MOVING IN
A fresh start Whether you’re a new homeowner with a blank canvas to work on, or a current homeowner with an abode stuck in a winter rut, there are many simple ways to create a revitalised space this spring/summer. Award-winning interior designer, Roisin Lafferty of Kingston Lafferty Design, shares her top tips Since the January blues have well and truly kicked in, you may feel that you’re in need of a breath of fresh air, and perhaps, even a holiday. However, if you won’t be lying on a tropical island anytime soon, one of the best ways to feel more at ease is to create a calm, relaxing space in your new home. And, of the new trends emerging this year, the tropics may be worth taking inspiration from. “For people who want to create a refreshing, rejuvenating feeling in their homes, green tones are the way forward,” says Roisin. “Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2017 is ‘greenery’, and while greenery has been a trend for a long time, now it is used in a more opulent, luxurious way. “The greenery idea is less about flowers, and more about bringing planting into your home and layering different green tones, which can bring vibrancy to the space. You can have many different styles and textures of plants, and it has the ability to add a softness which isn’t frilly or fussy. “It’s also been proven that there are many psychological benefits to being surrounded by greenery. It can energise the mind and enhance productivity – in general, it creates positivity!”
Natural ideas
Nothing enlivens a room like a touch of nature and Roisin says there are many other ways to bring the natural elements of the outdoors inside – without having to upheave your garden! “I’m a big fan of mirrors and using them in different ways,” she says. “Rather than placing a decorative mirror on a wall, I tend to clad entire walls in mirror. It depends on the style you’re going for, but if you want to bring the natural lighting of the outdoors in, have glass doors at the back of your house and if you cover the wall meeting those glass doors in mirror, it will bounce the garden in. It’ll make you feel like you’re in the garden and it makes the space feel double the size. “The trick with doing this is to keep it very minimal. Don’t use mirrors with bevelled edges, keep to a flat mirror and run it from floor-to-ceiling and
wall-to-wall. This way, you barely even notice it – it’s not a decorative thing. In fact, it’s the opposite – it’s almost invisible.” To create something new in the space you have, you don’t need to buy new furniture for every room of the house. For Roisin, some rearranging or accessorising can go a long way. “If you’re sick of a piece of furniture, try moving it into a different room. You don’t need to throw away everything that you own. I get that it can be appealing to start totally afresh, but if you look at things you own in a different light – move them into different spaces, put them with different things – then, all of a sudden, they can look entirely different and new. “I’d also encourage people not to be too precious about accessorising. It’s like with fashion – if you’re going out, you might change up a look and have fun with an outfit by using different scarves, necklaces or shoes. This should be the same with your house. Mix and match different patterns and textures to add an element of fun to your space.”
Enhancing space
But before you begin decorating your new home, Roisin advises looking first at the space you have to work with. “Don’t buy anything until you’ve decided how the layout should work for you. Be confident about the layA touch of bronze, green tones and a mixture of planting creates a minimal and earthy look at Kingston out of the house and how the rooms Lafferty Design’s London residence. Image credit: Barbara Corsico work together. Is the space working or is it outdated? Should you change the layout so there’s better circulation? Is it going to suit how your family lives or how your family grows? Consider these questions and then work on the items that are fixed in the house, such as flooring, built-in cabinets etc. The decoration should be secondary because it should enhance the layout that you choose. “Then, decide on the amount of natural light and artificial light that is needed to maximise the space. Finally, look at the overall picture – the finishes, the colour palette and the textures on the furniture. Create a mood board first Roisin Lafferty for each area either online on Image credit: Pinterest or by cutting out imNathalie Marquez Courtney ages from magazines. But, do get a clear idea of what it is you want before you start investing in things.” For more information, visit www. kingstonlaffertydesign.com
Exotic plants and pineapple-inspired accessorising make for a tropical feel at Kingston Lafferty Design’s London residence. Image credit: Barbara Corsico