New Interiors: New Start

It's that time of year, when all the Christmas decorations are down and as you sit down from putting everything away for next year, you come to realise how empty the rooms are looking. I'm definitely not one for clutter, but a new year starts and what better way to start the year with a simple yet effective revamp of our interiors.

As the dark nights draw in ever faster with the coldness running through to our bones, we are all inclined to want to stay in more. So there's no better time to start re-decorating our interiors, as to pick us all up from the grey exterior we are all faced with for the next couple of months. By the time Spring comes in we would like to spend more time outdoors and  have less time indoors, so if you would like decorate, now is the time.

Not only will this be a good course to take so we can all enjoy the milder weather to come- Hopefully, but will brighten up our moods during the winter months. Let's all face it nothing beats a welcoming home when we turn that key and leave behind the blustery wind and darkness.

Here a few simple steps to get you on you're way:

FURNITURE:

When choosing an occasional chair for a room, think Colour! When choosing your main pieces of furniture try to always stick to a neutral palette. So if a client wants to renovate minimally, we could still work on a different scheme once they need a change at a minimal cost.

Armchair by Tecni Nova

So making a feature of an occasional chair to change the mood of a room can be all that's needed with a fresh lick of paint and a few accessories. As this beautiful patchwork wingback chair from Liberty's London illustrates.

LIGHTING:

I can't stress how important lighting is to us emotionally and mentally. We in Western Europe have less sun exposure than anywhere else in the world. This has had an impact on our wellbeing during the winter months, where sunlight is at a minimal. 

This beautifully crafted chandelier by Serip, with its vivid colour of red and white Murano glass is breathtaking and will have all your guests eating no matter what you have served them.

So choosing the right lighting is essential all year round but especially vital during winter.

A few up lighters on a textured wall or exposed walls can create a beautiful feature as well as given the room or hallway warmth.

WINDOW TREATMENTS:

As the curtains, blinds are drawn earlier at this part of the year, why not brighten your room with something a bit m ore fancy than the usual. The vertical blinds below are functional yet bright and contemporary.

Or if you are feeling a little brave, why not opt for a colourful pole by Byron and Byron form the Neon collection:

WALLPAPER:

Wallpaper can make a big impact to any room, but choosing the right one is the secret to any successful interior. One rule of thumb is that if you're scheme is busy keep to a simple but effective wallpaper and vice versa. However for complete simplicity just a bit of glamour on a wallpaper an also be effective.

The wallpaper below by Zoffany adds sparkle and drama to any room be it simple or busy. An effective yet affordable option.

ACCESSORIES:

Finally but definitely not least are accessories, we as designers know too well that by using the right type and amount of accessories is how a design scheme is tied together. One simple rule is to not go overboard and take it easy as beware the room has to be dressed to a level whereby it's just right.

Bling bin anyone?

Sound absorbing footstool

With just the right approach any interior can be transformed into an inviting and stylish room to make the long nights a bit more bearable.