We all have our own goals for this year but the one thing we’re all hoping for is an end to the economic gloom. More than anything, we want to come out the other side of this recession, and quickly.
Well, the signs look promising with experts announcing an imminent economic recovery. Whilst financial confidence is growing, the memories still linger and many of the changes brought about by the downturn continue in their affect.
This is certainly true within the home industry, where the trend is continuing down one particular theme – ‘find comfort in your surroundings’.
Whilst the housing market slowed down, the home improvement market flourished as homemakers decided to stay put and improve their surroundings. With fewer house moves, an increase in home entertaining (’staying in’ becoming the ‘new going out’) and a need to feel safe and cosy in our homes, there has been a huge shift in attitude towards how we decorate our houses.
No longer do we just see our homes as property investments, sproucing them up simply to increase their salability and keeping everything neutral in the hope potential buyers will like it. Our homes are becoming more of an expression of ourselves and how we want to live – we can be bolder and brighter in our design choices. Over the past 12 months there has been a high demand for emotional products, with people wanting to feel happy, surrounding themselves with home accessories they love.
This trend is even spilling over into the gift market and in a recent poll, when asked whether people would consider fashion, jewellery, flowers, chocolates or homewares when buying a gift for their closest friend, 50% chose homeware, with jewellery coming a close second.
The good news is that brightening up your home doesn’t have to break the bank, with just a few changes you can create a completely different look.
It could be as simple as introducing a new vase. Vases can be far more than just a vessel to hold your flowers in place, many are so stunning they create a statement all on their own, like these unique mouthblown glass hanging vases created by Maggie Williams or these striking black and white handmade ceramic vases from Rosina Martin.
With or without the flowers, these pieces would look fantastic in any home.
Or why not just rearrange your pictures. We get so used to our surroundings and it’s easy to stop noticing your decor. Simply swap your pictures around, hang them in different rooms and on different walls to rekindle your love of them. Better still, introduce something new and unique. Investing in original artwork doesn’t always have to be expensive. Swanky Maison introduces up and coming artists who create original wall art and every piece is unique, affordable and a real investment, like this sculptured slate artwork from Bolt Hole Art for just £60.
Another quick and easy way to brighten up a room is to introduce some new cushions. Just scattering a few bright cushions can completely transform a piece of furniture, room or colour scheme. Go for something cheerful like these handmade designer cushions from Karen Hilton Designs, available in a range of striking colour combinations.
Perhaps you prefer something more subtle like these elegant embroidered cushions from Charlotte Macey, influenced by line drawings.
spotty beach huts cushion
However, you decide to improve your home, interior accessories are an effective and affordable way to brighten your life and you can always take them with you should you decide to move house – investing in your surroundings without any risk.
Tags: Designer Cushions, Handmade Ceramic Vases, Handmade Cushions, Handmade Glass Vases, Handmade Home Accessories, Original Wall Art, Slate Art