WIN a €100 voucher and an interior design consultation with Wioletta Kelly

In the last 16 months, our lives have completely changed. We now value our health above all else and we’re starting to enjoy the freedoms we once took for granted.

We’re also reassessing the way we live. Our homes became our sanctuaries as we sought more comfort, searched for ways to add smart storage and reimagined our outdoor spaces as ones that really worked for us. While award-winning garden designer Leonie Cornelius has gardens covered (and is giving away a one-to-one garden consultation with her), I want to concentrate on indoors and how to elevate your interiors with fresh trends and long-term style. Let’s dive right in.

Plus, enter the competition below to WIN a €100 voucher towards home accessories and a free interior design consultation.

Autumn design tips

Wall panelling

Wall panelling is very much in right now but really, it has been around for centuries and is a great way to add texture and warmth to any room without creating clutter. If you like traditional style, then wall beading (or, as some people call it, wall framing) will be right for you. This style looks particularly strong in hallways, on a wall behind a dining table or in a bedroom behind the headboard. It’s also a very budget-friendly option. You can get a wall framing kit on bathshack.ie or get your carpenter to do it for you.

If you prefer a more modern option, wall slats are the way to go. They are usually attached vertically with small gaps in between. They can be used as a whole feature wall or just on parts to make them stand out. Painted or kept wooden they guarantee some wow factor in any home.  

Wave curtains

Wave curtains are the new way of dressing windows. Draping from ceiling to floor and hung on an invisible track, they ooze luxury. They look stunning with large sliding doors in an open space like a living-kitchen-dining room or with smaller windows in cosy bedrooms or sitting rooms. 

Natural elements

These days are all about making our homes look and feel cosy and natural materials are the way to go. Think earthy colour palettes (check out Aluna, Standing Tall and Valkriss, all by Colourtrend), wicker lampshades, rattan or wooden furniture, stone-effect vases and metal accents. It’s all about layering textures. Think of them like married couples: opposites attract. Mix cool finishes with warmer ones, like glass with wood, mirror with linen or metal with wool to spice things up. 

Make it happen

If you’ve been putting off your dream home makeover, 2021 is the year you can make it happen with a loan from An Post Money or by entering our giveaway to get you started.

Their great interest rates mean you’ll have flexibility and peace of mind for other aspects of your life throughout the repayment process.

Plus, their online eligibility check and loan calculator give you the freedom to work out what you could afford in advance of drawdown, again offering you the flexibility to choose an option that works for you.

You can find out more from Wioletta on her Instagram, where she shares lots more decorating tips.

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Avantcard DAC trading as Avant Money is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. An Post acts a credit intermediary on behalf of Avantcard DAC who provide loans and credit card services and facilities. An Post trading as An Post Money is authorised as a credit intermediary by the CCPC. Lending criteria T&Cs apply.