Home for the Soul E-Book

Sara Bird

• Herausgeber: Ryland Peters & Small
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Seitenzahl: 116

Beschreibung

Home for the Soul is about creating a considerate and sustainable home that sparks happiness and reflects the spirits, passions and tastes of its inhabitants.

Leseprobe

HOME

for the SOUL

HOME

for the SOUL

SUSTAINABLE AND THOUGHTFUL DECORATING AND DESIGN

SARA BIRD & DAN DUCHARS of The CONTENTed Nest

Senior designer Toni Kay

Senior commissioning editor Annabel Morgan

Location research Jess Walton

Head of production Patricia Harrington

Art director Leslie Harrington

Editorial director Julia Charles

Publisher Cindy Richards

First published in 2020 by

Ryland Peters & Small

20–21 Jockey’s Fields,

London WC1R 4BW

and

341 East 116th Street

New York, NY 10029

www.rylandpeters.com

Text copyright © The CONTENTed Nest 2020

Design and photographs copyright © Ryland Peters & Small 2020

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ISBN 978-1-78879-241-7

E-ISBN 978-1-78879-311-7

The authors’ moral rights have been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library.

Library of Congress CIP data has been applied for.

Printed and bound in China

CONTENTS

Introduction

THE ELEMENTS

Paint & Palettes

Fabric & Textiles

Texture

Furniture, Storage & Lighting

On Display

A Sense of Wellbeing

THE HOMES

Maximalist

Sustainable Sanctuary

Collective Spirit

Character Case

Calm & Collected

Contented Cabin

Pure & Simple

Humble Beginnings

Homebody

Time-Honoured Style

Making Memories

Free Spirit

Creative Canvas

Culture Clash

Sources

Picture and business credits

Index

Acknowledgments

INTRODUCTION

Our homes. They invite and welcome, are a space for us to share and enjoy, for making memories. They offer us a backdrop to personalize and are places we call our own. But in today’s fast-paced world, where haste and waste often dominate, we seem to be at a tipping point when it comes to how we design, decorate and inhabit our own spaces.

Thankfully, a shift in awareness means we are more mindful about our ecological footprints and how we use the planet’s resources. There’s a general move towards reducing waste and consumption. Many of us are adopting a slower, more gradual approach to everyday living. And we are realizing that constantly acquiring new stuff and chasing trends doesn’t necessarily make for a nurturing, health-giving, happy home.

We wanted to create this book to discover how our homes could be more sustainable and less harmful both to the environment and to us. There are suggestions for choosing all the elements that make up a home, from paint to furniture to display ideas, as well as ideas for simple but appealing craft projects that add quirky decorative touches. We also visit some carefully chosen homes, both large and small, new and old. They are all different but have one thing in common – these are personal spaces that offer a glimpse of their owners’ souls.

We hope the book will inspire you to take a fresh look at your own surroundings. No matter how new or old your home, whether it’s owned or rented, shared or you live alone, it should speak of your sense of style, your story, your passions and interests. If it does this and manages not to tread too heavily on our planet, then you have truly created a home for your soul.

1

THE ELEMENTS

PAINT & PALETTES

From the four walls of each room to smaller decorative details and architectural features, our homes provide us with countless opportunities to use paint and colour to add character and atmosphere.

Glossy and fresh or time-worn and weathered, paint has enormous versatility in terms of both appearance and colour. It can be applied to all manner of surfaces and objects for an immediate update, speedily transforming the appearance or mood of a room, a piece of furniture or even just a decorative accessory with only a couple of coats.

Choosing a suitable colour can be more challenging. The right palette can unify difficult spaces and make an interior appear bigger or small than it really is. Colour lends itself to all sorts of visual tricks. Many of the soulful homes in this book boast pale, neutral schemes that provide a backdrop to busy living areas, assorted possessions and decorative details. Others have a dark, moody decor that provides a tranquil, contemplative vibe. Your palette will be a personal decision, but there is ample inspiration here.

