How to add intrigue to your home

Being playful with your home is a lot of fun!

From adding art that you love to the design language you choose, there are many ways to add impact, but how to achieve that je ne sais quoi can be elusive. Try these little tricks.

Use an unexpected colour palette

Throw out the rule book and mix up your tones, colour drench or add a bold pop. Try a mood board to play around with different colours and use peel-and-stick samples, or paint a sheet of plain paper from your sample pots, so you can move it around your space as the light changes. Whether it’s a rich moss green, vibrant red, or deep blue, think about how striking colours can up your home’s personality.

Play with texture

Soften hard edges or abrupt lines with softer materials. Try a vintage kantha quilt or Welsh blanket. Pay attention to details and choose antique-style light switches and sockets, and add wooden or gilt picture frames for interest (charity shops always have a selection). Reclaimed wooden accessories and furniture create tactile pause points throughout your home.

Add a focal point

Bring in special features that spark your creativity and create a talking point by adding a focal point to your space. Striking artificial green walls are beautiful, and add unexpected depth to hallways or across one wall in the living room. Or try a bold rug, oversized mirror or even an indoor water feature.

Mix up furniture styles

The three-piece suite may be vintage, but it’s been replaced by mixing up your main seating area with chairs in different styles, colours and textures. Try a pair of mid-century chairs with a patterned sofa or a chaise longue with wingback chairs in bold colours. Add in a coffee table to complement the shape of your seating.

Create feature spaces

We love the idea of a secret room behind a bookcase or a dancefloor hidden in a cellar. But if you haven’t got the space to go completely wild, you can still add an unexpected area such as a captivating bar or chic boot room. Can you squeeze in a gorgeous wine cellar or useful walk-in pantry? Look at your space with fresh eyes and let your imagination take over.