Gold Luxe Round Drinks Trolley | Dripping Gold Concrete Effect Plant Pot | Pink Martini Glasses | Gold ‘Rock On!’ Hand | Monkey Bottle Holder

Greenery

Antique Metal Bar Cart | Pink Cocktail Glasses | Pink Martini Glasses | Artificial Trailing Spanish Moss | Rhubarb & Ginger Print

The trend for bringing the glories of the outdoors, inside with luscious potted plants gives us endless choice, whether real or faux, so they are a must for adding that essential warmth to a display that greenery brings. And will always be on trend with us ladies at Audenza for the softening effect green plants bring to our décor. Trailing plants are a great choice as they take up little space on the drinks trolley but soften the whole scene. If you have a tendency to kill indoor plants (as I have!) go for faux house plants, so no TLC required just beautiful lush greenery.

Height

Gold luxe Drinks Trolley | Gold Rock On Hand | Gold Beetle Wall Decor | | Pink Martini Glasses

To draw the eye into the scene you need height above your trolley, be it shelving, wall art, or even a gold elephant head! For most of us there is nothing worse than a blank wall, so be creative and pile on the glam. Not many homes have a gold elephant head or gold beetles on the wall, so if you want to be different, they’re the pieces for you! If you prefer to be a bit more subtle (well, by subtle, I mean less quirky), then why not hang a statement wall mirror to create a well-balanced alluring vignette.

Glam Glassware

Gold Round Drinks Stand | Rainbow Prosecco Flutes | Rainbow Wine Glasses | Gold Shell Planter | Gold Tulip Planters

We’ve all got a selection of glassware, but it’s not all decorative, so keep the boring stuff in the cupboard and only display your most visually appealing. There’s no space for plain glassware on the drinks trolley of your dreams, is there? It’s not about having everything out there to use, but being selective and creating an attractive scene. A stunning set of pink martini glasses, a gold prosecco bottle, a pink gin bottle – it all helps to create a glam image.

Neon

Antique Metal Bar Cart | Pink Disco Neon Light | Pink Cocktail Glasses | Lemon Yellow Vase

To get a bit of the cool bar vibe in there you can’t beat a neon light – no longer reserved for dodgy strip joints, these beauties are uber contemporary and oh-so-trendy.  Hang a neon light on the wall above, or place a small one on a shelf, such as this pink disco neon light – or both if you want to go wild! For an evening soirée, a neon light on your drinks trolley has to be the best way to add intimacy and vibrancy to a do that draws your guests in.

Jazzy Je Ne Sais Quoi

And last but not least, jazz it up – as in, do the unexpected so your drinks trolley is different from every other drinks trolley out there. So, for the final flourish, you need to add in something quirky and unexpected that brings a smile to your face and brightens up your day. A cheeky monkey bottle holder or a gold rock on hand – the choice is yours to make. The quirkier and more unexpected the better, for maximum impact.

A drinks trolley has endless possibilities for creating a stunning snapshot for glamorous living, and we all like to have a bit of glamour in our lives. Even if we don’t live glamorous lives – we can pretend can’t we, with this revival of the decadent era that shouts out drop-dead-gorgeous and entices us into another world? We’d love to know if you have any other tips or your own ideas for how to style a drinks trolley?

Have a fabulous weekend.

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Playful Miami Pastels

Macaron Candle Holder | Roller Skate Planter | WOW Balloon Ornament | Leopard Framed Canvas Art | Black and White Striped Cushion |  Macaron Table | Wave After Wave Wallpaper

Playful Miami Pastels is a fabulous way to bring joy and lightness of spirit to your interior room scheme.  The pastel ice cream colours so redolent of Miami interiors are brought to life with Art Deco influences in the soft furnishings with their black and white geometric designs, and the stunning Art Deco inspired wallpaper would also work well.  The monochrome patterns also help to sharpen up the scheme if you are not a fan of the full-on pastel.  Bring in some exotic influences with animal prints and tropical plants.  With the addition of a quirky pastel bedside table, and fun accessories such as the sequined cushion and pink roller skate planter, you can create a playful space with a contemporary vibe that brings a smile to your face.

Wanderlust

Gold Bird Art | Pharaoh Table | Greek Key Mirror | Moroccan Style Mirror | Exotic Palm Leaf Floor Lamp | Berber Style Rug | Golden Sphynx Cat | Inlaid Blue Capiz Stools

The Wanderlust is a jewel like room scheme that brings together influences from different cultures and fuses them together into an enticing harem like décor.  From Moorish, to Egyptian, to far eastern, whatever takes your fancy, you can create your version of wanderlust.  The deep green and teal walls give a sense of the warmth of exotic climes, while the gold palm tree floor lamp throws romantic shadows on the wall at night. Lashings of gold are essential to this scheme to give it its due richness and glamour.  With golden mirrors, wall panels and exotic creatures you really set the scene.  Plus, who can resist a golden Pharoah by their side in this ode to eastern culture?

