All the recent trends in decor have emphasised the sparse, constructed look, and it’s one thousands of us seek to emulate. Given that it’s so easy to find good furniture and decor to accompany this style, it’s natural that many of us choose to do it. It’s relatively simplistic, with colour schemes suggesting themselves and natural daylight your major feature. Add in a few accessories, such as the ubiquitous pineapples and succulents of recent trends, and you’re good to go.
Except… you’re not.
Now, there’s no point in trying to meddle with true converts. For some, the modern interior is the be-all and end-all - there’s no point trying to change your mind. If you like things sparse and simplistic, then go for it. It’s your home and when well-maintained, this look can be completely breathtaking.However… what if you find yourself looking around and thinking: “something is missing?”. There’s a big difference between a room looking sparse and modern and one that just looks… empty.
The truth is that, no matter how modern your interior, sometimes you need a touch of something more classic to bring it back down to earth. Otherwise, the overall impact can edge towards industrial rather than clean-cut. Adding warmth is an essential part of any home; not in terms of the temperature of the room, but the items within your home that draw and garner the heat of attention.
Stuck for ideas on how to achieve that? No problem, here’s a few to get the creative juices flowing…
Feature Fireplaces
In the 1950s and ‘60s, it was a sign of how well-to-do you were if you could do away with your chimney and replace it with an electric fireplace. Nowadays? Not so much - electric fires can be attractive, but more often they’re an eyesore. To combat this, consider marble fireplaces or something with a rustic lean - maybe even one made from repurposed railway sleepers? Both styles create an immediate impact and make a huge difference to a room.
Light Luxe
Light fittings can make or break a room. There are so many options available, from the showy and glittery to the more slimmed down pendant. If possible, look for a selection that can be useful at night (when you use it as a light) and then work as a feature by itself during the daytime.
Photo Walls
If you want to liven up a bare wall, a single wall art print might be the answer - though it can still leave a lot of bare space. One option to create an illusion of texture and a “busy” feeling is to use multiple pictures, arranged around a central point. A picture of horizontal and vertical frames can create an overall impact, maintaining clean lines without blowing your budget.