New
home, new start
Moving into a new
home is always exciting. It awakens the
creative spirit and the energy needed to make a fresh start. Because few people manage to find a home they
like at the right price, in the right location and decorated the way they want, there’s usually quite bit to be
done to put that personal stamp on it.
Redecorating can make the home feel complete.
There are other,
practical reasons to redecorate quickly.
It’s much easier to paint walls and lay carpets before all the furniture
is in place. It’s also easier to arrange
furniture before bric-a-brac has accumulated.
By doing everything in one go, it’s possible to achieve a co-ordinated
domestic vision that would be much more difficult to try and apply to a room
later on.
Working
within limits
Even new homes have
some limits and recognizing them makes it easier to create a look that will
really work for the space. For instance,
where rooms have little natural light it’s best to use pale colors and reflect
as much light as possible using mirrors.
Where ceilings are low they look best in white but high ceilings can be
painted in strong colors or even wallpapered to add character to a room. Some rooms are dominated by the views they
offer and should be decorated in a way that complements those views. Thinking about these factors before starting
can help with planning a space that looks just right.
Working
with themes
Every season brings
new fashions around which a room can be planned. This year, rustic living, pastels and nautical
themes are among those getting attention, which means it’s easy to find related
bits and pieces in the shops.
Individuals will also have their own favourite themes, historical themes
can be reinvented with a personal twist, and it’s fun to let the imagination
loose in children’s rooms.
In most cases, the
best way to work with a theme is to choose just two or three key colors for
walls, skirting, coving and window frames, using darker shades for carpets and
curtains. When experimenting with particular
patterns, don’t overdo it - a throw or a few cushions will often look better
than a whole sofa. It’s important to
remember that items can complement each other without having to match. When using contrast, the point is to draw
attention to particular areas, so there shouldn’t be so many contrasting items
that they distract from each other.
Finding
the right furniture
Assembling all the
right furniture in a new home can be a lengthy process. First priority should be getting a good bed,
so proper sleep can help restore the energy for busy days. Recliner sofas for the living room are also good as a place to relax and gather
thoughts. Filling a whole house with new
furniture is expensive, so it’s worth spending some time looking through the
small ads or visiting second-hand shops to see what can be found that way. By starting this early, it’s easier to find
items that work well together - this is also a good way to pick up accessories. It’s often the little things, from lamps to
table runners that really bring the look together and turn a house into a home.
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Contributed by Charlotte Stafford. Charlotte Stafford
is a well-educated, enthusiastic freelance writer with a passion for interior
design.
*DeLena Ciamacco and
Re/Max do not personally or professionally endorse the people, companies and/or
content of the articles displayed in this post.
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