Brighten up your living space the simple way

Minor decluttering and making practical use of natural light may be basic and economical techniques in brightening up a house or apartment, but lighting, wall colour and choice of furniture are also crucial elements. Budget, space and a list of functions should be drawn up before embarking on furnishing and redecoration, said John Shostrom, founder of JS Design Hong Kong. The next step is to work out how furniture, lighting techniques and wall colours can effectively create bright and spacious living quarters, be they large or small. 'Use furniture that is scaled for comfortable living and keep pieces that have personal importance,' Shostrom said. 'Furniture should be placed logically, where it is easy to get to and doesn't interfere with the traffic flow, particularly in a smaller flat.' It is also wise to keep furniture that serves a variety of purposes. 'For instance, a wonderful chest that was once in the hallway in a larger home can be used in the dining room, living room or beside a bed for storage in a smaller flat. Bookshelves can be placed in the living area if there is no dedicated study room.' A common mistake is placing miniscule furniture in a small space. 'Not only is it uncomfortable, but doll's house-sized furniture will only make an already small space seem even smaller,' he said. Wall colours can help tremendously in reflecting a brighter environment, and painting is one of the easiest and cheapest things to do. Shostrom said there were no set rules for wall colours because a well-designed home should complement the inhabitant's personality and lifestyle. 'Don't be afraid to make mistakes - you can always paint it again. I often opt for custom blends of taupe to reflect one's complexion well and create a restful backdrop. Such colours also visually minimise small corners and sharp angles, creating an impression of depth and infinity.' The use of warmer and brighter colours, such as red, yellow and orange, can be overwhelming if not used correctly. Adding punches of colour with artwork, accessories, fabrics and rugs from room to room breathes more life into the flat instead of bathing a space all in one shade. Paintings, for instance, could be positioned to 'anchor' blank spaces and augment furniture, although he advised not to hang them too high and to always group smaller pieces together. 'Don't be afraid to bring warmth and personality into an interior. All too often, people make the mistake of creating sterile, lifeless environments,' he said. Aside from lending visual comfort and providing varying levels of illumination, the aesthetic aspects of lighting play a major role in setting the tone and mood of the inhabitants. 'Good lighting is absolutely critical but what can be installed depends on ceiling height, budget and whether one owns or rents,' Shostrom said. He said low-energy bulbs that emitted low levels of illumination could be used in table lamps and placed in intimate spaces. Halogen, which emits a white light similar to natural daylight, is especially useful in spotlights used to highlight artwork, accessories and interesting pieces of furniture. Also, the sparkle of reflections from the objects can create a cheerful disposition. One important aspect is to always use dimmers, even on table lamps and in bathrooms and kitchens, to produce visual harmony. 'Avoid lighting that makes too much statement. It should always be warm and comfortable and never harsh because bright, intense light agitates. Avoid the use of fluorescent light in intimate spaces such as bedrooms. In dedicated work areas, such as kitchens and study rooms, it is important to have lighting that minimises shadows and effectively bathes the work surface in a clean, even light,' he said. Shostrom was involved in the interior and exterior designs of 59 serviced flats at Chi Residences 314 in Jordan. He revamped his 750 sqft flat because it was 'depressing and suicidal' and had 'all the charm of a prison cell'. 'I wanted to make more use of the natural light and create an interior that was lighter and airier during the day, yet cosier and more intimate at night.' However, he said that creating a space in a flat with fixed perimeter walls took a great deal of planning and efficiency was required. 'Consider consulting with a professional designer before embarking on any contracting or renovations because they will be able to spot any potential and costly mistakes, guide the client in the right direction and help them create an environment that is uniquely theirs in style, function and personality,' he said.