You may have noticed that minimalism isn’t really our thing either. For me, minimalism is cold and actually, I find it a little depressing. But to some, they love the uncluttered, clean lines and sleek style. My brother’s a minimalist, he hates ‘stuff’ – you know, all those accessories and knick knacks, which to me make a home what it is, but to him, it’s all just extra crap that he doesn’t need. And yes, he is HARD to buy presents for.

But the thing is, I’m not even sorry to all those that love a bit of beige, because do you know what? It really doesn’t matter what I think, what your next door neighbour thinks or what, heaven forbid, your mother thinks (more on that here).

Golden Feather Mirror | Gold Beetle Wall Decor | Hiding Hare Table Lamp

It’s YOUR home. Do whatever the hell you want with it, whatever makes YOU happy. I love colour, quirk, frivolity, and a touch of fabulous eccentricity. I have to have objects around me which evoke happy memories; sentimental items which have been passed down through generations, or even just a painting that reminds of a fabulous holiday. But that’s what makes ME smile – what makes YOU smile?

Our co-founder, Amelia’s tropical bathroom renovation

If you know what makes you smile, then fill your house with it. Be it colours, flowers, clean lines or even minimalism. Learn to recognise what it is you like. Yes, we can tell you what’s on trend at the moment, what colours are bang on the money or what ‘goes’ well with what. But if your home doesn’t quite feel ‘you’, then there isn’t enough things about it that make you smile.

So how do you find out what it is that makes you smile? How do you find what YOUR style is? Well, you have to actually stop and take notice of interiors. If you’re really aesthetic or design minded then you’ll do this naturally, but otherwise here’s a few tips to help you find your style:

Cherry Pink velvet Chair | Faiza Mirrored Tables | Beaten Gold Plant Pots | Velvet Leopard Jungle Cushion | All items available at Audenza

1. If you want to really get to grips with your style, it’s a good idea to start making a note of things you like as they crop up. Just jot down things in the notes section of your phone as you spot them and then whenever you’re next on Pinterest, have a browse for ideas that fit with whatever it is you’ve written down, so you can start to build up a moodboard. Don’t forget you can also create secret boards on Pinterest too, so only you can see them.  Naturally, if you spot something you like in a magazine, rip it out to refer back to. That might sound a bit over the top, but you’re never going to remember it otherwise!

2. Start with your own home- look around you. What do you love having around you? And importantly, what not? Are there things that you love in someone else’s home, but just couldn’t imagine living with yourself? If that’s the case, why is that? Is it just that you think you’d never be able to make it work in your own home, or is it that for instance, even though you like, ‘bright colours’, you wouldn’t want to live with them?

3. Naturally, Pinterest and Instagram are ideal for helping you define your style.  Look back through your Pinterest boards to see if there are any similarities. Start recognising the trends between them; colours, shapes, textures. For me, it’s kind of hard to tell what I like, because basically I like everything, all at once. Which is also kind of great, because it means I can have a really care free attitude to decorating. Clashing patterns? Sure. One thing I don’t like though- minimalism. Except, I’m starting to like the idea of a calm office. Not minimalist, obviously (let’s not get carried away), but perhaps the only white walls that I’d like in the house would be in the office. Again, I’ve only twigged that by really noticing what images and rooms I’m drawn to and feel a connection with.

4. Don’t forget to take notice when you’re about and about, visiting a hotel or cafe for instance, or basically, anywhere with a nice interior. What do you like and importantly, dislike?

To highlight the point that taste is merely a case of perception and personal opinion, I asked 2 of my favourite interiors bloggers & Instagrammers what makes them smile and to share a pic of their own home:

Image and quote: Kate Rogers, Online Interior Design and Event Styling, Over at Kates.  Follow Kate on Instagram here.

“What makes me smile is when you can really see peoples personality in their home! When I am decorating and buying things for my home, I never worry about whether they will go with a particular look or scheme. I figure as long as you fill your home with things you love then it will always come together!”

Image and quote: Olivia Silk, Interiors Blogger – Lust Living.  Follow Olivia on Instagram here.

“What makes me smile? At the moment I’m really into Hygge living, which is the Danish concept of living well and living simply. It’s all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the things and people around you so I’m trying to reflect that in my home lately, using soft textures for example my merino wool chunky knitted throw, sheepskin rugs and having an unnecessary amount of candles lit at all hours.”

