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INTERIOR DESIGN IDEAS  | EASY HOME UPDATES FROM LEEKES

LOVE YOUR HOME

by Dawn Llewellyn-Jones of the Leekes Design Studio

 

With ´staying in´ now the new ´going out´, there´s never been a better time to look inwards and reflect on what our homes say about us. Now asking more from our homes both in terms of function and design they have to offer practical solutions as well as looking good but that can take time, effort and lots of careful planning, not to mention money. So, in strained financial times it´s all about adopting a ´work smarter not harder´ ethos to get your home functioning on all levels.

 

Whether you´re looking to create the perfect environment for living, relaxing, working and entertaining, there has never been a better time to indulge in some quick-fix interior updates – and creating your dream home without breaking the bank only takes some clever design tips.

 

1. Cover up with wallpaper

When it comes to decorating and giving a room real impact, the impressive range of designer wallpapers from Designer´s Guild are perfect for creating a feature wall [you don´t have to cover the room in wallpaper to get a good effect and it saves pounds by only papering one wall]. Their new Manhattan range will look equally good in a modern home as it will in a period property, and with accessories such as cushions and throws to match it´s easy to achieve a good overall look without having to source too many products to get the desired effect of a well put together room.

 

2. Paint effect

A lick of fresh paint is another easy way to breathe new life into a tired looking home and I love the range of paints from The Little Greene which are right on trend whilst promising to still look up to date and modern in years to come. Linen Wash, Stock and Clockface are all great for an all over neutral base to which you can add pattern, colour and texture but check out Mister David, Blue Verditer and Citrine for a splash of colour or, if you´re looking to show you´re really up to speed with interiors fashions.

 

3. Room to live

Every house is also guilt of having a room that is under-used so take a fresh look around you and utilise existing wasted space. Perhaps your conservatory is only used at certain times of the year but could become a new relaxation haven with a chaise longue such as the Hutch Day Bed from Halo and a smattering of pretty floral cushions – these silk versions are perfect for creating a brighter summery look and are a vibrant contrast against the darkness of the leather.

 

4. Wise words

But for real design-savvy advice, ‘buy cleverly’ has to be the mantra for all interior design enthusiasts. Wise buys such as statement pieces of furniture or an accessory that you really love will always have a place in your home - it’s about going back to old-fashioned values and buying better quality products from well-known brands that have a strong hold in the design market place and abandoning the throw-away culture.

 

5. Made to order

Choosing a bespoke sofa where you can select the frame you want and have it covered in a fabric of your choice will allow you to go for a contemporary style that will not only fit in with any interior scheme, but will give you the option of re-upholstering if you choose to redecorate or move home in the future. ´This bespoke sofa design from Mark Webster ‘Sofa Couture’ is available in a choice of Romo fabrics leaving you the option of layering it with your own choice of coordinating cushions that can be easily updated when you feel like a change, move house, or redecorate,´ says Dawn. ´It’s about building a home that suits your practical needs and buying things that stand the test of time.´

 

Dawn Llewellyn-Jones is head of the Interior Design Studio at Leekes. For more information visit the website, www.leekes.co.uk or call in to one of their three stores in Llantrisant, Cross Hands or Melksham.