One enduring and very popular trend is to decorate an interior according to the season outside. This is often seen in interior decor magazines, blogs and other inspiration pieces and the approach allows the home to regularly change with the year and be fresh and engaging.
However, it does require some advance preparation to create the right 'canvas' for implementing regular changes. Without this backdrop, a series of changes can become expensive and time-consuming.
Start with neutrals
A neutral base gives you everything you need to create a regularly changing and fresh new look, as and when you want one. It will provide an attractive back-drop that doesn't compete with your accessories and which looks stylish and contemporary.
Not simply white
A neutral backdrop doesn't have to simply mean white colours, although many people to adopt this approach and it can be very fresh and timeless. Remember that there isn't a single shade of white and that pure, brilliant white can actually look quite harsh in some lights, such as cold winter lights. Consider soft chalky white finishes, ivories, creams and even soft greys to build up a bright and yet calming palette. Consider different paint and wallpaper finishes too. A white and chalk inspired finish can look rustic, urban, nautical or traditional, depending on its context. High gloss can look modernist, but it does require a good surface, or the reflective surface will show up marks. White shaded wallpaper can provide soft texture and warmth and cover any dubious walls!
Your neutrals don't need to be white either. Look for shades that will work the year round and allow you to accessories with seasonal favourites. Soft taupes, greys, beiges and mushrooms work very well and their shades subtly change according to the colours placed alongside them. Opt for a single colour to work seamlessly through a flooring or wall area, or break up your living space into sections with slightly different shades. Many interior designers also opt to paint their skirting boards and ceilings with shades, rather than white, to create a warmer and cosier look.
Lighting
Lighting is essential to building your background neutral. Ranges such as Wofi lighting are design led, but with advanced technology such as LED lighting, which provides a white and clean light that is very similar to natural daylight, whilst being energy efficient. This is fantastic for bringing the daylight into your home on days that are cold and grey and for creating a modern and energetic finish in the evenings when your family are relaxing or carrying out hobbies. Experiment with different lighting schemes to see which looks work best for you. You could try recessed LED lights in the kitchen, a bulb-lit 'showbiz' mirror for an amusing reference in the bathroom and quirky pendant or floor lamps in the downstairs living and dining areas.
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