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Recreation rooms serve as a gathering place for entertaining and merrymaking. Whether you love sports, music or creativity, your rec room gives you the chance to kick back and take pleasure in your pastimes.

Seeking shelter

Having a recreational space at home is a simple luxury that anyone can and should have. Whether it is large or small, masculine or feminine, modern or retro; the recreation room is a place where you can enjoy the perfect spot of ‘me’ time!

It’s important to have a dedicated space. You need somewhere that is purely for entertainment, that is calm and inspiring, and is generous with large space - necessary for various entertainment options.

Make a list of equipment and furniture you need to accommodate for when planning out your space and be sure to incorporate some of your favourite things such as artwork, photos or personal achievement paraphernalia to keep you motivated when your slowing down.

Décor 101

The rec room is just as important as our living spaces, so it’s only suitable that we decorate them with as much love and enthusiasm.

Gone are the days when rumpus rooms meant tacky and kitsch. You can quite effortlessly create a space that has visual impact by staying close to the mantra of beauty, function and comfort.

Start with a simple furniture layout and choose a style that reflects a sense of who you are. If your room is bland and enclosed, work out how to incorporate a feature point such as a rug or artwork. Appreciating how much impact can be achieved by decorating and styling the rec room is an important part of interior design and will essentially contribute to the wellbeing of everyone living in the home.

Soft and stylish

Comfort factor is important. Chairs are the prime gathering spot for nesting and recuperation, and ideally should be tailored to your specific needs.

You have to consider size, style and substance to find a chair you’ll be happy to rest yourself upon. Squashy sofas with generously filled cushions in different shapes and sizes will provide the ease and coziness that is crucial for a rec room.

Comfort should take priority when it comes to key seating pieces. When you find a chair that ticks all the boxes, go for it! A comfortable chair will yield dividends to your pleasure and resting time.

Entertain me

Once you’ve planned your space and furnished it with the things you love, you can start to incorporate the important finishing touches. It is the details in a space that lift the room from humdrum to astounding.

Think about placing mementos, awards or trophies in frames for a crisp visual impact on the walls. Alternatively, you can reinvent old trophies into vases and place brightly coloured flowers to create impact with colour.

Experiment with your knick-­knacks and treasures. Create interesting collections for display purposes – a powerful decorating tool of self‐expression that will add wonderful warmth and charm to any rec room.

Get the look…

• Rec rooms should reflect a sense of personal style, creativity and confidence in the home.

• Make your space fun and functional by following the basic rules of a good furniture layout, this is a simple step that can really make a room work and come to life.

• If you have little space to work with, storage will be a crucial factor to invest in. Think about investing in furniture that doubles up in purpose, for example a desk that can be used for storage as well as for working purposes.

• Making sure you have enough storage for all your bits and pieces is a top priority in the rec room. Think about incorporating built in furniture to maximize storage space.

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#1 - Api Ning

#2 - Yatzer

Take cue from widely diverse worlds and practice the art of mixing and matching periods into a new ease of life. Antiques and mid‐century classics play an integral part in Bygone glamour; it’s about teaming furniture with faded textures and worn‐out beauty for a look that pays homage to olden day times.

Fresh take

Contemporary style certainly has its place, but the yearning for a bygone revival is making a big comeback in the home. It is a style that merits mid-­‐century finds and timeworn antiques that have seen better days, and places them at the forefront of our home.

Look for pieces that aren’t too pristine and well preserved. It is a new meets old approach to decorating with a witty take on period living.

Victorian and French style antiques, as well as Scandinavian classics all work well when composing this look. This style is about filling your home with furniture and objects that have wear and tear; showcasing the beauty of its age and time.

Timeworn spectrum

Decadent and rich tones with burnt and faded textures against a backdrop of natural beiges and greys are at the heart of this trend.

For example, a mix of red ochre’s, eye-­catching magentas and indigo blues and bold statements of monochrome will add to the romance and appeal that Bygone style deserves. If the proportions and palate are well considered, you can successfully combine elements from any era.

Fabrics with heart

Add dashes of rich textiles and fabrics that feature distressed and eroded textures to add depth and character to a bygone feel. Play with tattered cottons, silks and linens.

For example, a selection of vintage fabrics reclining against a timeworn chaise will ooze sophistication and mystique.

By cleverly mixing layers of textiles and materials around the home, you can achieve a look that revels in antiquity.