Paint is the medium of choice when it comes to upcycling, as it allows us to turn something neglected or unloved into a desirable object. Pieces of furniture found by the side of the road or in charity shops/thrift stores can be given a new lease of life for the price of a can of paint plus a little bit of prep. The results are treasured pieces that have been saved from landfill – a satisfying result.

Thankfully eco-friendly paint is now a huge industry. Solvent-free, organic and vegan paints are available and there are even options that can purify the air in our homes. And not only are these paints less harmful, but they have ethical credentials too.

SOFT AND SUBTLE

For a peaceful feel, try blending pale shades for mood-enhancing interiors. Gentle greys, subdued blues and dusty pinks all contribute to a sophisticated pastel scheme.

Colour is not the only way to add interest – distressed paint finishes will bring texture to a scheme. Vintage items often have flaking paintwork

this look can be mimicked by a rubbed-back paint finish.

Monochrome schemes are simple and effective, whether they rely on the contrast between black and white or simply adhere to one colour choice. In this kitchen, salvaged louvre shutters retain their original paintwork, which brings interesting texture to the room.

Meanwhile, a tranquil all-white bathroom is prevented from feeling clinical thanks to its well-worn painted floorboards and the warm tones of the wood showing through.

COMPLEMENT AND CONTRAST

Dark and moody shades and monochrome schemes are part of a continuing trend that’s only growing in popularity. Rich, dark palettes work across many styles, from classic to ethnic, and provide an effective backdrop for furniture and decorative details. Far from stark, dark walls can offer a smart, tailored effect or a homely, cosy vibe

while a board covered in chalkboard paint allows for spontaneous creativity.

ALL IN THE DETAILS

Paint has transformative qualities. It can demarcate different zones in an open-plan space, as with this staircase.

In a home that’s lacking in architectural details, paint effects will add interest to white walls

Decorative details add depth – paint the back of a unit

the inside of a glazed cabinet. All for the price of a pot of paint!

LAYERED AND LIVED IN

Weathered, well-worn and scuffed finishes are a charming way to bring shabby-chic style and tactile touches to a home. Try lightly sanding down painted wood or mixing sand into your chosen paint for a textured finish. Chalk paint will also bring a subtle matt effect and can be used on furniture and decorative accessories, a technique that has been used cleverly on the large urn.

CREATE YOUR OWN

Paint is a simple, easily available and inexpensive means of decorating and there are many techniques and ideas to try. It’s a great way of adding colour to a home or introducing a change of pace or other visual interest. Paint is also the perfect way to reinvent something old and tired or to personalize an object. Best of all, it doesn’t cost the earth, especially if you use up leftovers and ask family if they have any to pass on. Crafting is also a good way to use up sample pots bought for colour testing. Have fun with paint and experiment with creative methods such as stamping, stencilling, colour-blocking and dipping.

WALL ART

Lift spirits in an instant with an eyecatching splash of seasonal shades. For a stylish colour-block effect, roll out a large piece of paper or white cotton or a ready-prepared canvas and tape off a central zone with masking tape. Now simply dab on your preferred paint (sample pot leftovers are ideal). Remove the tape while the paint is still a bit damp, then once it’s dry clip the paper to a rod or ruler and hang up with twine. Layering complementary colours adds variety and character.

PAINTED BASKETS

Add character to plain baskets by adding a bold band of contrasting colour. Apply masking tape to the surface of the basket to ensure neat edges, then sponge on your chosen shade with a foam-based brush for an even application that allows the texture of the weave to show through. Chalk paints are particularly good for this technique. Allow the paint to dry, then you’re all set to use your basket for storage or shopping.

FABRIC & TEXTILES

When it comes to picking fabric, in a soulful home the obvious choice will be natural fibres such as cotton, linen and wool. Also consider vintage options. All will bring comfort and add texture and warmth to a home.

