Australian Handyman - July 2018

Combine colour, texture and

natural materials to add warmth.

Keeping it warm

Once you’ve created the living space,

it’s time to warm it up and make it as

cosy and inviting as possible. Natalee

suggests layering walls with diferent

materials such as timber panelling,

stone or wallpaper, or adding shutters

or curtains.

‘Add elements of textures and layer

materials to allow the room to feel that

it’s not bare,’ she says. Decorative

pieces, throws, lamps, plants and

artwork all add warmth, as do personal

pieces such as family photos.

Kim, whose design business

specialises in beautiful fabrics, likes

to use plenty of cushions.

‘Cushions are a way to add instant

texture, pattern and colour,’ she says.

Small spaces

Just because a living room is smaller in

size doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish and

functional. Kim advises keeping the

looring the same throughout the home,

as this creates a sense of being part of

one larger space.

Kim also suggests pale shades for

the walls to make the room seem bigger

and brighter. She also recommends that

oversized furniture is avoided.

‘Consider having no cofee table and

just use side tables,’ she says. ‘Avoid

chairs with really high backs. Consider

a round rug to add texture.’

28 JULY 2018 Australian Handyman

PICTURE (LEFT)

NATALEE BOWEN/INDAH ISLAND

RENOVATE