Blog 1: Making your home into a space you love.
As my first blog, I wanted to start off with something meaningful to me, home. Since I was young, I have always loved interiors. I have fond memories of going to open houses with my mum. I recall being fascinated with seeing all the different ways in which people lived their lives and how every home was a reflection of that family. So for this blog, I want to explain my ideas around why I think it is so essential to create a home that you genuinely love.
One of my favourite things about interiors is that your home becomes your treasure box. You get to display all the things that tell the story of who you are and reflect all your memories and objects you have collected over the years. It's also the perfect opportunity to express your personality. Just like you have a signature hair cut or your own fashion style, you should have a space that reflects you.
For anyone that visits, friends or family, the interior of your home is a direct reflection of yourself. It's not about living in the biggest house on the best street or in the nicest neighbourhood, it's about taking pride in your space, even if it is just a small apartment. You will know when you have created a successful interior when your home becomes your favourite place in the world. It becomes your safe haven, a place where you can come home to at the end of a long day and leave all your troubles at the door.
I'm going to go through a couple of areas of the general dwelling that makes up a home and give a couple of ideas around how you can enhance your space to make it more 'you'.
Image credit: The Stables - Cronulla Duplex
The Entryway:
No matter large or small, the entryway to your home is the first threshold people cross and sets the tone for what is to come. Entryways are generally smaller spaces that can be challenging areas to design. They often become a bit of an afterthought in the decorating process for most people. They usually become a bit of a dumping ground for shoes, bags and coats etc. I think it's time that we started being a little more selective with the entryway and start thinking about how we want people to feel when they enter our home.
Practicality is, of course, important in this space. Usually, we require some storage or a console table to put our keys when we get home, a space to kick off your shoes, and in winter, a place to hang coats and scarfs. When looking for furniture pieces for an entryway, try making a list of all the things that you need out of this space which is particular to you. Do you need a place to put a dog leash? A place to hang school bags that's out of sight? By narrowing down what you truly need out of the space, you can make smart decisions about what to put in the entryway. By selecting smart pieces of furniture and decorative items that are well thought out and cater to your specific requirements, you can create a functional but also beautiful space.
If you have a busy household, perhaps try a lovely chest of draws with lots of storage. Pick something that speaks to you in terms of design. Selecting pieces that you feel drawn too is an integral part of creating a home that you love. It will naturally pull together a cohesive interior.
You can soften the space out and create in inviting entry by adding an area rug to define the space, or perhaps a bench seat with cushions to give people a space to take shoes on and off. An oversized mirror is also a fabulous option for smaller entryways as these can reflect natural light and make the area feel twice as large.
The Dining Room:
The thing I love about dining rooms is that they are the perfect opportunity for people to take a moment out of their day, and for people with different schedules to come together and have a chance to converse about the day and share a meal.
Depending on the size and style of your home, people generally tend to have one of two settings:
A formal dining room that is separated from the living space and rarely gets used. Additionally, there is also an informal dining space off of the kitchen, or even just a breakfast bar that gets used for everyday meals.
Or a dining area that's more open-plan style that connects to kitchen and living areas.
If you have a formal dining room, consider how regularly this gets used. Is it a space that only gets used once or twice a year at Christmas or other more formal occasions? If so, consider how this space might be better utilised for you and your family. The beauty of rooms is that they don't have to have one specific function throughout their lifetime. Why not turn it into a kids area for them to fully embrace as their own and keep toys and clutter out of the rest of the home. When they outgrow it, you can easily change it back!
If you have an open plan style dining space, these can sometimes get lost in the midst of everything and become a redundant space. Try adding an area rug that reflects your sense of style and perhaps create a table arrangement that can become a focal point for people to enjoy. You could also speak to an electrician about adding in a statement pendant light over the table. Which is a relatively cost-effective way to add some personality and define the dining zone while you're at it.
The last space I want to briefly touch on is,
The Bedroom:
Your bedroom should be your ultimate haven. A space where you can unwind and get some relaxation. One of my favourite things to make any bedroom a sanctuary for my clients is bedlinen. We spend such a large portion of our lifetime in bed, so why shouldn't we have the best! When styling your bedroom, I will always recommend investing in some good quality sheets as these are what comes in contact directly with your skin. But when it comes to quilts, duvets, cushions and blankets, there are so many fantastic options out there that have texture, pattern and colour. All those things add personality into your bedroom and set the mood of the space.
I love this cushion from Thread Design. It’s got such lovely depth to it and calming tones. The perfect bedroom accessory for anyone who loves the outdoors and spending time in nature.
A bedroom is also a place to display more personal items specific to you and your partner and is the perfect opportunity to display a few sentimental items in the home. How about framing some movie tickets from the first time you went on a date? Or an armchair that has been passed down through the family? If the fabric doesn't match your aesthetic, you can always get it upholstered.
There are so many fantastic ways to put your stamp on a home, and it doesn't always need to be a costly exercise. Take a look around your home and see if there are any items or spaces that could be repurposed into something more useful. Also, check out some second hand and vintage stores! There are so many unique pieces that have a story to tell and add character to any space. You can mix old and new to create a fun and eclectic style unique to you.
My job as an interior designer is to listen to your requirements for your home. But also to take note of your interior style and see how I can enhance that and elevate it to be beyond what you thought was possible. That's why I love homes, each and every one is so unique in their own way.