New ease of life

The key to successfully finishing off the bygone look is to accessorise with treasured objects and heirlooms that seamlessly hold it all together. A unifying element like a collection of vintage family photographs, or a collection of old prints and paintings will consolidate and fuse the story together.

Use what you have and assimilate hand-me-­down objects and items passed down from your forefathers. Once you have a collection to work with, start thinking about how to best display them.

Play with paint

If you have old wooden floors and walls that have the potential to be beautiful, get out your paint scraper and start peeling back the layers of coats. Scraping paints off doors, floors and walls is all about uncovering the artifacts left by previous homeowners.

It’s a process that can add instant texture and colour without having the inconvenience of choosing new wallpaper or paint colours.

Get the look…

• Hunt around the home for items passed down by your predecessors. Vintage items will add instant impact for a bygone feel.

• To create a bygone feel without going to any expense on walls and doors, use a paint scraper to uncover past life.

• Eclectic collections of old prints, ceramics and knickknacks can create an interesting visual rhythm rather than displaying each piece separately.

• The important element is to purchase furniture that showcases faded textures with wear and tear; pieces that pay homage to olden day times.

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#1 - Trendey

#2 - Trendey

Simplicity has its place, but so does old-­time glamour and eccentricity. Retro style garners a sense of nostalgia and sentiment, injects bold doses of colour into spaces and embraces experimentation with glamorous furnishings.

Retro style merits the quirky and kitsch, it’s about mixing and matching and choosing kooky over sophistication. Bright, shiny and streamlined furnishings are just the ticket for a retro touch, so go bold and turn your interiors into a unique oasis.

Traditional with a twist

Retro is a style that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

It capitalises on a symphony of bold colour, warm textures and a mix ‘n’ match approach to decorating.

Take to clashing pieces of furniture and objects that revel in daring colours yet create their own cohesion. If a room is overly coordinated it will appear too contrived for retro appeal. Instead, look out for pieces that contrast with each other whilst working well together.

For example, contrast rough with smooth, bold pattern against minimal furniture, shiny metal with natural wood and timeworn with modern.

This is retro style at its very best.

Injections of colour

Bold colours and infusions of bright fluoro’s are at the crux of this trend.

Treat your furniture as colour statements, whether by changing the upholstery or painting it to blend in with your retro scheme. It can be the central focus of the room or else a backdrop to patterned walls and floors.

In living rooms, consider using colourful sofas, tables or lighting. For example, turquoise recliners and pink side tables sitting comfortably next to each other can provide you with that all important bold dose of colour.

Alternatively, make a big colour statement by using strong tones on both your cushions and accessories. Textiles are the quickest and easiest way to bring a little retro flair and colour into a room, and at the same time a good option for those who find bold splashes of colour too overwhelming.

Whatever your taste, colour creates life and energy. It is uplifting and makes you smile, so what better way to achieve a nostalgic, retro feel than by infusing beautiful colours into your space.

Go glam

Modern and vintage mixed with classic mid-­‐century pieces play a big part in retro style. Create instant drama in your space by applying a mix of luxurious materials and furniture together.

Think of rich velvet or chenille used in combination with textured linens in graphic retro patterns.

Classic mid-­century pieces and cool vintage furniture all add to the glamour of a retro story. Look out for the key Scandinavian designers and their signature pieces such as our Hans Wegner Papa Beat chair and Ottoman Reproduction

Aim for statements, and create a sense of retro style with dramatic, sleek-lined furniture for a suitably contemporary update.

Get the look…

• Retro style embraces quirky furniture and statement mid-­century pieces that lends to an air of nostalgia.

• It’s all about making a statement and preserving a sense of cool at the same time.

• Revel in mixing clashing furniture with high voltage colours.

• For an updated take on retro, use a luscious combination of rich fabrics and streamlined furniture.

• Mixing and matching is key to this trend. Look out for pieces that contrast with each other yet still work well together.

• Choose kooky flair over sophistication.

• Use textiles and accessories such as cushions and artwork to provide quick bursts of colour in the home.

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#1 - Trendland

#2 - Instyle

The days of separate living areas are no longer with us. Open‐plan living has become an important element of many homes. It’s all about working with what you’ve got and utilizing space in a cohesive manner.

Using your Space

Before you embark on a design project or if you wish to revamp a space, you should always think about the mood and feel that you want to convey.