You can apply this ‘does it make you smile?’ principle to decorating the whole house, but also to individual purchases. You can be as rational and logical as you like when trying to make a decision, but ultimately if it doesn’t make you smile then it won’t work long term, no matter how ‘functionional’ it is. You’ll come to begrudge it’s ugly presence soon enough and end up replacing it with something that makes you happy.

Us Audenza ladies don’t like anything in our house to be purely functional, in fact anything which doesn’t serve up a hefty dose of aesthetic pleasure is just down right offensive in our book. Which is why we cover boring lever arch folders in patterned paper,  spray paint pretty much anything that doesn’t move, and why we source and fill our home with beautiful objects that are not only functional, but seriously stunning too. And it’s why we started Audenza and this blog in the first place, to help and encourage others to do the same.

So tell me, what makes you smile?

Hollie x

1. Things that have meaning for you

Frida Kahlo Style Art | Aziza Console Table | Marilyn Velvet Armchair | Colourful Berber Style Rug | All items available from Audenza

Be it objects and photos of sentimental value that remind you of friends and family, but also objects that speak to you personally because of what they stand for. I’m a great admirer of Frida Kahlo, not only for her use of colour and pattern in her life and work but for her feminist stance in a male dominated world. Which is why I proudly hang this print in the style of one of Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits in my home.

 2. Tactile textures

Leopard Print Faux Fur Throw | Gatsby Velvet Armchair | Louie Leopard Floor Lamp | All items available from Audenza

Soft, furry, hard, rough, smooth, the list of textures is endless but the ones that give us the most comfort and pleasure are soft and warm, encouraging us to stroke and be soothed by. Today’s interiors abound with velvet’s and soft wools, in chairs, rugs, throws and cushions, that bring us that sense of pleasure and happiness that we all want in our homes. Snuggle up on the sofa with a velvet cushion, or two and drape yourself in fluffy throws for a relaxing, calming vibe.

3. Quirky pieces to make you smile

Flamingo Floor Lamp | Aslan Lion Planter | Faux Sheepskin Chair | WOW Balloon Ornament | All items available from Audenza

Every home should have a touch of the quirky to lift it from the everyday and make us smile.  They also take us out of our comfort zone slightly and encourage us to be more daring.  Forget what the neighbours think and add that quirky Flamingo Floor Lamp to your living room!

4. Beautiful everyday objects

Pink Martini Glasses

Leopard Print Coasters

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” (William Morris).   As a maximalist, I’m not sure I agree with that… BUT, combine the 2 wherever possible. Ugly, functional objects have no place in my home (in full view anyway).  Take pleasure from that first morning coffee in a beautiful mug and enjoy setting the table with pretty glassware and coasters.  Everything tastes better when everyday objects are pleasing to the eye.

5. Plants, real or faux

Faux Pink Medinilla Plant | Artificial Trailing Spanish Moss | Faux Potted String of Pearls | Artificial Peace Lily

Plants bring us pleasure, and real ones are beneficial to our health with their magical air purifying properties. We’d thoroughly recommend this book, which is (in our opinion) The Definitive Guide to Houseplants.  But of course, we are not all green fingered; despite being an avid gardener, I’m somewhat neglectful with my houseplants. So I stick to the easy ones indoors, such as spider plants and succulents, with the odd ‘mind your own business’ dotted here and there.  But to get that sense of calm and peace that verdant lushness promotes, add a few faux plants into the mix.  I find ferns are the devil to keep alive so have quite a few faux potted ferns.

All these 5 elements are the icing on the cake that turn your house from a dwelling that you happen to live in, into a retreat that is a pleasure to come home to, and a space to be yourself.  I’m very home orientated so I take great pleasure in creating a space that I, and my family, can feel cocooned by and relax into, and feel comfortable in.

Jacqui x

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Photography: Amelia Brooks/ Styling: Jacqui & Amelia Brooks

The most exciting bit for us at Audenza is quite a few of our lovely products have been used in Sophie’s dream home makeovers.

