Interior design fans will know that layering new, on-trend décor finds with always-chic pieces is the key to bringing personality to your home. But like any work of art, it can be hard to know where to start.Luckily, interior designer and stylist Gretchen Lowe has advice for people looking to make their mark with their décor choices. She recently styled this brand-new, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home on Richardson Rd in Mt Roskill, using pieces from The Warehouse's covetable new home collections.
When it comes to larger items such as sofas and dining furniture, consider these as foundational pieces that will anchor your décor for several years. Once you have a solid foundation in place, you’re free to update and mix and match accessories such as cushions and throws.
"These larger items are almost like the little black dress of your home. They need to be versatile, adaptable and always stylish, so you want to choose timeless pieces. Consider the quality of materials and functionality, and how you're going to use them. You want to choose pieces that are going to be suitable for your family, and possibly a growing family. For these bigger items you want to consider neutral tones and natural textures, and materials such as wood or metal, which can transition through different trends," Gretchen says.
Start your property search
"In this home I have included the Living & Co Hudson 3 Seater Oatmeal Sofa, which is comfortable and versatile and suits many interior design styles."
Of course, choosing a good sofa is about more than how it looks. "A sofa is a visual centrepiece for your lounge, but it also needs to be a practical investment. Prioritise comfort, durability and flexibility."
Future-proofing is important – does your sofa suit your family? "Have a think about how you will be using it. Will it only be used occasionally, or will it be cosy seating for movie night with young children?"
Gretchen says it pays to look for a sofa with a sturdy frame. "The Hudson sofa here has a wooden frame and legs. It feels like it's a lovely quality sofa and it has a really classic shape."
Choosing a dining table and seating is also a decision that needs to be based around practicality as well as aesthetics. "Again, it depends on your lifestyle. If it's for casual, everyday family meals you might like to consider materials that are easy to clean."
The Living & Co Wanaka Dining Suite from The Warehouse is made from solid pine. "The dining table is such a high-traffic item, so you want to choose one that's able to handle wear and tear. What's great about natural timber is that even if it gets a scratch on it, the timber still looks beautiful as it ages."
Gretchen adds the Wanaka Dining Suite is perfect for our warm and welcoming Kiwi lifestyle. "It has an approachable, relaxed feeling to it, with a casual vibe. Its bench seating is so flexible – it's easy enough to shuffle along to seat guests when you're entertaining, or the kids have a friend over."
Classic-but-not-necessarily-traditional looks such as a blue and white palette, stripes, wicker and timber accents can really elevate an interior. "These modern classics really add depth and a sense of grounding to your space," Gretchen says.
Blue and white always look crisp together, but the combo can be updated with playful motifs, as shown with The Warehouse’s Living & Co Sadie printed bowls.
Wicker brings texture and warmth, and a relaxed, organic feel. "Wicker is beautiful for indoors and outdoors. It is on-trend, but it's been around for decades, and it's one of those things that will continue to evolve. I love wicker and timber for their warmth and charm."
Stripes introduce crisp, clean pattern. "They can give a room structure. They're quite bold, and they can add a bit of sophistication without being too formal, perfect for the way Kiwis like to live.”
Get inspired by The Warehouse’s new-season drops by visiting thewarehouse.co.nz or check out the range at The Warehouse near you.
