STYLING 101
Where to begin……?
This is a common thought when looking to refresh your home or particular spaces within it. The idea of starting from scratch can be overwhelming and feel a bit too “hard basket”.
Your home styling should reflect your personality, include your favourite things and most of all give you all the feels you are looking for.
Let’s break down some of the most simple and effective ways to start your home styling
ENTRY
First impressions are lasting impressions.
If space allows, try a console table with a mirror or a piece of artwork that you love and a bunch of beautiful flowers/foliage.
Plants, interesting vessels or books can help set the tone of your home and add personality to your entry.
SCENT
Your chosen scent can help create the mood for your home. Whether it be coastal and calm, rich and woody or soft and floral.
If you would prefer to not have to keep and eye on a burning candle all day, oil or reed diffusers work well too.
We love the Le Labo Santal 26 Classic candle: www.lelabofragrances.com.au
MIRRORS
Boring mirrors are a thing of the past! The myriad of styles, shapes and frames available now is vast. Mirrors are a great design choice and can be used to lighten and brighten spaces, add a feature where a wall needs some- thing but artwork is too dominating or to complement the aesthetic of your space. You can use mirrors in just about any area of your home.
SOFT FURNISHINGS (THROWS AND CUSHIONS)
Even your old beloved sofa can be brought back to life with new cushions and throws. Make sure you use varied colours and textures to bring warmth and depth to the space.
COFFEE TABLE
Not just a spot to place your mug down. Clear off the kids’ toys and add a sense of style to this surface. Layer with a mix of coffee table books, fresh florals, vessels and a candle.
This will not only anchor the room, but create a centrepiece to build your furnishings around.
FLOOR RUG SIZE
Selecting the correct size rug is so important to a space. When shopping for your floor rug, make sure you have the dimensions of the room and dimensions of your furniture. The simple rule to follow when buying a rug for your lounge room: make sure your rug is big enough for your sofa to sit on it completely or have the rug halfway under the sofa or sitting approximately 20cm in front of your sofa. Try to centre your furniture and rug to focal points such as a fireplace.
We love rugs in bedrooms too. Popping a rug under your bed can instantly provide an additional sense of warmth, layering and luxury. www.freedom.com.au for a variety of sizes, colours and textures
LIGHTING
Most of us don’t want to feel like we’re watching a movie under 7 Eleven lighting. To avoid this effect, secondary lighting such a lamp on a side table or in the corner of your room can work a treat. This will not only save on lighting costs, it will create ambience in your space and be sure to set the scene for your next movie marathon.
Always providing us with trendy yet functional lighting www.beaconlighting.com.au
GREENERY
Plants are a great way to elevate and add some freshness to your space. From a large fiddle leaf in your dining room or a small fern in your bathroom, the right plant can change the whole look and feel of your room.
Health tip: Peace Lily, Devils Ivy, Mother in law’s tongue and Lady Palms purify the air!
ARTWORK
Find a piece you fall in love with, that speaks to you and will bring you joy for years to come. Artwork is one of the most effective ways to brighten up your space and when it comes to scale, don’t be afraid to go big if the wall allows. Measure up the correct proportions and as a general rule when hanging, the centre of the artwork should be at eye level.
COLOUR VERSUS PATTERN
We all know the saying blue and green should never be seen…. well in Interior Styling ALMOST anything goes!
There are a few basic principles when it comes to colour V pattern. Think big pattern, small texture or vice versa. Keep it tonal and pick your hero colour. If your artwork is the hero piece, go tonal and minimalist with cushions so as not to compete
WINDOW TREATMENTS
No matter the era of your home, great window furnishings should always be practical and complementary to the space, whether they are neutral or coloured.
From plantation shutters to rollers and sheers, the windows are the eyes to your….home Always get the right advise about the correct height for your curtain rods and the best length of fabric. We recommend Tori at www.sutodesign.com.au
INVEST IN PIECES THAT WILL LAST
When purchasing larger items such as a dining table or sofa, invest in materials that will go the distance. If you have kids, pets or even messy friends, be sure to take this into consideration and look for durable or even commercial grade fabrics. Finding well made robust pieces, will ensure you can host many a dinner party or lego competition for years to come.
BED STYLING
Not just a place to “hit the hay”, your bedroom should be your sanctuary and where you feel the most at ease.
Whether you are all about cushions and layers or keeping it minimal, you can find the combination that is perfect for you. Statement bedheads, bench seats or artwork add a sense of originality and can become your hero piece, allowing you keep it simple with your cushions. If you are wanting your scatter cushions to shine, choose a punchy hero and remember the colour versus textures rule.
LINEN
Your favourite flat pillow that is moulded to your head and an old flat doona doesn’t exactly create that sanctuary you are dreaming of. Invest in quality to get use for years to come.
Linen and cotton fabrics are breathable and great for all seasons, they set a neutral colour palette to layer upon for your bed styling.
Health tip: Look for hypoallergenic pillows and doonas for a restful nights sleep.
BEDSIDE TABLES
A statement all on their own! The choices are endless. Add functional yet trendy lighting and if you love a night time read or lathering on your hand cream, we suggest one with a draw for your storage needs.
UPCYLE AND PRE-LOVED
Save that dressing table from landfill and upcycle to create a unique and one off piece for your home. If you are not handy with a sander and a paint brush, check out your local small businesses who put on the gloves and do it for you!
We love Amanda from Coastal Creations. Check out her Instagram to watch a video on her before and afters.
TIMELESS STYLE
Finally….we encourage you to connect with your home and choose pieces you will love forever.
