beautiful and functional.  This idea is something that is constantly changing, influenced by the seasons, fashion, and, of course, the whims of the lady of the house!  Coming into summer, now is a great time to revamp your home and rid yourself of that winter slump.  You don't need to knock down walls and max out your credit card - there are lots of small things you can do to bring a touch of summer to your home.

Soft furnishings are a great place to start.  Seek out art-inspired and handcrafted furnishings and fabrics that allow your inner style to shine.  Think classic with a twist of colour, adding interest and renewing your home.  Marimekko is a Finnish design company mainly recognisable by their original prints and pops of colour.  They have been around since 1951, making significant contributions to the rise of a new fashion in interior design throughout the 1960s and 70s.  Their designs range from bedding and cushions, curtains and towels, to clothes and other home decor.  These pieces are classics born from culture, people, fashion and art, embracing so many options that you can change the colours in your home with the changes of the seasons, or even your mood.






Pottery Barn has a gorgeous range of rugs that can bring a burst of life to tired old floors. Bring a modern classic twist to your home with a rug that adds interest and elegance.  You'll be surprised how much of a difference a new rug can make to a room. 





Think about your window furnishings in relation to how you use a room.  Natural light is a tool that you should consider when making over a space in your home.  Maybe you want more natural light streaming into your early morning living areas, or perhaps need to be able to block bright light out of your baby's bedroom.  Freedom and Ikea both have affordable options to redress your windows in a smart way that flows with the feel of the room.










I always say this: it's the little things that really bring a home together, rather than big, expensive and ornate decor.  Interior design should be fun, and reflect you, not trends and fads.  Coco Chanel once said that it was not her houses that she loved, but the life she lived in them.   Aim for your home to be a place where you are happy to be; an oasis of your making.


 
Until next time,
Joanna







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