Your home should be a place that brings you comfort and peace, that welcomes you and gives you a sense of order and tranquility.
Whenever you’re choosing items of décor for your space, try to keep in mind the overall feeling you are aiming for; it will help you quickly rule out pieces that don’t fit your vision and make shopping a bit easier.
It can also help to think of your rooms as spaces you are curating by thoughtfully adding one chosen piece at a time. This approach can help take the pressure off when trying to decorate multiple rooms and it allows your style to evolve over time, naturally.
To create a home that encourages rest, relaxation and reflection, try incorporating any of the following elements.
Lighting
People often underestimate the impact of lighting. They tend to focus on the functional, which is of course important, but they forget that great lighting can also add atmosphere and change the mood of a space.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The Faiz pendant light is a gorgeous fixture that features mixed materials. So elegant, the turned, natural wood finial pairs perfectly with the half-dome transparent glass shade. It includes 4’ of hanging chain so you can customize the height for any application. It would look stunning hung in multiples but makes enough of a statement all on its own. Imagine this taking pride of place in a modern or French country kitchen or a transitional dining room; it is versatile enough that it would look great anywhere. The Farica pendant light is equally lovely.
Another pendant light, the Coenbell, is right on trend. The light beige colour of the woven rattan adds bohemian charm and warmth to any style of décor. Hang this in a bedroom, or over a kitchen island or dining table—it would look stunning illuminating an entryway as well. The softly diffused light it gives off is a bonus. Wherever you hang this, it deserves to be the focus of attention.
There’s something romantic about the Jaak floor lamp. Add a bit of class to your space with this bronze-finished metal piece. Something about the combination of glass shades and warm metal finish reminds you of streetlamps on charming, cobbled streets. The look certainly suits many styles of modern décor, from sleek and minimalist to industrial. It would look especially impressive next to a great piece of artwork.
Art
Make sure the art that adorns your walls speaks to you. With the right wall decor, you change the entire feeling of a room. Many find comfort and a sense of calm in neutrals, and there is no need to worry about the look being boring because mixing neutrals and finishes is right on trend.
This Emalee wall decor is inspirational, a daily reminder to practice gratitude. The metal wall sculpture, written in a scripted font, could be the perfect focal piece over a sideboard, server or credenza, or could work as well as part of a larger gallery wall full of photos and prints. The black finish is modern, and the looping cursive both whimsical and elegant. It can be hung indoors or out.
Misty Pines is that rare piece that works year-round, with its graphic black, grey and white design. This hand-embellished canvas art is hung in a silver floating frame and would suit any room in the home. At 28”x56” it is a substantial piece that commands attention and has a soothing, contemplative tone.
Botanicals remain ever popular, proven by the Plant Life II and Plant Life III series. Buy both and hang them together or apart. These serene prints are smaller in size at 18”x18” and would jazz up a kitchen, bathroom, home office or bedroom corner. This hand-embellished canvas art is gallery-wrapped around pine stretcher bars.
Accessories
Accessories are always a fun purchase and they finish a space, pulling everything together.
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can have greenery as décor. The faux versions are just as cheery, require zero maintenance and never droop. Channel vacation mode with this artificial palm in a woven basket. Just 24” tall, it fits easily on a tabletop or shelf. The leaves are even adjustable and you can fan them out as you wish. The Dieffenbachia tree is 54” tall and in a 6” black pot; its shiny leaves and height make it look quite lifelike.
Nothing adds atmosphere quite like candlelight and you don’t need an occasion to enjoy it. The Cassandra candle holder is made of textured wood and smooth, clear glass. Use it as a centrepiece for your dining table or on a kitchen island, sideboard or mantel. It holds 5 1.5” votive candles. This is the kind of accent piece you’ll use more than you anticipate, as it’s an easy way to add sparkle and warmth instantly to any gathering, formal or casual.
Whether it’s displaying flowers or branches, faux or real, or standing on its own, the Diah vase (set of 2) is striking. These glazed ceramic pieces have a textured, tan finish with a weathered effect around the rim. They add a beautiful timeworn quality to any room and you can move them from space to space with ease.
Ashley HomeStore North offers a wide range of furniture pieces, artwork, decorative accents and storage solutions for every room in your home. Looking for more great design ideas? Follow the store on Instagram.