30 Interior Style Tips (part 3)

Keeps furniture looking great…

21. Coasters as table art

Use coasters to add colour and style to your table. They can look great and will stop unsightly drinks marks and scratches.

22. Decorative table runners

Use a table runner to add texture and colour, soften a piece of furniture and stop scratches.

Illuminating…

23. Maximise natural daylight

Natural daylight can make your room feel more spacious. In rooms with little daylight opt for blinds, sheer voiles, or window vinyls instead of curtains to let in more light but still maintain privacy.

Hang large mirrors near or opposite windows to flood your room with daylight. Mirrors are great for increasing light in small hallways.

24. Add atmosphere

Candles at night can change the mood of a room. Try adding candlelight with wall sconces and candelabras.

Create an enchanting display of light on your wall using lampshades with decoratively patterned holes.

Colour has an impact on how we feel. Use different coloured light bulbs to change the ambience of a room. 25. Dare to be different, don’t stick with convention

Lighting can give you room the ‘wow factor’, so make the most of it and think about making a feature of your lights.

Try illuminating your shelves to add some impact to your display or light up a picture in a living room. Lighting can give your staircase a whole new look by adding simple lights at skirting level.

Add colour, contrast and texture…

26. Textures are important

Pale colour schemes can give a feeling of space but it can leave you uninspired. Texture and shapes become important to making the look work.

Try ribbed carpets or fluffy rugs on wooden floors. Place different shaped accessories together, such as cushions on a sofa to make a feature.

Choose different tones of the same colour to give a subtle layered effect which will also add interest.

27. Bring colour into your life

Create impact by adding bold splashes of colour using furnishings and accessories.

Resist the temptation to add too many colours in a room. When choosing colours make sure they are complementary.

Don’t be afraid to use bold colours. Add contrast by putting light and dark together. A dark sofa can be softened with pale cushions and throws.

28. Adding patterns

To combine many pattern designs in a room, ensure they contain the same colours. This will give a co-ordinated look.

Bold patterns on items such as wallpaper and curtains can make a focal point in your room. For maximum impact use patterns in just one area.

Don’t forget the small details…

29. Tie up those curtains

Tying back your curtains you can not only let more light into your room but it can also make your curtains look more luxurious and expensive

30. Glam up your doors

Doorstops and door handles can not only be functional but they can be stylish and add colour

Before making any major changes to your interior decor try to get a picture in your mind of how you want the space to look. Imagine what it will look like at different times of the day. You can get inspiration from websites and magazines. Keep all of your ideas together in a scrapbook.

By: Denise Jarvis
article source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com