Blow off the cobwebs of winter and breathe new life into your interiors with these simple styling ideas
1. Rearrange your furniture
Moving furniture into new positions is a quick, no-cost way to overhaul a tired living room.
Small changes can often yield the biggest results. Try moving the sofas into a new position or placing your coffee table at a different angle; swap a second sofa for a pair of armchairs you might have in another room; or replace a large coffee table with a cosy ottoman or a trio of funky side tables.
2. Bring nature inside
Foliage and flowers will make a room feel fresh and energised, and can be used for so much more than just a table centrepiece.
A sculptural, floor-standing plant is a great choice, says Justine Wilson, director and principal stylist at Vault Interiors Property Styling. “Floor-standing indoor plants look amazing and are a great way to fill empty spaces or dead corners. Ficus trees and finger palms are two of my favourites.”
If you are looking to create an arrangement for the dining or coffee table, native flora will give you a stunning, contemporary look. “Try wattle, banksia and rich foliage,” she says. “Or, for a more feminine look, consider peonies or David Austin roses in a simple glass vessel.”
3. Let light in
Longer days mean more natural light – which is good news for your interiors as there’s no better way to make the area feel bright and inviting. Maximise the amount of light filtering into your home by swapping thick, heavy curtains for sheer fabrics such as linen, lightweight cotton and synthetic, says Wilson. “These will all allow the light to flood in, while sheers also float beautifully in the spring wind.”
You might also consider window treatment styles that allow you to control the amount of light in a room, she says. “Window treatment trends have shifted from block-out roller blinds and timber shutters to white plantation shutters and semi-sheer or sunscreen blinds that allow you to control exactly how much light enters a room,” says Wilson.
4. Add new soft furnishings
Lighten up your interior without busting the budget by swapping textured, wintry cushions and throws on the bed and sofas for lighter ones in soft, natural materials, advises Amy Stead, director at Amazema Interiors. “Bright prints on cotton, linen or silk are ideal for spring and summer,” she says.
Meanwhile, Wilson favours a coastal palette for the hotter season. “Earthy tones for throws and cushions speak of spring and have a warm, beachy vibe. Pastels and neon tones are also popular, particularly blush pink, chartreuse and soft blue.”
New artwork can completely alter a room’s mood and doesn’t have to cost you the earth – you’ll find all manner of prints online and in-store to suit a variety of budgets.
But if your budget doesn’t stretch to new pieces, consider swapping around the artwork you already own to give your home a fresh, new look. Moving pieces from one room to another or creating an entirely new wall layout can be surprisingly effective, says Wilson.
as seen on https://www.houzz.com.au