Above: Colourful cushions and a knitted blanket take a bench from dull to homespun in an instant. Trimmings cheer up a lampshade and table and quirky paintings enhance a plain wall.
A table in a welcoming eating space is lit by a pendant light, fitted with a homemade papier-mache shade. The plastic matting on the floor adds colour and zones the space.
Right: Although the wall looks as though it's decorated with a collection of retro postcards and botanical prints, it is, in fact, a wallpaper.
“The homespun look relies on home-made touches. So if you want to inject personality into your home, there’s no better way than with a piece you’ve decorated, adapted or even made. Getting started: Make a collection of materials, from fabric remnants to old rolls
of wallpaper and unusual buttons. Keep them on display and they’ll provide inspiration and a decorative touch. Take things slowly and think about your scheme - while the homespun look is relaxed, it's not chaotic. It takes a little planning. Consider enrolling on a course at craft workshops in your area or head to local craft fairs and markets for unique items. Source second-hand textiles from markets, eBay or perhaps from oddments saved by friends and relatives. When it comes to choosing the right textiles, there are no rules.
Have fun mixing fabrics in different shades and styles. Juxtapose tiny flower prints with big blowsy patterns. Team spots with stripes, and work in lush textures and fun details like pom-poms or sequins too. If you have an assortment of remnants, patchwork designs are an option and can be made into cushion covers or bedspreads. A mat can make a wall hanging and the humblest curtain can be cut to make a cover for a tired-out table, and will impress if it's topped off with toughened glass. A single dramatic piece of furniture can create more impact than lots of little pieces. Buy what you love, and that way you will never tire of it and can move your furniture from room to room, constantly reinventing your space
The floor, the second largest surface in any room after the walls, needs careful thought. Solid wood flooring teamed with soft rugs is a great option. If a space lacks interesting features, reclaimed pieces will bring their own charm and character. Visit a salvage yard for a striking period door, fire surround or salvaged wooden flooring to add instant warmth and homespun character. Don’t limit yourself to furniture from one era or in one material. Mix painted wood with stripped wood. Team a squidgy old armchair with a Seventies sideboard. Play with scale. As the style places great emphasis on display, look for units and cupboards with glass rather than solid doors. Painting the panel behind shelves creates a bold backdrop. “Homespun living spaces focus purely on relaxation - they’re somewhere to chat, read or spend time on a hobby. Soft textures, warm colours and a sink-into sofa will create a friendly feel,” s ay s Simmons. “Generally, homespun living rooms carry colour and pattern on soft furnishings, textiles and painted furniture, preferring neutral walls as a backdrop. This makes decorating simple and is kind to your wallet too. Forget colour from expensive paint ranges, when a basic pot of white will
do.Try taking inspiration from the bright, simple colours reminiscent of childhood paintboxes.”
Homespun Style by Selina Lake and Joanna Simmons with photography by Debi Treloar is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99. Available now.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE TODAY 47
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