I have a dilemma. My love for a vast number of design styles makes decorating my home near impossible! Art deco, mid-century modern, bright bohemian, Scandinavian – you name it and I guarantee I’ve pinned it (thank you, Pinterest – the ultimate time waster). Scratch that, there are some styles I have zero interest in (I’m looking at you, shabby chic).
I guess if you were to label my attempt at a cohesive style, it might be called ‘mid-century glam’. I’m still trying to work out how to throw some boho in the mix. Once I’ve discovered a good way to incorporate it, my home will be crammed with papua shell necklaces, macramé wall hangings and tribal cushions.
One thing that I can’t do without, regardless of style, is colour. At times, the world we live in feels pretty dreary (I started to list why, but let’s keep this light). Now is the time to add some colour back into your life! I’m totally uninterested in the pale grey and pastel pink home décor that has flooded major department stores for what seems like an eternity. So for those of you who – like me – are craving vibrancy and colour, here are some tips for making your home the epitome of joy.
Say it with paint
Paint is a great option as it’s quick to DIY, and when you tire of it you can easily change it again. If you don’t want to commit to painting a whole room, you can paint a small feature wall (pick your colour wisely, and be sure to include similar coloured decorative items for balance). Alternatively, paint only the doors, the bottom half of a room, or a small wall area to highlight a shelf. Be creative! Another option is to paint a piece of furniture a bright colour. Neon bedside tables? Yes please! Or add colour to furniture sparingly, with coloured drawer pulls or paint-dipped legs.
Make a statement
So you want some colour, but painting is out? A statement piece of furniture such as a jewel-toned armchair, sofa or bedhead is sure to bring life to any living area. You get bonus points if it’s velvet! Use soft furnishings in complementary colours to really make them pop (tan leather is a surefire winner when paired with blue).
The softly, softly approach
Soft furnishings are an excellent way to add colour to your home, as you can easily swap them over each season to refresh your space. Consider items such as cosy throws, cushions (you can’t have too many of these), bed linen, sheepskins, curtains and rugs. A floor rug can add colour, texture and a level of cosiness that might be just what your room needs. Remember that your rug should be large enough that your furniture will slightly overlap it. Some stylists even layer their rugs to great effect.
Accessories are your friend
Flower-filled vases, ottomans, framed prints of family and friends, vibrant wall art, pretty sculptures and plants en masse are another great way to add colour to a space. You can also have a shelf of colourful books, or a collection of your favourite things on display.
Gold is the answer
If you aren’t a huge fan of colour, but are wanting to add some sparkle to a monochrome palette, you can’t go wrong with a touch of gold. Brass picture frames, a pretty pendant light, or some gold accent pieces will add warmth and major swoon-factor to your home. Step it up a notch and splurge on a gold bar cart for the ultimate wow factor.
To start filling your home with colour, check out these suppliers:
malt collective 