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We asked our friends at Jane Clayton and Co if they could share some of their expert’s ideas on creating beautiful spaces in your home during the lockdown. Read on for some great hints and tips, when deciding how to give your home that make-over you’ve been thinking about…
INTERIORS TIPS FROM JANE CLAYTON & CO
Don’t panic!
From questioning your long-considered choice of paint colour when it finally makes it on to the wall, to underestimating the scale of a project, or the excitement of when it actually comes together, changing up an interior can be an emotional rollercoaster. Give yourself ample time to plan, but also time for your project to come together before making any rash decisions.
Choose a palette…
Rather than basing your interior around one colour, choose a palette of colours that you like and work well together, and use them in different proportions around the house. Find inspiration by looking at art or patterned fabrics to find a palette that works for you.
Texture, texture, texture..
Sometimes, despite all the components of a design being there – colour scheme, furniture, artwork – an entire room can just feel a little flat and like something is missing. The answer is often texture. It adds visual weight, provides contrast and balance, creates warmth or coolness and can change the overall feel of a room. It is particularly important in a scheme with a colour palette of similar shades and depths of colour.
Here are some ways to incorporate texture at home;
- Wallpaper – choose a tactile pattern rather than a bold print for subtle sophistication
- Fabrics – layer velvets, weaves & printed fabrics
- Furniture – consider a range of finishes including wood, stone, metal and even woven finishes like rattan
- Wall art – mix it up with framed prints, canvases, wall hangings and abstract wall sculptures
But also: pattern
Like colour and texture, pattern can also be incredibly important in achieving a balanced and layered interior. With so many to choose from – stripes, geometric, abstract, floral, pictoral – the essence and style of a room should be considered when choosing a pattern. Scale too is crucial; If the room is small, keep patterns to scale. Use smaller prints and less of them. A larger room can typically handle larger prints and more colours.
Consider the light
Spend time in the space watching how the light falls in certain areas and develops through the day and night. This could dictate the best way to use the space for different activities. It also greatly affects colour, so be sure to paint a swatch on each wall ahead of decorating.
Rules for hanging artwork
Choose the right size – for wall art above a furniture piece (such as a sofa or sideboard), you should aim to find artwork (or a series) that is toughly two thirds its length.
Hang artwork by its centre, you shouldn’t need to strain to see it, so the central point should be at an average eye level.
Consider placement of furniture, the above does not always apply when furniture, mantles or other obstructions are at play. Allow ample space between the bottom of the frame and the top of the furniture, or consider splitting the distance.
For a gallery wall, practice first. Begin by tracing and cutting out each frame on to paper (or baking parchment) and arrange on the wall using masking tape. Step back, adjust if necessary and then break out the hammer and nails.
Ready to get started…
For practical advice on a range of projects from measuring your windows to hanging wallpaper, visit https://www.janeclayton.co.uk/inspiration-advice/advice/
