Kentish Express Ashford & District
Unlocking your creative side
Four ways to tap into interiors inspiration during lockdown
The decor, pattern and colour we bring into our homes is often influenced by the things we see beyond our own four walls, when we’re out and about.
Statement pieces that catch our eye, or simple style fixes like a new sofa or display cabinet to set the scene.
It’s much easier to imagine how these things will sit and take shape when someone else has done the groundwork, and put all the bits and bobs together in a lovely showroom.
So what does interiors inspiration look like during the #stayhomestaysafe era?
Things may be very different right now, but tapping into our creative side can bring a host of benefits – for our wellbeing as well as breathing new life into our living spaces (where we’re spending a lot more time than usual!).
And there’s still a realm of possibilities to explore, especially when you play around with existing household items, pick up a paintbrush, or introduce a few key pieces available online.
Here, interior designer
Penny Ann Johnson of Penny Ann Interiors, who will be appearing at Grand Designs Live 2020, shows how to get creative with your interiors while in isolation…
Play with panelling
Panelling is everywhere at the moment; Insta-worthy 3D wall panelling is a modern version of period architecture.
At first it seems a little ‘off the wall’ but in the right room, it can add great character without a lot of work.
Firstly play around with the width, pattern, orientation and height of the wall to come up with a design.
Get yourself online and buy some simple lengths of baton to help you create your masterpiece.
Measure your design out on the wall and secure the baton either with grab adhesive or screws. Once it’s secured, choose a beautiful colour to help emphasis the statement. Sit back and watch the shadows cast their shade and your wall come to life.
Create a picture wall
Picture walls are all the rage, a great way to fill that empty wall, show some self expression and make that space more homely. Visit Amazon and search ‘Picture Gallery Frames’. There are some fab sets of 10-plus frames of varying sizes too, to help you create your picture wall. Pinterest is a great source for frame-able quotes, and these are a fab way to make the design feel more personal. Include some family photos - get them printed either via your home printer or a company like Snapfish, delivered to your door.
Then get them hung, stand back and revel in the pride from seeing those important moments and people displayed in your home.
Group decos and homewares
They say three is a crowd... not in the case of interiors! Think about the styling around your home, and think odd numbers. There’s something about grouping things in threes that leads the eye to move around the display.
Some people do prefer a symmetrical look but this needs to be done expertly and with sharp precision. Where as designing with odd numbers in mind allows a little more freedom.
To kill some time in isolation, bring all your styling pieces together in one place, regroup them into three’s and redistribute them around your room.
Consider wall murals
Get out the paint! We’re seeing a huge revival in wall murals. The idea offers such versatility to add character and personality to a room, you’d be mad not to devote at least one wall in your home to an idea,” says Johnson.
So while we’re all getting in touch with our creative sides, delve into your garage and see what old paint pots you have stashed away. Companies like Mylands can still send you sample pots of their fantastic paints (I’m a big fan) to add to your colour library, while you’re searching for inspiration.
Whether it’s a geometrical or floral design, an abstract creation or ombre fade, that wall can be anything you want it to be.
Go wild, it could be the most liberating thing you do during lockdown.