CREATE YOUR SELLING POINT

IF YOUR HOME LACKS CHARACTER OR STYLE THEN IT’S UP TO YOU TO DEFINE AND DRAW OUT A FEATURE

When we are considering the features of our home, what we tend to think of is the style of the house, how it was constructed and what details capture this style.

The architectural features of our house define the year/era it was built, the lifestyle it will lean towards and how we decorate accordingly. Architectural features can be the wide-open plan, expansive windows, decorative details such as the cornices and trimmings, even the view. But what if you don’t have a home filled with period beauty or the fortune of being designed by an architect? Do you apologise for the lack of character?

Any home has built-in features of some sort and by decorating with a clear vision you can entice a feature you never thought was there or create a new experience even though it may lack in details with the structure of the house. So how do we find a feature of the house if it isn’t staring you in the face?

No one knows the house better than you. What is it that makes you love the home (or dislike it) and what do your friends and visitors make comments on? If all they comment on is your amazing cooking and feeling comfortable then it means your “environment and space’’ supports your entertaining lifestyle. So what happens then is the kitchen and eating space become your feature. Once you know that, pare it back and think what is lacking and what could you add to make it even more of a feature?

Do you need to consider the surfaces and colours in the kitchen? Possibly the seating arrangement and the colours you have at this present moment? If your kitchen isn’t your feature and you want it to be, consider those same questions above and how to draw the eye and the focus into this area. The main thing about creating a feature is not to have the surrounding areas full of detail as well, as this can detract from your goal.

When creating a feature in your home where one doesn’t exist, try to make it have an initial impact (without being too overbearing) and then have some subtle features as well to hold the interest.

More advice at lifestyle.com.au.