Adding the furnishings

Always arrange furniture so that it is convenient to use otherwise visitors may end up constantly rearranging your furniture for you. Generally it is best to allow for easy traffic flow through a room, but in an open plan area the furniture can also be used to break the large space into smaller cosier areas.

When choosing furniture, the main criteria to keep in mind are:

• Comfort – furniture has a functional role to play, so never sacrifice comfort for look;
• Room – how much space will the furniture take up? Large pieces like reclinable chairs take up a large floor area and may make a room look cluttered;
• Ease of use – can be used for more than one purpose (e.g. a sofa that folds out to become a guest bed), is easy to move and store if required;
• Durability and maintenance – delicate fabrics can be damaged easily and may be more suitable for formal lounges than a relaxed family room.

Furnishing a room is usually a never-ending process as you gather and divest items. It is hard to quickly plan a room that fits together and reflects your personality, particularly when you have a range of existing furniture to work with. It is often better to slowly add items and let the room evolve as you do.

Second-hand wooden furniture is ideal if you are on a limited budget or have pets or small children. Either clean or polish, or add a coat of paint to give it a new lease of life.

Indoor plants are a quick and easy way to bring life into a room, and can be used almost anywhere. There are only two basic rules to follow when deciding where to put plants – make sure the plant receives enough natural light to keep it healthy and avoid placing them where they will be an obstacle to everyday activities.

Mirrors and cushions can also be used to great decorative effect to provide accents and add interest. Mirrors can be used to increase the perceived light and space in the room.

Pictures add a personal touch to a room as a reflection of the occupant's interests. Add pictures at comfortable eye level – don't be tempted to hang them higher. Pictures should be hung so that they it relate to other objects in the room, such as above a sofa or table. Vary the way you hang pictures for visual interest. Pictures hung in groups should have some commonality to tie them together, whether it is themes, colours or even just framing.

September 30, 2008

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