Using accessories to decorate is my favourite part of interiors. It’s amazing what these little touches (or ‘bits of tat’ as my husband calls them) can do to completely make a room as well as adding character.

I often get asked to blog about how I ‘put things together’ but unfortunately that isn’t something that can really be taught but I am going to try my best to show you my top tips for how I go about decorating. 

1. Consider using neutral paint colours (think white, cream, magnolia or my ultimate favourite Wilko’s ‘Coastline’ paint) as well as furniture. This is my no1 tip as it makes my ever changing/decorating obsession that bit easier. It also means that accessorising becomes a breeze as you can completely change a room for a fraction of the price compared to repainting & buying new furniture when you get itchy feet. For example, if you have a bright green sofa that you fall out of love with, it becomes expensive to completely replace compared to simply adding cushions on a brown or beige sofa to give it an entirely new look. It also means you can be bold with colours without it looking too over the top.

2. Be inspired by the weather outside! Use colourful accent pieces such as cushions or throws, these can be easily changed with the seasons (think burnt oranges & browns for Autumn or yellows & greens for Spring) or have a look at the latest trends in interior magazines. To see my Autumnal makeover click here.

3. Change existing items such as cushions or lamp shades simply by crafting. Try gluing or stitching buttons on for a completely different look. It’s amazing what you can do with existing items.

4. It’s all about textiles! Using fabric can completely change a rooms look. From draping a beautiful throw over the arm of your sofa, scattering cushions or replacing a rug. Pillows are definitely one of the easiest ways to transform a look as well as adding pattern or colour, they are also super easy to make yourself very cheaply, to see my window seat cushion makeover with a tutorial click here. 

 

5. “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris. 

7. Start with something you LOVE then use it as inspiration. Found a rug that makes your hands sweaty? An ornament that increases your heart rate? A cushion that you simply can’t stop thinking about? Then make it a key focal point & chose other bits that complement it.

8. Use symmetry – I always find I buy things in multiples. Candle sticks, lamps, frames…you’ll usually find that 2 or more, especially on things such as mental pieces work really well. Also with this, it’s important to mix size/height to add interest when you see things displayed of varying levels. 

9. Set the mood with lighting. I will rarely use the main lights in each room as I find them too bright. I much prefer to use side lights along with candles & fairy lights (who said they are only for Christmas?!) to create a much calmer & softer ambiance. 

10. Less is more sometimes, especially with accessorising. I often see rooms which have so much ‘going on’ that it seems hectic & cluttered. Not only does it cost more to buy all this ‘stuff’ but it actually ends up looking quite cheap. Plus, imagine the dusting! 

Love, Charlotte x