Scalloped Oyster Chair | Annona Gold Pineapple Side Table | Burnt Orange Faux Fur Cushion Cover

Scalloped Oyster Chair | Sienna Chevron Rug | Burnt Orange Faux Fur Cushion Cover

Scalloped Oyster Chair | Annona Gold Pineapple Side Table

Hand Carved Mustard Wool Rug

Hand Carved Mustard Wool Rug

Scalloped Oyster Chair | Annona Gold Pineapple Side Table | Burnt Orange Faux Fur Cushion Cover

Gold Sitting Leopard

Sophie’s love of colour and pattern shines through in these dream home makeovers and her effervescent personality makes the show a dream to watch.  For anyone passionate about interiors, especially colourful ones, this programme is a must.  And the thing about lockdown has been to make even the most uninterested of us realise how much our home affects our well being and how its important to feel it’s a safe happy environment that reflects our personalities.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself

I’m Glen, A Thirty something hairdresser & interior enthusiast. I live with my fiancé and Frenchie baby in the Midlands UK.

How would you sum up your style?

I would say my interior style is moody with a bit of a glam eclectic edge, I’m a huge lover of a pattern clash and love to use lots of different textures in our home.

What sort of condition did you buy the house in? 

Whilst we haven’t done any major structural work we did  strip the house right back, we saw the bare bones. We bought our house in May 2020 & worked on it for around 4 months. The house was structurally sound but the inside needed a full renovation. We ripped out the old kitchen, bathroom, electrics & stripped all the walls of artex. We practically took it back to an empty shell so we could really put our stamp on it. We did a lot of the prep work ourselves to cut some costs and had tradespeople in to do the big jobs such as plumbing, electrics and plastering. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole process of renovating and would recommend it to anyone that likes to get their hands dirty.

Decorating is very much a learning curve – can you tell us about a decorating mistake that you’ve made over the years which others could learn from?

Whilst I think it’s good to grab the bull by the horns when decorating, preparation is key. When we started thinking about decor and interiors I got very overwhelmed with all the different styles. initially we tried out different styles in every room such as Scandi, bright & colourful & sugary pastels but I soon learnt that most of them weren’t for me. I have since found the style that suits me but I’ve definitely gone around the houses to get there. So when thinking about decor be careful not to get bogged down with all the different styles out there, yes do your research but try creating a physical mood board with paint samples, wallpaper samples, tile samples & different colour/texture samples etc there’s nothing like seeing something in the flesh. But most importantly be true to you, I’ve figured that my interior style reflects my personal style and tastes. So you, yourself & your loves would be a good place to start. Don’t make my mistake and end up painting most of the house 4 times in 1 year.

You totally nail gallery walls – what are your top tips for creating these?

To be honest, I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to put a gallery wall together. It really depends on the vibe you want. For instance in our lounge our gallery wall changes a lot but I normally like to go for a maximal/busy vibe so I tend to start with the print I want as the focal point in the centre of the wall and then work outwards with no strategic placement but with equal spacing between each frame. I love to add in other types of wall hangings into our gallery walls and the odd neon light can really make an impact too.

We love the way you’ve used totally different patterns within one room scheme! Do you think care needs to be taken when clashing patterns, or did you just pick them and go for it?

Why thank you! As you can tell from my grid I do love a pattern clash! I’ve always been a bit obsessed with a pattern clash which started with clothing and now interiors.  I think when it comes to pattern clashing it’s personal preference on how far you go with it as everyone’s tastes are different. If you’re new to pattern clashing try starting off by clashing soft furnishing such as cushions and throws. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries with pattern after all clashing is to appear discordant and it can create a really striking look.

What’s your best piece of advice for making dark interiors work?

Well first of all I would say do not be afraid of going to the dark side. There’s a myth that dark interiors close in a space but in reality dark walls can disguise the fact a room is small. Since working with dark colours I have found it’s created so much depth to every space I’ve used it in. Dark walls work really well with any style and are great for reflecting metallic accents or pops of boldly coloured accessories & also gives a space a really sublime feel.

It’s interesting as when you look at Glen’s maximalist style, it would be easy to think that he always had a bold confidence to his interior styling. Therefore, we really appreciate that he spoke about initially feeling pressured to follow the latest trend, but then flourished when he decided to simply choose what he liked instead. A big thank you to Glen for sharing his interior journey and giving some words of wisdom for anyone apprehensive about going to the dark side of interiors!

If you’d like to see more of his home, you can find Glen on Instagram (@inside.number.twelve), TikTok and Facebook.

You might even spot Rita (his gorgeous Frenchie) in some of his pics too!