The first step is to stand back and let the architecture dictate the space. Work out what you have and how to work with it, then where and when to alter spaces.

An easy way to do this is by creating a personal checklist of what matters to you. For example, if you enjoy a sense of space, consider banishing walls in favor of room dividers or sliding doors.

Think about fusing your kitchen, living and dining areas into one space, or, alternatively, sectioning off areas through clever furniture arrangements.

The trick is to create a layout that capitalizes on open‐plan living - one that is functional and practical.

Linking Space

You may ask ‐ how do you achieve a look that is pleasing and interesting whilst being at the same time cohesive and balanced?

The key to success is to choose a unifying element to link each space together - it could be colour, the choice of furniture or a overriding theme.

Discover what style and look you want to emphasise. You may be into a mix of modern and vintage, an all white theme or want to keep floors and walls the same.

Research is essential to fathom a unified look, so invest in interior magazines and browse the web for style inspiration.

Once you grasp the direction and décor you want to execute throughout your home, you’ll start to notice a sense of cohesion and harmony. Inject key colours, accent tones and mid tones throughout each area too, for an interesting offset and surprise.

Diverging Space

To keep each area separate in an open-plan layout, consider creative ways of dividing space. Defining each area can be accomplished with easy and affordable solutions such as wall units, room dividers or simply by centering furniture around focal points such as a coffee table or piece of artwork.

Room dividers are a versatile way of organizing and sectioning off space and at the same time can be changed around to suit your needs. Draw attention to a focal point in living areas with console tables or fireplaces. In small spaces, use furniture to divide up the different areas of activity.

It is essential to make the most out of your space, so carefully plan to create a home that reflects your personal style.

Get the look…

• Let architecture dictate the space in an open‐plan layout. The key for success is working out what you’ve got and how to work with it.

• It’s essential to stick with a consistent theme, style, colour, or vibe throughout each area to accomplish a cohesive and well-balanced home.

• Put pen onto paper and draw up furniture configurations to section off areas. For example, living areas can utilise chairs to centre on a focal point such as a fireplace or coffee table, and at the same time block off a dining area.

• Dividing space via room dividers or wall units is an easy way to organize your space.

• Discover your style and décor, and stick with it throughout the home for a unified feel.

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#1 - Trendland

#2 - House To Home

Bedrooms are not only a place to sleep, but also where you reawaken your senses and spend a considerable amount of time. Decorating your space appropriately is a necessity so you enjoy retreating there.

Sleeping Space

A great sleeping space must have an atmosphere that harnesses comfort and tranquillity. These are key elements to strive for whether you are designing a bedroom from scratch or refurbishing an existing space.

The bed is naturally a dominant feature in the bedroom, so it is important to begin your decorating scheme around it.

Bed heads, linen and dressings, furniture and what type of bed to choose are all crucial questions to ask yourself, as the style of the room will be determined by the look of the bed.

Bedroom Layout

Classic arrangements that form a diamond basis around the bed are the ideal bedroom layout. Consider placing furniture such as a wardrobe opposite the bed, then chests of drawers and a dressing table on alternate sides of the bed.

For rooms with limited space you can double up a chest of drawers as a dressing table by utilising the surface as a working space.

The easiest way to plan your layout is to get out pen and paper and then draw up a plan by working out what should go where.

Play with scale and savvy furniture arrangements to create interesting, pleasing rooms. The most important point is to work around the bed. Embellish with beautiful bed covers, cushions and bed heads.

Dress to impress

Dress up your bedroom with beautiful bed linen, soft reading lights, a rug and a statement piece of artwork. These four key elements can turn a humdrum bedroom into an invigorating environment.

Also think about whether you want your bed to be a four-poster, cabin or upholstered, as the style and type of bed influences how you dress it.

For example, a four‐poster framed bed works well with white linen and breezy fabrics whereas a cabin style bed looks great with nautical stripes and pillows.

Layer textures and fabrics together over the bed with mohair throws, Egyptian cotton and ruffled white cotton pillows to create a sense of opulence. Make a feature with pillows, especially on plain quilt coverings, by combining two to four pillows in various shapes and sizes.

If you like the look of a co-coordinated bedspread or one colour linen, add impact through texture with embellished or faux‐fur throws, patchwork quilts or striped blankets finished off with a delicate fringed edging.

