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How to elevate your living room by stylist Natalie Walton

June 20, 2022 1 Comment

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This is an edited extract from the new book Style: The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home by Natalie Walton.

Living rooms are important spaces where our public and private lives intersect. They are where we gather to welcome guests and entertain. But they are also where we decompress and relax at the end of the day. Increasingly, they are open-plan spaces and need to work within a greater scheme. Bringing all the elements together cohesively requires care and consideration. And, if you want a space that lives up to its true potential, make it personal and create with conviction.

Stylist and author Natalie Walton

Not sure which style choices to make? All decisions should be based on the answer to one key question. When you step into your living room, how do you want to feel? Remember, creating a beautiful home is less about focusing on a look and more about embracing how you want to experience the space. Every choice we make in our homes has an impact on our emotions. Everything is an extension of you and who you are. Colour is a powerful example: we can all respond differently to even slight differences in shades. When it comes to choosing what to include in your space—from art to a sofa—focus on feeling. If you want to experience calm, for example, try a subdued palette, simple forms and soft textures. This will inform the way you arrange the space, too. Asymmetry is more relaxed and will make you want to linger longer. However, if you want to turn up the voltage and create with artful mastery, find a nexus between contrast and cohesion. Play with the friction between raw and refined, simple and sophisticated, dark and light. 

Consider the function of the room. It would be futile to focus on the guest experience if you entertain only occasionally. However, astute choices in sourcing can result in furniture and decor that can be adaptable and used in new ways over time. A stool can act as a side table or seat; a daybed can perform a double duty as seating one day and in a bedroom the next. Mixing pieces from different genres and periods will create visual interest and can make the space more representative of your story. The juxtaposition of modern and old, textured and smooth elevates the contrasting elements and enlivens the space. However, when mixing materials or eras, work within a restrained palette for unity and harmony.

Redefine the space

It’s all too easy to rely on walls to define the frame of the living room. However, spaces feel much more intimate when you bring furniture off the walls. When sofas are pushed against the perimeter, the space in the middle of the room can feel like a dead zone. Instead, use area rugs to define the room. Bringing everything closer together creates intimacy and makes the space feel more inviting. Floor lamps can flank sofas and occasional seating. For additional depth, add a bench or side table behind the sofa and layer with books, table lamps and sculptural objects.  

Engage the eye

We want to create spaces that are complex yet cohesive. Our brains need stimulation, otherwise we lose interest and can become demotivated. No one wants that for their home, or life. While we don’t need to create sensory overload, visual appeal is important. Create spaces that are multi-dimensional; avoid having all your furniture and objects on one plane. Play with a mix of heights, such as pendant lights from the ceiling, articulated floor lamps, table lamps with curvaceous forms, a duo of coffee tables, a couple of plinths at varying heights, art that guides the eye upwards, a few stools and a rug that grounds it all. Scale is important, too. Avoid oversized sofas, rugs that are too small and coffee tables that don’t meet the visual weight of the seating area and overall space. Aim for impact in at least one area—perhaps a pendant or an artwork. Bring it all together with a unified palette and subtle shifts in tones.

Statement sofa 

Sofas are always a big investment and the centrepiece of any living room. Everything from the sofa’s form to how it is furnished will have an impact on your experience of the space. Always remember the atmosphere you want to create. Homes that feel engaging can embrace unexpected forms, such as a curved sofa. A handful of cushions in jewel-like colours can enhance the sofa experience. Balance is key here. Too many cushions and the arrangement seems more for show than comfort. Not enough and the space becomes a study in form. Find the balance that works best for you.

Curated coffee table 

Coffee tables provide another opportunity to express personal tastes and interests. Commit to creating an atmosphere that enhances your experience. Create cohesion and display favourite books and decorative objects in a grid formation. Sculptural decorative pieces, plants, round trays or asymmetrical decor can help soften the effect. Groups of three or five please the eye, providing variety and interest. Also, work within the tones of the room and keep proportion in mind—both in relation to the size of your table with your sofa, as well as the objects on display. Bitsy collections can quickly get lost. A tray is a good way to corral your collection and give it more weight. Hide away any necessary but functional objects, such as remote controls, in a beautiful box. Only display what helps elevate the experience of the room. Also, appeal to the senses and include candles, flowers and plants. While fragrance cannot be seen, it is an essential ingredient in the experience of any considered home.

Sideboard style 

A sideboard or console serves as a way to make your living room personal and intimate. While it often provides a resting place for functional objects, such as lamps or a television, it also allows you to display collections of art, books, ceramics and more. Create a dialogue between these objects, uniting them through materials, palette or provenance. A sideboard might be an opportunity to display seasonal blooms or foraged finds from nature. Just as you want to create a mix of heights within the living room, aim for variety on any surface, too. Ensure you include a mixture of forms—from sculptural to linear—to add interest and curiosity. Also, don’t be afraid to be ambitious with what you create.  A sideboard or console is a great way to experiment on a small scale, without the commitment or cost that’s required when restyling an entire room.   

Style: The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home by Natalie Walton is published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $60. Photography by Chris Warnes.

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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys 💗 Me and my boys 💗
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner 💓😁
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack 🥰 @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting 🤣 Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help ❤️
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late is marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydney’s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital 😜

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness 😉

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 8 years. She is married to Damian and mum to Sebastian and Charlie.

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  1. Avatargate io vs kucoin says

    January 12, 2023 at 10:12 pm

    L’article semble complet. L’auteur a pris le temps de monter les désavantages, et c’est appréciable. Et ce, malgré le fait qu’il y ait davantage de points positifs.

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