Give your Home a Summer Makeover
As we traverse our way through a pandemic very few could have anticipated that amount of time we have all had to spend at home, both in 2020 and in 2021. One impact of lockdowns has been the opportunity to reflect on where we live and how we live. Estate agents report a flood of enquiries from clients looking to move out of big cities. Others planning the move/ or lifestyle change, perhaps already on their radar, but not yet fully explored. And for those of us staying put in our homes - the spaces we share with our families have have never seemed so important. I for one have begun to look at our house differently. Whilst far from perfect it has been a sanctuary, in which we could retreat from global events. And for that I am extremely grateful.
During lockdown, I very much wanted to write about small updates to bring some joy and newness to our domestic environments. I reached out to Octavia and asked for her expert advice and top-tips. My slightly naive brief “practical, affordable tweaks that we can all make and which are family friendly”. As a mum herself Octavia didn’t flinch at the latter, something most interior decorators do... If you haven’t yet discovered Octavia’s beautiful Instagram feed or website you are in for a treat. Her London flat was recently featured in House and Gardens and it is a treasure trove of artwork, furniture and fabrics: rooms where you would live and never get bored. So, if you are planning to re-paint, re-style or re-work any space at home.. read on… and enjoy!
Miriam x
octavia’s tip interior tips, for a Summer makeover
colour
Don’t be tempted to just paint everything white and think about adding colour later. Be bold with colours from the start. There is nothing more joyous that being in a bright and colourful room, it can literally change and lift your mood. Equally you can use colour to create calm and tranquil spaces. None of which means white walls.
If you recall your childhood home its not the beige walls you remember, often it is a wallpaper print or a bright colour which stood out and made an impression.
Hallway right is Papers and Paints 1-023
2. don’t be mean with curtain fabric
Curtains need to be full, with heavy interlining and pooling: I recommend about 5cm on the floor. There is nothing worse than curtains, without enough fabric to properly frame a window and hang well. It doesn’t matter if the fabric is inexpensive if the curtains proportions are right and you have enough fabric, it will create “the look”.
3. samples are your friend
Get samples of everything: fabrics, papers, finishes and so on… Samples always look different online than they do in reality; having the physical samples to look at will save you money in the long run.
Place the samples in situ and look at them in different lights, and at different times of day. You’ll then get a sense of what you love and what works in the space.
4. collecting objects and art for your home
Collect stuff, and do not worry about where it will go. I find that you can always find a home for something you love.
Buying art can feel intimidating but stick to the simple rule of buying art that speaks to you. Don’t worry about where it will hang, if the colour goes with a certain room, or the style of the piece. The more eclectic the better: if you buy things that you love, you will start to build a story around the space you live in.
5. china isn’t just for the cupboard!
Hanging china is always an interesting and inexpensive way to fill a wall. It makes a space instantly cozy and adds visual interest. It is also a very practical way of enjoying any wedding china that needs to be kept away from small kids! Equally, you can collect beautiful pieces online very inexpensively and build a small collection. The easiest way to start might be to choose a colour, or theme (e.g. botanical) that you love in the space and collect pieces that work well with it.
Collection Left: these plates were collected at various auctions and antique shops. They are from around the early c19th and are called Nursery plates and often have pictures on of a moral tale that parents thought would educate children in the importance of obedience!
6. Mix Patterns
A top tip is to mix patterns together: don’t be afraid to go against the principle that “everything needs to match”. Think of the historic interiors… where families have lived for years adding layers and layers of fabrics and furniture. These layers are what make these interiors so special.
7. Buy some treasured pre-loved/ or antique pieces
There are so many wonderful antique sites online now where I spend a lot of time browsing. A very happy activity in lockdown. You can get really wonderful deals, on unique pieces and that will bring endless character to your home. But remember to always ask the dealer for the best price!
Here are a few sites that I love to use myself ~
8. some Top Summer updates to Buy now
I thought it might be nice to include some links to a handful of fun Summer interior pieces to brighten up indoor spaces, balconies or even small gardens. So here is a little shopping guide to update your home now
Images 1 & 2, Raj Tent Company’s Collection of Cane and Rattan Furniture
Image 3, another Cane Sun Seat in pink
Image 4, Penny’s lampshades completely transform a room with very little effort
Image 5 & 6, Matilda Goad’s colourful ceramics to brighten up your kitchen and breakfast time!
Image 7, treat yourself to a set of old linen placemats elevate any table setting
Image 8, beautiful quilts which will update any bedroom with some colour and interest