Bed linen and pillows are a necessity in every home and can be a great excuse to splurge out in luxury.

Get the look…

• Step one of your bedroom‐decorating scheme is to consider placement of the bed. As it is the centrepiece of the room, the style of the bed will influence the look of the room.

• An easy way to manage your bedroom layout is by pulling out pen and paper and drawing up a plan of furniture configurations. A classic arrangement that forms a diamond basis around the bed is the ideal layout to work with.

• The style of the bed is a crucial consideration in the bedroom as it impacts the way you dress your room. For example, a cabin style bed looks great with nautical stripes and pillows.

• It is important to create a relaxed, comfortable and tranquil feel in the sleeping space. Embellish and splurge on luxurious linens, blankets, pillows and bed covers for a beautiful statement. You do, after all, spend at least a third of your life in your bedroom!

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#1 - Trendey

#2 - 79 Ideas

Creating a space for your rug-rats is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying decorating tasks one can undertake. Kids rooms can be fun and stylish – an adventure wonderland that will score you major points with the minors.

Think with creativity in mind and decorate in all-out bravery. Fun and functionality are your tools for creating a fabulous space that stops your kids in their tracks.

Playspace

Designing a room for your child is a chance to express your inner child, allowing you to reconnect with your fun side and profess your love for your little one, by incorporating a piece of yourself in the space.

Space for playtime is vital for children in the home. They can be as simple as a corner in the living room, a sectioned off area in their bedroom or a dedicated room just for play. This is one space where kids can be free to run-a-muck, let loose and licenses kids to be kids!

Children love colour, so don’t be afraid to splash out with pulsating tones and hues. Colour is uplifting and makes us smile. It creates energy and sparks the imagination in countless directions – a necessity when fostering children’s creativity.

Boyish good looks

Boy’s rooms require open space to play games and sports. They often like their bedroom to incorporate a desk for constructing models and Lego, drawing and playing video games. When configuring furniture layouts, it’s crucial to bear this in mind and dedicate some space free in the centre of the room.

Allow for snappy storage systems that dual up as design features as well as furniture for hiding away toys. A devoted wall, or corner of the room will be crucial here.

White, off-whites, neutrals, greys and lots of navy are fabulous colours to work with in boy’s rooms. Navy being a mainstay for the lads - as it is restful and manifests as a dominant shade in the bedroom, lending itself to a suitably masculine atmosphere.

It’s a girl thing

Girls like a space that aesthetically pleases the senses and reflects all things pink and floral. They like to partake in the decorating decisions too, so it is important to be in tune with what she likes and encourage her to formulate her own design sense.

Displaying patterned textiles in a girl’s room always wakes up a space and is the easiest way to bring style, colour, pattern and femininity into a room.

Most girls love floral prints with wildlife and animal motifs. Ditsy floral patterns are enjoying a timely revival and naturally add warmth and comfort.

It is important to personalise a girls space through easy DIY activities such as hanging letters to spell out her name across a wall, creating heirloom blankets and cushions monogrammed with her initials, or suspending a pin board to display your child’s artwork which will add visual interest, and at the same time foster creativity and develop self-confidence.

Through the ages

When designing for your child’s room keep in mind that this space will be ever changing and evolving, as your child is constantly developing and growing.

Therefore, it is crucial to create a room that can grow with your child.

For example, minors require a bed that will see them through till their teenage years such as a comfortable, single, queen or king size bed.

It is also good to invest in classic furniture and materials that will stand the test of time, so when the time comes to repaint or redecorate your kid’s space you will not have the vexation about purchasing new furniture.

As children grow older their rooms become more significant - a private refuge to revitalize and coop-up in, so it is important to keep them looking fresh and stylish.

Get the look…

• Designing a space for your kid’s calls for creativity and inventiveness. Think with fun and playfulness in mind, as kids need a space that fosters their development and learning through play.

• Embrace your chance to be bold and daring with colour! Children like colour and lots of it – so go all out with pulsating tones.

• Dedicating a space for your kids doesn’t have to mean they need a whole room. Think of unused spots and corners, or even storage spaces that could be turned into a playful area for your child.

• Boys need a lot of open space for playing and creating. Layout their furniture along the contours of the room so the centre space is left bare for entertainment.

• Girls need a space that inspires them aesthetically. Look to pretty fabrics, cushions and accessories to build up a style and theme to their room.

