This is where faux house plants and flowers come into their own, they don’t look at me sadly with their guilt inducing misery.  And with the ever increasing choice of faux greenery and flowers we are spoilt for choice, whether you want something small and dainty, or a big show stopper to bring drama to a room, it’s all there.  I have several large faux house plants in my garden room as it gets a lot of sunshine and most real plants can’t tolerate it, plus I can’t tolerate the incessant watering.  The wallpaper is a green palm leaf print and the large faux plants enhance the feeling of a tropical paradise, which is not something I would be able to create with real plants.

Here are my 5 tips for choosing faux house plants and flowers, for an ongoing fabulous display that brings joy, and banishes the guilt.

1.   Choose Hard to Care for Varieties

Shop Artificial House Plants & Flowers >>

If you like to have some real plants in the mix then choose hard to care for varieties for your faux.  Ferns are hard to keep alive as they require moist shaded conditions, which isn’t necessarily where you want to display house plants, so they’re a great option to go fake with. The birds nest fern is a tricky customer (I’ve killed several) so save yourself the anxiety and invest in our Artificial Bird’s Nest Fern instead.

2.   Bring in Some Glamour

Shop Artificial House Plants & Flowers >>

Peachy pink pampas grass stems grouped together in a vase somehow evokes a slightly decadent glamorous look that works for any style of interior.  Not strictly faux as is it’s a natural grass that has been dried but hey it’s the same idea, the wow factor without the effort.  Such an easy way to fill a large vase that would cost a fortune in real flowers, and so beautifully textural.

3.   Don’t Overlook Foliage

Shop Artificial House Plants & Flowers >>

Consider artificial foliage stems – they are great for having around the house to bulk out real bunches of flowers.  That way you are just paying for the flowers and always have delicious faux greenery to fill out your bouquets.  Artificial Trailing Spanish Moss lends a quirky look to your floral display and is also great for softening the edges of a mantelpiece or shelf, or trailing from up high where you can’t water a real plant.

4.   Realistic isn’t Always Best!

Shop Artificial House Plants & Flowers >>

It doesn’t have to be realistic to look amazing.  Our Fabulous Faux Gold Fern Bush makes a statement and is proud to be faux.  Charismatic and dazzling for an eye-catching display, with just a touch of kitsch.

5.   Go Big for Maximum Impact

Shop Artificial House Plants & Flowers >>

We do like a bit of impact with our house plants at Audenza and our luscious Artificial Bird of Paradise Plant is certainly that. It’s big, it’s bold, and no TLC required, just a quick dust occasionally, which is the best bit about faking it. Maximum impact for maximum drama! And no worry that it might suddenly die on you!

To sum up the faux versus real dilemma, just mix it up. It’s a no brainer really, and cheaper in the long run. The more the real and the artificial are mixed up together the less you can tell which is which, and your friends and family will think you have fabulously green fingers and will want to know your secrets.

Any tips of your own to add to the list?

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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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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

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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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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