interior design


Style Secrets


Want to create a Pinterest or magazine-worthy setting? As Homesense turns 10, industry pros tell Gabrielle Fagan how they do it.


WRITTEN BY GABRIELLE FAGAN


DIANA CIVIL: Interior stylist and art director No fail colour scheming: “If you’re unsure how to choose a starting


point for a decorating scheme, a simple trick is to buy one fabric item that you love for the room - for example, a patterned cushion or curtain for the living room, or duvet cover for the bedroom, then use these as the template for the room scheme,” says Diana Civil, whose career includes stints as art director on magazines including Good Homes, Ideal Home and House Beautiful. “Designers do a lot of research making sure colours work perfectly, so you know it’s a tried and tested colour combination because the designer has done the matching for you. Pick two or three colours from the design and colour match the tones for the key elements in the room - it’s a simple trick that works every time.” Fake plants, real impact: “Artificial plants are my top styling secret of the moment - not only do they add an instant splash of colour and burst of greenery, they can really up the wow factor in a room,” Civil adds. “Fake foliage has moved on a long way from the naff plastic of the past and is now amazing and realistic. Go all out with height and structure, with oversized plants such as cheese plants, palms or cacti, group together a collection of smaller plants to style up a tabletop, windowsill or mantelpiece, or add an artistic flourish with a collection of hanging plants for a garden-like feature wall.”


PROPERTYMAIL / 5


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