• Bear in mind that you need to purchase furniture that will need to last them. Invest in classic pieces that will not date and still look good in years to come.

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Image Sources:

#1 - Homelife

#2 - Via Puredeco

Country style has always been a favourite look in the home, but the latest trends and styles are giving the humble crave a brave new look. Think rich textures of leather combined with the coarse grain of wood to create the perfect recipe of rustic and earthy notes.

The crafted home

If you like the look of timber and you’re the kind of person who appreciates a crafted, homespun pad, country style is the look for you. It embraces the rustic, calm and plain tones – placing them at the forefront of its style.

Flawlessness is not desired, nor sought after, instead let the abandoned and natural imperfections of the landscape be your muse.

For a great simple look, mix textural with polished, new mid-century modern furniture with salvaged and reclaimed pieces.

Country style is all about honoring the handmade, so hunt around for great objects and fixtures to give the rural backdrop the impact deserves.

Natural Palette

When it comes to Country style palettes, shades of beiges, creams, chalky greys and whispers of white are at the bedrock of this look.

Use your furniture, walls and floors to do the colourful talking. For example, treat your pinewood floors with a coat of white matt paint, or stain them in a glossy black finishing to inaugurate a rustic feel. Keeping floors and walls neutral lets the furniture resonate well in a homespun space.

Beautiful Basics

Aim for statement via the details. A country home is all about reconnecting, restoring and furnishing with sympathy for the pure and organic.

Think wood and layers of lush fabrics in linen, cotton and wool.

Country style embraces the beauty of natural materials with visual interest supplied by its native bedfellow - wood. This clever combination of materials and textures complement the picturesque outlook of the rural terrain and simultaneously breathe life into a neutral space.

Generous sofas, streamlined mid-century pieces and weathered furniture with a handmade feel, are all necessary elements that fabricate a homegrown look.

Add into the mix a few key pieces of chunky tree trunk stools, chairs and a bold timber coffee table to consolidate the look.

It’s about decorating with heart rather than style, calm with lovely layers of scrupulous textures rather than ornate and highly decorative. Furthermore, it’s a look that embraces a practical way of living and a respect for all things shabby and imperfect.  

Adorned in wood

Equal in importance to a country look is its natural companion, wood.

Timber cladding and shots of warm wood take the leading role when it comes to creating a complete, homespun story.

Wood binds the connection to nature and relationship with Eco friendly.

Start of by using your furniture to provide the unifying element – and look out for worn-out pieces that echo a life well lived. A simple wooden table can work wonders in keeping a space feel warm and appealing.

Alternatively, you can let the bones of the home take prime position and deck out your floors in dark timber cladding or dress your walls head to toe with panels of wood to create an interesting play on texture and pattern.

Introducing wood into the home is the unifying element that will leave you feeling rejuvenated - it creates a cosy ambience that’s simply heavenly to reside in.

Get the look…

• Country style affords a soft palette of neutrals and warm tones to honor the beauty of the rural landscape.

• Wood is a natural bedfellow and any shade goes within a homespun look.

• Decorate with heart rather than style.

• Use a clever combination of materials such as scrupulous linens, cottons and wools to connect with the organic country lifestyle.

• The mix of wood and natural fabrics that make up a homespun style are the binding elements that consummate its story.

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Image Sources

#1 - Ditte Isager

#2 - 79ideas

Chic living style takes cue from understated elegance rather than eccentricity, relaxed over mismatched and soft neutral tones rather than high voltage colours.Embrace an overall white scheme to create a soothing atmosphere of harmony and laid back chic. Use some glamour alchemy with subtle glints of colour and striking embellished furnishings. 

Your living space is your haven, echoing your personality to the core as well as a space that allows you to relax – with no disturbances. 

White on white

Keeping it simple with a white scheme pleases the senses and increases the illusion of space.

Take a good look at the bare bones of your room.

Do you have beautifully ornate-plastered walls to accentuate your look? Can you add some easy elegance to your interior by mixing subtle materials such as wood or stone? 

Here, white on white never fails to enhance a setting.Let the walls and floors do the talking and layer the space with a muted range of tones in milky whites and grey chalky shades. 

Set the scene

Making a room feel comfortable is all about bringing together elements that rest alongside each other with contentment. Seemingly mundane pieces – a bowl full of rocks, scattered tea-candles or a pile of vintage books – can create an enticing setting depending on how you curate them.  

