Festive facelift
Perk things up in your house this holiday season by adding a pop of colour and a dollop of pizazz.
Much like ourselves, our homes might be looking and feeling a bit drab towards the end the of the year. Perk things up this holiday season by adding a pop of colour and a dollop of pizazz.
White living spaces can be beautiful, but one needs decorating precautions to stop them from looking like hospital wards. A West Acres town house gave us the perfect backdrop to demonstrate how easy it is to transform a room – all it takes is a few choice ornaments, a few colourful rugs and a dash of inspiration!
Pattern play
One of the fantastic aspects of keeping the backdrop neutral, is that it allows you to get away with murder as far as patterns are concerned. A collection of odd scatter cushions or a few brightly coloured rugs won’t clash if they’re anchored by white furniture.
Trend touch
Update your living room as you would your wardrobe each season – by adding a few accessories and buying a couple of key items like a trellis screen, a new painting or a choice rug.
Shake things up
A whole new look is created by rotating wall hangings and paintings. If you don’t want to knock extra nails in your walls, place paintings or photographs on a ledge or alcove for a temporary change. Don’t like it? Simply replace it with something else.
Texture contrast
It is important to add texture. Achieve this by adding a shaggy rug, draping the couches in fabric, adding a variety of scatter cushions and a throw or two. Scatters in a variety of designs, add casual chic.
Use what you have
See things differently. An old, forgotten piece of cloth might make a striking table runner or Ouma’s heirloom mixing bowl a beautiful piece for a fresh-fruit display. Rummage through your linen and kitchen closets for hidden treasures and find ways of using them creatively.
Natural elements
Plants make an astounding difference and literally breathe life into a room. Can’t keep a house plant alive to save your life? Go for low-maintenance succulents or faux plants (but don’t overdo it on the latter!).
Handy little numbers
Pouffes are great for almost everything – they’re light, comfy, can be moved around and double up for all sorts of things. Add a sheet of glass for an instant coffee table, or use them as ottomans or side tables.
Keep it simple
Don’t overdecorate. Know when to stop – one can have only so many pillows on the couch and so many ornaments on display, before it looks cumbersome. Keep a practical amount of surface space free, so guests can put down their drinks without worrying about knocking over items.
Quiet time
Every house needs a quiet corner, especially during the festive season. Create one by adding seating space near the book case. If you have the added advantage of a nearby window and natural light, all the better.
Light it up
Nothing says “festive season” quite like candles and fairy lights. You can never have too many of either.
Jazz it up
Don’t spend a fortune on a traditional shop-bought tree and decorations. Part of the fun is using fresh ideas every year and utilising what you have in your garden or can salvage from somewhere next to a road. You can use a dry twig and “plant” it in a glass vase with small stones, but virtually anything will do: pieces of old wood nailed together, wire and fairy lights twisted in a spiral or gift-wrapped boxes stacked to form a pine tree shape. See pg 88 for decoration inspiration.
Silver chic
Metallic touches give a room a sophisticated and contemporary look. They also cool things down. Add touches of silver with candle holders, mirror frames and accessories.
Festive makeover tips
- Use what you have
- Rotate furniture, paintings and accessories
- Add plants and candles
- Choose a few striking items in the accent colour of your choice
- Repurpose items: use a salad bowl for a floating flower display or salvaged wood as a Christmas tree
- For a quick makeover, drape couches in fabric
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