Look at your Light Bulbs

Colours that are fashionable come and go, and though this used to be limited to clothing, it now applies to pretty much everything. Just look around at a few sofa sales and you will notice just how many different colours, fabrics and finishes that the variety of sofa shapes come in.

Once upon a time, sofa colours were pretty limited – to plain colours like blue, brown and cream or beige and a few chintzy patterns with flowers on them. Nowadays you can get really loud colours and patterns. Tempting though these might be, though, it’s worth thinking twice before buying a ‘noisy’ colour or pattern for your sofa. This is the place you will want to sit and relax after all, and a bright orange sofa might not be the most relaxing colour to choose.

Also, once you’ve bought a sofa, you’re stuck with it – for a couple of years at least. Although there is a lot of cheap furniture around these days, sofas still cost a reasonable amount so you want to make sure you choose the right one for your home.

Sometimes it’s best to go for something muted and plain, and add splashes of colour elsewhere in your home. You can do this with your choice of rugs for the floor and framed prints for the walls. Brightly coloured cushions on your more sober sofa can add interest. These kinds of items are much cheaper and therefore easier to change more often.

An alternative is to put the colour on one of your living room walls – either with patterned wallpaper or a bright and cheery colour emulsion. Again, this is cheaper and easier to replace than a sofa.

There are many ways to dress the eyes on the world in your home – the windows – and getting it right can make the difference between a successful home interior decorating scheme and a not-quite-right one. Choosing the best curtains and drapes for your home depends on many factors; here are a few things to consider when picking out your options…

1. Natural light. What is the situation regarding natural light getting into your home? If you have lots of windows and light then you can pretty much please yourself with window dressing – if not then proceed with care.

2. Darker rooms with a lack of windows. Where you need to maximise daylight make the most of what is on offer and use mirrors to reflect light further into the space. Try white muslin panels or simple wooden slatted blinds.

3. Large rooms. Grand spaces with multiple windows can stand a bit of drama. Dress them with opulent swags and decadent drapes in bold colours or patterns and accessorise with tassels and tie backs.

4. Small rooms. Try to remain unfussy and keep your curtains and blinds on the simple side. Visit bed shops with matching ranges of bedding and curtains as co-ordinated fabrics will look fantastic.

5. Bathrooms and kitchens. Be practical and don’t pick a material which will be easily damaged by humidity. In a white room go for a bright colour to draw attention to the window.

6. Picture this, picture that. If the best view from your http://www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk super king bed is of the garden then frame it with fabulous curtains to draw the eye outside.
7. Ornaments for all – don’t forget the windowsill. Connect the outside with the room by using a statement ornament, sculpture or vase on the windowsill. Go for over-sized proportions for a real wow factor.

Have you ever thought about decorating your room grey? Sounds crazy? Well actually, there are plenty of ways that grey, silver, gunmetal and all the other permutations can make for a really stylish interior design scheme. Read on and feel inspired to give it a try…

1. Bachelor pad heaven. All things macho and sleek start with black leather and chrome, so why not take a twist on this classic combination and try dark grey instead. It is softer and more contemporary without being any more feminine.

2. Bargain buys. Look out for leather sofas, beds for sale and painted furniture in a range of greys and snap up a deal. You will be blazing a trail that others will soon follow!

3. All things that sparkle. For a different take on tiles for floors or walls look out for grey granite with added glitter. Super-stylish and practical too it will add a different dimension to bathrooms and kitchens alike.

4. Kitchen chic. Soft grey units in the kitchen in a high gloss finish are ultra-trendy and will go with any accent colour you like. Perfect!

5. Mix it up a little. Plain old grey a step too far for you? Add a hint of colour and go for nearly greys with a touch of blue, green or lilac.

6. Lateral thinking on linens. Dress that fabulous new bed from Bensonsforbeds.co.uk in silvery grey bed linen instead of boring old white. Very cool and versatile too.

7. Metallic gems. Metal is, after all, a type of grey in its natural state so use shiny silver, matt chrome or reflective metallic wherever you like.

8. Light it up. Careful lighting and the use of mirrors will lift your interior décor if the grey is looking a little dull. If that’s not enough then add a bright featured element such as a sofa or painting to draw the eye.