Interiors: Back to the feature
Fill shelves with artwork or mementoes that mean something to you. Here in my dining room every inch of space is used with floor-to-ceiling shelving. The table and benches are from york.thefrenchhouse.co.uk
Whether it’s an original fireplace or a standout wall, any home makeover should start with its ‘beauty spots’, says interiors stylist Lisa Dawson. Here’s how she makes the most of her own space
First things first. Think about how you are going to make your rooms work for you. Getting the basics right isn’t always as simple as it appears. We want our homes to tick every box – be welcoming while still our personal haven, functional yet stylish, individual but with a nod to current trends and ideas.
Mix vintage with contemporary pieces to create a natural focal point. This neon light by Bagandbones.co.uk features lyrics from a song that was in the charts when I met my husband. The sofa is by maisonsdumonde.com
Make the most of high ceilings with enlivening artwork that will make you smile every time you see it. Opt for mismatched frames in a selection of sizes to add depth and visual interest
The surefire route to creating a home that is as beautiful as it is resourceful is to start by looking at the bones of the space. Every home, whether it be a studio flat or a seven-bedroom country pile, will have at least one lovely feature. The aim is to bring out the beauty and make the most of what you’ve already got.
You might be lucky enough to have original floorboards or mouldings that you can strip and repaint. You might have a large feature window or french doors, a wide expanse of wall perfect for curating art prints or lofty ceilings that make the room feel bigger. Maybe there’s an original fireplace hidden behind that shabby chimney breast? Start by making these bonus items the focus of the room. Make them shine – don’t hide them away.
Accentuate original door mouldings with a fresh coat of paint. These vintage books are arranged by colour to create an instant feature that will draw the eye upwards
Then work your room plan around these features. What you add to this space will be the icing on the cake. There are several things to think about when you’re deciding how to furnish and decorate your room. Sourcing items for your home shouldn’t be an ‘add to cart’ process. Take the time to research and find furniture and accessories that you truly love, pieces that you’ll use time and time again. It is well worth the effort.
The first place to look when decorating your space is, in fact, close to home – memories, family pieces, moments that can be incorporated into the décor and cherished for years. Charity shops and antique stores are also perfect places to find unique items that will add texture and character to your space. Here are a few ideas from my own home to get you started.
This wallpaper by minimoderns.com is a work of art in itself and is a great way to zone the space between bedroom and bathroom or dressing room. The mirror is from theonlinemirrorshop.com
Shop the look
Channel Lisa’s unique style with these handmade and sustainable pieces
Wall hanging, £49.50, oliverbonas.com, Mirror, £250, oliverbonas.com, Basket, £30, johnlewis.com, Framed print, £175, libertylondon.com, Plywood artwork, £385, partnershipeditions.com, Shell wall hooks, £25 each, roseandgrey.co.uk, Table, £895, loaf.com, Chair, £159.99, zarahome.com
Framed print, £349, amara.com, Bench, £350, perchandparrow.com, Shelf/plant holder, £179, en.smallable.com, Shelves, £39, made.com, Rug (120cm x 180cm), £125, frenchconnection.com, Sideboard, £248, maisonsdumonde.com, Glass bottles, small £9.99, medium £15.99, large £19.99, zarahome.com
This is an edited extract from Resourceful Living: Revamp Your Home With Key Pieces, Vintage Finds and Creative Repurposing by Lisa Dawson. To be published by Kyle Books on 15 April, £20. To pre-order a copy for £17.60 until 18 April, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193. Free P&P on orders over £20