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Image credits: @inside.number.twelve

Flamingo Floor Lamp | Aslan Lion Planter | Faux Sheepskin Chair | WOW Balloon Ornament | All items available from Audenza

Doesn’t the dark wall make the colour of this WOW ornament pop! Any deep jewel colours, such as emerald green or sapphire blue, would work particularly well. To tie the look together, we’ve added hints of pink, with our Faux Pink Medinilla Exotic Flowering Plant and Pink Flocked Marseillaise Bust. (To be honest, if we can squeeze in a bit of pink, we always will!)

Image Credit: @ellashausofcolour featuring our WOW Balloon Ornament

We love seeing customer photos that include your gorgeous pets and Nacho here is no exception – what a cutie! But anyway, back to the styling! This customer has created a sleek and ultra-modern room, with bold colour-blocking, crisp white walls, plenty of plants and even an on-trend neon heart.

Gold Console Table | Greek Key Mirror | Gold OMG Balloon Ornament & Wall Décor | All items available from Audenza

These balloon ornaments are incredibly versatile. We’ve styled them with a plethora of different textures and patterns. From the curled spikes of the Sea Urchin Ornament, the Grecian inspired Calix Blue Geometric Rug and the animal print of our Lumi The Snow Leopard Ornament, it all works together to create a very cohesive result. So don’t be hesitant, be bold and give it a go!

Image Credit: @upcycle_and_paint featuring our WOW Balloon Ornament & Wall Décor and Yellow Flocked Wall Shelves

Your home is your own space, so we love seeing customer’s homes where their personality shines through. This is a great example of this, as they’ve fearlessly embraced all things maximalist. It features a scalloped border, gothic mirror, botanical wallpaper, a leopard print chess piece and multiple glitter balls, because why not!

Image Credit: @upcycle_and_paint featuring our Gold OMG Balloon Ornament & Wall Décor

Our Gold OMG Balloon Ornament & Wall Décor  injects a dash a golden glamour and showcases how these ornaments can also be displayed on the wall. This customer’s gallery wall is vibrant and playful, with neon green photo frames, fun typography prints and a baby pink backdrop.

Aziza Console Table | Rhubarb & Gin Print | Patterned Occasional Chair | Gold OMG Balloon Ornament | All items available from Audenza

The metallic sheen from both these ornaments can catch the light and they look wonderful paired with other metallic pieces. Here we’ve created a warm colour palette of glittering golds and a variety of shades of pink to create a cosy, yet stylish, result.

So there we have it, our WOW Balloon Ornament & Wall Décor and Gold OMG Balloon Ornament & Wall Décor styled 6 stunning ways. This glorious assortment shows the versatility of these pieces. They can be either hung on a gallery wall or displayed on your dressing table, kitchen shelf, mantelpiece, or in fact, wherever you fancy really!

Also, if this has inspired you, please do share your Audenza purchases with us using the hashtag #AUDENZA and tagging us @audenzahome. We love to see them, and it also means that you will have a chance at winning a £50 voucher to spend at Audenza. Win – win!

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Image credits: @interiorcurve | Featuring our Ginkgo Leaf Table

To start you off we have the completely over the top and utterly fabulous home bar of Siobhan Hanna Murphy, runner up on the recent Interior Design Masters show.  Everything about Siobhan’s home is utterly drop-dead-gorgeous, so we had to start with this one.  Hollywood glamour and a deliciously pink confection all rolled into one. Of course, if you are not a pink lover this might be a bit much for you, but we absolutely love it.

Image credits: @sallydoessassy

Another home bar that reeks of old-world glamour.  With lashings of gold, paired with leopard print walls, chair and even the rug, this is a statement room that speaks of sultry after dark parties.

Design credit: Matt Architecture | Photography: Will Pryce

For the minimalist amongst you this is a great idea -a home bar within a cupboard.  What could be more clever?  Tuck it away during the day and then open up to reveal your very own party central.

Image credit: @theoldpiggery_

I think this another great idea for bringing some glamour into a small space.  The back is lined with gold leaf to create a shimmering luxurious backdrop to your home bar.

Image credit: @theelectricpenguin

This really is razzle-dazzle home bar!  You could party the night away and never run out of the booze.

Image credit: The Pink House

For a small-scale home bar this is hard to beat.  So sophisticated with the back lit glass shelving, and stylishly arranged in a cupboard in the corner of the room.  There but not there – just a beautiful display.

