4 Easy ways to make any room more interesting

I am a big believer that you do not have to spend a lot of money to make your living spaces attractive and functional. People often ask me about tips and tricks when it comes to decorating their spaces. Here's a FAQ that I am asked quite often.

How can I make any room more visually appealing?

The answer is simple add these four elements - colour, pattern, texture and shine. But don't go overboard. small splashes of these four elements can go a long way. Here are some examples of each element.

Colour - Doesn't necessarily have to be bold. That is really up to the individuals personality, some like it bright (think oranges and fuchsia). But it could be calm colours such as light blues or greens. Where to put the colour? I like it in art or throw pillows but some people like to make colourful statement with painted walls and tile. Again, how you use your colour is up to you, make sure it suits your personality but don't be afraid to experiment.

Pattern - You will likely see pattern in your textiles, so drapes, pillows, throw blankets and rugs but we are seeing a trend towards wall tattoos and wall paper on accent walls so make a splash with some pattern but remember if you want to mix patterns (which is totally acceptable) just be sure to have one bolder one and the others more in a supportive or lesser role and be sure to pick multiple patterns in similar colour tones.

Texture - This is also very common in your textile choices. Textures can be both smooth, rough, soft and sleek and combining all of them is the best way to go. This year we are seeing a lot of sweater knits and furs used as throws or decor pillows. Texture can also be used with decor pieces particularly anything that is handmade such as pottery or blown glass pieces.

Shine - Some sparkle is always needed and this can be found anywhere but mostly in decor items although this season you will be seeing some wall paper and area rugs with sheen. Glass, stainless steel,mirrors and glossy ceramics can give you just enough shine in your space.

See the photo above as an example of color, pattern, texture and shine. The cotton chenille couch with canvas pillows add some cozy textures. The coffee table also adds some smooth texture to the space. The glass jars also add texture but also some shine (double duty). The colour can be seen in both the pillows and artwork - yellows and greens transfer from season to season and they always look fresh. The pillows, artwork, armchair and wire side table bring in pattern, notice they are not exactly the same but they work together. some more texture could be added with some rattan or knitted pieces but this is a great example of how to blend all 4 elements and still keep a very classic living space.

Let there be light!

Lighting creates ambiance and makes a space welcoming. Good lighting can also encourage activity, enhance colour and most importantly give life to any room! Light fixtures are dual purpose - providing functionality and fashion. One key idea to creating an inviting space is to layer the lighting. By using a mix of ambient, task and accent lighting.

Ambient lighting is your room's overall light wash, it could be sunlight beaming through your windows or overhead light(s) casting a warm glow throughout the room. Ambient light is the basic lighting layer, illuminating walls, open areas and main pieces of furniture. A dimmer switch can allow you to control the level of ambient light you wish to have in a room and suit different moods and occasions.

Task lighting is designed to help you perform specific activities in close range. It is more location specific layer of lighting. Wall sconces behind a couch allow for a reading area or a pendant lamp over a table or kitchen island can create a focus for a game table or a cooking space. When selecting task lighting think about brightness, beam direction and the proximity of the light fixture to the task area.

Accent lighting provides drama where you want it. This is the lighting layer which allows you to change a room's mood and style most easily. Accent light allow you to direct the eye to those objects and areas of a space that you find most attractive. A spotlight on a favourite piece of art or candles on a dining table create a warm, natural atmosphere.

A gathering of friends and family in your home will only be complimented by the welcoming radiance of warm light. Lighting is the best way to create a mood in your home. Don't forget about lamp shades, they are also an important factor to creating your setting - they are any easy way to update a lamp's and a room's look and they can also change the colour of light reflected in the room and this adds another layer of light to your room's lighting scheme.

Let there be light!