SIMPLE DECORATING TIPS FOR YOUR ROOM

Following our previous discussion on colours, its effect on the atmosphere and feelings. Here are few tips to help you decorate that “your very very personal tiny room” (lol)

BLINDS

 

Roller blinds are an excellent alternative to curtains. They can be produced in endless variations. The only thing to consider is that the fabric should not be too thin and light in order to avoid drooping and ensure they remain firm when opening and closing. With opaque fabrics or lined blackout material, complete darkness can be achieved, whilst semi-transparent decorative material can create a charming look with different light effects.

Linear Roman blinds or plain roller blinds are perfect for pure, modern architecture, and are enough to provide a screen against excess light or prying eyes. Significantly more lush is a decorative style enhanced with colour-coordinated curtains. The roller blind is then simply pulled down for darkness, whilst the curtains remain in their positions at the side. This protects the curtain fabric. Such ensembles create a wonderfully atmospheric feel in historical surroundings with large, traditional windows.

An even more nostalgic effect is achieved when Roman blinds are decorated with scallops and edging at the bottom. For a romantic effect, balloon shades can be sewn from fine, soft materials. These beautiful effects are best on their own, without any additional curtains

THROWS AND BEDSPREADS

A bedspread can be much more than a simple cover for your bed and bedclothes for aesthetic reasons and intimacy. The large surface area of a bed offers itself as the perfect stage to show off beautiful fabrics – That is the only place such special materials with large patterns be displayed and admired over such a wide space

But in reality, any fabric you have fallen in love with, whether patterned or block-coloured, is perfect for such items. Even delicate and fine materials, such as tulle or lace, can be made into beautiful bedspreads when lined with a sturdier fabric. It is always a good idea not to tuck the spread under the mattress, but to instead arrange it loosely over the top, as the fabric tends to fall better when lined.

Short bed throws which leave the legs of the bed visible bring a lighter atmosphere to the bed and room, whilst floor-length spreads create a heavier, but more elegant effect. If voluminous materials like velvet are chosen, the angular shape of the bed frame appears softer and rounder. This effect can also be achieved by quilting thinner fabric. A bedspread, which is generally a sleek square form, offers one of the simplest and simultaneously aesthetically effective options to bring fantastic fabrics into the home. And who said you can only have one?

Alternate your bed throws depending on the season and your mood! Once you have collected a few spreads, show them off by folding or piling them neatly on a stool in your bedroom.  It’s a true eye-catcher.

ROOM DIVIDER

A room divider is not only a practical privacy screen, but also an ideal surface for displaying a fascinating fabric – whether used as a feminine accessory in the bedroom or to separate a space.

Children also love room dividers for endless games of hide and seek. A range of ready-made structures exist, to which the material can simply be attached. A simple variant, which is particularly suitable for semi-transparent materials, is to join artist’s canvases together with hinges and cover the back. For a heavier structure, block board can be used, and can also be upholstered with padding. If desired, curved forms can also be carved along the top edge

FABRIC WALL COVERING

Inspiration for classic fabric wall coverings is found in the silk wall coverings in castles, palaces and manor houses. Such pieces must be created by an experienced specialist, who position wooden borders on the wall, to which the cloth banners are then attached.

Only opaque fabrics are suitable, and should be fine and smooth rather than heavy and coarse. Shiny satins or damask portray a particularly sophisticated effect, although matt cotton and linen are also good options. Different fabrics can be combined by the banner or from wall to wall. In general, hanging coverings on every wall of a room should be avoided. Nevertheless, the more wall surface the covering spans, the more subtle and intricately patterned the fabric should be. In any case, the style and age of the surrounding architecture should be considered. Historical textile designs such as damask patterns always suit historical buildings, but could also provide a masterful contrast in modern, linear architecture. Regardless, it is always a good idea to limit wall coverings to one wall instead of the whole room.

PRESERVATIVE METHODS FOR YOUR SOFA

A new cover gives a breath of fresh air to old, but beloved furniture. Given a new outfit, your armchair or sofa will flaunt new vivacity, bringing an updated look to the whole room. When considering the right fabric and style, the help of a specialist interior designer should be sought. This is especially important when going for a permanent, non-removable cover

Decorating an armchair is a question of style, a feel for linear forms and a passion for detail. Take your time to look through the collection catalogues and take some samples home to try out on your seating. Check the effect with daylight and in the evening. Experiment with samples and colours which create a contrast to the style of your furniture or the colour scheme of the room. Often, a new touch has a refreshing effect on the entire area, not only bringing the sofa to life, but also the interior as a whole.

Light-dark contrasts or single-coloured covers and patterned curtains achieve a homely atmosphere. Similar to the effect of non-colours and earthy tones, this can help to balance and relax a somewhat busy room design. The larger the upholstered piece of furniture, the stronger the effect. Playing with light and shade creates a trendy effect when shiny covering material is teamed up with matt wooden furniture, or matt fabrics are combined with glossy varnish.