5 Tips For Your Inevitable Iso Home Makeover
If you have to spend all this time at home, you may as well do it in style.
Creating furniture with great designs at accessible prices, for the modern home.
Remember when we used to daydream about lounging around the living room all day? As 2020 rolls on, it’s just the reality (and not a particularly happy one).
If you kind of hate the look of your home at this point, you’re not alone. We’ve all become very well acquainted with the things that didn’t bother us before: the sofa with the dodgy armrest, that coffee table that wobbles just a little too much… If you have any spare cash on hand, it could be a good time for that iso home makeover.
We’ve jotted down a few tips to get you started, and teamed up with our mates at Castlery to handpick some great items that will help brighten your days. After all, your living room is now moonlighting as a home office, a restaurant, a puzzle parlour, a selfie station and everything in between.
If you have to spend all this time at home, you may as well do it in style.
1. Declutter
Getting rid of clutter is an immediate mood booster. Just ask Marie Kondo: her method of only keeping things that “spark joy” has been adopted by millions of people around the world for a reason. Before you go and upgrade your living room, take a seriously good look around and be as ruthless as possible. Don’t use it anymore? BYEEEEE!
The next step is re-organising what’s left. But that doesn’t mean you have to resort to big ugly storage tubs. There are loads of beautiful designs that also offer crafty storage space. Take a look at Castlery’s Lily Sideboard: it’s classy, elegant, and it has loads of room for all your favourite knickknacks that made the final cut.
Image: Castlery
2. Plan Out Your Purchases
There’s nothing more disappointing than rushing in to buy something and then finding out it doesn’t actually make any sense in your home. Whether you’re looking at a sofa, a coffee table or a new lamp, it’s important to remember that while something may seem amazing, it’s not necessarily going to be amazing for you.
Try experimenting with colour schemes and mood boards (Scandi, industrial, modern, boho?). Then visualise where each item will actually go in your house. This will also help determine what you need in your space so you don’t over-purchase.
If in doubt, stick to neutral colours and timbers. That way, even if your style changes over time, your new purchases will still fit in. Castlery’s Isla Collection is a good place to start. Check out the Isla Bedside Table: oak grain tones, a matt white border, gold-finished accents and soft-closing drawers. It’s a classic.
Image: Castlery
3. Measure!
Bought a coffee table only to discover it doesn’t fit in the spot you want? Been there. That’s why this step should never be overlooked (especially if you live in a small apartment). Get out the tape measure, think about the ideal position, and stick to your decision. This will really help narrow down your search.
If you’re an inner-city dweller, Castlery’s Hudson Coffee Table is a great option. It’s slender but also solid, with dark-stained acacia wood and a brass metal finish.
Image: Castlery
4. Invest In A Hero Piece
You know how fashionistas say it’s the shoes that bring the outfit together? Well, the same principle applies to your living room: you need a hero piece.
The couch is the focal point of most living rooms, so it’s worth investing in a good one. Castlery’s Adams Sofa is a big cushy dream (that won’t drain your bank account). And because the cushions are made with high-quality, durable foam, they’ll keep their shape even after hours of use – which, let’s be honest, is every day now. Bonus: you can also choose from brass, black or silver solid metal legs.
Image: Castlery
If you already have the couch sorted, a chair is the next best thing. Castlery’s Cammy Armchair will always draw the eye: it’s cute and novel, as well as super comfy. With a high backrest and extra back cushion, this piece will be the most in-demand during your next Netflix binge.
Image: Castlery
5. Make It Functional
It’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics and forget that furniture also needs to be functional. Each piece needs to make sense for your home and if you’re working with a smaller space that means each item should be versatile. Think: sofas that convert to beds or an extendable dining table.
The absolute winner when it comes to versatility is Castlery’s Andre Coffee Table. Its tiered design allows you to change the size and shape of the table, and it even has bonus storage underneath the surface. Just look at the way it swivels!
Honestly, this is the perfect time to treat yourself to a stylish new living room. Why not use some of that free time planning and designing? Who doesn’t want to feel like they live on Grand Designs?
For Castlery’s full range of products or to shop the pieces, visit castlery.com.au.
—
(Lead image: Castlery)