Create an on trend look

Be generous, and indulge in a mix-match of layered textures. Think about luxurious embroidered linen cushions, cosy sheep skin rugs and leather furniture in creamy whites to generate a sophisticated yet inviting ambience. 

Once you begin blending different materials, you’ll notice how they unite to create a sense of harmony with each other, and within no time your decorating finesse will begin taking shape. Elevating a room is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere through smart combinations of textures.

Instil colour sporadically

Liven up a neutral ambience with delicate colour splashes. Accessories, furnishings, paintings and ceramics supply random accents of colour and provide a working secondary colour scheme. 

Displays of trailing greenery in the forms of small pot plants, a mixture of hanging baskets and wall mounted flora, combine to intensify an atmosphere of vitality and rejuvenate a space.

Alternatively a palette of yellow ochre’s and crimson purples, against a surrounding of serene whites creates a warm and comforting environment.   The odd glimmer of colour inevitably adds depth to a monochromatic atmosphere, so there is no need to be timid. 

Our home is our canvas

We need a space that speaks to us rationally and emotionally, an expanse that frames one’s awareness of their wants and needs and importantly a place to soothe the soul. 

Simple Chic Living is the quintessential style for a tranquil interior setting. Conveying a serene space can be accomplished with understated neutral colours and enhancing layers of textures. Elaborate decorating is not required; instead, create a home that celebrates understated glamour, in all its simplicity.

Get the look…

• Take cue from understated elegance. Approach your confines with whites, greys and neutral colours to enhance a relaxed vibe.
• Work with your furnishings and accessories to create a secondary colour palette, and to essentially add depth.
• Floors and walls should be kept simple and minimal.
• Add some easy elegance by mixing modest materials such as linens, leather and wood. Furnish with layers of cosy knit blankets to retain the warmth.
• Luxurious leather sofas such as our Florence Knoll replica, filled with plush cushions in different colours and shapes, will provide an ease of sophistication.
• Create a living space that exudes effortlessness; think minimal tones and layers of textures for a comfortable, chic look.

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Image source:

#1 - Hege Greenwall-Scholtz ‘Velvet Crush’

Colour is a vital ingredient in any decorating scheme; it has the ability to transform surroundings by adding impact and energy. Decor colour choices are very personal. Think about colours that you connect with, that uplift the senses and resonate within you.

One person’s favourite colour combination of bold brights in sun-kissed citruses and crimson reds can be another’s idea of extreme decadence, whilst one’s preference for earth and neutral tones may seem bland and boring to someone who loves vibrant, brimming hues.

The crucial element is to explore and experiment, be daring and dress your space with a bountiful of uplifting shades for a unique and rejuvenating abode.  

Unleash the decorating bug

Decorating with colour throughout the home is a savvy way of injecting life, personality and style into a space.

Choose colours that you respond to. You will always be pleased with the end result when you work with colours you love.

All colour schemes must start somewhere – a favourite colour, a treasured piece of furniture, a painting, or even a statement rug. Find inspiration from things around you, or look to magazines, books, and blogs to get an idea of what colours attract you.

Consider furniture, artworks, textiles or ceramics to provide visual accents of colour. Wallpaper is another great way of introducing colour into a room, either on one feature wall or throughout the room.

The important thing is to not be afraid of colour, embrace it!

Colour Values

Have you ever wondered what the meaning of a colour is? How does colour communicate with you? Or what feelings and memories are stimulated by a colour?

Colour evokes so many responses within us, it communicates with us on an emotional level as well as a spiritual one, and it is the single most powerful element in decoration.

Getting the basics right and understanding the fundamental meanings behind a colour can be vital to your decorating look, especially when you are composing a colour scheme in a spectrum-full of hues.

Colour symbols

All white interiors evoke cool and calm. White is a powerful, ancient colour that enhances space and adds to a profusion of freshness.

Blue is an ascending colour. It revives the feeling of space and distance, sea and sky. Blue always lends space with a peaceful and refreshing aura.

Green embodies feelings of harmony and balance. In many cultures green is symbolic of nature, life and death, and often it conveys envy and jealousy. Green always breathes sophistication and elegance into the home; it is easy on the eye and works in harmony with most colours.

Yellow is warm and enriching. It is inescapably cheerful and uplifting, a bright colour that always strikes on a positive note.

