Maintaining a home

Using textures to add luxury - Ep 8

01 August 2019

Channel Nine’s The Block judge and Suncorp ambassador Shaynna Blaze presents a series of tips and tricks that can help you save money and add value to your home.

Adding a little luxury to your home doesn’t always mean bringing in the builders or spending big. Taking a few pro tips from interior design experts such as Shaynna Blaze can help you focus your spending in the right areas and make sure you get bang for buck.

Save on style

Before you head to the shops armed with Shaynna’s advice, make sure you’re getting the best deal. If you’re a customer of one of these brands within the Suncorp Network – AAMI, Apia, GIO, Shannons, CIL or Suncorp – then the new Suncorp App can let you access discounts from stores such as David Jones, Myer, Kmart, Target, The Good Guys, Freedom, and more. See how you can style your home and save.

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Episode 8

The great thing about adding texture to your space, is it can relieve the pressure of using prints, patterns and colour to add interest.

Often patterns and colours can be on trend one minute and then out of fashion the next, but natural textures can go from season to season.

Here are a few ideas on textures that can add luxury.

Cushions and throws made from natural fibres.

Alpaca wool throws look great and are cozy too.

Throws and cushions are easy and affordable to replace to stay up with trends

Large rugs are excellent for grounding furniture

Velvet cushions can add a sense of luxury

Invest in quality white linen sheets for everyday luxury

Create contrast with textures - Use a leather ottoman with a fabric couch, and add large, chunky knitted cushions

Another texture many people don’t think about is light. You can add texture to your space through clever lighting.

Watch on to see how lighting changes your space.

How using different textures can luxe up your living

Avoid using prints and patterns

A lot of us will gravitate towards bright prints and patterns when we’re decorating (or re-decorating) our space. After, all they can add an eye-catching pop of colour, and who doesn’t love that?

But trends can be fickle, says Shaynna. Patterns and colours can often be the hottest of on-trend choices one minute, then look dated and out of fashion the next. Well chosen natural textures can see you through season after season.

Cushions and throws

Cushions and throws are a great way to keep up with textural trends and keep your space feeling special. They’re affordable, simple to style with, and easy to replace if you want to refresh your living room or keep up with trends.

Look for cushions and throws made from natural fibres. Alpaca wool throws are a perfect example of something that is as functional as it is visually appealing – they look great, and they’re also nice and cosy for those winter movie nights on the couch.

Velvet cushions can add a sense of luxury, while large floor rugs are excellent for grounding your furniture.

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Create contrast with textures

Creating contrast with your chosen textures is a good way to generate visual interest, ensuring that your space has enough flair to impress the guests at your next dinner party.

For example, you could pair a leather ottoman with a fabric couch, which you then dress with large, chunky knitted cushions. Different combinations can achieve different effects, so feel free to have a play.

Back: Low cost upgrades to fixtures and fittings - Ep 7

Next: How lighting changes a space - Ep 9