Both decorative and functional, fabrics and other textiles are used on upholstery, to screen windows, to soften the floors beneath our feet and to dress our beds and keep us warm while we sleep. Snug or airy, robust or delicate, they soften hard edges, add elegance to simple settings, cover up less attractive pieces of furniture and bring personality to a home. They are also a perfect hand-me-down. Vintage textiles such as patchwork quilts and Welsh blankets can be repurposed or even fashioned into a new piece that holds fond memories and can be passed down through the generations.

Although synthetic fabrics have their uses, natural fibres are superior in appearance and texture. Look for Oeko-Tex certified textiles, which have been tested and certified to be free of harmful chemicals. Organic cotton is a good choice as it’s grown without pesticides or fertilizers – check for Organic Content Standard or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) labels. Hemp is a highly sustainable fibre as is linen, derived from the flax plant. Natural man-made fabrics include lyocell, which is manufactured from wood pulp and makes extremely soft bedding.

Fabrics and textiles are endlessly versatile – choose between luxurious velvet, quilted voile bedspreads, flatweave rugs and cool cotton sheeting, to name but a few. They can be dyed, printed, embroidered and embellished then pleated and pressed to make anything from a simple linen dishcloth to floor-length curtains. Our homes would not be the same without these textures to snuggle, stroke, drape or shelter beneath.

SOFT AND GENTLE

Fabric offers many different tones and textures. Undyed linen allows the sunlight to filter through, transforming it into something almost magical.

Velvet has a dense pile that begs to be stroked and makes for wonderfully inviting cushions. Interesting features such as pleats and tucks all add to the pleasing visual spectacle.

It also drapes beautifully, lending itself to graceful curtains.

appliquéing lace doilies to a simple white blind.

RECYCLING THE MEMORIES

There is a certain charm to vintage textiles. Sometimes this is down to the way they have been made and finished, especially if they are handmade. They may have developed a patina from years of use. Or perhaps we love them because they have been passed down the generations. Don’t be afraid to rethink their purpose, using a bedpread to cover a sofa

tray cloth as a curtain, for example.

Alternatively, vintage textures can be upcycled. Try embroidering an old fabric lampshade

SCREEN AND SEW

Clipped up, draped or tied in place, a simple length of fabric can be used to create an instant screen to provide privacy, block sunlight or both.

While more formal curtains have their place, a sheet doubled over a pole can work just as well. Winter months call for cosy textures such as pleated velvet, nubbly bouclé, hand knits and even faux fur.

Table linens in subdued pastel shades are perfect when spring arrives.

ADD PATTERN AND COLOUR

Cushions are a brilliant way to add a flash of colour or a pattern pop to lift a cosy corner, as seen on this daybed. They are an inexpensive way to be bold and add character, even humour, to your home. As your confidence grows, introduce more pattern or colour for an individual look.

CREATE YOUR OWN

Making something with fabric can seem a little intimidating to a non-sewer, but there are plenty of no-sew options. Fabric can be wrapped, draped, clipped and stapled into place. There are also crafts that rely on tying techniques, such as ragging and plaiting, where only a pair of scissors is required. Heat-bonded tape enables fabrics to be fixed together when hemming curtains, for example. Stitching simple square cushions is a good place for beginners to start, and for confident sewers, the options are endless – patchwork, appliqué, needlepoint, embroidery and quilting are just a few.

DOILY-STENCILLED CUSHIONS

This is a lovely way to update old linens and cushions using paper doilies as a ready-made stencil. With the fabric laid flat on a table, tape the doily to the material on one side. Using a dryish brush, dab eco-friendly fabric paint onto the doily. The secret is not to overload the brush, as then you will lose the intricacies of the doily design. Allow to dry thoroughly before ironing the reverse of the fabric to fix the paint.

BUTTONED NAPKINS

Update plain table napkins with attractive vintage or repurposed buttons snipped from clothing. If you don’t have plain napkins, look on ebay for matching sets. Simply press the napkins, then attach the buttons to one corner with a couple of firm stitches so they are secured in place. There’s no need for precision – a randomly scattered look is the aim here.