Tips on making a house a home

From a windswept Cornish beach house studio, Interior Designer and Founder of Nicholson Interiors, Mel Nicholson creates beautiful interiors, designed to turn houses into homes.

Inspired by the infinite beauty of nature, the changing of the seasons and the wild elements of the ocean, Mel is an interior design consultant, specialising in creating innovative show homes and bespoke home staging for private clients and the house building industry covering the South West of England.

Let there be light

Colour and natural light is important for wellbeing, keep windows uncovered and clutter free, swap out heavy fabrics for sheer voile curtains and introduce lightweight linens or silk floral fabrics for a light and airy feel.

Details make perfection

If you have opted for a light fitting with a chrome finish for example, follow that finish through into accessories such as photo frames and choose colours that complement the cool tone. Alternatively, if you have black or brass, continue that theme through.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Layering natural textures is big in interiors this year, throw in some natural fabrics, cushions  and throws in cheerful yellows, soft lavenders  and pale green hues, go wild and reflect your personal sense of style.

Flower power

Dot living spaces with fresh blooms; potted leafy indoor plants or a simple jug of aromatic wild flowers foraged from nature's table will uplift happiness and wellbeing in your home. If you like a constant presence without the continual spend, there are also some wonderful faux floral alternatives in shops – try stores like bloomingartifical.com or John Lewis for some great designs.

Texture talks

Add jute rugs, organic and wooden accessories and earthy paint colour palettes to introduce natural elements. A tranquil indoor water feature will provide calming energy, harmony and serenity into your living space.

Set the table for Summer

One of the easiest ways to create subtle changes in your home to signal a new season, is through accessories. Roll out a linen table runner, coloured glassware to create an alfresco dining ambience, decorate your table with wooden serving bowls, Mediterranean inspired terracotta  and colourful ceramics to create a beach-side summer-time vibe.

Don’t forget about fragrances 

Take inspiration from the essence of flowers, and summer fragrance, choosing diffusers and candles scented with freesia, jasmine, rose and citrus will bring the English country garden inside your home all year round.

Art from the heart

Art is highly subjective, and so there are no hard and fast rules about artwork. The most basic advice to give is to choose what brings  you joy when you look at it. Whether a landscape of your favourite beach, or a portrait from  an artist you like, or even a photograph of your family on a canvas. Create interest to your home decor through art.

Serenade your soul

Even the best designed homes with beautiful finishes and artistic touches, are nothing if they don't make the resident feel at peace. Home should make you feel calm and restful and interior design can really aid this. Listen to music and soundscapes whilst you enjoy your beautiful new space!

For more information about Nicholson Interiors and to get in touch with Mel, visit her website at nicholsoninteriors.com