ADDING A MODERN TOUCH TO YOUR LIVING ROOM
When it comes to decorating, I have plenty of ideas of what I want to do, but don't always have the time or effort to do anything. Next year this will change. My husband and I have decided to work on adding some personal touches to our house and including some of our own personal style. We both like a minimal look, but with a mix of old and new furniture. We also want to make the space feel more open. I thought that I would share how you could modernise your space a little bit.

PLAY AROUND WITH DIFFERENT WINDOW COVERINGS
It's quite easy to stick with traditional blinds or throw some curtains up in a colour scheme that you like, but you can always change the whole feel of a room using different styles of blinds. If our house was a bit bigger, we would love some interesting blinds. We have some plain white blinds, but you can get some interesting ones from places like Direct Blinds...
ADD MODERN LIGHTING
Gone are the days of boring lampshades. Or for us, not quite! You can instantly modernise a room by adding in some interesting light fixtures. You could add elements of metal, or even glass. Adding in some geometric shapes can also make the lighting more of a focal point in the room, and adds a bit more glamour to any room. You could even add a neon sign to the wall to make a focal point in the room.

CHOOSE A SOOTHING COLOUR PALLETE
I'm actually a huge fan of white and grey walls, although I may add in some cool blue tones when it comes to adding in textiles. Blue is such a calming colour and immediately reminds me of the beach. Adding in some cool tones, rather than bold, bright colours can really modernise your space and make it a calmer place to hang out in. Mix the light colour palette with some dark furniture and that is our dream room!
BRING NATURE INSIDE
I'm allergic to flowers, but adding in some plants can really add something to a room. Adding something from outside into your space can change it completely, and I feel like it makes you think you are in a lighter and more airy space. I love adding cacti to my windows, and we have a nice leafy plant in our small entrance to instantly set the feel of the room. You can even use fake plants to add some colour and nature to the room. Either way, it can instantly modernise your space.

These are just a few ideas on how to add a modern touch to your living room. I hope to update you soon with our own style of decoration...if we ever get the time and motivation!
SARAH HUGHES
