Six Ways to Refresh Your Home

You may have heard the famous words ‘Feng Shui’ when it comes to interior design. But what does ‘Feng Shui’ mean and how can we use it to enhance the energy flow in our home? Feng Shui is a traditional Chinese practice that aims to create harmony in the home between individuals and their surroundings, focusing on energy flow. The historical and well documented method of positive Qi (energy flow) follows the Feng Shui Bagua Map. The Bagua Map is one of the main Feng Shui tools used to help manage the energy flow in any given space.

So, how do we do this? Mirrors are a great place to start when thinking about improving the energy flow in your home. Not only do they bounce light around a room but mirrors also give the illusion of depth, tricking the eye into thinking that a space is bigger than it is. Adding small objects to help shift and enhance an interior (including mirrors) is known as the ‘method of minor additions’ in Feng Shui. Often described as the ‘aspirin’ of Feng Shui, mirrors are exactly what an interior’s calling out for when it’s looking tired and in need of some TLC. Intrigued by Feng Shui? Why not explore the Bagua Map, add some mirrors and place them to reflect the best views in your home.

Adding colour is maybe one of the easiest way to freshen up a space. When it comes to colour and interiors one thing to remember is: white or off-white paint reflects the light, while dark colours can absorb the light and make a room feel smaller. This is something to consider if you’re a lover of all things minimal. While white walls can feel bright during the day, in the evening or on dark, overcast days they can feel cold. By adding subtle hints of off-white on the walls, you can start to warm a space, creating a cosy atmosphere. If you’re feeling bold and aren’t one to shy away from colour, painting a room in a strong, statement tone can give the illusion of depth and confidence. South-facing rooms are able to embrace any colour you throw it’s way, where a north-facing room prefers a lighter, warm tone.

Feeling bold? You could add a dark blue on a feature wall or within accessories like cushions, towels or bedding. Want to find out more about colour? Check out our colour stories.

We believe that if you buy well, you buy once. Investing in items for your home that you truly love and admire inturn, means that you take better care of them, which means they don’t need replacing so less waste - it’s a win-win! Whether it’s a mid-century modern chair or a print that you picked up from a fair, adding special, one-off pieces gives rooms personality and can help transform your house into a home. Special items could include your sofa or bed, which are arguably the two most important pieces of furniture in any home. Starting with these staples can help you establish a style for your interior space and also links back to enhancing the energy flow in your home.

Investing in the long term doesn’t always mean choosing high ticket items. You could explore your local second-hand, vintage and antique stores - - - not only is it a more sustainable way of sourcing homeware, but now and again you might even find a design classic at a fraction of the price.

Curtains and blinds should perfectly compliment individual rooms and that’s exactly what we specialise in - - - timeless designs that can last a lifetime. We believe that curtains and blinds can elevate an interior space and that adding new curtains can be a great way to add an injection of style into your home and freshen up a whole room. If you’re looking to create an illusion of more space, blinds could help you do just that. By moving from curtains to blinds, your home can become a modern, minimalist haven.

Conscious about sustainability and the impact of fabric on the environment? We are too, that’s why all of our curtains and blinds are eco-friendly. Take a look at our fabric comparison chart for our fabric eco-credentials.

In a world where online shopping, art fairs and homeware stores are on the rise, with it comes affordable artwork. There’s no end to what you can find to display on the walls of your home and there really is something out there for everyone. Whether you’re a lover of the bright and bold, or the minimal and neutral, have a browse - - - the world is your oyster. Social media makes it easy to support independent makers and shop-owners looking to offer unique artwork and products that could be perfect for your home.

Another great way to freshen up your home is to bring the outdoors in with a touch of greenery. Choose wall mounted or hanging pots with plants that beautifully drape around them, to guide your eye around the room. Already have all the prints and plants you could need? Why not opt for a wall hanging. Adding a textile can help create a visual interest that stands out from the crowd. Think rugs, weavings and throws.

Soften open plan spaces, bare walls or sharp lines by layering different textures. A little bit of texture can go a long way in creating a cosy, dynamic interior and freshening up a space. Natural materials like rattan, wood, linen and wool pair perfectly with accessories like ceramic plant pots and brass candle holders. Embrace a variety of different textures and finishes to truly embody a ‘hygge’ or ‘wholesome’ state of mind.

Our minds are naturally drawn to texture, meaning humans are more relaxed and at ease around tactile surroundings, meaning we can be suspicious if anything is too polished. If you prefer a smooth surface, why not add some complexity with your accessories. Never underestimate the difference a wooden fruit bowl on your dining table or a rug under your bed can make to how you interact with your home. The smallest change can form endless interest and intrigue.

Layering is all about combining contrasting materials. The sofa can be a textural playground and a great place to start - - - cushions and throws can help bring a plain sofa to life and who can resist a cosy wool blanket wrapped around their shoulders. Linen bedding is one of our favourite textures and invites you to dive right. Another classic texture you could add is a natural wood coffee table, with coffee table books to boot.