Natural Elements

Round Rattan Cabinet | Artificial Fan Palm Stem | Leopard Print Goat Fur Cushion | Red Velvet and Rattan Armchair | Curvy Glass Bum Vase | Banana Leaf Wallpaper

The Natural Elements interior room scheme has a calmness and serenity to it which is perfect for those of you who want to be surrounded by the colours of nature.  Subtle linear banana leaf wallpaper in a soft terracotta and white palette picks up on the neutral colours of a rattan cupboard and easy chair.  The jewel tones of the velvet cushions on the easy chair echo the terracotta of the wallpaper and inject some vibrancy to what could be a flat colour scheme.  Mix up the textures of the velvet rattan with a leopard print goat fur cushion and a petrol hand tufted rug help to create warmth and contrast.  All of this is surrounded by soft greens and lush house plants for a restful laid-back scheme.

3 fabulous interior room schemes here, put together by our very own Amelia – who likes nothing better than playing with mood boards and colour schemes.  I love the Playful Miami Pastel look for my spare bedroom but in my long wait for the decorator I might change my mind again!  So many tempting colours and choices that its hard not be a magpie and want it all.  Do you struggle to pin down what look you like?  Do these mood boards help to clarify your thoughts and galvanize you to action?  Let us know what you think.

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So how do you like your sofa?  Bright, colourful, with bold splashes of pattern, or tonal, elegant and serene?  We’ve got a few ideas here for you to see how it’s done, whatever your style.

Maximalist

Image credit @the_dovecote_nest | Featuring our Ginkgo leaf Side Table & Gold Beetle Wall Decor

This hot pink velvet sofa is a maximalists delight.  Big bold patterns and plenty of vibrant colours going on there.  The two front cushions match, just in different colourways and the back two cushions match in a unifying mustard colour that picks up on the colours in the room scheme and the other cushions. So, maximalist yes, but in a considered way.

Clash with Panache

Image credit Audenza| Featuring our Flamingo Table Lamp, Zebra Vase, Sunburst Pendant

Amelia’s sofa is what we like to call ‘clash with panache’ in that it has two clashing patterned cushions at the front that don’t tie in with or each other, or the rest of the room.  To calm this down and create some sense of order the two back cushions in hot pink tie it all together as they pick up on the colours in the room.

Tonal

Image credit @paintthetownpastel

If you prefer a calming ordered scheme tonal is the way forward.  Just make sure you mix lots of textures for interest.  Bright pink with pops of lilac give this room a fun invigorating look.  The cushions are in all the shades of pink possible, and all different shapes and sizes, but it works so well by keeping to a common theme and toning in with the sofa.

Image credit Swoon Worthy | Featuring our Leopard Print Goat Fur Cushion Cover

By layering a muted pink throw on this deep burgundy sofa it grounds the muted pink and neutral coloured cushions for a calming serene style.  The whole room is in tonal colours apart from the sofa for a very relaxed feel.

Ordered Simplicity

Image credit @the_dovecote_nest | Featuring our Ginkgo leaf Side Table

Ordered simplicity is the art of keeping it simple – something, I personally, am not capable of!  But this beautiful colourful room achieves it.  Two sets of matching cushions, two to tone in with the sofa and two for a colour clash – perfect.

Image credit @home_onthecorner | Featuring our Antique Bronze Palm Leaf Table Lamp

Another set of four cushions, two that match the sofa and two patterned that tone in.  Perfect simplicity with the black and white gallery wall behind for drama.  So, for striking simplicity the motto is two matching cushions either end.

Layered Cosiness

Image credit @layered.home

Don’t you just want to sink yourself into this amazingly cosy looking sofa?  Layers of textured cushions in shades of pink and mustard that contrast with the teal sofa.  The addition of the mustard throw really sets the scene for layered cosiness that invites you in.  You can just imagine sinking into the cushions and wrapping the throw around you.  And two fabulous star shaped cushions for a hit of quirkiness.

Asymmetric

Image credit @kate_rose_morgan

And last, but certainly not least, this eye popping candy coloured room with its gorgeous blue velvet sofa.  Just three cushions – that’s all it takes to make this fabulous display.  Three quirky cushions mind!  With the colours picking up those of the gallery wall behind.  The asymmetrical layout really works, and mirrors the table display with its random layout.  Best styled in odd numbers for that slightly unbalanced feel that makes it work.

I’ve just ordered a new sofa for my front room – pink velvet – so lush.  Not coming until the end of January mind so I think there is plenty of time for the cushion search.  I really love the asymmetrical sofa but I know three cushions will not do it for me so I think it will be more along the lines of layered cosiness.  Plenty of ideas here to wet the appetite anyway.  So have a browse of our range of cushions, and happy sofa styling!

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            Curvarella Turmeric Velvet Chair | Giraffe Glass Top Occasional Table | Aarunya Monchrome Rug

Why does velvet require special care?

Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric, which can be made from several different types of fibres that are then woven on a specialist loom. The fabric creates a short dense pile, which gives the velvet its unique softness. However, due to its unique finish, it requires a little maintenance.

Gold Links Console Table | Gatsby Velvet Armchair | Snake Table Lamp | Gold Lips Planter | Deco Style Canvas Art

General Care For Velvet

Over time, velvet can become crushed and change in appearance slightly, but don’t let that put you off, as there are some simple measures you can take to preserve its softness and alluring appeal.

For items of velvet furniture that are facing heavy use, it’s advisable to gently vacuum the fabric with an upholstery attachment at least once a week. Alternatively, you can also use a soft bristled or clothes brush, ensuring to brush in the direction of the nap of the fabric.

Velvet is prone to marking, so be mindful not to leave anything heavy resting on your furniture for too long as this can cause marks and dents. Should this happen, pressure marks can be easily removed through light steaming and brushing the affected area.

To help prevent wrinkles, especially on sofas or armchairs where cushions and covers can be removed, it’s worth turning and shaking them regularly. This will help to avoid any long-term creases which may be more difficult to remove.

Marilyn Pink Velvet Armchair | Gold Console Table | Frida Style Canvas Art | Macaron Candle Holder | Colourful Berber Style Rug

Cleaning Spills and Stains on Velvet

It’s important to know what material components your velvet is made from, as ways on how to care for velvet furniture can vary from type to type. It’s advisable to seek professional cleaning for larger stains and for acetate, rayon, or silk velvets. However, if the stain is small and less prominent on cotton or polyester velvets, there are ways you can keep it looking its best at home.

For any spills, avoid rubbing the affected area, instead, blot lightly with a dry cloth. Applying too much pressure may cause damage to the weave. Finally, to prevent any unwanted marks, use a hairdryer from a safe distance, and once dry, softly brush the area to stop any matting.

If you’re looking to use an upholstery cleaner, be sure to test it on a discreet area of your furniture first just as a precaution to avoid any discolouring or marks.

Cherry Pink Velvet Chair | Leopard Jungle Cushion | Serpentine Leopard Print Cushion | Mirrored Nest of Tables

So there you have it folks, our selection of tips on how to care for velvet furniture. We hope this post helps you to keep your velvet upholstery looking beautiful, and for those who are contemplating investing in this lavish fabric, why not shop our alluring collection of velvet furniture.

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How to pick curtains for a room?

Firstly, decide whether you want them to blend into the walls or make them a focal point. We see curtains as integral to the look of a room, and like them to be a decorative feature in their own right.

We’d always go floor length for curtains (rather than stopping at the windowsill), but it can overwhelm the space. So in a smaller room, go for Roman blinds or even shutters.

Even if you have wallpaper, you don’t need plain blinds/curtains. Clashing different patterns of fabric and wallpaper for instance can look amazing. But always order fabric samples before making any decisions!

In more traditional houses, shutters can look very nice, and give a less fussy alternative to textile window treatments, but bear in mind that they do cut out some light.

Our co-founder, Jacqui’s glam and feminine spare bedroom, with patterned roman blind and wallpaper

I’ve got low ceilings, how can I make them look higher?

One top tip is to paint the walls and ceiling the same colour. This blurs the line between the two, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling.

You can use wall decor cleverly – by hanging portrait wall art for instance (rather than landscape). But if you fancy being bold, try vertical stripes on the wall, for the ultimate optical illusion.

Lighting wise, you don’t need to go for spots. Look for ‘flush’ fitting or shallow depth decorative ceiling lights.

Bigger statement pendants can also be used, as long as they’re not in a walk way. They work beautifully over a dining table or bed – adding drama, without the risk of being decapitated!

Do you have any tips for renters trying to decorate? / I’m not allowed to paint my rented flat, how can I add colour?

Image Credit: @maisieviolet_rees

We received quite a few questions around how to decorate rental properties, so we dedicated an entire blog to it which you can read here: How to Decorate a Rental Property without Losing your Deposit.

How to make a dark room feel less dingy?

Mirrors! They’re amazing at bouncing light around a room. A top tip is to position a mirror opposite a window, to maximise the natural light in the room.

Lots of different light sources is a key consideration for any space, but particularly so in a room with less natural light. It depends on the size of the room as to how many different light sources you need, but in a small room, you should be looking at a minimum of 3.

Exotic Golden Palm Floor Lamp | Gold Tulip Planters | Leopard Bookends | The Imelda Patterned Chair

How to choose paint colours?

Colour is very much ruled by your personal, emotional reaction to colour. The trick is learning how to analyse your reaction to colours, and decide what it is YOU like.

We covered this in detail in a previous post, where we talk about ‘How to Choose Your Interior Decor Colour Palette’. We talk about:

• – Where to find colour inspiration
• – How do you want the room to feel?
• – Considering natural light
• – Thinking about the balance of colours

How to put plants in the living room?

