4. Splash out with oversized art One thing you’ll always notice in hip hotels is the clever placement of art – many of which will be oversized to create impact. Of course you don’t want to overcrowd your home so if you can only have one piece of art in your space, invest in a super-sized version and use this in an area that will really define your style. For instance, try a huge wall mural in the living room that is visible from the foyer. You might get a few curious gazes from neighbours but your artwork will definitely make a statement.
1. Rubber Plants Rubber plants (Ficus elastica) are flexible – they can be placed indoors or out in the balcony – and are extremely tough. They can go up to a week without water (although you’ll be advised not to do that), and will suit those with a hectic lifestyle. New leaves sprout with a red/purple layer that drops off, before turning dark green, so you’ll get a little colour variation while the plant grows. It also acts as a great natural air filter, and will work very well in the corner of your living room, balcony, or porch.
Vines are tough as nails, and the money plant (Epipremnun aureum) will grow quickly and attach itself to supporting structures, such as walls or other sturdy plants, in order to stabilise its growth and allow it to reach for more sunlight. With a little maintenance, you’ll be able to retain the shape without it looking too shabby. You can use it to complement other plants in your garden space, or as a standalone feature as shown in the picture.
We may not have the climate for it, but sakura blossoms are just starting to bloom to usher in the Lunar New Year in cooler Asian countries… So why not add some sprigs? We got these faux flowers from Daiso for a song (OK, $2)! Place some sakura blossoms with the ubiquitous pussy willow for a sleek, modern-minimalist wreath.
Mirrors. Dark walls in a room without much natural light run the risk of making it feel oppressive. Boost what light you have by adding mirrors — even small, decorative mirrors, like the ones shown here, can help lighten things up. If the room is very dark, add a larger mirror, either on the wall or leaning against it.
Indonesian carved dining table.
Sectionals add definition to a room where the sofa must “float.” Living rooms with lots of doors and other features (fireplace, bookshelves, radiators) that take up wall space can be difficult to furnish. In these situations a traditional sofa usually needs a sofa table behind it to lend some support if you plan to float it (place it away from the wall), but a sectional’s heft lets it stand alone.
7. Try a backless sofa. In an open-plan space, sometimes the best position for the sofa is not on the wall but in the middle of the room. But unless your sofa is quite small (see previous photo), a couch in the middle of a small room can really gobble up space. A backless sofa is a very chic alternative and can be used from both sides — quite a bonus when seating options are limited. And if you want to use it in a larger room someday, it can act as a divider between two seating area. 8. Add plants. Like wallpaper and mirrors, plants are a wonderful way to add depth to a small living room. Lush greenery softens corners and fools the eye into thinking there is more to the room than there really is. Plants are especially effective in corners and beside or behind chairs and sofas. The layout: A backless sofa floats in the center of this open-plan space. A pair of upholstered armchairs with a small table between sits beneath a bank of windows opposite the sofa. A small side table that can double as an extra seat sits beside the sofa — and during a party, the backless sofa can handle two people perching on each side. Seats: four to seven. Caitlin & Caitlin Design Co. Interior Designer...
Color doesn't always have to be permanent. Pink flowers soften this streamlined space and pick up the hues in the pillow — just enough color to wake up the white.
After all, a little bold color goes a long way, and it’s all too easy to go from ‘wow!’ to ‘ouch.’”
4. Splash out with oversized art One thing you’ll always notice in hip hotels is the clever placement of art – many of which will be oversized to create impact. Of course you don’t want to overcrowd your home so if you can only have one piece of art in your space, invest in a super-sized version and use this in an area that will really define your style. For instance, try a huge wall mural in the living room that is visible from the foyer. You might get a few curious gazes from neighbours but your artwork will definitely make a statement.
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