How can we improve our homes in these unprecedented times?
The past few years have been strange, with lots of ups and downs. We’ve all been spending a lot more time in our homes, and as a result, many people’s attention has been focused on how their homes work for them on a day-to-day basis.
We all want a home that is beautiful but also functional. This isn’t always an easy task due to the many requirements people look for in their homes, such as a home office, children’s play room and place to exercise, to name but a few.
How can you achieve that perfect balance of beauty and function? This is where I can step in to help. I believe every home should tell a story, and work for its inhabitats. Trends come and go, but giving your home personality and individuality is timeless, and can last a lifetime.
Far too often, people try to create the perfect home straight out of a magazine or a Pinterest picture, but it’s very rare to find that these are actually useable or functional spaces. They’re stripped bare to create a clutter-free scene, when it’s simply not an accurate representation of everyday life.
How to create a balanced environment
These are five easy tips to create an environment that looks beautiful, and makes the most of your space.
1. Sustainability is something we are hearing much more about, in all aspects of our lives. Rather than buying a new piece of furniture, we can look to antiques, a family heirloom or a secondhand piece. With a little determination you can find items that have a classic, timeless feel, acting as statement pieces within a home. Often a simple lick of paint or newly upholstered fabric can breathe new life into a forgotten or unloved item. These pieces can evoke happy memories, providing that nostalgic warmth we all seek.
2. Natural colours within your home create a sense of calm and tranquility. Colour trends come and go, but a neutral palette can be timeless. Natural fibre furniture such as rattan and wicker have been used in homes throughout the decades, and as a result there’s so much choice on offer in both the new and secondhand markets. The use of neutral tones on the walls throughout the hub of the house, such as the kitchen, lounge or bedroom can provide a sense of calm. If you want more vibrant or strong colours, use home accessories such as cushions, throws, and smaller pieces of furniture.
3. Bring the outdoors in – otherwise known as ‘biophilic design’. Having been limited in terms of where we can go, we’ve come to appreciate the outdoors. Feeling an attachment to the natural environment around us is essential for our mental health. Plants, flowers and foliage around the home make us feel more connected to nature, and can give that splash of colour you’re looking for within a space.
4. Create a mini study nook. More and more of us are finding we have to work from home. Not everyone has the luxury of a private study, but it is possible to create a workable space within an existing room. Creating a study nook in a bedroom, lounge or kitchen solely for the purpose of work allows us to make the distinction between our relaxation space and our work space. With readily available and affordable compact desks, you can create the desired work station without compromising on valuable living space within the home.
5. Paint a colourful bathroom. A bathroom or downstairs WC is the perfect space to express your more adventurous and quirky side. You can bring elements of your personality through vibrant colours on the walls or heavily patterned wallpaper. Wallpapers are a great way to add character and personality to a room – try looking for independent artists and craft-makers on social sites such as Etsy and Instagram. Add accessories such as a plant, candles or an ornate mirror to give your space a sense of warmth and homeliness.
Interior design inspiration
The most important thing to remember is give your home personality. It should be a place you feel safe, calm and comfortable: have pictures on the wall that invoke happiness, use lighting to create ambiance and warmth, and try to create different spaces for work and relaxation.
If you need some inspiration to get your project started, here are five of my favourite designers, craft makers and markets from the past couple of years:
