With Maria Cerne, Interior Designer at Studio Black Interiors
Many of us dream of living in the luxurious and stylish spaces featured in glossy interior design magazines. However, trying to achieve these looks in our own homes, with children and pets and the day-to-day chaos that is life, makes this dream often seem out of reach to achieve.
Having a home you love, and feel good in, is crucial to a happy, healthy, and joyful life. Nothing beats the feeling of coming home to a space you want to be in. The good news is that achieving a beautiful home that you love is entirely possible with a few smart strategies and clever tricks.
Invest in quality over quantity
I am a big believer in ‘less is more’. Start by investing in one high-quality piece that is timeless and well-crafted, rather than filling your home with inexpensive, mass-produced items.
Look for furniture made from durable materials like solid timber, natural stone, or quality metals. While these may have a higher upfront cost, they will last longer and maintain their beauty over time, ultimately providing better value for money. If you are going to invest in one piece – make it a furniture piece you use on a day-to-day basis, like your sofa. Your sofa is where you spend time relaxing with family and friends and is one piece you won’t repurchase for at least 10 years.
Mix high and low pieces
Mixing good quality pieces with more affordable finds is a great way to keep your costs in check, as well as adding soul and characterto your home. Splurge on key items like your sofa and bed, then balance them out with more budget-friendly accessories, like cushions, rugs, table lamps, coffee tables, artwork, and decorative pieces.
Embrace upcycling
Upcycling is a great way to add unique touches to your home without breaking the bank. Consider refurbishing furniture with a fresh coat of paint or a timber stain, or reupholstering chairs with a new fabric. Not only will these projects save you money, but they’ll also add character and charm to your home.
Choose luxe lighting
Great lighting can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your home. When it comes to your lighting, think of the actual shade or pendant as a key accessory in your room’s overall look. Consider investing in statement lighting fixtures, which can add a touch of glamour to a room. Look for pendant lights, wall light or floor lamps with interesting shapes, or beautiful finishes. That soft ambient glow is 100 per cent better than a ceiling full of LEDs.
Pay attention to the details
It’s often the small details that can improve a space. Don’t underestimate the power of styling. Adding touches of beauty to your everyday surroundings can go a long way to improving how you feel in a space. Your home may not have the hardwood timber floors you always wanted, but don’t let that stop you from creating pretty moments in your home. Add a vase to your dining table with fresh greenery from the garden, light a candle so your home smells amazing, or create an arrangement on the coffee table of your favourite books or items you have collected from your travels.
No matter your circumstances, creating a home that reflects your personality and becomes a space you want to happily return to every day is achievable. It starts by seeing the potential. The power of design can be truly transformative.
