1. Something new, something old, something black, something gold
You are in the right place when every room in your house meets this motto. By the way: it doesn’t have to be gold, metallic is also allowed!
When people move, they want to start all over again and throw that ‘old mess’ out. I think this is a shame! It is this grandma’s vintage armchair that makes your interior more special and personal. And even in a modern space, an old and worn item gives that little bit extra.
Many people are still afraid of dark colors in the house. We often feel much more comfortable with the shades of gray, but dark colors – and especially black! – give depth to a space. Even if it is just a black lampshade, black chair or table legs or black details in a rug. If you like color, it is precisely those black details that create more toughness in your interior and it is all not too cute.
Finally, it is good to use metallics in the form of accessories. Lamp shades with metallic details ensure pleasant lighting. Precisely in contrast with dark colors, a metallic mirror provides a beautiful light reflection in the room.
2. Wardrobe as a color pallet
One of the most logical places for inspiration when choosing a color scheme is your own wardrobe. The colors of your clothing are, as it were, your guide to the matching colors in your house. Because the clothes that you wear are the colors that make you feel comfortable. If you like to wear light colors, then a light interior will probably suit you. Even if you mainly wear black, colorful accessories fit for a pleasant and homely feeling. In other words: take a good look at your wardrobe!
3. Recognize your most used places
People often overlook the most used – and therefore most important – places and places in the interior. Take for example the light switches. You use them every day, but most switches are made of white and bare plastic. So why can’t these be nicer? Replace them with a metallic version. In my interior, for example, I have the very old-fashioned variant, which makes a cute sound when you turn it on or off.
For example, door and cupboard knobs are another commonly used item in the home. In my kitchen I have had buttons placed on the cupboards. They are mobile and it doesn’t matter if they will eventually become used, because leather only gets better with time.
The banister is also a nice place to add detail. For example, paint the handrail bright orange or another interesting color that gives strength to your interior.
4. Provide layered lighting
Lighting provides warmth and atmosphere in the home. It is precisely by working with layered lighting that you achieve this best. So make sure that there is not just one hanging lamp in a room. So choose a standing lamp by the couch and a table lamp on a dresser to achieve this layered effect. Wall lamps create an extra atmosphere with light effects against the wall, because they can illuminate some objects from above.
5. Embrace dark paint
We often think that a room appears lighter when you paint the walls white. But white walls only make it lighter if there is enough natural daylight to reflect the white. If you paint a small dark room white, you just have a white room left.
Why not get the most out of your small, dark room and paint it in dark tones? Also don’t forget the ceiling. Make everything dark and then integrate lighter color schemes. Choosing dark colors is not that easy. It is important to see how the color falls in daylight and in the evening light with lights on. This difference can be huge. First ask yourself a few things before the first blobs of paint hit the wall. Who uses the room, what is the room used for and when is this? For example, my living room is dark gray, because I am only there in the evenings and we mainly use the space with extra lamps.
Skirting is also often painted white, but if you paint them in the same color as the wall, the walls appear higher. Also paint your doors if there is no reason to leave them white. You can also color white radiators (unless they are steel radiators that you want to make an extra eye-catcher of). If your room gives a deep blue tint and your radiator is white, the heating will be the first thing you notice in the room.
6. Follow the seasons
Many Scandinavians change their interior when switching to a different season. Quite logical, we also do that with our wardrobe. Then why not with your interior? For many people, there are only a few things that you can adjust. For example, in my interior there is only one place where the sofa can stand, so that becomes difficult. So focus on the smaller items that you can move more easily. For example, think of the pillows. Bring out light fabrics in the summer, such as cotton and linen. Switch to velvet and wool in the winter season. Choose a winter rug and a version that works well during the summer period. You could even change the curtains, with lightweight curtains in the summer and cozy, draft-proof curtains in the winter.
7. Dare to stand out and don’t be perfect
Buying a ready-made, matching interior in one go is no longer necessary. Those times are over and it can all be much more exciting. Collecting furniture in small steps is fun and interesting. A nice big armchair on one side and a different kind of couch in a different color on the other side. Individual pieces can be well matched by choosing the same pillows or a recurring color in a rug. This is how you relate the items.
Different dining room chairs around the dining table have become hugely popular and give character and playfulness to the interior. You can also combine seats by color. For example, six different chairs in shape and material, but all in the color black. Or just add one red version to the same type of seats. Not everything has to fit together perfectly.
8. A nice entry every day
After a long working day you want to be warmly welcomed by your house. And that usually starts in the hallway or hallway . You will usually store shoes, coats or hats there (and mud!). Don’t be too difficult to keep it extremely tidy, but make sure that the space matches your style and personality. Paint it in a dramatic color that you like, hang a large mirror or maybe even neon lighting. In other words: think carefully about how you would like to come in.
9. Don’t be too difficult
Some people take their interior much too seriously, which is very understandable. In the end, it takes quite some time and money to achieve your wishes. People often view their interior from very practical considerations and almost forget what they really like. We have spent years with neutral rugs because you don’t look dirty and they are practical. But quite frankly a neutral rug has never made a big impression on me. So if you like pink, why not opt for a gorgeous bright pink sofa? In our interior we have painted the fireplace bright pink, with a dark gray background, which you would not expect. Trust your instincts, have a lot of fun styling and discovering your taste and don’t be too difficult.
10. Go green at home
Indoor plants are completely back. Succulents and cacti are everywhere, but I often prefer only one large plant in one room. Then the plant actually becomes a piece of furniture. A large sail in a dark corner immediately makes the room a lot more interesting (moreover, they need little light). Kentia palms are also very easy to maintain. But just like furniture, it is necessary to dust them off occasionally.
