This sounds pretty darn harsh but I feel quite strongly about this subject so just hear me out. Beige rooms can be the dullest, most uninspiring, blandest spaces you can get. If any room can strip you of your personality it’s a beige one. There I’ve said it but sorry I’ve got to be honest, it’s my job.
I’m not here to say that you should never use beige HOWEVER if you’re stuck with a beige room (like many renters) then never fear. Here are a few tips to boost the look of the room, injecting your own personality and creating something that you can be proud of.
I’ve personally had to work on bringing many beige rooms to life, if you can’t or don’t want to repaint then try out a few of these tips (even if you haven’t got a beige room, these tips are useful).
1. Introduce lighting
A room should have around 3 or 4 sources of light, if you just have the one ceiling light it can make the room feel cold and unwelcoming. Try and introduce floor lamps, table lamps or concealed strip/up lighting. Never forget the magic of a candle either.
2. Use your space well
Think about how you want to use the space, a room should be functional for your lifestyle, don’t let a dysfunctional room push you about, you own it!
Once you know what you want from the space you can then plan zones and focal points. Even the smallest of spaces can have multiple functions.
3. Don’t be scared of colour
You can introduce colour in many different ways from surfaces, furniture to accessories.
Paint is not only affordable but easily changeable too, you don’t have to repaint the entire room maybe just the alcoves. You could also introduce pops of colourful furniture, wallpaper, rugs, lamps etc. My living room is white but I introduce colour with art work and colour code my books (which gives me the greatest pleasure) and have contrasting grey and black pieces of furniture.
Greys seem to calm and compliment colour so if you’re scared of going bright, then go grey with hints of colour, trust me you’ll love it.
4. Conceal those ugly wires
Hide wires and cables, this helps to de-clutter the room. I can’t tell you how stressed I get when cables and wires are showing, technology doesn’t help sometimes as there always seems to be a new media box that has a cable or three to add to the current collection. Try and hide these with behind storage units, shelving or strategic furniture placement. This will make the room feel much calmer and organised.
5. Play with scale
I find the main problem with dull rooms is that people have been too safe with the size of their furniture, lighting and accessories. For an instant boost and intriguing element to the room add over-sized vases, lamps or cushions.
6. Layers
Layering a room with texture and accessories really does bring an essence excitement. If a room had no layers then it will feel very flat, use contrasting textures and materials. Always add flowers or plants, they soften any room.
I’ve found a few pics to help show you what I mean and get you all inspired. xx
3 Comments
Excellent post – I would have to concur on all points, particularly playing with scale. 🙂
I love that last image! The giant leaf looks really striking!
I’m dying to know where those pink chairs came from.