February is the time to fall in love with your home.
While long nights and low temperatures remind us we are still a long way from spring, we need our homes to greet us with warmth, personality, ease and ‘joie de vivre’. But in order for them to do that, we need to start showing our homes a little ‘amour’.
The most beautiful homes, for me, are not the ones filled with expensive pieces that follow the latest trends. No, they are the ones filled with soul, stories and the unique personalities of the people that live there.
It’s a style I call ‘Affordable Elegance.’
The key to this style is to remember that whatever you decide to display in your home, there has to be a reason for being there. It takes time and patience to create a home this way, but if you want joyful rooms that feel profoundly yours, it’s worth the effort.
The good news is that your journey to a home filled with affordable elegance can start right now, using what you already have.
Take a moment to assess your home
I want you to move slowly around your home, stand in every corner and look at everything with fresh eyes. Identify how every part of your home makes you feel. Notice what’s been ignored, what needs decluttering and what is broken. Be brave and decide to let go of anything that doesn’t belong.
Write a list, a love letter to your home, of every change you want to make and think of every small improvement as a thank you to your home.
The quiet power of personal meaning in your home
Now I want you to take another look around your home, view it as your favourite shop, and see what can be moved to a different place, or regrouped, to create a new story.
Reassess your heirlooms
Marry a vintage table with a bold, colourful rug, perhaps from Ikea, to create interest and contrast.
Mix your favourite artwork with contemporary black-and-white photos to tell a story about your ancestors and personalise your walls with life.
Reframe a beautiful painting to fit your room’s new story. Not only will you give new life to your art, but it could turn into the ‘piece de resistance’ of your whole room.
If you have a piece of furniture that doesn’t fit in, but you don’t want to get rid of it for practical or sentimental reasons, consider painting it a different colour, changing its handles, or reupholstering it. There are lots of wonderful ways to give furniture a new lease of life.
Curate your life
I’m sure you have lots of beautiful souvenirs in your home that mean something to you. But if you want them to have a chance to breathe, to tell a story, you need to carefully choose what you want on display.
Every item you can see becomes a dialogue, whispering about your memories, life story, and passions. So, choose which stories you want to tell and take the time to arrange your souvenirs like pieces of art.
If you have several pieces, place them on a tray or arrange them in odd-numbered groups, mix heights and textures to add interest; the idea is to make them a focal point. Also, remember to change or move your objects every now and then, as this is how the story of you and your home will evolve.
Colour
I love colour, and there is nothing more personal than the colours we want to have in our own homes. Yes, there are ways to change the shape of your room, or add light and character with colour. But when a colour choice reflects your taste and experience and is chosen on an emotional value, it will always feel right for your space and yourself.
If you need some inspiration, scan your wardrobe and look at the splashes of colour in it. Then translate that to your interior design. This does not mean you have to paint your room the same colour as your beloved orange dress, but seriously think about introducing that colour into your home through bold artwork, an enormous cushion or ceramics.
Future buys
The things you choose don’t have to be expensive to create an impact. For example, when it comes to bedding, I recommend you invest in a duvet and pillow that hold their shape, as they will elevate your look instantly. But when it comes to the bedding materials, choosing ones that match or complement each other can make even inexpensive sheets look and feel high-end. The tip is to choose fabrics with whispers of texture that feel luxurious without spending a fortune.
Remember that every item you buy will add to your home’s story. When shopping, make considered choices that will make your home feel special to you.
My advice until spring is here…
Create a small dopamine-inducing splash of colour to make you happy! Don’t be afraid to paint a bannister in your favourite colour, add a striking and colourful lampshade, or buy that fuchsia pink cushion in the sale with the word ‘love’ embroidered on it.
Be authentic in your choices and tell your story in your rooms. It’s empowering and liberating.
About Carole
Carole Coleman is a French, City and Guilds qualified interior designer based in West Sussex. Through Carole Coleman Design she combines budget-conscious solutions with a strong sense of style to help her clients create homes that truly reflect who they are. Whether it’s by upcycling furniture or working with limited resources, Carole’s 30 years of experience prove that beautiful and elegant living spaces are accessible to everyone, no matter the size of their home or budget.
Sussex Interior Designer Spills the Beans on Affordable Style