Now the first decision is either faux or real plants. We have a range of faux plants that are realistic, yet low maintenance. (Especially handy if you have a busy lifestyle or not particularly green fingered!)

After this, you want to consider what size plant would suit your room. Bigger plants in a tall planter on a stand will add height and make a striking statement. Whereas smaller plants can be grouped together on a coffee table or sideboard as part of a vignette.

Or how about trailing plants? They look amazing hanging down from shelves! Another tip is using faux plants in these areas. This is because tops of shelves can be hard to reach, so using faux plants mean no watering is required.

Our co-founder, Amelia’s teal maximalist living room

And that’s it for this month! We have covered quite a broad range of topics, so hopefully you will have found some of our helpful hints useful. If this has got you inspired to shake up your own interiors, we would love to see the finished result! Tag your new Audenza purchases on Instagram @audenzahome and use #Audenza for a chance to win a £50 Audenza voucher.

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1. Look at Your Contract

Image Credit: @emmajanepalin

The first thing to do is to look at your contract, so you know what you are allowed to do. Even if the lease says no, it’s worth having a conversation with the landlord to see if they may allow you to do things with their approval first, but be sure to get this in writing so there are no surprises when you leave the property.  They may be happy for you repaint walls, especially if you use a neutral colour that appeals to the mass market.  If you are going to be staying for any length of time it might be worth while for you to make improvements and  share the costs with the landlord, if they are in agreement, in updating the property.

2. Use Command Strips for Hanging

Image Credit: @emmajanepalin

I have just discovered Command strips and they are a really great way of hanging fairly light weight pictures without damaging walls.  Emma Jane Palin, an interior stylist and writer, has some good ideas for personalizing your space with art;

“My top tip would be – Add your personality with art.

Prints and photographs are an ideal way to add colour and personality to your rental home, and you don’t need to use nails to get the look of a gallery wall. I often use Command strips to hang frames, but if I’m after something a little less permanent, I’ll use washi tape. A brightly coloured style will add a pop to your walls, while also ensuring that there’s no damage to clear up after. In my office, I’ve collated postcards and prints from exhibitions, holidays and gigs, as well as inserts from retro vinyl records. The result is a curated wall of all of my favourite things – one which I can change up as and when I please.”  Emma Jane Palin, Interior writer and stylist / emmajanepalin.com

3. Wallpaper Furniture to Add Pattern

If you want to add pattern, try wallpapering furniture.  It’s a whole new world of colour, pattern and fun to wallpaper your furniture as opposed to your walls.  An Ikea chest of drawers or a charity shop sideboard becomes a thing of beauty and uniqueness for the price of a tin of paint and a roll of wallpaper.  I always keep any leftover bits of wallpaper for this purpose.  Amelia didn’t want to spend much money on her bedroom as they wouldn’t be staying long so she decorated her Ikea chest of drawers and dressing table from pieces of wallpaper left over from my spare bedroom to create her own fabulous boudoir.  Even a lick of paint can transform a piece of bland furniture into something exciting that becomes the focal point of the room.

4. Use Removable Wallpaper

Image Credit: @thepajaamahub

Removable wallpaper and murals are a fabulous way to bring colour and pattern into your home without damaging walls.  They just peel off when you have finished with them leaving no trace.  Similarly you can get removable stickers to cover wall tiles.  Amara gives her top tip here for customizing your walls:

“I love life in Technicolor but my rental doesn’t allow paint or wallpaper on the boring magnolia walls. Sigh. I love bold colours. Injecting colour in my rental home without damaging the walls was one of my biggest challenges. I used some bonkers ideas to create a colourful space in every room. A favourite of mine is the painted vinyl arch, which is totally removable in Teen Z’s room who is a Golden State Warriors fan. I used a clear self-adhesive book cover film, stuck it to the wall, carved the shape of an arch, and painted it yellow as a nod to his favourite team.”   Amara, Content Creator

5. Get Creative With Washi Tape

Image Credit: @maisieviolet_rees

Washi tape is so versatile and easy to use that it has to be the favourite for creating effects on walls to add colour and pattern.  Maisie Rees is the expert when it comes to washi tape.  In this shot you can see how she has created borders on the walls with black washi tape. She’s also used washi to create the same effect on the wardrobe doors.  This is her top tip on bringing colour and pattern into your home easily and cheaply:

“As far as renter friendly décor products go, washi tape hands down has to be the cheapest and most versatile I have used. It comes in a ton of different colours, patterns and sizes, and best of all it’s non-permanent so is easy to remove if you fancy switching things up or you decide to move out of your rental. In my bedroom I’ve used the tape to add detail to plain Ikea furniture and made faux panelling effects on my plain white walls as an alternative to painting them, which I wouldn’t have been able to do in this rental as the walls are covered in white wallpaper. You can also try creating renter friendly wallpapers and feature walls with washi tape too. I’ve created a confetti style faux wallpaper in our hallway which was an easy and cost-effective way to add pattern to what was before a pretty lifeless space.”  Maisie Rees, Interior Designer and Stylist

