How to create a home you will love

Our family room is my favourite room and the place we spend the most time together as a family.  I believe a home should be an absolute pleasure to live in which means it should be beautiful but also a comfortable place to live. I have the best job in the world because I get to create homes that my clients enjoy living in with their families and it makes me so happy when I see my clients years later and they tell me they still really love their home. I will share with you some of my design tips to create a home that is welcoming, elegant, comfortable, timeless and most of all a pleasure to live in.

Tip 1. USE NEUTRAL COLOURS FOR MORE EXPENSIVE PURCHASES

Use neutral colours for the big purchase items like sofas and window coverings that are expensive to change.  This can range from a dark charcoal to a beige colour but stay away from bright colours because neutrals stand the test of time. Here I have chosen a charcoal Warwick fabric that is part of the Halo range so its practical but also looks great.

Tip 2. USE NATURAL MATERIALS

Use natural materials as they are timeless. My favourite flooring is timber or natural stone because I think it always looks beautiful.  I also like to use natural materials like sisal for rugs and wicker in furniture that adds texture to a space and makes it feel more homely.

Tips 3. USE BLACK & WHITE PRINTS OR PHOTOS

Use black & white prints or take your own photos that can be framed in simple black frames.  I like to lean my photos against the wall for a more casual look and these can be changed depending on the look you want.

Tip 4. ADD FOLIAGE FROM YOUR GARDEN

Add foliage from your garden in a simply glass vase that can create height to a mantel, on a console or coffee table. Here I have used eucalyptus leaves which lasts for a long time but they also looks great when they have dried out.

Tip 5. ADD BOOKS TO YOUR COFFEE TABLE

My home is filled with books on every coffee table (mostly design books) as I love reading them constantly while I’m relaxing at home.  Admittedly I try and colour co-ordinate them to my room but if I can’t I remove the slip covers so they are generally more neutral.

I hope these 5 tips have helped inspire you to create a home you will love… Andrea xx