Decor

August 24, 2017 by Christine

5 ways to get more natural light into a dark room

The level of natural light in a room can deeply affect our moods. Those fabulous rays of light are bursting with Vitamin D that makes us feel both uplifted and positive. So it’s only natural that rooms teaming with natural light make us happier! With autumn on the doorstep and that much needed vitamin D at a premium, here are 5 ways to get more natural light into a dark room…

Add a mirror: Firstly, figure out where the light shines in through the window. Add a mirror to the wall where the light hits or position the mirror opposite where the light hits to bounce the light around the room and increase the natural light. If you love dark paint colours, paint a statement wall and add an oversized mirror to stop the dark colour absorbing the light.

Tip If you have a narrow hallway add two mirrors of the same size opposite each other to create the feeling of width and infinity.

Declutter: If you’ve spoken to me in the past 6months you’ll know that I keep banging on about decluttering. Mr T and I are working on some pretty major decluttering at the moment, shedding unwanted items, making our home feel more organized and in turn, much lighter, calmer and easier to clean. When surfaces are clear it allows light to bounce around and help the flow of light to travel around the room.

Tip If you need any decluttering inspiration, I can’t recommend Marie Kondo’s ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying’ highly enough!

Window treatments: Heavy window treatments and thick curtains will absorb lots of the natural light available. Light colours and lightweight fabrics will allow for privacy whilst still allowing that all important natural light to fill the room. Depending on your budget you could also get wooden window shutters, which would also do the job. If you prefer a flush, minimalist look then you could try VELUX window blinds, the range at roofblinds.co.uk could offer the perfect solution.

Be transparent: Using glazing in and around your exterior and internal doors will allow light to flood the house. You could try using frosted or tinted glass for privacy. The style and age of your home may sway your choice when it comes to glazing, particularly external glazing. If you live in a period home, you might opt for stained glass or if you’re in a more modern build you might want glass that’s a little more contemporary.

Consider materials: Consider the materials you use around the house to help to reflect light around. Much the same as a mirror, you could try incorporating surfaces that will bounce light around rather than absorbing it. Consider materials such as high luster fabrics, marble and glass or opt for a large painting that offers light and gives a feeling of space. We were very lucky to receive this large abstract canvas from our friend Toby Curtis which really bounces the light around above our dining table and make the room feel much lighter.

‘Do not go gentle into that good night but rage, rage against the dying of the light’ -Dylan Thomas

Stay fabulous

Christine

July 17, 2017 by Christine

Fragrance Feng Shui

Rooi.com is a curated place where you can find the very best cotton bed linens, interior design and lifestyle products all selected to help you add a healthy dose of luxury into your home. I’m currently working on my ‘fragrance feng shui’ situation by slowly introducing new scents into each space throughout the house to see what scent suits each room.

Currently we have the L:A BRUKET Black Oak in the living room, a rather luxurious candle from Rooi.com. Rooi.com has beautiful Indian and Egyptian cotton linens, opulent throws and bedspreads, luxurious candles and cushions, plus hand-decorated scarves, elegant stationery with an emphasis on style and quality.

The power of scent is a phenomenal thing. My current bedroom scent is Lavender, which since its introduction has improved my quality of sleep exponentially. I am keen to keep all our fragrances as natural as possible. L:A BRUKET Black Oak scented candles are made of wax from organic soy and hand poured into mouth blown glasses by skilled craftsmen.

Scent is a powerful thing, fragrances can help to induce a sleepy state, boost your energy, and help you to relax or simply add a luxurious ambience to the room. L:A BRUKET Black Oak scented adds a warm, richness to the room with a scent of blackened oak and Nordic wood. It’s formulated with cashmere, wood and birch to create a calming natural aroma which suits our cosy living space.

I’ll let you know how my journey into ‘fragrance feng shui’ progresses. For a dose of luxury lifestyle products head over to Rooi.com

Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains. -Diane Ackerman

Stay fabulous

Christine

July 10, 2017 by Christine

Simple home decor updates for 2017

Knowing how to update your home decor can be a tricky and costly business. It’s very easy to start a Pinterest board of ‘enviable interiors’ and come away with your mind reeling. There are however several simple updates you can try to inject a little pizzaz into your everyday, that don’t cost the Earth. Here are a few simple home decor updates for 2017…

The Kitchen:

Kitchens are the heart of any home with hours spent preparing, eating, and socialising with loved ones, as such it deserves a little TLC. First things first, brushed steel is out with bronze and copper making a comeback. The warmer metal colour makes the space cosier and allows you to go more functional with counter tops and appliances. No need intricately patterned cupboards or expensive surfaces. A few polished brass taps or spouts are all that’s needed to liven up a tired space.

If brass isn’t your style, wood is also an option. A new found appreciation for all that is natural and textural means wood with an interesting grain draw the eye. Coupled with plain or muted colours, wood pops and creates a chic space to cook, eat, and entertain. This look doesn’t have to cost the earth either with just a few wooden touches required. Be it cabinets, chairs, tables, or stools, a well-made wooden piece will always be appreciated.

The Bedroom:

The bedroom is a space where one can hide from the world. A space that should be a real sanctuary. As such it is a space that should reflect the character of the owner. There are a number of ways to do this and none of them needs to break the bank.

Green is the colour of 2017. From olive to forest, lime to sage, green paint, furnishings, textiles, and ornaments are very popular. A versatile colour, green can be used to subdue a room and make it more relaxing or pop with brighter variants. Try adding a green throw to chair, a few green candles for ambience, or paint one of your walls green to draw the eye. Replacing furniture can be costly however bed companies such as Bedstar, offer an economical option when updating your home.

Texture is another huge consideration for your sanctuary. The bedroom is the perfect place for a woolly throw, rich wooden furniture, velvet cushions, and other pieces are a great way to add depth to your space and fill it not with just visually appealing pieces, but texturally appealing too.

Passageways and Walkways:

One of 2017’s biggest hits has been bringing the outside, inside. Large windows, mirrors, and other reflective surfaces allow light to come and make the inside look much larger. Blurring the line between outside and inside is a great way to turn a neglected space, like a passageway from a wasted area into a connection between the two worlds.

All of these spaces can be revamped in a cost-effective way with little work. From accessories to furniture, a houseplant, hanging baskets or a splash of green on the walls- a little change can go a long way in updating a home.

Stay fabulous

Christine

Images via Pinterest– (Sponsored post)

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