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Make a feature of your favourite items...
A house becomes a home when it’s filled with personality – and a way to reveal yours is with the items you put out on show. From special crockery to treasured book collections, we show you how to gather up your favourite objects and embrace your inner stylist.
If you can’t bear to part with your books, turn your love for reading into a feature wall. Install built-in shelves that go right up to the ceiling for the look and feel of a cosy library. Also max out storage capacity by including shelves in 'dead space' such as over a doorway.
• For a similar armchair, try Ikea. For a similar pendant light, try Industville
Practical and good looking, wall hooks are perfect for showing off kitchen items such as chunky wooden chopping boards, decorative spoons and rattan trays. It’s a fun way to introduce texture, warmth and interest.
• For similar hooks, try H&M Home. Harpley kitchen from Naked Kitchens
Nothing lifts a room quite like a bunch of beautiful blooms. Here, the shelf above the sink houses gorgeous vases ready and waiting for the flowers of the season and, once filled, will create a lovely view while you do the washing-up. Make a single bunch more impactful by placing stems into separate vases.
• Vaisselle vases, from a selection, Liberty
Who says rugs must go on the floor? Not us! Hanging a rug on your wall will add instant warmth and cosiness to your room. Fix in place using a curtain rod, Velcro or a tapestry hanger to create a statement in any space.
• Brink and Campman Tipi rug, The Rug Seller
So much more than just a hideaway for board games and plates, a sideboard is the ideal spot to showcase favourite ornaments. Choose objects of varying shapes, heights and textures – glazed ceramics with natural wood, a tall painting behind a shallow bowl – to create visual interest.
• Hamilton large sideboard, Delaney Urn table lamp, both Furniture Village
Putting artwork on the wall is always a good idea. But generally, once it’s up, it’s up, and there’s little room for changing your mind without exposing holes or wasting Command Strips. Installing picture shelves is a great alternative, as you can chop and change artwork and accessories to your heart’s content.
• Clockwise, from top left: Chequer No1 poster, Abstract Still Life No1 poster, Gingham No2 poster, I Told the Stars About You poster, Abstract Blue Stripes No2 poster, Poterie à Motifs No2 poster, She is a Mess but a Masterpiece poster (on floor), all from Desenio
Lining the inside of open shelves with a bright burst of colour will add contemporary playfulness to your scheme. If your shelves are already in situ, a fresh lick of paint is all it takes to create this look. Always use painting tape for a crisp, straight line and a professional finish.
• For a similar room design scheme, prices start at £10,000, Kelling Designs
Quirky ideas like this hat display go a long way to making a house a home. These mustard, sage and cream-coloured macramé hangers blend in perfectly with these sun hats for an earthy and summery feel.
• Macramé hat holders, Etsy
Add character to your kitchen by keeping your favourite crockery, cookbooks and food prep items out on display or neatly arranged in glazed cupboards. Group similar pieces and show off prettily packaged food.
• Chichester cabinets in Flax Blue, Neptune
Transform your coffee table from a practical place to a centrepiece with a stylish tray that draws the eye. Wavy shapes continue to be big news in the interiors world and offer a great way to inject an element of fun.
• Ashen Rose Wavy tray, Trove by Studio Duggan. For a similar coffee table, try Cult Furniture
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