6. Use Free Standing Shelving to Add Personality

Image Credit: @homewithsisi

Sisi Alfred is a freelance stylist who brings her home to life with a display of personal objects on free standing shelving.  This is her top tip on how create your own personalised space in a rental property:

“There are so many ways you can add personality and colours to your rental without affecting your deposit money. Here I added a free standing shelving that was originally black and I painted gold. I use bright and bold accessories to give it life. Top tips : Place artworks or your favourite books towards the back of the shelf. Layer smaller decorative items such as candles that vary in sizes at the front and add greenery! If you are a colour lover like me, try to use colours that compliments each other rather than using one only. This corner of my home tells a story, a collection of things that has meaning to me. It’s a visual representation of my personality so I guess the point is don’t be scared to make it you!”  Sisi Alfred, Freelance Stylist

7. Prop up Artwork

Frida Kahlo Style Print | Statement Yellow Vase

Artwork doesn’t have to be hung on the wall – prop it up on a sideboard or chest of drawers.  You can even layer them up to create your own gallery wall that can be changed about when the fancy takes you.  Bigger pictures can be propped against the wall for your very own style statement.  Or use an artists easel to display a fave piece of artwork.  Again the benefit of all these options is you can change your selection at will to create a different vibe.

8. Add Life!

Add greenery and flowers for a lush hit of colour and warmth.  Plants and flowers bring life to a room like nothing else can.  They create a hit of texture, colour and pattern that can disguise bland walls.  Although the initial investment is higher with faux plants and flowers they have the advantage of longevity and no TLC, and of course you don’t have to worry about them being suitable for where you want to put them.  The plants I’ve killed from putting them in too much sunlight or too dark a room!  They never seem to be happy where I want to put them and sulk.  If you have a selection of faux flowers you can change them around to vary your display and mix them in with real flowers and greenery.  Plants that trail are great for shelving units and on top of cupboards for a hit of soft green to enliven a space.

9. Cover the Floor with Rugs

Golden Lustre Rug | Hypnotic Woman Velvet Wall Hanging | Palm Leaf Floor Lamp | Faux Sheepskin Chair

Rugs are a fantastic way to disguise dodgy carpets and nasty lino you don’t like. If you wanted to cover the whole floor you could have a piece of carpet cut to size and the edges bound to make a really large rug.  Or layer up rugs for a feast of pattern and colour on your floors so they take centre stage.  They also have the advantage of protecting the flooring underneath from any damage.  For the kitchen you can buy vinyl rugs that are wipeable and suitable for kitchen use.  Amelia did this in her kitchen as they didn’t want to replace the terracotta flooring, but she couldn’t stand the colour.  And, again it protects the flooring underneath which is always a consideration in rentals where you could lose some of your deposit if there is any damage.

10. Change Cupboard Handles

Last but certainly not least, change cupboard and door handles for a whole new look.  Replacing handles with the same size ones means you can put them back when you leave and take yours with you for your next property.  It’s amazing the difference new handles can make to bedroom, kitchen and bathroom cupboards.  Sounds a pricey job but if you buy handles you love they are investment pieces you will always love.

Are you inspired?  I hope so, there are so many good ideas here on how to decorate a rental property. Ideas that can be adapted for your own space and help you to create a warm and inviting home that reflects your personality.  So, whether you are renting or just want to give your home a quick spruce up without investing too much cash, get those creative juices flowing and create your own slice of heaven.

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Flamingo Floor Lamp | Faux Sheepskin Chair | Lion Planter | Everything available from Audenza.com

Aim for at Least 4 Different Light Sources

When I say 4 different light sources I mean different types of lighting – ceiling lights, wall lights, table lamps, standard lamps and spotlights all have their part to play in illuminating a room, and creating atmospheric pools of light.  I always think lighting is like mirrors – you can’t have too many!  Dark painted rooms will always require more lighting sources, otherwise you will have gloomy corners that make a room feel dull and unloved.  And lighting should be at different heights, just like furniture, to give a balanced look to a room and create interest.

Palm Tree Floor Lamp

A Dimmer is Essential

If you have a central pendant light, put it on a dimmer switch so you can get a softer light and moodier atmosphere when required. Quite often a pendant light is more a style statement (on or off), than for the actual light so I think a dimmer is essential to create different light levels according to your mood or task.  I like to see my dinner when I’m eating, so I have the dining room pendant on full and then soften it down for the after dinner chat, pre Covid, of course!

Before Redecorating, Consider the Lighting

If you are redecorating consider your lighting options before going ahead, then any rewiring can be done first. Make sure you have plenty of wall sockets for table lamps in different areas of the room.  Do you want wall lights e.g either side of the fireplace?  What about shelving units and bookcases?  Down lighters can be wired in to illuminate them or LED strip lights behind each shelf to make a feature of them in the evening, otherwise they are liable to be a dark gloomy corner.  There is nothing worse than finishing a room and realizing you haven’t got the lighting right, so think long and hard about your lighting options before wielding the paintbrush!

