If your home décor is looking a bit tired, the start of the year is a good time to examine which items have had their day and what to replace them with.
WATCH : Modern luxury living room design ideas.
The age-old idea of 'playing it safe' and sticking to one décor style has started to feel outdated. However, the Covid pandemic has made more people realise just how important their homes are, and this has enabled them to be more adventurous in their choice of design styles and not focus so much on what may be outdated five years from now.
In the past few years, open-plan space has evolved into broken-plan living. Unemphatic neutrals have made way for restful but colourful shades, and classic cottage looks have been replaced with modern artisan and industrial aesthetics.
This doesn't mean you should throw out your most treasured décor items. All-new décor won’t give your home personality, and many existing pieces can be updated to fit your new look. In any event, in addition to depleting your budget, extensive shopping sprees aren't good for your sustainability credentials.
The in thing is to combine brand-new pieces with previously used items – or revamped existing ones - for a look that no one else will have. You need to be selective, though, so that your space won't end up looking like a second-hand shop.
The key is to be precise in your search and to resist buying until you find just what you are looking for.
Colour
Bringing the outdoors in is still on trend. However, there are colours other than green to incorporate into your home to keep your space fresh.
The key is to use colour sparingly but stylishly. For example, Pantone’s colour of the year is magenta. Although you might not want to paint all your interior walls in this vibrant shade, it’s ideal for splashes of bright colour in otherwise more neutral spaces. Make a bold statement with an upholstered chair or a loose carpet in magenta.
Storage
Open storage shelving in kitchens is fine for display items, but open cabinets are high maintenance that most people don’t have time for. Keeping items on display tidy and free of dust just takes up too much time and energy.
Instead, opt for closed cabinets with a small glass detail. This allows you to hide your everyday crockery and groceries behind doors while including a decorative element.
Accessories
Cosy throws and cushions are still in, but the look for 2023 is bold and colourful, with new textures and shapes for extra character. Fleece, knitted blankets and quilts are all the rage, with plenty of candles in all shapes, sizes and scents.
The idea is to mix and match all kinds of styles and trends, combining new with existing items.
Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer