MEDIA | Top 10 tips for Elle Decoration UK
This month I have been working on a small collaboration with Elle Decoration UK for the October issue, this months issue will also include the new ELLE Decoration Directory, a guide to Britain’s best architects and interior designers. As part of this feature, Elle Deco will be running top decorating tips from selected design bloggers and I have been asked to share some of my personal tips… here is my top 10.
1 Start with a blank canvas.
Declutter to remove anything that doesn’t have a use or a personal meaning before decorating.
2 Embrace monochrome.
There are so many shades on the spectrum between these two colours. Grey-stained floorboards and naturally off-white rugs are a great combination.
3 Don’t take decorating too seriously.
If you want to paint a wall, just go for it. It can always be repainted.
4 Use repetition to bring balance to your home.
Laying the same floor throughout, for example, or displaying large and small
versions of the same lamp, will help to create a harmonious feel.
5 Decorate using details.
A well-stocked magazine rack or picture-ledge shelf full of colourful books will bring colour into a room. This way you can chop and change the decorations on
a small budget using what you already have.
6 Don’t buy everything new.
Make your home your own, wit flea-market finds or secondhand furniture. These things take on an unexpected quality when placed in different environments.
7 Create still life’s of your most beloved treasures.
These could be objects that relate to each other, like a collection of old cameras or items organised by colour, shape and size (see p118).
8 Clear out your cupboards every season.
If an object has been hidden away for several months, it might be time to let it go.
9 Try to do-it-yourself even if you don’t think of yourself as handy.
You might find that you’re more capable than you think. When I wallpapered for the first time, I was actually good at it!
10 Leave electrics and plumbing to the professionals.
It’s always best to be on the safe side. A little money spent here might
prevent a serious problem in the future.
Declutter to remove anything that doesn’t have a use or a personal meaning before decorating.
2 Embrace monochrome.
There are so many shades on the spectrum between these two colours. Grey-stained floorboards and naturally off-white rugs are a great combination.
3 Don’t take decorating too seriously.
If you want to paint a wall, just go for it. It can always be repainted.
4 Use repetition to bring balance to your home.
Laying the same floor throughout, for example, or displaying large and small
versions of the same lamp, will help to create a harmonious feel.
5 Decorate using details.
A well-stocked magazine rack or picture-ledge shelf full of colourful books will bring colour into a room. This way you can chop and change the decorations on
a small budget using what you already have.
6 Don’t buy everything new.
Make your home your own, wit flea-market finds or secondhand furniture. These things take on an unexpected quality when placed in different environments.
7 Create still life’s of your most beloved treasures.
These could be objects that relate to each other, like a collection of old cameras or items organised by colour, shape and size (see p118).
8 Clear out your cupboards every season.
If an object has been hidden away for several months, it might be time to let it go.
9 Try to do-it-yourself even if you don’t think of yourself as handy.
You might find that you’re more capable than you think. When I wallpapered for the first time, I was actually good at it!
10 Leave electrics and plumbing to the professionals.
It’s always best to be on the safe side. A little money spent here might
prevent a serious problem in the future.
pictures via Elle decoration
