Often you know how your rooms should 'feel'
but don't always know how to translate that feeling into
reality. how do you make rooms that are right for you?
Decorating a home involves much more than simply putting
together a collection of schemes; it means surrounding
yourself with materials, fragrances and sounds that soothe
your senses and refresh your spirits. In fact, the core of
design thinking today is combining spirituality with
sensuality. Feng shui recognises the importance to the
senses of texture, smell and sound. The way you use these
elements controls the energy that flows around the home.
Natural lights and room dimensions play a
crucial part in colour selection. never choose a paint
colour in isolation. Place tiles, carpet and fabric
samples around rooms where you'd expect to see them. And
put up your chosen paint samples on the walls. Remember
that any given shade on a chart will look darker on the
wall, so always pick the colour that's one shade lighter
than your original choice. it's a good idea to paint your
favourite colours on A#-sized pieces of heavy card. Look
at these painted samples in different parts of the room,
at varying times of the day.
Aspect is important. Where is the sun?
It makes and enormous difference. Western sun intensifies
warm colours; morning light intensifies cool, light
colours. Strong sunshine 'bleaches' colour so opt for a 50
per cent deeper tone of your preferred colour. Consider
the 'colour' of finishes in a room. If you intend to use a
lot of wood, try to include a complementary 'cool' colour
in the scheme. For instance, French blue works well with
warm-pinkish brush box and light-reddish cherry wood.
Stainless steel gives a cool, silvery grey hue so
complement it with a warm colour like terracotta, ochre,
raspberry or purple.
If you need any help picking the right
paint, come in and speak to the paint people or click here
to email us. |
SMELL
Fill your
room with subtle fragrance: a bowl of lemons and a
jug of mint or basil in the kitchen. Avoid
artificial smells; go for delicately perfumed
flowers such as lilies, hyacinth and scented-leaf
geraniums, and burn high quality essential oils. Use
lavender spray on bed linen.
SOUND
Consider a
moving water feature, hand wind chimes near a door
to catch the breeze and open your windows to
birdsong. Keep a check on unnecessary noise from
kitchen appliances, the opening and closing of doors
(including sliding doors) and loud music.
TOUCH
Try to use
as many things as possible that feel good to the
touch. Texture adds interest, depth and sensuality.
Look for timber furniture that's waxed or polished,
woolen fabrics and carpets with a thick, ribbed
weave, crisp waffle weave and leather. Choose
fabrics with a pile weave such as chenille, cuddly
blankets and throws. |
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