Common Cents

1 Position Your Pieces

Re-arrange furniture to ensure easy flow within the room.

Add interest by varying the scale of the furniture.

2 Tone With Colour

Books are an interesting way to introduce character and hints of colour. Use various sizes and keep the assortment of cover colours to a minimum.

Add bursts of colour with scatter cushions and rugs as they’re highly versatile and can be changed regularly to create the mood and the look you want to achieve.

3 Bring On The Bling

Add life to a dark hole by bringing out your oddments, like antique gold teapots grouped on a table in front of the fireplace.

Metallics add a touch of class to a room, so don’t be shy to show them off.

4 Add A Lavish Touch

Bring your walls to life with works of art; don’t be afraid to group together different sizes and styles.

Remember, contrasting items can be used to create interest.

5 Create Tactile Comfort

Mix and match interesting textures such as glass, fabric and metal against a neutral backdrop to create warmth and interest within the space.

Group irregular items such as woven baskets, trays and photographs, along with books on the bookshelf, in such a way that become a conversation piece.

6 Create Atmosphere

Natural light plays an important part in the mood that space exudes, so bare your windows to allow the light to shine through and expose the outside view.

Bright, colourful flowers inject colour into a room – and this can easily be interchanged and played with, allowing you the freedom to highlight or tone down certain colours in the room.

About Claire Cartner

With 11 years’ experience in the design business including interior design, architecture and decorating, Claire now offers something of a breakthrough in the industry – a personal service in which the homeowner can tap into her insight and knowledge without incurring exorbitant costs and the daunting feeling of having to throw out contents. For a flat fee of R1 400, Claire will bring her skilful touch to a room, re-styling and revamping it with a professional touch, minus the cost that is inherent in having to buy designer chic fittings and furniture to complete the experience. By using existing furniture, structures and objects, Clarie’s practical use of space reveals a room’s natural expression, colour and tone as well as taking care of the unnecessary clutter that was suffocating its true potential all along. To book an appointment, or for more information, call Claire on 082 899 2499.