Evoke Living Homes

5 Minutes with Interior Designer Melissa Welsh When designing a space, furniture should always be considered in the design and concept stage of the process. By doing this you avoid the potential issue of furniture that is out of scale for the size of the space (too big or too small).

If you have found yourself with a large living room but want to

create a stylish and comfortable space, then think about designating areas within the room for certain functions,

such

as

watching

TV/relaxing, dining and study. The area can then be divided up using large area rugs, bookcases, shelving, and console tables to define or divide the space.

With a small 2-seater sofa, using a large floor rug will anchor the space and make it look visually appealing. Combining with the sofa, 2 occasional chairs which can then be moved around the

room. Using large art works or groups of art prints is also a way of pulling the space together. Consider using art work as a focal point to anchor the room, much like a large floor rug.

This comes back too really having a vision for the home of what it will look like once it is completed and also considering the natural environment in which your home sits. If you are struggling with your vision and don’t feel alone here a lot of people do (that is why interior designers and stylists are hired) then

use

a

platform

like

Pinterest to find images of homes and spaces that you love, hopefully you will start to see a common theme with the images you pin, this can then form the basis of selecting a colour palette for your home.

With a vision in mind you can start to think about the colour

palette. When starting the colour selection process, start with the largest area of colour that you will see in your home and work from there up. The floor colour and material is usually largest area of colour your eye will see followed by the walls and ceilings. For example, if you want to create a contemporary modern feel in your home you may consider using grey or

charcoal vinyl plank flooring or if you are creating a coastal home then light-coloured whitewashed timber floors would be a good starting point for the colour palette. Once the floor material and colour has been selected then use this to co-ordinate all other finishes (paint, tiles, cabinetry etc.), making sure they work together.

This can be done using a simplified colour palette, using no more than 3 colours and one of those colours should be contrasting but complementary. Using metals such a gold and brass fittings for bathrooms and kitchens will add a nod to a little luxury.

Add in texture using fabrics that are luxurious to the touch, linens, velvets, deep pile floor

rugs. When dressing a bed, using 4 pillows (2 standards and 2 European), cushions and throws will make your room look and feel like a high-end hotel room.

Using well selected art prints as the focal point and then curating your soft furnishings (cushions, throws, ottomans) to work back with the colours of art work. The room will then look pulled together effortlessly.

At last we conclude by that if you want some different ideas to decorate your dream Home, do visit Evoke Living Homes.