Gold Sunburst Pendant Light

Brass Flamingo Table Lamp

Consider the Shade Colour & Lining

Think about what you want the light to achieve. Is it just for atmosphere and a warm glow, or is it task lighting whereby you want to be able to read or sew? For instance, darker lamp shades cast less light, whereas a pink shade, gives a really lovely warm light, and a light coloured lampshade will give a brighter light – obvious but sometimes we forget these things in the moment. Task lighting is essential if you want to read or sew, I have an Anglepoise floor lamp for my quilting which I wouldn’t be without as it’s high enough to angle down onto my work. Also bear in mind the lining colour of a lampshade.  White gives off quite a cool light (even with a warm white bulb in), whereas a gold metallic lining gives a very warm, soft glow.

Gold Snake Table Lamp

Bronze Palm Leaf Floor Lamp | Scalloped Velvet Chair | Everything available from Audenza.com

Create Ambience with Shadows

Think about the effect a light will have in the evening when it is lit up.  Our Antique Bronze Palm Leaf Floor Lamp casts amazing tropical patterns on the wall that are really quite stunning, and add a tropical vibe to your décor.  Similarly, a fretwork pattern on a lampshade will create patterns on the walls that just add that extra dimension to a scheme.

Gianna Neon Canvas Art 

Think Beyond Floor & Table Lights

You can add extra light sources in more unusual ways, like our Gianna LED Neon Canvas Art. It’s a great way to add an extra light source, and combine a piece of artwork into the mix. Neon lights add a quirky splash of light that makes you smile. Also, candle holders are great for adding a soft glow on a mantelpiece or sideboard and creating more atmosphere. Wall sconce candle holders are another option to create a glow and interest on the wall, whether as part of a gallery wall or a display in themselves. If you are worried about using real candles and naked flames, then there is always the option of Led candles that give a remarkably realistic flicker and glow.

Lemon Vase | Parrot Wall Sconces | Rhubarb & Gin Print | Everything available from Audenza.com

Check your Measurements

Check the height measurements of table lamps before you buy. It has to look visually right against the other furniture, so hold a tape measure up to where the lamp will come to in relation to everything else. You want objects to sit at different heights to create more visual interest.  If they are all on the same level it can look flat and uninteresting.

Have Fun!

Gisella Giraffe Floor Lamp

And finally when it comes to choosing decorative lighting, have fun – after all, we all want something to make us smile in our decor! In the grand scheme of things lamps, like cushions,  are one of the easiest thing to change, and are a fabulous way to create drama and adventure in your home – lit or unlit!

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Gold Links Console Table | Pink OMG Neon Light | Yellow Flocked Wall Shelves | All other items available from audenza.com

Consider Heights

The most important rule is to consider the heights of your objects. If everything is the same height it will never work. In the above photo the chair and the console table are very similar in height, if the Pineapple Floor Light wasn’t there, adding extra height to draw the eye up, it wouldn’t work as it would all look too flat.  But also bear in mind, the heights of all your items on the console table should vary too. The eye should wander around the scene. If you have a piece you really want to display but it’s the wrong height, a stack of nice books under the item is great for adding extra height.

Gold Chevron Console Table | Flamingo Table Lamp | All other items available from audenza.com

Change up The Function

It doesn’t have to be just a table for decorative items, it also makes a great alternative “drinks trolley”. It can sometimes be hard to style lots of bits like glasses and bottles as they are all similar heights and shapes. So, make sure to add in something extra to break up the scene. We have used a Flamingo Table Lamp to add height, and a lush spider plant to add some texture and greenery. A tray is also a great way to group lots of bitty items.  A decorative serving tray, like our Jazz Age Tray, arranged with some bottles and glassware, collates them so they look like a well thought out vignette of their own.

Gold Ginkgo Leaf Console Table | Orange Zebra Plate | Gold Rock On Hand | All other items available from audenza.com

Mix Textures and Shapes

In styling you should always mix different shapes and textures. It’s particularly important on a console table as you are showcasing the display.  Mix the rough and the smooth, shiny and matt, round and square etc. to create more interest. In the above pic, we have contrasted the round Orange Zebra Plate with the angular, hexagon mirror. But also, the plate is very smooth and shiny, which looks fab contrasted with the fluffiness of the Tibetan sheepskin cushion. Even if you decide to stick to one colour theme make sure you have lots of textural and size contrasts going on for a dynamic scene that sings with excitement and vibrancy.