Image credit: @weeny_victorian_house_in_ware | Featuring our Pink Martini Glasses

This is another great idea for a small home bar.  An upcycled old sideboard that has been repurposed and repainted into a stylish drinks cabinet.

Image credit: @homeontheriverside | Featuring our Octopus Wine Bottle Holder

If you’re short on space, an open shelving unit can be a great way to create a home bar feel.  Line up some of your favourite bottles and glasses, add a few quirky accessories and you have a stylish display that doubles up as a home bar.

Image credit: @weeny_victorian_house_in_ware | Featuring our Pink Martini Glasses

Obviously, a garden home bar gives you a whole different scope again. This vibrant outdoor home bar is a dreamy addition to any garden.  A charismatic fun way to celebrate the joy of the outdoors and revel in some sunshine, hopefully.

Customer Photo Featuring our Marilyn Blush Velvet Armchair

A customer sent in this photo of her snug.  What an amazing space!  Never mind home bar, more like a trendy restaurant bar, complete with silver disco lights.

Image credit: @thefoodhun | Featuring our Luxe Round Drinks Trolley & Zebra Vase

A bar cart is a simple way to create some old-world glamour without too much input.  Great for styling, and a moveable liquid feast!

Image credit: @soph.at.home | Featuring our Lips Neon Box Light & Luxe Round Drinks Trolley

If you don’t want to go with the whole home bar set up, a neon light adds some fun and creates a focal point to draw you into the scene.

Image credit: @cotswoldmanorhouse | Featuring our Gold Elephant Head & Dripping Gold Concrete Plant Pot

A slick, chic home bar for those of you with the space to create your own relaxing party venue.

Image credit: @fayes_homestyle | Featuring our Timeless Gold Rim Gin Glasses

This cupboard is a green oasis during the day that opens up into a roomy home bar when the party starts.  Perfect for small spaces.

Shop Home Bar Accessories…

Shop home bar accessories

So, what do you think?  Have we got your creative juices flowing to come up with your own home bar ideas?! From palatial to a small shelf, there is a wealth of choice here, and they all have one thing in common, they are all fabulous.  Celebrate the joy of friends and family with your own home bar – it doesn’t even have to be alcoholic!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself, who you live with and what city/country you live in?

Hey! I’m Sisi, I’m 26 and I live just outside of Brighton city in England, UK. I’m currently working with children with special needs in a primary school whilst finishing a degree in translating and starting my own business as a freelance stylist. I speak four languages, very sociable and love to connect with other people.

How would you sum up your style?

I am originally from Madagascar which is a tropical island and my culture is my inspiration. I use different bold patterns, bright colours, textiles and some houseplants to bring a vibrant eclectic, maximalist with a Bohemian chic touch vibe. My style also reflects my personality and I use it as a way to express myself. I suffer with some chronic illnesses and spend a lot of time in hospital so I love to come home to all the bright colours. They help lift my spirit up.

What sort of condition did you buy the house in?

I actually live in a rental building, I moved in in October 2020. It was in perfect condition but not my style so I have been on a journey of decorating ever since. Anything that’s rental friendly, name it I’ve done it and possibly more!

You’re not afraid to use some beautiful, bold colours. How do you go about choosing colours for a new room scheme?

I am definitely not afraid of bold colours, if anything I only do colours!! I always start with what kind of look is it that I’m trying to achieve first. Do I want more of a harmonious look or a crash bang colour type.  At the moment I have a list of a few favourite colours that I’ve embraced all around the house. However I’ve ended up using colours I didn’t necessarily love but fell in love with because they compliment my favourites so well! So yeah start with a colour that you love.

You have such a unique style – where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration mainly from my homeland where colours, patterns and plants are just to part of the culture but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love a good old Pinterest board. I also follow some amazing home accounts on Instagram that I find inspiring and simply adore.

What’s your top styling tip?

I don’t know if it’s because I’m a maximalist but I always say this to my friends and family, you have got to go mad with the soft furnishings!! It makes all the difference. Get some beautiful curtains, pair or clash it with a fun rug and some different textiles of throws and cushions etc … Scale some artwork to your walls and get some mirrors to bounce the light around the room.

What’s your favourite room in your home and why do you think it works so well?

