Creating the look and feel you want in your home doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. If you're daunted by the idea of doing your own interior design, the four guides below are here to provide a little helpful advice and inspiration. Learn more about being bold with colour and pattern, find out how to make the most of a small room, or pick up some tips on successfully mixing classic and contemporary styles and furnishings.
What's your inspiration?
Giles Kime, Deputy Editor of Homes & Gardens, tells us how to cosy on up this autumn...
The sight of the first tumbling leaves always turn our thoughts from the outside to the inside - in particular ways that will make our living room the perfect refuge from winter chills. Even if a scheme wasn’t planned with a particular season in mind, there is a lot that can be done to ensure that it looks and feels cosseting.
Whether furniture is upholstered in easy neutrals or richer hues such as the latest aubergine, it can be easily dressed up for maximum warmth. Throws and cushion covers especially planned for the onset of winter not only make a room more welcoming in cold weather but also give it a distinctive seasonal look.
Of course warmth isn’t just about colour. Texture is another key ingredient in a cosseting scheme (just think of the difference between a cotton jacket intended for summer and a woolly winter coat). Soft leathers, chenilles and rugs with a deep pile all make a room more welcoming on a winter’s evening. So, too, does a tightly-knit layout of furniture; consider grouping furniture closer to fires and away from cold drafts for maximum cosiness.
If giving your home a winter wardrobe sounds like a tall order consider the practical advantages; accessories only used for six months a year will stay looking pristine for longer. Rugs and throws protect flooring and fabrics. And they create a fresh new look with relatively little effort. Come spring, they can be put away for another year, along with the Christmas decorations.
View our previous inspiration article here.
Feeling inspired?
If you have enjoyed this post and are feeling motivated to make a change why not try creating your own mood board. As a starting point you can get in touch with G Plan and request some free swatches as a base to build on.
Further information and inspiration can be found on the G Plan Fabrics and Leathers page.
Sofa Statements
How to get the right look for your room, and stand out from the crowd.
Bold and beautiful colours
Go beyond the "neutrals zone" and add impact and drama to your room.
Mixing and matching styles
Blending contemporary and classic styles, how to fit your new sofa around classic pieces.
Creating the illusion of space
Tricks of the trade to make best use of your space.
Footstools
There's nothing like putting your feet up to help you relax and unwind. And what better place to put them up than on a matching footstool, designed and crafted to the same exacting standards as your sofa.
Browse all our footstools from the G Plan and ethos collections
Furniture care advice
Every G Plan sofa and chair is designed to give you years of comfort and pleasure, especially when treated with a little love and care. Our easy-to-follow advice and tips will help you keep everyday wear and tear to a minimum and help ensure your prized G Plan furniture stays looking its absolute best.