Garden & Home TeamYour space is about you. Don’t be afraid to make it unconventional, unique, eccentric and bold enough.
DRESS YOUR COUCH TO IMPRESS
Stand out trends for scatter/statement cushions include the texturally eclectic and boho style. The style implies layering of textures, a variety of bold colours, embellishments and intricate detailing in its design of throw pillows.
You may be convinced that multiples of the same pillows are the done thing, but for a more designer approach, try to match patterns, prints and textures to generate interest and break the stereotype.
The trick with the number of cushions is for them to appear as natural and uncontrived as possible. A general industry rule is to stick to an odd number of cushions to generate interest for the eye and make an inviting impact:
Try to stick to a basic rule of three for smaller couches and five or seven for your larger furniture pieces.
It is vital not to overcrowd your couch with accessories. Four non-matching pillows seem to be the perfect amount for most couches nowadays. Don’t overdo it. Remember, couches are functional pieces, and the last thing we want is our gorgeous cushions to land on the floor.
A beautifully styled couch is always completed through the introduction of a throw or two (depending on the furniture size). For a tailored look, fold the throw neatly over the back or arm of the couch; for a relaxed feel, simply drape
it over one side.
SIZE MATTERS (with rugs)
When choosing rug size and orientation, you want to look at accentuating and echoing the significant points of the room. Make sure your chosen rug is proportionate to the space (large rooms = large rugs) and placed correctly to highlight its dimensions (long room = orient lengthwise).
Standard takeaways and guidelines to prevent the room from looking disproportionate:
• Make sure that your rug is wider than your couch on each side (15 cm at least, 30 cm is ideal)
• Standard practice is to run the rug along the length of all the furniture.
A great way to visualise the final look and size is to use masking tape or newspaper guides to mock the rug placement before buying.
Some standard rug placement options include:
All the Legs
This layout, which requires the most oversized rug, is the best choice for anchoring a living room within an open-concept space or any free-standing furniture grouping (no furniture against a wall). Using this method will unify the zone and creates an area that is clearly defined.
Front Legs on the Carpet
This versatile option works exceptionally well when one edge of the furniture grouping
is against a wall. To harmonise
a space, choose a rug size that allows for only the front legs of every piece of furniture in the set to be on the rug.
Only a Coffee Table
With small spaces, it is imperative to create a sense of space. Try to increase the size of the room through layout and base the rug size on the interior dimensions of your seating area. Playing with positive and negative space created by your furniture grouping exaggerate the layout.
GREENROOM
Green living rooms are popular choices for defining a quiet or revitalising setting. The diverse colour comes in a multitude of glorious shades, a soothing green is as calming as it is strong, making a gentle peek or an exclamation of colour for any homemaker.
Deep forest greens, lime accents, or a classic soft sage-green or pistachio – there is an undeniable green tone for almost everyone.
Take your living room into a lush space without going overly dramatic. Choose a few cleverly considered accent pieces or anchor green with a large hero piece of furniture, such as a couch covered in plush velvet upholstery.
PLANT ONE ON ME
Plants freshen the indoors, bring the clarity and calm of nature, and caring for them
is always grounding.
Developing a collection of interior plants has a number of benefits: Aesthetic, functional, beneficial, and of course, they are perfect for Instagram.
Green, tropical or plant prints extend beyond the interior into the outdoor – many of us have developed
a ‘green thumb’ during lockdown. Be sure to add these plants to your indoor jungle:
Monstera deliciosa
This is a popular Pinterest-worthy indoor plant going around right now. Their lush green leaves with distinctive holes will make a stunning statement in any room, and they have the ability to grow
to fit any space.
Devil’s Ivy
Devil’s ivy is a highly drought tolerant plant which does not require regular fertilisation. Spring and summer are the best times to prune and propagate these plants. Place the cuttings in glass jars of water to encourage rooting.
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