SMALL TOUCHES CAN MAKE OR BREAK HOME’S STYLE
From pillows to pops of colour, decorative gestures make big difference
Many people achieve great looking houses by following the rules of decorating: buying nice furniture to scale; painting walls in-fashion colours; and hanging the new flat-screen television. They are proud of the job they’ve done decorating their spaces (and should be!) and want to show off their fabulous homes.
Enter me. I often visit very nice houses and find a few important key elements missing. Whether forgotten or ignored, these small decorative gestures can make or break the style quotient of a home. I’m sharing what I’ve gleaned from my designer-eye critiques so you don’t make the same mistakes, and — bonus — I’ve sourced a few pieces that will help add those much-needed final touches without breaking the bank.
IN THE KITCHEN
The trendiest countertops and cabinets make for a great kitchen, but until you add some personality to the room, it can be a bit bland. Adding colour through small appliances, leaning small framed art behind clear glassware on an open shelf, and attractively displaying colourful fresh fruits or vegetables are easy ways to cook up character into one of the hardest working rooms in the house.
IN THE BEDROOM
I am always surprised that one of the most forgotten decorating elements for the bedroom is the head of the bed, which is the main focal point in the room. Opt for a formal headboard or hang art, or a wall-mounted rug or tapestry to anchor the bed. Choose a neutral colour so that when you change out seasonal bedding everything still co-ordinates. With dark colours making a comeback, I suggest a dark-toned neutral upholstered headboard; it’s an easy way to add drama to a small room and the dark colour hides dirt. Add a matching coloured bed skirt and you’ll have a dreamy background for any colour or pattern of bedding.
IN THE LIVING ROOM
Jewelry for the sofa, like pillows and throws, tie accent colours together and add texture to a room. Is there a rule for how many pillows a sofa should have? Depends on the designer; my rule is one cushion (minimum) for every three feet of sofa length. Choose square shaped pillows for the ends, and rectangular shapes (often called a lumbar pillow) for the centre to enhance the horizontal line of the sofa.
You’re almost there!
Here are a few more quick and easy details that I suggest get looked after.
1. Empty walls: If the first wall you see when entering a room is empty, it’s time for some art, a mirror or a wall hanging to greet the eye.
2. Dark corners: Brighten dead corners at night with accent lighting. The more little lights you use, the more flattering overall ambient light you will create.
3. Guest towels: Do you live in a place with only one bathroom? Have a few small guest towels on display so that visitors don’t have to use your bath towel to dry their hands.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback?
You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl_lohnes.
Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years.