Red arouses passion, lust and richness. It symbolises luck and happiness in China. Red is a colour to revel in and a natural accent for making a bold decorating statement, red has always signified richness and luxury.

Natural colours encompass a range of subtle tones, from creams, sandy blondes, chalky greys and cherry woods. Natural hues echo inherent simplicity and provide rooms with an ease of restfulness. This mix takes cue from reclaimed and salvaged materials. Think warm woods and stone to infuse into the home.

Finishing touches

Successful colour combinations often depend on proportions. For example, a touch of a contrasting colour looks lively and refreshing, whereas too much can be excessive.

Colours that work well together work in harmony, such as lighter and darker tones of one colour - which is naturally comforting to the eye. Conversely, bold contrasting colours are exciting and visually stimulating.

Balance is key. By using a fraction of a contrasting colour as a sharp accent you can create a setting with impact.

Get the look…

• Colourful walls are a great way to add impact. Painting a single, feature wall makes great visual punctuation, whereas painting the whole room in one hue can lend to a pleasing backdrop.
• Dotting textiles throughout the home is an easy way to soften and decorate a room. By using layers of patterns and textures, you can transform a space with an abundance of colours.
• Accessories such as vases, glass, paintings and artworks are great accessories for extra splashes of colour.
• Treat your colourful furniture as the focal point of a room. Make a bold statement with a comfy sofa like our Ovalia Egg Chair Replica to add some pop into your room.

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Image Sources:

#1 - Desire to Inspire

#2 - Desire to Inspire

Have you ever wondered how to update a tired interior into a fresh new living space? How to meld the perfect, functional furniture layout? How to warm up an area with an injection of pulsating colour? Or maybe your room is calling out for a bit of love and attention.

Whether you are designing a new home from scratch or wishing to update a space, decorating dilemmas are bound to surface along the way. Appreciating the basic golden rules of decorating and understanding the tools of the trade can help transform your home into a luxurious oasis. Below, we have some quick, basic tips to help demystify all your decorating woes.

Affordable chic

Decorating projects can appear daunting, especially when you have to compromise with a tight budget and a compact space. Nevertheless, you don’t need a pretty penny to achieve a beautiful living space - all you need to do is think savvy!

Look to fun DIY projects in magazines, or take to flea markets and scour through vintage finds, and last but not least, indulge in Mid-Century furniture replicas to add some glamour factor into your space at an affordable price.

Replica Mid-century furniture pieces will never date and they naturally mix effortlessly with any interior-decorating scheme – minus the heavy designer price tag!

Setting your style

Discovering what style woos you, what colours transfix your imagination and what furniture pieces capture your attention is a very uplifting process, yet at the same time can be a very challenging task.

Have you ever wondered why you are always drawn to a certain colour? Why you keep selecting objects and eclectic paraphernalia that hones in on an industrial vibe? Why you are attracted to a gorgeous patterned Chinoiserie vase?

Now is the moment to get out a pen and notebook and make a list of the things that you are attracted to. Research is an essential element in pulling-off a successful decorating scheme, and there has never been a better time than now to marvel upon inspiring imagery with an ever-growing blogosphere at your fingertips.

Pinterest – the online inspiration pin board – is very easy to use. To get you started check out our Pinterest boards at www.pinterest.com/MilanDirect.

Set an inspiration date for yourself, and linger through interior blogs, magazines and Pinterest boards to help you pin down your favourite interior design styles. 

Laying it out

The most common dilemma in decorating is how to arrange a functional and cosy furniture layout that works cohesively.

The first step is to create a personal checklist of what is important to you. For instance, do you need to allow two or more living zones in one space - such as a dining, living or office? Do you want to keep spaces flexible and adjustable for work and entertaining? Do you need to cater for young children?

Setting out your priorities on paper will help you to think clearly about how you want to use and set-up a room. As a general rule, always centre furniture on an engaging focal point such as a fireplace or coffee table. Conversely, you can use side tables and chairs to zone off different areas of activity, or insert a room-divider to segment off a private area.

For compact spaces, be sure to maintain a tidy and well-kept room to elevate space. Investing in floating shelves or a mantelshelf for display is another great way to maximise space in small confines.

Smart Storage

Making sure you have enough storage for all your bits and bobs is a top priority in the home. Not surprisingly, it is a never-ending cycle - the more we collect, the more space we need.

Using every inch of space efficiently is crucial.

