ASK MAD ABOUT THE HOUSE
Turn the focus on to shape
Sometimes you walk into a room and feel instantly at home. You probably assume it’s some indefinable thing that might be to do with the ‘vibe’. You may, on closer inspection, decide the colour scheme is particularly pleasing. But I’m willing to bet there is a third element at play, one which most people don’t even think about when planning their decor: the shapes.
Most of us live in rooms that are rectangular or square, or awkwardly L-shaped. We have kitchens that are made up of straight lines of cupboards and hard materials, bathrooms full of reflective white surfaces. Even soft furnishings, such as cushions and rugs, tend to be square or oblong. Add a rectangular mirror over a linear fireplace, or picture frames in a regimented line, and you can start to see how the introduction of a curve might have a huge impact on the space. It may even be that elusive ‘game-changer’.
Now I’m not suggesting we all rush off to live in an oast house – nor, for the record, am I a fan of curved kitchen units (which can often look contrived). But when you are planning your room, do take a moment to consider the shapes you are bringing in and try to vary or contrast them with the larger set pieces, such as sofas, beds and tables.
Fortunately, there is a trend for curved furniture at the moment, which makes it easier to shop. If you have decided on a round or curving armchair, you might want to stick to a classic bolster cushion. Or, conversely, why not scatter a couple of round ones on a traditional sofa?
Round mirrors work in any room, with any period of décor, and a simple circular clock on the wall will always break up the serried ranks of picture frames.
When it comes to tables, mix it up. Rather than a single room-dominating rectangle that sits in front of the sofa and takes up all of the available space, consider a group of three in different sizes and heights. This has the advantage that you can easily move them to be within reach of an armchair or sofa when it needs a drink placing on it. If you have a square kitchen, then a round table works well; an oval one will suit any setting.
Round rugs tend to feel more bedroom than living room, but look to pattern to break up the lines. Bring circles into your artwork, curtain fabric or the design on a rug.
Once you start looking in more detail, you will often find you have done much of this instinctively. But if you have a room that really isn’t working, take a moment to ignore colour and focus on shapes. Just a few simple changes can make all the difference.