Our homes, and how we use them, has drastically changed over the last 18 months. Once just our sanctuaries to relax and recharge, they are now our offices, gyms, places of entertainment, the list is endless. This change in functionality has forced many of us to reevaluate our living space and question whether or not it works for us. As a result, many people are choosing to redesign their home. Every inch of space is being reimagined to maximise its potential. In some cases this has led to a full renovation of the home, knocking down walls and extending spaces. However, if this is beyond your reach at the moment, there are still plenty of ways to redesign your home and give it that refresh you’re craving.
A Touch of Cosy
Cushions are without doubt items of everyday luxury. We love decorating with cushions and throws and believe that you can never have enough. Not only do they make your space look polished, but they also add cosiness to it.
As with anything, look for cushions and throws that fit in with your interior palette. If you choose cushions in bolder prints, also add some in muted tones to balance them.
If you prefer a modern look, don’t be afraid to use multiple shapes, sizes and textures. Placing cushions of the same size and height on your sofa or bed can make your cushions look stiff and regimented. You want them to appear warm and inviting.
All Meadows & Byrne cushions come with a 100% duck feather filler giving them a soft, luxurious, huggable feel. We give our cushions a gentle ‘karate chop’, for that popular plush, inviting shape seen in home d̩écor magazines.
When layering with cushions, don’t forget to drape a luxurious throw in there too. Placing a throw over the end of your bed or on a sofa will instantly give it a touch of cosy luxury. Our favourite throws are warm, comfortable and stylish.
Floored By Style
Rugs can do a lot for a room. They add colour and texture while also tying all the elements of the room together. While usually placed in the living room, don’t overlook the effect rugs can have in the bedroom.
Placing a rug under your bed anchors the space and creates a feeling of warmth. This is especially useful if you have hardwood floors. Remember your bedroom is a place for rest, so choose muted, relaxing tones.
For the living room, it is usually ok to be more adventurous in choosing the colour or design of your rug, provided it doesn’t clashing with something else in the room.
If your rooms are smaller, incorporating a rug into the interior design is a fantastic way to create the illusion of space. The right rug can make a small room feel larger and cosier.
We also love to see rugs in hallways. They can be a great way to welcome guests and set the tone of your home. Make sure the rug is a good fit for your hallway and doesn’t overpower the space.
Bright Idea
Lamps are one of our favourite design features. As with all your home accessories, choosing the right size and shape lamp can instantly transform a space. A stylish lamp brings flair and sets the tone of a room. Different areas of your home will have specific lighting requirements. Think about this while choosing your lighting.
Your hallway is the place to make a lighting statement. Choose a lamp that will become a feature all on its own. We love oversized lamps with luxurious lampshades. Remember that hallway lighting should be warm and inviting, so avoid cooler bulbs for this setting.
If you’re working from home, you must have good lighting. Rather than working under the harsh glare of overhead lights, make use of a desk lamp. A slim desk lamp that doesn’t compromise on space is a great addition to your WFH space.
You could also include a floor lamp in your home office. This will illuminate your space and keep it bright, while relaxed.
Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall
Mirrors are a fantastically versatile interior accessory. Mirrors add a sense of glamour to a room and make them feel bigger and brighter. Instead of knocking down walls to redesign your home, add in a mirror.
If you have a smaller room, a large piece of artwork might overpower it. However a large mirror can make your room feel bigger. If a wall mirror isn’t an option, you could choose a floor mirror instead.
Strategically place your mirror in the path of natural light to enhance the light and make the room appear bigger. Place your wall mirror across from a window to bring more light into your home.
More is More
Everyone has heard the term accent piece, but what exactly is it? Simply put, an accent piece is to interior design what accessories are to fashion. They are the support pieces that pull a look together. For example, in your living room, your sofa and armchairs are the main pieces. The coffee table, floor lamp, ottoman….these are your accent pieces.
You could add in a beautiful gold serving tray or a fabulous velvet snuggler. The options are endless when it comes to an accent. Sometimes adding stylish accents will redesign your home and make it feel like a new space.
Accent pieces can be practical or stylish, but they should always complement the rest of the room.
Blooming Lovely
Did you know that as well as being aesthetically pleasing, flowers positively impact your mood? Placing some beautiful blooms around your home will bring charm, life and colour to your space. Faux flowers are huge this year and come in many varieties and colours.
The best thing about our faux flowers is that they don’t require the TLC that real flowers do and can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of which season it is.
Vases
If you’re adding gorgeous florals to your home, you need a stunning vase. Vases are incredibly versatile and can be placed in the center of your coffee table, on top of your dining table, and even on top of your chest of drawers. Simple ceramic vases are proving to be incredibly popular this year.
Pairing two uniquely shaped ceramic vases together is one of our favourite current interior trends.
This information has been very helpful, thank you.