Do you have an empty corner in the bedroom, in the study, maybe in the living room? You may also have an odd armchair around, pushed aside and looking like some leftover from a different house... Pair it with the uncared for corner and you have the perfect ingredients to create a cosy niche anybody will want to rest in.
Below you’ll see three examples of cosy corners which I had fun arranging in the Melbourne showroom of United Interiors. My first suggestion in creating a furnished vignette is to start from the larger pieces, the ones we cannot move too easily. Here for example, the artworks were my starting point as I had hooks in the wall I could not move. They initiated the mood.
Then I laid the rug, to define the area and keep it intimate, even though within a much larger room. Choose the appropriate one, in the mood you are looking for. If uncertain when purchasing, ask for a trial, and make sure that size and colours do fit the brief.
When the rug is down, it is time to add the furniture, one piece at the time: the armchair, the floor lamp and finally the small table.
Now we look at our cosy corner from a few steps away. Is the general look balanced? When unsure, a triangular shaped composition is guaranteed to be pleasant on the eye. The artwork will be strong at the top while the armchair and the table will be spaciously placed at the base. The mood you aim to create will be dressed within this imaginary triangle.
However, cosy doesn’t mean narrow, overcrowded and oppressive. So, leave space between your larger items, and choose ones with thin and tall legs to increase their sense of lightness. Remember, the more floor you see, the more spacious it will feel.
Now the real fun begins, as the objects we choose next to decorate our niche will have to be in tune with the theme established by our larger items.
Choose objects that go with the mood you’re aiming for. Group 3 or 5 of them on the table, playing with their height, shape and texture. Choose a cushion and a throw that match or complement the hues of the artwork. And a plant will fit well with any theme chosen and will furnish the vignette with an organic touch…
Now step back once again and be a fair judge of your creation. We aim to achieve a tidy, welcoming and balanced corner. No clutter, no clashing colours, no lack of space, but calm, elegance and comfort. And if you are styling to sell your property, aim for a general and non-personal positive feeling. That “I-want-to-live-here-too” feeling… It must be effective for all the property viewers, and not just for you.
Well done! Now get your cup of tea, that book you're reading and sit in your cosy corner. It feels good, doesn't it?
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information.