In High Spirits 2 - Maximising Space in Your Home

As we pack away our festive decorations we also look at the improvements we can do to our homes – maximising space is one of the biggest problems. However, whilst we're still in high spirits and still on the 'wave' our New Year's resolution now is the time to give serious consideration to the space we call home!

The idea of maximising space is becoming more and more common as home owners require space for their work/study area. Open shelving takes up the free wall space and a slim desk fits snugly under the stairwell . Make it all the more seamless and less obstructive by choosing light neutrals over colours. Wherever your windows are, you might need to consider some ready made blinds to have control over the light flooding into your new home office space – this could also be your opportunity to bring in some colour.

You could also use the space under the stairs for storing outdoor gear, shoes and school bags – just do it tastefully rather than throwing it all in the nook! Build into the nook an exact fit unit that has vertical compartments and a bench seat at the bottom which protrudes out from the nook. If you are a family of four for example, four compartments would give everyone their own space to hang up coats and scarves. The bench seat below could even be an Ottoman offering more hidden storage for sports equipment or shoes.

Image: Atticmag

3 Interior Design Ideas To Ponder

1. Using Patterns:
One style that really comes into its own with pattern would be country - use lots of different patterns but similar colours to tie everything together. Try a pretty gingham, toile fabric and perhaps a larger check in classic blue and white. Use these patterns for bedding, window treatments, wallpaper and even to upholster a sitting chair. Do use large blocks of a single colour (either white or blue) elsewhere in the room such as the headboard and bedside tables.


2. Romantic Bathrooms:
Don't forget the bathroom when you wish to redecorate in a feminine and romantic style. We love the little mosaic tiles that can be used as a back-splash in a mix of shimmery oyster and ivory. For a unique look, take the tiles up the wall with horizontal stripes on a feature wall (white or light grey paint between the stripes). Another wall could be painted in a pastel colour such as a soft lavender or powdery blue. Give it the girlie stamp with hot pink accents - towels, candles, fresh flowers and pink ready made blinds.


3: Using Green:
Green was popular for home decorating long before we even thought about picking up a paintbrush. You might not have seen lime green curtains or bright aqua in the traditional home, but pea greens, hunter greens and a variety of pastel shades have worked well in the past. If you are working with a period home and want to enhance natural features - try adding in a period green! Choose two or three different shades in the lounge with a cream and some antique gold accents. Dark flooring and/or furniture will be this palette and style's perfect partner.

Image: Belle Maison

Are You Following The Mad Men Trend?

This is 1960's retro and vintage home décor inspiration at its best! There is even a pinch of California cool thrown in to the mix for stylish homes and offices. Modern, timeless pieces of furniture and lots of retro prints will help you on your way for this seasons dominating home trend.


Green was a favourite colour in the 60's and rooms became almost mundane and boring! Large table lamps uk where seen in all lounges, along with ready made blinds or ready made curtains as women began to have careers of their own and moved into a faster pace lifestyle rather than stay at home.


Where a lack of brights is the overall picture for home décor in Mad Men, a positive is the choice of clothing for the woman's costume. They bring the punch of brights that the décor is missing - so do use this as inspiration if you want to put in accent brights. Think of peacock blue sofa cushions, a touch of scarlet in the bedroom or a lovely vintage yellow in the kitchen.

Image: Eclectic Interior Design Group Blogspot

Beautiful Black Dining Rooms Designs

If you keep your dining space for special occasions - a colour scheme of black, red and white is very festive and special. Use a panel of black and white wallpaper on a feature wall. Wallpaper is right on trend and there are some great floral and patterned wallpapers that use black as a main colour. A sheer finish adds further glamour and sparkle to the party room. Red can come with accents such as neat ready made roller blinds or table décor.


It is risky to paint all four walls black in a smaller dining room, so the way around this is to just paint one wall in a gloss black - the gloss cleverly bouncing more light around the space. This can also be achieved with patterned wallpaper - dress the wall of the fireplace, behind your dining table or the outer wall if you have a beautiful window. If you want to incorporate the latest interior design trends then a blackboard wall will fit into a black dining room superbly!


Another idea for lessening black on walls is to use wainscoting with black below and cream or taupe above. Despite wainscoting being a period feature, you can get away with it if the rest of the room uses modern furniture and clean lines.

Image: Small Place Style

Beautiful Bedroom Roman Blinds

Make use of the winter daylight by using beautiful Roman blinds which coordinate with your bedding. The diffuse light effects create a feeling of subtle warmth during the daytime. At night fully lined Roman blinds with a thermal backing are the ideal window dressing in bedrooms creating chic styling with a modern twist on traditionalism.

Ready made blinds are available on the whole host of wonderful colours and patterned fabrics to suit your décor and your budget effortlessly! Opt for this year's hottest colour trends of a combination of subtle dove greys and shades of yellow, try using yellows which have a leaning towards gold for a chic refinement!

For those who love DIY it's even possible to coordinate a chest of drawers by simply gluing the same fabric to the front of the drawers! For those keen on making their own bespoke furnishings Roman blind kits are the ideal solution which enable you to use the same fabric either on furniture, foot stalls and lampshades.

Give yourself some interior design projects to focus on this year rather than wishing you had and never quite getting round to it! Browse online blogs thumb your way through some interior design magazines which are full of inspirational ideas for you to emulate or which will inspire you to try your hand at a wide range of different crafts to make your home totally unique!

Image: {This is glamorous}