Stylist hacks to help transform your home

Want your house to look a million dollars? No problem! Editor-in-chief of Inside Out Magazine, Claire Bradley, has six quick tips to transforming your space into a super-stylish sanctuary.

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Want your house to look a million dollars? No problem! Editor-in-chief of Inside Out Magazine, Claire Bradley, has six quick tips to transforming your space into a super-stylish sanctuary.

Layering textures – According to Claire, the secret to getting a layered look right is sticking to a basic palette. “Neutrals, or maybe one or two bold colours work,” says Claire. “The more different your colour scheme is, the more boho your space will look and feel.

“When adding texture, think patterns in rugs, cushions and other fabrics, but don’t forget surfaces such as kitchen benches, flooring and dining tables. The use of ceramics and wall hangings are also great ways to give your home some love.”

Rich hues – Colour design is one of the most important elements of refreshing your space. According to Claire, people are now feeling bolder when it comes to rich hues and fabrics. “If you want to avoid the soft ‘millennial pink’ that’s everywhere at the moment, rich gem tones such as emerald and sapphire, in velvet fabrics, are a great starting point for a luxe home.”   

The Rule of Three – Basic design principles state that things arranged in odd numbers are more appealing, memorable and effective than even-numbered groups, and, Claire agrees. “Your eye is more comfortable with groupings in odd numbers,” she says.  “If you’re arranging flowers or just placing collectibles on a mantelpiece, go for three or five based on these guidelines.”

Books upon books – A coffee table isn’t complete without a perfect pile of eye-catching books. Fortunately, organising your novels into neat or loosely arranged piles can help create a series of engaging focal points.

“Stacks of books say a lot about who you are,” Claire adds. “The more ordered, well, the more ordered. And don’t be afraid of thoughtful piles – not all ‘stuff’ is ‘clutter’.”

Plant decor – Indoor plants and blooms add colour, shape and life to a space. Extremely versatile in the home, foliage can also enhance and refresh a room’s mood if taken care of properly.

“We can’t get enough of indoor plants,” says Claire.  “Just be aware that they do have specific and varied growing conditions. There’s nothing sadder than a droopy plant.”

Oversized mirrors – Breaking up clutter, expanding space and amplifying light – there’s not much that mirrors can’t solve. “Mirrors are great for making a room feel bigger but also, offsetting blank walls,” Claire adds. “And they don’t always need to be hung. A large rectangle lent against the wall is nice in a hallway or bedroom.” 

Originally published as Stylist hacks to help transform your home