My favourite room in my home would be my living room. I absolutely love this space, I’ve changed it up quite a few times by now but I’m finally satisfied with how it is. That’s because I decided to throw all of my favourite colours in there. I don’t have one detail that I don’t love, down to the smallest details such as candles and vases. I also love the gallery wall I created, it sets the tone in the room and it’s so vibrant that it almost tells a story. If you knew me in person, you’d be able to tell that it’s my space.

Decorating is very much a learning curve – can you tell us about a decorating mistake that you’ve made over the years which others could learn from?

I made the mistake to go for something because it was on trend and cool and not because I loved it and wanted it in my space. Luckily, it was nothing a lick of paint couldn’t fix. I liked it but didn’t love it … I remember just feeling like something wasn’t quite right until eventually I decided to do me!! I feel like in anything in life we should always be confident to follow our instincts and not feel pressured by what’s out there. It is important to find people that inspire you but you have stay true to yourself. Maybe your touch is the magic touch, you never know!

We want to thank Sisi for sharing her personal reasons for wanting to create a space of positivity and joy. I’m sure you will agree that we think she has achieved this with her colourful, bohemian rental home! Not only this, but Sisi provides a wonderful example of how you can still create a space that suits your needs and showcases your style, even when renting. Follow Sisi on Instagram, @homewithsisi for more colourful, interiors inspiration.

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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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We’ve brought together 8 tips from our blog features on inspiring homes and hopefully, it will inspire you on how to use colour in your home to create a beautiful and cohesive scheme to be proud of.

1. Start Small & Build Your Confidence

Image credit: @lucyhamiltonathome

Our first tip for how to use colour in your home seems so obvious really, doesn’t it?  So much easier and cheaper to repaint a small room if you find you really can’t live with a colour. As with anything, practice is the key – the more you experiment the quicker you find out what suits you and feels right.  And sometimes you might love a particular colour or wallpaper, but not necessarily in a room in constant use.  When I first moved into my house I painted my small downstairs loo in Arsenic, by Farrow & Ball because I love the colour, and I still love it, but I couldn’t have it in a room I spent any time in as I find it too intense, but I love the shot of colour on an infrequent basis.

As Lucy from @lucyhamiltonathome says; “My biggest tip is just go for it. If you don’t like it, change it. I think people are so scared to be brave in their homes which is why grey becomes the popular choice. I’m not sure people even like everything grey it’s just the safer option. My advise is choose a small room like a laundry room or spare bedroom and just go for it, build your confidence. Then you become brave and end up living in a home filled with colour!” And they don’t get much more colourful than Lucy’s!

2. Experiment With Cheap & Easy Ways To Add Colour

Image credit: @lucyhamiltonathome

If you are nervous about adding colour to a scheme, start with really simple additions that are cheap to buy and quick and easy to do, like washi tape around door frames and on the edge of shelving.  That way you get to test out colour combos without being committed to painting.  Lucy from @lucyhamiltonathome is a big fan of stickers and other quick, cheap ways to add colour;  “One of my favourite things is colourful tile stickers. Can add them to your bathroom or kitchens. Colourful pompoms sewn on cushions. Spray painted picture frames, colourful and fun prints, tassels on shades are all great ways to add colour in your home.”

3. Consider The Colour Wheel

Image credit: @annalysejacobs

I have to say I haven’t studied colour theory, as I work on a purely instinctive level as to what I like, but there is so much detailed information out there if you want to pursue the subject in more detail.  I think using the colour wheel is a good way to consider colour schemes you may not have thought of before though, and you can feel confident the colours go if you’ve chosen them according to different colour theories.  Anna Jacobs, a British artist and designer known for her colourful and inspiring homewares range, has some good tips on how she uses colour in her designs;

“There are about 7 classic colour structures you can use, which will always work and then you can dial these up or down, depending on how calm or energetic you want a room to be and on how warm or cool you want it to be.

In general, I find that the two easiest to use are a ‘harmonious’ structure, which uses 3 to 5 colours next to each other on the colour wheel, and a ‘split complementary’ structure, which uses two colours almost next to each other on the colour wheel, plus one directly opposite them. I use both of these a lot!

Then remember to use CONTRAST in your scheme! Dark and light, dull and bright, large area v. small area.” 

4. If Going Dark, Think Lighting, Lighting, Lighting!

Image credit: Audenza

When Amelia had finished her fabulous sitting room she realised that the dark walls required spots of accent lighting everywhere to create a glow, and eradicate those dark corners.  Unfortunately it’s not so easy when the painting is finished!  Easy enough to add lamps, providing you have sockets in the right place, but the biggest issue was the shelving in the alcoves.  They need downlighters to emphasise them and showcase the objects.  So, think seriously about your lighting choices before decorating the room, particularly important if you are going dark.

