House To Home

So just what is it that turns your chosen dwelling place into a home? What goes ‘inside’ is the most important aspect in the process of ‘home’ Luci of Luci Living Design gives VIVA readers her top tips for transforming your space into something super welcoming and special no matter what your budget, style, shape, type or home size. There are some key elements that interior design professionals focus on to create that lived in comfortable feel.

Floors

Starting at the very beginning with the floor. Adding rugs and carpet are simple and effective ways of making cosy any room, particularly where acoustics are an issue. However, don’t stop there check out some of the amazing statement flooring solutions on the market these days and create a piece of art and talking point that will give you years of ‘wow factor.’ Try www.harveymaria.co.uk for hard flooring or for fantastic rugs to put a stop that empty echo and chilly feet check out www.heals.com

Lighting

Good lighting is paramount to design. I suggest adding lots of it in various guises such as ceiling fittings, wall lights, table lamps and floor lights for an immediate homely effect. Use soft and warm glow bulbs except for task lighting such as over desks and work areas. www.housingunits.co.uk in Manchester have a large range of stunning lights to suit all properties and styles.

Storage

Clutter does not make for welcoming or homely. Storage is essential for functionality and comfortable stress free living. Bookshelves, boxes, baskets, pigeon holes, hooks and other hidey-holes are what is required. Everything in its place. There are some of the most fantastic and stylish in their own right storage solutions. When everything is in order it leaves more room to display beautiful items that matter most and give you the most pleasure. When they don’t serve that purpose anymore simply send them back to storage and find a new display. Look for brilliant and imaginative storage ideas on the website Better Homes and Gardens at www.bhg.com

Art

Art does not have to be expensive, overdone or elitist. It is the icing on the cake of any interior design scheme and home alike. From collections of natural objects such as sea shells, nicely shaped wood, second hand vintage objects, items of interests and you love, books, glass, ceramics, sculptures, photographs or paintings all class as art and help to add a personal touch to your home. Art makes your home unique and interesting to visitors and makes a statement about you so don’t miss the opportunity. For thousands of art prints try www.art.co.uk or search the internet and websites such as Pinterest for creative ways to display your wares and feature your favourite ‘smile’ items prominently. www.maisondumonde.com has some wonderful display furniture and glass top show tables.

Customise

Move away from the norm and add something new to mass produced furnishings in your home. Customise and personalise whenever you can. Have fun and get creative. Respray, add detail such as stickers, paint, add new handles, re upholster, put expensive wallpaper samples into frames, paint texture onto art and new finishes to boring furniture. One of my personal favourites is gold leaf. I recommend Liquid Leaf from www.goldleafsupplies.co.uk These small details are very cost effective and don’t take much time but can make a huge impact when creating your perfect home.

So there you have it. Five simple ways to get from ‘House To Home.’

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