Caxton magazines staffDecorators and homeowners share their top tips for quickly and easily giving your home a lift
ADD A FEW TRENDY ACCESSORIES
“The wonderful thing about neutral schemes is that they can be easily updated as new trends emerge,” says Keri Venter of Interplan Interiors. Using elements like the yellow ceramics from La Grange Interiors, a new scatter in Design Team’s Afro Heart Damask and flowers, Keri added colour and warmth to this contemporary black and white setting. The sofa fabric is Brancusi Stripe by Skinny laMinx.
WALLPAPER A SHELF UNIT
To add impact to a contemporary home office, interior designer Keri Venter added Harlequin’s Illuminate wallpaper from Black Fabrics to the back of a simple white wall unit. “It’s an easy way to turn something functional into more of a statement piece,” she explains. An existing chair was covered in Parisian Bloom by Design Team, and Pantone boxes add attractive storage.
MIRROR YOUR PATIO
To add the illusion of space to their Jo’burg patio, homeowners Jacqui Upton and David Seinker simply attached large mirrored sheets to the back wall. “It has the effect of doubling the space, and at the same time reflects all the greenery from the garden,” says Jacqui. “Mirrored surfaces are definitely one of the easiest ways to enhance townhouse-sized courtyards and gardens.” Mirrored sheets supplied by PG Glass.
INVEST IN A RUG
Events specialist Debbie O’Flaherty of Let’s Celebrate has a spacious eat-in kitchen which connects to a split-level living room. “Adding a carpet helps to designate a dining area within an open-plan space,” she says. “It also makes a tiled area look and feel more furnished.” The chandelier is from The Lighting Warehouse and the chairs are from Coricraft.
USE BOOKS AS STYLING PROPS
“Books are a fantastic way to add height and interest to coffee tables or any curated space,” says Claire Clarke of By Dezign Interiors. “They make wonderful bases for flowers and accessories, and they bring instant colour to shelves and tables.” The vase, geometric motif ceramic box and lime book cover are all from NetDécor, interspersed with a collection of Claire’s books and collectables.