Angie, from @somethingbluehome has this advice; “The key to making dark interiors work is LIGHTING. You need to overdose on the lighting and aim to have at least 8 different light sources, this is what is going to transform the space and create the soft and seductive mood. I think pendant lights coming from above can be quite unflattering and harsh so I recommend having these on a dimmer switch so that you can adjust it. Put all lights on dimmers where possible. Oh and lots of lamps too!”

5. Don’t Skip The Tester Pots!

Image credit: @thegirlwiththegreensofa

We’ve all done it when we are in a hurry – thinking we had found the perfect colour and didn’t need a tester pot! But alas, it’s a recipe for disaster.  Tester pots are essential, and despite the cost, they will save you money, and time, in the long run.  Use a roll of wallpaper lining paper and cut it into big pieces which you can then paint with the tester pot and masking tape to the walls in various places.  Put one up near the window and one in the darkest part of the room and live with it for a few days to see how the light changes during the day and affects the paint colour.

Nicola Broughton from, The Girl with the Green Sofa has experienced this herself; “I once painted my old kitchen a terracotta colour, or at least that was what it said on the tin. It was quite a lurid orange colour and I really should have used a tester pot first. Colour changes so much room from room, you really should try it before you go to all the effort of painting to discover you don’t like it. I lived with that kitchen for 3 years until we started the building work!”

6. Don’t Paint Testers Directly On The Wall!

Image credit: @somethingbluehome

Another classic mistake we are all guilty of is painting the tester pots straight onto the wall.  So much easier at the time, but goodness me it can take some painting over to cover the dalmatian spot effect.   As Angie, from @somethingbluehome, can testify to; “Many moons ago – when I was testing samples, I used to paint them directly onto the walls. I remember there once when there must have been at least 30 different spots that I then desperately tried to cover up with layers and layers of paint!”

7. Find What Works For You

Image credit: @oxfordone

How to find what works for you?  Pinterest and Instagram are great ways to see other people’s homes and imagine yourself in that setting.  It could be you prefer bold colourful wallpaper and pick out the colours from that for the furniture and accessories, or maybe you are a pure maximalist and want it all? Or perhaps you prefer neutral walls with furniture and accessories that bring the colour in?  Lissi at @oxfordone recommends if you want to use lots of different colours in one room, whilst still looking considered and edited, it’s easier starting with a neutral base of white walls;

“I think this is definitely easier to achieve with white walls and so in our open plan space where even the sofas and dining chairs are neutral, the rainbow of accessories does all the talking. I try to pick out the same accent colours at different points around the room so that wherever you look it feels deliberate and not chaotic. In the rooms where we have a dominant wallpaper, I have kept the colour palettes simpler but still bright and fun with plenty of pattern and texture.”

8. Listen To Your Own Reactions To Colour

Image credit: @annalysejacobs

We all have an emotional response to colour, so whatever the colour theories say you have to trust your instincts and go for it.  The only way to really find out what works for you is to experiment and be brave.  As Anna Jacobs says; “I use a mix of colour psychology and colour theory, but you have to listen very closely to your own personal reaction to colour too, which might contradict and take precedent over these.”  But also, don’t worry about what anybody else thinks!  Our home should be about us and our choices.

Pink and green feature predominately in my home and sometimes my daughters will say “No mum, no more pink, please” but, you know, it’s my home and I like pink!  And I’m in good company here, as Anna Jacobs uses a lot of pink in her home too; “As a single parent running my own business, I live with fairly constant stress, so I have surrounded myself with a lot of blues and greens, because they are calming and nourishing colours, but I add pink highlights to warm them up and create a welcoming feel.”

How to use colour in your home is an emotive and endless subject, but the essentials are starting small and doing what you love.  As you become more experienced you get a feel for what is right for you and become more confident on how to use colour in your home, your way.  It is an exciting and ongoing project that will evolve over time to bring joy to your home.  I can highly recommend Love Colour, by Anna Starmer as the go to book for interior colour inspiration.  Read my previous blog post for a review of this amazing book, It’s the perfect reference book, whether you love neutrals or bolds, it’s got it all.

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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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