Nexus Designs Creative Director, Sonia Simpfendorfer explains how
clarity of thought and planning can eliminate the complexities of home
renovations. In this article, she shares her top 10 tips for creating great
interiors.
The Brief
Write down your objectives for the makeover, be it for a sofa or a
complete renovation. This will keep you focussed and the job simple, especially
when faced with limitless options.
The Perfect Plan
Good space planning and superior functionality can be the difference between
a house that just looks great and one that looks great and is immensely
liveable. Factor in storage, sunlight and spatial flow elements right at the
beginning.
Move It
Before embarking on an expensive renovation project, rearrange your
furniture - many problem rooms are actually just badly placed furniture. Don’t
allow power points to dictate the layout - they are often inexpensive to move,
so just ignore them.
Floor First
Begin with the floor as it is the foundation of the finishes’ scheme and
must be decided before selecting any other design element in the room.
Keep It Simple
Simplicity is key to achieving a balanced design. Minimise the number of
finishes to maximise flow and create a sense of greater space, light and
serenity. Repetition can be very calming and unifying, particularly when the
individual elements are of excellent quality.
Lighten Up
Multiple sources of light meet aesthetic and functional objectives. Light
bounced off the ceiling with wall washers, lamps and directional downlights
will balance out the hot spots created by pendants or fixed downlights.
Contrasts
Beat monotony and create interest in the room by pairing old and new, handmade
and high-tech, matte and glossy, neutral and colourful.
Colours
Go with a colour that appeals to your sensibilities and not because it’s
fashionable. Colour can go beyond mere painting to so many possibilities. Get
experimental.
Take a Seat
Comfort, practicality, authenticity and scale are some of the essential
considerations when you buy an item of furniture. Buy for keeps; select
furniture made with care and quality, and made to last - so if your budget
doesn’t allow for a designer armchair, buy a designer lamp instead and a well
made local chair.
The Icing on the Cake
Accessorise with objects that you can actually use or that come from
real life because they can bring your interests and personality to a living space.