TAKE IT EASY

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS THE PERFECT TIME TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME. CANDICE BOTHA ASKED A FEW LEADING LOCAL DESIGNERS TO GIVE US THEIR EASY UPDATE IDEAS

�ADD COLOUR AND PATTERN

Introducing colour, texture and pattern in the accent pieces can completely transform a drab room into a gorgeous interior as Jocelyn Jones of Jossi Interior Design has done here. “Bring in pops of colour, be more daring with pattern, and add a rug for some texture,” she suggests.

“Scatters can set the tone and pull the decor together delivering enormous impact with little effort as they give you colour, contrast, pattern and design all in one,” says Shelley Scribante of House of Decor.

� MOUNT SOME SHELVING

“Without taking up too much space, shelving offers a very practical way to get creative and showcase your favourite pieces, whether art, decor or crockery,” says Lane Baglione of Interior Lane.

�DISPLAY ACCESSORIES

“Turn an empty wall into a gallery using artworks and sculptural art pieces,” says Jocelyn. “Look out for interesting vases and objects for empty console and coffee tables and group these together to create focal points on otherwise bare or cluttered tabletops.”

“Choosing contrasting colours or patterns and different textures in your accessories can give you depth and interest in your decor,” says Shelley.

�HANG SOFT CURTAINS

“Adding the right window treatment can truly transform your interior,” says Lane. Hanging your curtains from the highest point possible makes a room feel more spacious. “I like to combine Roman blinds and soft flowy curtains to both block out light when necessary and let natural light pour in at other times.” »

�WALLPAPER A WALL

Shelley uses wallpaper to provide another dimension to a space. “Whether you are all about colour or prefer a simpler more monochromatic finish, you can make over an area just by adding wall finishes,” she says.

�FEATURE PENDANT LIGHTS

Adding feature pendants to a room instantly makes it feel more contemporary. “Pendant lights can be functional, but the right fitting can also enhance the mood – creating an intimate or glamorous feel,” says Jocelyn. “It is a quick and easy installation and you can add a pendant to the side of your dressing table, bathroom vanity or above bedside pedestals, and of course, pendants over dining tables and breakfast areas is incredibly popular,” she says.

�REPLACE THE HANDLES

“A simple yet highly effective way of updating your home is to change your old handles to something that suits your style and taste,” says Lane. “There are no set rules when choosing handles or knobs as long as they are practical. With so many options on the market you can choose from bronze, brushed nickel, copper, wood and shiny steel finishes. They come in all shapes, sizes and forms, and are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install.”

�ADD ART TO YOUR WALLS

“Introduce artwork in different forms,” suggests Shelley. “I enjoy playing with scale as it makes an impact. Look for different mediums of artwork and challenge yourself.”

�OVERHAUL YOUR BATHROOM

Sabrina Schaller of Couch + Interiors says changing your bathroom is not as difficult as it sounds. “Change bathroom fittings or spray your bathroom sanware as we did here,” she says. “Changing or adding a mirror or updating an existing mirror with a painted or new frame can transform a bathroom, too.”

�ADD GREENERY

“Adding plants is one of the easiest ways to update your home for summer,” says Sabrina. “Even changing the plants around from time to time can add a new look and feel. If a space is too dark, there are many faux plants that look realistic without the fuss.”

FOR MORE INFO HOUSE OF DECOR: houseofdecor.co.za COUCH + INTERIORS: couchinteriors.co.za INTERIOR LANE: interiorlane.co.za JOSSI INTERIOR DESIGN: jossi.co.za