How to Create the Right Ambiance in Your Home*

So you’ve finally bought your dream home. What next? Decorating of course. If you’re investing in a space you’ll have meticulously considered how you want it to look and if you’re anything like me it’ll be right down to the cushion colour and fabric. Creating the correct ambiance for each room is so important, you’ll want your lounge to be cosy, kitchen to be clean and a bathroom that can transition from bright in the day to calming at night. Each room feels different and you’ll want to create character, atmosphere and a mood.

Here are a few things to think about before you get started. Starting with colour;

Colour
Colours have long been associated with feelings and can easily affect our mood. I remember as a kid my bedroom was bright yellow and I still swear blind that is why when I was in my teens I always woke in a bad mood. What teen wants to wake up in a bright yellow room that feels like it’s trying to influence those sunshine feelings that your hormones won’t allow you to muster?

So the first thing to think about when it comes to colour is the size of the room. Dark colours can make a room feel smaller while bright colours can give the illusion of space. This is why a lot of people go for white these days. Modern houses tend to be smaller with low ceilings in comparison to their early 1900 counter parts and this makes them feel darker. Making a room white brightens the whole place up and when the sun from the window reflects on the walls it opens up the room. These white rooms with splashes of colour is right on trend for 2020.

Lighting
Do not underestimate the power lighting has when it comes to creating the right ambiance for your home. Different rooms require different lighting to set the right mood. This includes a mixture of natural and artificial lighting. Each room also benefits from more than one type of lighting.

Starting in the living room. You’ll need a main ceiling light for in the evenings or if you use blinds to block out natural light. You may also need a lamp or dimmer switch for when you’re watching TV. Candles are also a great source of low lighting if you’re having a romantic evening (although always ensure use use candles responsibly).

For a teens room, you could go with some neon lighting. The design possibilities are endless and you can have something that really adds flare to their room, while keeping the ambiance cool and chill, creating somewhere they would really like to spend their time.

The kitchen on the other hand needs to be bright especially if it’s used for cooking, dining or even working. Your house may have a dated kitchen, all yellow plastic and coloured tiles. These don’t go well if you’re trying to add light to the room. It’s worth looking into the cost of a new kitchen if you want a brighter, airier and more modern space. By designing your own kitchen you can use the power of natural light to create space and somewhere your whole family will want to be.

Texture
Different textures around the home give the room depth. If you’re looking to create an informal feeling steer clear of restricted textures and you’ll find textures that go well irrespective of their feel or material. Mirrors and glass objects are a good accent to any texture. To create a broody feel, consider rich, dark veneers. For a softer touch, incorporate silk upholstery, velvet floor length curtains and hints of aged brass and copper.

Creating the right ambiance in your home is very much a subjective topic and the list above should act as a guide. Other ways to improve the ambiance in your home include transforming a space with scent and layering different aromas. Changing colours, textures, smells and lighting are all simple, inexpensive ways of changing how a room feels.