Invest in furniture that doubles up as storage. For example, a coffee table can store magazines and books inside, or a simple basket can hold more flexible objects. Build shelving or cupboards to house and display treasured pieces - it is quiet easy to augment additional items and appliances into these areas.

Think about small things around the home – shoes at the entryway can be concealed in a savvy shoe-rack, or you can invest in a coat or hat stand in the hallway to hang up clothes and bags?

Placing cute little trinkets or pocket-trays around the home, such as at the entry or on the kitchen bench, is a great idea for keeping keys and loose change in an easy to find place. 

You don’t have to limit storage to conventional ways. Consider furniture and shelving for extra space.

The essential element is to think shrewdly with space, work out how to incorporate simple storage solutions into your home and use up every tiny bit of space possible!

Get the look…

• Invest in functional furniture. For example, a coffee table such as our PK61 Glass Coffee Table doubles up as a place of storage for magazines and books.
• Create a checklist of priorities for the home. That way you can shape your space around your needs.
• To create an intimate layout, centre your furniture on an interesting focal point such as a fireplace.
• Incorporate shelving and cupboard space in the home to cater for additional storage.
• Room dividers are an easy, temporary way to zone off areas in an open plan living space.
• Discover the style you want by researching magazines, design blogs, interior design books and creating inspiration boards on Pinterest.

We recommend…

- Giotto Floor Lamp

- PK61 Glass Coffee Table - Poul Kjaerholm Replica

Image sources:

#1: The Trend Boutique

#2: Desire to Inspire

Any desk space can be turned into an appealing workstation. By layering an area with items you love, you can turn a humdrum office into a stimulating little nook. You need a space that is all for you, with no external distractions to keep you from your work tasks.

Shrewd use of space benefits small rooms

 
Be scrupulous with planning and create somewhere where you can store all the necessary materials you need. Rooms of small confinements call for a sense of order. There is no room for clutter and disarray. Start with a layout of your needs and how you will essentially use the space. Draft out furniture configurations and shelving options to make the most for space and storage systems.

 
Do you need to fit a substantial size desk rather than more storage shelving? Can you afford some wall space to create some visual punctuation with photo’s and art? Or does space for materials such as brushes, paints, and paper take precedence?

 
Think about what you need - make a list of equipment and furniture that is crucial for your space.


Consider investing in room-dividers to block out distractions

 
Ideally workstations should be kept separate from living and dining areas. There are a variety of different ways to divide space, from luxurious curtains in transparent fabrics, to antique folding screens and purpose-built modules.

 
Whatever the design you choose, dividers are easy to incorporate into your space.

With clutter and paper building up daily, built in storage is one of the most important features in ensuring you can store all your materials and equipment.

 
The ongoing challenge is being able to maintain a neat and tidy workspace. Investigate the different ranges of cupboards and styles available.

Would you prefer open shelving with materials on show? Can you personalise cupboards with doorknobs or screens?

Relish your creative side and be playful yet practical with your space.

Fostering an abundance of natural light is paramount

Opt for pale wall colours, or cool grayish whites to soak in the radiance. Place your working desk near a window and merge the indoors with the outdoors. Combining the two can ease feelings of being cooped up indoors all day.

Display-boards provide inspiring imagery and decorations to keep you motivated in your work.
Inspiration easily wavers, so it is crucial to surround yourself with pictures and an array of paraphernalia such as postcards, fabrics, novelty knickknacks or dried-up flowers to nurture your creativity. Have you any quirky objects that you collect? How about hanging them in an interesting alignment or revamping an old mirror frame with a functional corkboard to pin up photos and drawings?

Saturate yourself with visual references to keep the creative juices flowing.

Get the look…
• Take space into consideration. Be canny with layouts and amplify space with smart storage systems.
• Room dividers are a great way to enclose a workspace from an adjoining room and free you from external distractions.
• Invest in built-in storage so that you can store and easily retrieve all the necessary materials and equipment for your work.
• Collect items that you love and coordinate them into your workspace. Create an enticing display-board or frame such as our Eames reproduction hang it all rack, to immerse yourself with inspirational photos and knickknacks.

We recommend…
- Lounge Chair and Ottoman - Eames Reproduction Black - Classic
- Hang It All Rack - Eames Reproduction

Image Sources:

#1 - Ghoofie.com

#2 - Design Sponge