KIM MECKLER
Do you ever feel like you are stuck in a rut?
The same restaurants and coffee every day, the same boring clothes hanging in your closet…it can be easy to fall into routine.
It may be time to shake things up a bit. I have recently needed to buy new furniture, my recent basement renovation meant that my sectional is forever stuck in that basement. The new owner of my home was very happy with her free couch and it left me on the hunt for new furniture.
I have always purchased good quality products that will last me and as a result have usually stayed in browns and blacks to allow me to decorate and re-decorate around neutral colours.
The colours in my homes have shifted from burnt orange to green to teal and copper and these foundational pieces have always anchored my design whims.
This time I threw caution to the wind, I went out and fell in love with a red leather sofa!
It was one of those moments you don’t expect, I think there was music playing in the background and a light shining on this sofa as I sat on it and it whispered ‘take me home’.
In my head I knew that I had a lot of red accessories but many things in my ‘gallery’ were questionable as to whether they would work with this red leather beauty.
When the furniture was delivered I was so pleased!
It is modern with square edges and square tufted seat and back and it fits in perfectly, like it was meant to be. I began playing with my accessories and pictures, arranging them around the room and was soon very pleased with the results.
Even though many people consider red a bold colour choice, it is actually quite accommodating and goes beautifully with other colours.
If you have a neutral colour scheme, try throwing a bit of daring into your space, red or orange or even yellow work so well with brown and black.
Try orange and teal or yellow and coral for a bright sunny interior. These pops of colour will surround your neutral basic pieces and you will be amazed at how fantastic your home will look. Sometimes a few simple accessories or a fun accent chair is all you need to infuse new life into your routine.
Furniture manufactures are going out on a limb with beautiful custom fabrics, it’s more than simply browsing the show room floor – take time to go through their fabric swatches and see what is available in custom upholstery. Go bold with your furniture choices then neutralize the walls and drapery for a refreshing change-up.
I understand the need for routine, the want to play things safe but sometimes you must go outside of your comfort zone.
If you see an item that makes you go ‘wow’, like my red sofa then it’s something to consider for your home. Of course most stores will let you take items home so you can view it in your space which might help if you are indecisive. I say, go for it. Deny the fear and grab onto something amazing for your home, I promise you will smile every time you enter that room.
Kim Meckler is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.