Gold Circlet Console Table | Gold Monstera Wall Decor | Gold Giraffe Lamp | All other items available from audenza.com

Add Flowers or Foliage

In all of our pics we have used either real/faux flowers or greenery for a dash of that essential comforting feel of the natural world. They add something that no decorative item can add, whether you go for real or faux. If you go for flowers, you can tie them in to an existing colour in the room to enhance the colour pop. We went for red tulips to match the fabulous shaggy red rug, and in another pic, we used a dazzling display of orange tulips to bring out the vibrancy of the orange Tibetan cushion. Trailing plants are great too.  Hang them down the sides of the console table to soften the hard edges, or trail across the console table and twine around the decorative objects.  Strands of ivy are great for this.

Perching Parrot Mirror | Monkey Vase | Pink Faux Coral | All other items available from audenza.com

Don’t Forget the Blank Wall!

We are not big fans of blank walls at Audenza, so obviously we ALWAYS style our console tables with a backdrop of a gorgeous piece on the wall!  A console table is almost like a frame. So, instead of having a piece of art or mirror floating on a big, blank wall, it creates a vignette around what you choose to put on the wall. Whether you go for artwork, mirror, or a decorative piece, a console table is a great way to frame that item and style around it with cohesive pieces. If you rent and can’t hang items, a big framed piece of artwork looks just as good propped up on the console and styled around (as in pic below). Doesn’t the dramatic Frida Kahlo Print look fabulous – the decorative objects frame her and draw the eye into the picture.

Gold Links Console Table | Gold Sitting Leopard | Frida Kahlo Print | All other items available from audenza.com

What do you think?  Tempted by our pics to get the creative juices flowing, and design your own mini masterpiece?  It’s a great way to change the look of a room by restyling your console table every now and again for a fresh vibe.  And the same guidelines apply to sideboards and mantelpieces for a wow display that brings vibrancy to your interior space.  So, join the fun and get styling your console table like a pro!

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1. Over size mirrors

Dappled White & Gold Wall Mirror | Aziza Console Table | Gold Shell Planter | Astra Pink Metallic Rug

A fireplace or mantelpiece usually dictates the focal point of a room, and they look fabulous with a statement mirror above, but in rooms without these, an over-sized statement mirror works beautifully to centre the room around, and create a showstopping display.  Large statement mirrors also work well in creating a focal point at the end of a hallway to increase the sense of space and depth.  Don’t be nervous about large mirrors – the more they fill the space the better.

2. Gallery walls

Feather Mirror | Gold Beetles | Pearl Table Lamp | Giraffe Table

Gallery walls are hugely popular, but why not create your own take on this trend, by styling a mirror, with other unusual wall decor pieces, such as our Wall Beetles featured here. It doesn’t have to be a small mirror, large mirrors work just as well as part of a gallery wall if you the space. This creates maximum visual interest and really adds an eclectic touch to a scheme.

3. Reflection

Handmade Butterfly Mirror | Gold Rabbit Table Lamp | Gold Lips Planter | Gold Links Console Table 

What will be reflected in your mirror?  To maximise the light in a room, position your mirror where it will catch the most daylight, such as opposite a window.  Enhance an object in a room, such as a beautiful chair or a piece of wall art by seeing it reflected in the mirror.  When placed above a console table the mirror will reflect the objects on the table and increase their sense of abundance.

4. Style

Square Sunburst Mirror | Blush Velvet Armchair | Fabulous Golden Drinks Trolley

Mirrors enhance the style of a room so choose one accordingly whether its Art deco, Hollywood glamour, contemporary – whatever your vibe pick a statement mirror to suit.  The square sunburst mirror is Hollywood glamour at its best.

5. Mirrored gallery wall

A gallery wall doesn’t have to be wall art.  A whole wall of mirrors can be a thing of great beauty.  I first saw one in the dining room of a hotel in Sorrento about 15 years ago and was blown away by it.  They were all ornate gold framed mirrors of varying sizes.  The whole room seemed to shimmer with light and reflection.  I’ve never forgotten that dining room and would love to recreate it for myself on a smaller scale.

6. Small mirrors

Lunar Mirror | Sphinx Cat | Pineapple Table Lamp | Ariana Nest of Tables | Oyster Velvet Chair

Small mirrors still have a part to play in a room scheme.  Use a small mirror behind a small vignette to create reflection and brighten up the scene.  And, of course we all have that small space that could do with a bit of lightening up, and a mirror does that as well as bringing texture and colour.  And mirrors are not just for grown-ups, we think the antiqued lunar mirror would look fab in a children’s room.  

7. Set the scene

Gold Sunburst Mirror | Lush Green Round Cushion | Blush Velvet Armchair | Palm Leaf Ornament

Set the scene for an oasis of peace and serenity.  A gold sunburst mirror is like the sun rising over a vignette of faux greenery and a golden palm tree, with gold palm fronds wallpaper on the drawers and a green velvet tropical cushion.  This is Amelia’s dressing table in her bedroom and, as you can see this is the beauty of mirrors – you can add drama and passion to a room without adding more in the way of pattern.  

