Five tips to follow when furnishing your home

Sofas are normally chosen for their timeless quality so that they’ll suit an interior regardless of changing trends. Occasionally though you’ll still want to refresh the space – and accessories are a great way of doing so.

During Softrend’s interior design night, designer Katariina Kalda used practical examples to show how a sofa can be given a new look through the use of accessories.

Here are the five principles we learned:

1) In order for an accent colour to truly make an impact, it should be repeated across a number of elements – for example, one major feature (such as a large vase, carpet or sofa cushions) and two minor features (such as accessories on a shelf, a small vase or candles).

2) Carpet is a crucial element of interior design. Your choice of carpet isn’t one you should leave to the last minute when planning your interior – weigh up different options from the very start. Perhaps the colour you choose will add an important nuance to your overall concept.

3) Buy fewer items, but higher-quality ones. Society at large is coming to understand that we need to cast a critical eye over our consumption habits. Don’t buy things for your home just to fill in the gaps on a shelf or to show that you’re keeping up with the latest trends. Take your time, save up enough money and make informed choices – pick things that won’t lose their value and that will always leave you feeling happy you bought them.

4) Trends are more about inspiring people and broadening their horizons than they are the ‘one and only choice’ at any given point. Trust your instincts and be guided by your taste. Trends come and go, and lots of different styles are always in fashion at the same time.

5) Don’t forget that creating a home is an ongoing process, like growing as a person. Your preferences change over time, which is perfectly normal. You don’t need to do everything at once. Build up your coffers and your store of patience where accessories are concerned, too – because they play a major role in dictating the mood of a room.