LISA'S TOP 5 HOME ESSENTIALS
People often ask me for decorating advice on their homes and, although there are certain things that translate across the board, it is rarely as simple as one size fits all. Every aesthetic and home is different and, while certain things can add elegance and grace to one living room, they can look desperately out of place in others. That being said - there are a few things that fit no matter your aesthetic and will always make your home look warm, inviting and stylish. Here are 5 of my top home essentials, no matter your aesthetic.
An assortment of great vases.
Vases are such an important element to your home, as flowers are one of the easiest and most beautiful ways to add glamour and romance to your décor. Invest in vases of different shapes and sizes and you will easily be able to add height and interest to a dinner table, a console, or a coffee table. Buy small bud vases for a single rose, long, low vases for centerpiece arrangements, and tall vases to make a statement on a hallway table. You can easily mix faux flowers in with the fresh ones to ease up on the cost of fresh flowers, and nobody will know the difference!
A great piece of art.
Invest in a fantastic piece of art and design your room around it. This doesn’t have to be an extremely expensive piece—it can be anything from a postcard to a child’s drawing. The trick is to frame it and light it beautifully. If you spend the money on framing your item of choice incredibly and light it with a single spotlight, you can make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear in no time. Some of the most expensive pieces of art in the world are simple line-drawings… sketches by Picasso and Matisse for instance… but frame it beautifully and it instantly becomes a masterpiece.
A classic silver tray.
It doesn’t have to be real silver but a classic silver or silver-plated tray is essential. You can find these in a variety of styles from ornate and romantic to simple and modern. Dress it up with a single rose in a bud vase, a bottle of wine, two wine glasses and some cocktail napkins and you’ll suddenly feel like you are in a 5 star hotel. It’s an easy way to add a touch of style to any coffee table.
Light dimmers.
There is nothing more essential to a home than light dimmers. Replace your light switches with dimmers and you can add immediate ambiance to any room in seconds. Light dimmers are easy to install but, if you can’t, then think about replacing your light bulbs with pink bulbs for a softer, more romantic glow at night.
Candlesticks and candelabras.
There is nothing sexier, more romantic or elegant than candlelight. Buy a few tapered candlesticks and place them in tall glass or crystal holders. Add a few tea lights around the base to make it more interesting. Candles are a must –use them to add instant ambiance to your home.
