Many people often say that you should play it safe with your living room furniture and decor. Stick to the neutrals, they say, then you’ll know for sure that you like it. Well, we believe that decorating ‘rules’ like this are actually more like guidelines, and it’s ok to be a little rebel every now and then.
If you’ve had your eye on a statement piece of furniture that you absolutely love but is a little ‘out there’, go for it! No matter what the rest of your decor looks like, there’s always a way to make even the most outlandish piece work. Not sure where to start? Well, bespoke furniture experts, James and Rose, is here to help you out.
- Take things back to basics
Ever remember working really hard in art class (i.e. doodling) and pulling out a good old colour wheel? Don’t be afraid to really go back to basics, as you’re going to want to stick with colour accents that truly complement each other. You might not be playing with the same shades or tones but creating balance is a great first step.
- Take a step back
Sometimes literally. Take a look at your room as a whole and figure out where your new piece is going to sit. By doing this you may spot certain colours that you didn’t even notice before, but don’t overthink it. If you really love this statement piece, then that alone is enough to make it work.
- Mix things up
If you haven’t got your heart set on a particular piece yet, here’s a step for you. What does the room’s decor look like at the moment? Is it quite contemporary or traditional? Simple or complex? Dark or light? Whatever answers you come up with, then try and look for a piece that ticks the opposite boxes – kind of like the colour wheel. If your style is quite geometric and angle-heavy, opt for something more organic and softer. For a modern interior, why not choose a classic wingchair chair in gorgeous leather? Opposites really do attract.
- Look at patterns
Patterns are a fantastic way to incorporate statement pieces into your home, but there’s a delicate balance to be found. Don’t be afraid to pair different patterns together, but try to avoid ones that are all small in scale. For example, a bold stripe pairs far better with a smaller print and it creates a perfect balance. Two or even three large or small patterns sitting together can sit a little on the garish side.
- Play with your space
We may have started this piece by telling you to throw the rulebook out of the window and then proceeded to give you a bunch of suggestions, but at the end of the day this is your home, and you can make it look anyway you want. Don’t fall into the trap of sticking to a rigid plan, and don’t be afraid to rearrange the room a little to accommodate your new piece. Sometimes a shuffle is exactly what the room needs and even the tiniest of tweaks can make an extraordinary difference.
