Appeal to the senses

That coveted feeling of homeliness is the result of style executed well with a genuine appreciation of sight, touch, sound and smell

BY far the most frequent request by clients at the initial brief is that their home exude a sense of homeliness.

To me, homeliness is not a style but the result of style that has been executed well. To achieve this goal it is essential to appeal to and employ as many of the human senses as possible.

The power of smell should never be underestimated – no matter how beautifully styled a space is, if it has an unpleasant odour that is all that will be remembered. There are multiple products available that can ensure the home always smells fresh – diffusers, plug-in fresheners, fresh flowers, oil burners and my personal favourite – as it also produces a beautiful light – candles.

Touch for me is one of the strongest senses and one that is optimised by the use of textures and layering. A chunky knit throw on a sofa conveys an instant feel of comfort and warmth, whereas a sheer voile curtain blowing in the wind will bring a fresher, more energised atmosphere. A subtle coastal feel can be introduced by cushions embroidered with shells but the important common denominator is texture, something that makes you want to reach out and touch.

Sound is also a strong emotive force – just think how widely and successfully it is used in movies to increase the emotional experience.

At home, an atmosphere of calm and relaxation can be achieved by soft background classical or chill-out music, whereas a quicker beat will result in a more energised mood.

Finally and most importantly, sight. This comes under two headings: light and colour. Think candlelight and table lamps for a subtle, relaxed feel and brighter, whiter light for a more invigorated mood.

Colour choice will also strongly influence the ambience; neutrals tend towards relaxation, yellows towards optimism, greens and blues towards calm; reds towards power and passion.

At the end of the day, homeliness is just that, a feeling of home.