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When it comes to interior design, it isn’t just about creating pretty surroundings, it also means designing a home that supports and cultivates your ideal lifestyle. That’s why some of the biggest trends at the moment are focused on how you use your living space. If you are in the process of renovating or redecorating, then this essential guide to homes and interiors from the Sunday Post should inspire you. Inside you will discover different options for every room of your home, whatever your taste, style and preference. Open-plan layouts have reigned supreme in recent years, but there’s a new trend in town – “broken-plan” – and it is all about ensuring you reap the benefits of open-plan (a light, spacious and airy home) alongside having defined spaces. Semi-divisions like kitchen islands or half walls establish functional zones, like a reading nook or dining area, but you can also achieve the same effect with cleverly-placed rugs, sofas or bookcases. Keep the light flowing through your home for maximum impact. Skylights are a sure-fire way to do this, as are internal windows, glass doors and even glass floors in upper hallways (if you have the budget). Of course, open-plan or not, efficient storage is essential for keeping your home looking its best (turn to page 19 for more on this). Upstairs, a walk-in wardrobe is always a popular addition, but built-in wardrobes designed to make full
use of every nook-and-cranny will also make a huge difference. You can do the same elsewhere in the house – under the stairs, for instance – to keep your central living space clutter-free. Go for handleless doors for a sleek look. Another key trend related to how you use your home is the rise of outdoor living spaces. Inside you will be inspired on ways to boost your outdoor spaces and transform your garden, whatever size it might be. Outdoor furnishings, such as patterned outdoor rugs, cushions, throws and tableware, are effective ways of instantly freshening up your patio or terrace furniture without having to invest too much money. It’s almost impossible to discuss home interior trends nowadays without mentioning sustainability. Making our homes and living spaces more energy-efficient is something we should all be aiming for, and achieving that goal without sacrificing on style is now easier than ever. Throughout your house, you can look out for furnishings in natural materials, turn to energy-efficient lighting, opt for a Smart Meter or install solar panels. Outside, in your garden, consider using reclaimed materials to create a patio, decking or planters, or investing in a roof garden for any sheds or outbuildings – they look pretty and help increase biodiversity. Overall, try to be conscious of the eco-footprint of your home as you go about redesigning it, and have fun. This is your chance to do something fresh and exciting, and create a whole new living space and style for your family.
Design a home to suit your lifestyle