Mirrors always increase the sense of space and light in a room, and add a sparkle to your décor.  I love mirrors and I can’t get enough of them.  They bring so much more to a room than mere reflection of light.  What else could you use that has texture, pattern and colour that doesn’t fight with a heavily patterned paper?  A statement mirror can only enhance your décor and bring light into your life.

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Leopard Print as an Accent

Leopard print as an accent pattern works well because of its contrast value. You’re not asking it to tone in, you’re asking it to be bold and vibrant. It’s a pattern, but a ritzy pattern that will also be that bit different and stand out, so even used minimally it will always have impact.

“Just as you would add a leopard belt to jeans, or a silk leopard blouse to a tailored black suit, a little goes a long way. It hints at hidden depths, a desire to experiment, and a love of the unexpected.” Carole King, Blogger at Dear Designer’s

We can all equate to this and it’s the simplest way to use leopard print in your home if you are nervous about bold moves.

Image credit: Audenza. Leopard Print Wall Art | Bronze Palm Leaf Lamp | Helix Side Table | Lola Burnt Orange Velvet Armchair

A rich, vibrant scheme with just a dash of leopard for contrast and pattern. It adds a slightly exotic element to this scheme and a hint of glamour.

“I think the issue with it is, you have to treat it delicately. You have to handle leopard print with care. It’s like over doing it on the spice when you are cooking – just enough and it brings all the other flavours to the fore – too much and it will overpower the entire dish, making it inedible. Balance is key. To me, leopard print shouldn’t overwhelm the space. It shouldn’t be the first thing that jumps out at you.” Kimberly Duran, interior design blogger at Swoon Worthy

Image credit: Swoon Worthy

Kimberly’s use of leopard print makes a bold statement in a pink and yellow bedroom. It adds pattern, texture and an element of fun to a harmonious scheme. Again, it is just a little dash of it that creates the impact. The yellow in the cushions picks up on the bed head and the contrasting pattern creates a tension with the bedlinen to stop it looking too pretty.

Maximalist Leopard Print

But not everyone wants leopard print to play a small part in their home, it can work just as well in a much more maximalist scheme but it’s a brave move, and it’s your personal bravado that will carry it through. If you compare fashion with interiors it’s the sense of style, and owning the look, that makes it work.

“I tend to repeat themes throughout the house (whether that be colour or pattern) to almost dilute the impact of one really big statement so the exaggerated use of this print doesn’t seem shocking. I think leopard works best against a dark backdrop. If you look at all the fashion icons, they all looked red hot when wearing leopard print with black leather.” Sally Worts, Instagrammer @flower_heart_flower

Image credit: @flower_heart_flower

Why this room works is the different scale of leopard print patterns to create tension. The dark woodwork and floor pick up on the darkness in the leopard print designs, with the orange stools picking up on the wallpaper background colour. It’s a very harmonious scheme, but so unexpected and original with the added touch of floral pattern.

“I think any pattern can mix with any other pattern if you are bold with it and just own it. My favourite pattern mix is leopard and dark floral.” Sally Worts, Instagrammer @flower_heart_flower

Abstract Leopard Print

If you’re concerned about leopard print looking ‘tacky’, Marcie Kobernus recommends to “try painting it yourself or creating a more abstract look with different colours. Perhaps just keep clear of the fluffy fake leopard fabric, but saying that, if that’s what you want, it’s your home so just embrace it.” Marcie Kobernus, Columnist for Reclaim Magazine and founder of Marcie K Designs

If you like a full-on maximalist look, don’t be afraid to mix other patterns with leopard print. Contrasting patterns should vary in scale and colour for real impact and a sense of excitement. In that sense leopard print is very easy to mix with other patterns because it’s such a simple design.

Image credit: Marcie K Designs

A real maximalist delight for lovers of pattern. The leopard print table is a calming oasis that works well in this opulent scheme. Taking leopard away from realistic colours creates a more abstract look to it. The black and white in the leopard print picks up on the wallpaper colours but contrasts with excitement, verve and drama – for the drama queens amongst you.

Image credit: @daniellelouisedoughty

Here this homeowner uses the pattern of leopard print, in a black and white colour way. This gives a totally different feel to the room, lighter and brighter, and certainly more feminine. The leopard print wallpaper is more about a pattern than an animal print. Contrasted with the pink and white, and plenty of texture, for a stylishly girly bedroom.

Get The Look

Leopard Print Cushion | Leopard Print Lampshades | Leopard Vase | Leopard Print Goat Fur Cushion | Leopard Print Wall Art | Leopard Print Tray

“I believe that to make something work you have to really love it. In my opinion, leopard is a classic that never goes out of style.” Sally Worts, Instagrammer @flower_heart_flower

Sally nails it here, it’s all about how much you love it. How to use leopard print in your home comes down to your sense of style, be it extravagant and maximalist or as an accent pattern. Because it is just a pattern. A pattern that you either embrace or not. So, use it as an accent as you would any other pattern, or if it’s something you love go the whole way and embrace it – with panache and no apologies. Like the fashion icons!

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