Secrets of a happy home 

Secrets of a happy home

Calming colours, natural materials and a pared-back approach are all it takes to create a sense of wellbeing in your living space, say interiors bloggers Amy Brandhorst and Athina Bluff. Their philosophy? If your house is relaxed, you will be, too!  

Circular shapes soften the look of a room and create a sense of balance

Left: Plants purify the air by removing harmful toxins. Right: Circular shapes soften the look of a room and create a sense of balance

If you work from home, place your desk by a window to enhance creativity

Furniture with clean lines keeps a space minimal

Left: If you work from home, place your desk by a window to enhance creativity. Right: Furniture with clean lines keeps a space minimal

Pare back and relax: Creating a clutter-free hallway sets the tone for the rooms to follow,’ says Athina. ‘Take the time to declutter your whole house so that you are left with only things that you love.’ The result? Everything will be a pleasure to use. Rattan baskets can double up as planters and are great for tidying away accessories

Pare back and relax: Creating a clutter-free hallway sets the tone for the rooms to follow,’ says Athina. ‘Take the time to declutter your whole house so that you are left with only things that you love.’ The result? Everything will be a pleasure to use. Rattan baskets can double up as planters and are great for tidying away accessories

Go green and serene: ‘Use colour psychology to enhance your home design,’ says Amy. Green tones are believed to subconsciously connect us with nature and create a calm space. ‘Try sticking to a palette of no more than three hues that you are naturally drawn to; and different shades of the same colour will give a sense of cohesion.’ A combination of pale green, sage and emerald will feel understated yet full of depth. For a similar beaded chandelier, try thefrenchbedroomcompany.co.uk. The bar stools are by hay.dk

Go green and serene: ‘Use colour psychology to enhance your home design,’ says Amy. Green tones are believed to subconsciously connect us with nature and create a calm space. ‘Try sticking to a palette of no more than three hues that you are naturally drawn to; and different shades of the same colour will give a sense of cohesion.’ A combination of pale green, sage and emerald will feel understated yet full of depth. For a similar beaded chandelier, try thefrenchbedroomcompany.co.uk. The bar stools are by hay.dk

Celebrate imperfections: Eschew clinical schemes in favour of a loosened-up, back-to-basics effect. In this bathroom, exposed brickwork, plenty of foliage and metal elements create a natural textural look. ‘The key is to incorporate some concealed, integrated storage too to prevent clutter build-up and keep the space looking fresh and clean,’ says Athina

Celebrate imperfections: Eschew clinical schemes in favour of a loosened-up, back-to-basics effect. In this bathroom, exposed brickwork, plenty of foliage and metal elements create a natural textural look. ‘The key is to incorporate some concealed, integrated storage too to prevent clutter build-up and keep the space looking fresh and clean,’ says Athina

 

  • If you’d like to find out more about ‘detoxing’ your home, go to Amy and Athina’s website topologyinteriors.com. They will also be running workshops in conjunction with Habitat throughout March. For details, visit habitat.co.uk/smallspaceliving

 

Pendant light, £317, nordicnest.com. Bookcase, £195, habitat.co.uk. Sleep oil, £35, conranshop.co.uk. Media unit, £1,609, nest.co.uk. Throw, £65, trouva.com. Vase, £28, amara.com

Pendant light, £317, nordicnest.com. Bookcase, £195, habitat.co.uk. Sleep oil, £35, conranshop.co.uk. Media unit, £1,609, nest.co.uk. Throw, £65, trouva.com. Vase, £28, amara.com