DÉCOR | 5 quick fixes to update your space

#1 Trendy pinks and oranges

We've always been inspired by Doreen de Waal's brave colour choices and we love her latest bedroom makeover, boasting fresh pinks and oranges.

"I've always loved pink and I thought: why not?" says Doreen, owner of inAWEstays.

"My daughter now lives in the Netherlands and I thought her bedroom was the perfect space for a fresh look. The orange jazzes up the pink and makes it exciting. I love that it's cheerful and jolly."

The reaction from visitors? Some are stunned and others simply love it!

Doreen's top tips

• From soft pink to a more robust fuchsia, there's a shade to suit every style.

• Don't be afraid to combine pink with other colours - or even different shades of pink.

• You don't have to paint an entire room pink, as I've done. You can create an accent wall or even paint just part of a wall. This works well when using more than one shade in a room.

Did you know?

Peach Fuzz is Pantone's Colour of the Year 2024. Subtly sensual, this velvety hue communicates a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration.

Pantone selected Rooibos Tea for the New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 palette. A full-bodied red imbued with rich, woodsy notes, it's reminiscent of a dress that's been stowed away in a cedar chest for a long while, says Leatrice Eiseman of Pantone.

Back in time with a modern twist

Paint it . . . and love it!

Ceramics with curves

Coral for warmth

A bright shade of coral brings warmth to Justin du Piesanie and Ricardo Rodrigues's dining room in their 1940s Johannesburg home.

"The shade changes according to the lighting," says Justin. "In the evenings, it's more red in combination with the mood lighting offered by salt lamps, and on bright days it appears more pink. We love the colour because it creates a comforting, cosy space and adds an element of drama. It's not a subdued colour - it's a bit in your face!"

The orange works well with the mid-century style of the room.

"We love this classic look because it can be adapted to suit different aesthetics," explains Justin.

"It can work in a minimalist scenario, as well as in a more adventurous setting. We've collected the artworks over time; we enjoy a variety of styles from graphic to classic."

#2 Touch it, feel it

Texture is everything, especially when it comes to neutral colour schemes. According to Christoff Steyn of Plus Architects and Interiors, the popular cooler greys of the past decade are slowly but surely being replaced by warmer natural colours.

"I'd rather use whites with warm undertones and combine them with colour accents or natural elements," says Christoff. "To break the whites, I love adding strong colours or patterns."

What constitutes texture?

It includes anything from a fabric one can physically touch to the pattern created by the shade from a tree, or different colour combinations. The sky is the limit!

Why texture?

The allure of texture cannot be underestimated. When you explore fabric in a shop, it invites you to touch it! Consider the quality and longevity of the fabric so it doesn't end up on a dump later on.

Christoff's must-haves

Mungo's Vrou-Vrou blanket

Waffle weave as boasted by Mungo's Vrou-Vrou blanket in Tamarind (from R3 655), designed by Lenore Schroeder, adds a pop of colour and South African inspiration.

Bins from Rwanda

Hand-woven items such as these bins from Wakoyo (from R699) create a statement. They're also kind to nature as they are handmade from recycled materials in Rwanda.

Felt storage baskets

These baskets are made of recycled plastic bottles from The Joinery (R395 each) are exquisite, especially in black.

#3 A panel for every wall

Wall panels have made a serious comeback - and you can do it yourself! Wall panelling can be used to create all kinds of unique finishes, as explained by ASI Architectural and Decorating Centre Online:

Wainscoting is a classic finish, and the term was originally derived from a wood species. It's now applied to any panelling covering the lower section of a wall, up to a metre high.

Using panelling to create contrast gives a room a classic look. Thanks to PVC options, it can also be used successfully in bathrooms.

Shaker style or board and batten Currently, this is the type of panelling we see the most. A shaker panel design usually covers an entire wall and utilises wooden battens to create a repeating square shape.

Of course, people add their own spin, replacing the square with a rectangle, for example. When not at full ceiling height, the panelling style is often referred to as board and batten, which references the moulding placed over the joint between the boards.

Shiplap or tongue-and-groove Popular in coastal homes, a shiplap style of panelling refers to a wall covered in milled lengths of timber board. You can apply these vertically or horizontally.

Wood slats have been popular for some years now, with their origins in acoustic panelling which affects how sound moves around a room. They look great when left natural but whitewashing them or painting them a solid colour such as sage green is also popular.

Geometric wood panelling calls for creativity! Apply an abstract geometric design to your walls for a modern, eye-catching touch.

Mix and match There's no need to limit yourself to one kind of panelling. With so many options out there, it's easy to find a couple that will work perfectly together. Consider combining different colours and textures as well as natural and synthetic materials.

Sources asiarchitectural.com; decoratingcentreonline.co.za

#4 Contemporary light fittings

Old light fittings can date a room quickly; simply replace a pendant or chandelier with something more contemporary for a fresh feel. Jenny Collins of Red Cat Design suggests checking out the latest trends to help you select new fittings:

Replace old and tired pendant lights with new ones in organic shapes and natural materials such as timber, rattan and bamboo.

A table or standing lamp offers an effortless way to inject fresh life and light into a space. Look for one in a highly polished metal finish.

Retro and vintage styles remain popular; swap out uninspired fittings for those that suit your 1970s or heritage home, reinforcing its architectural style.

Add LED strips to the underside of shelves to highlight a display of pretty collectables.

Sustainability is important, so get creative: find an old lampshade in a beautiful shape then strip it, paint it and add an attractive light bulb.

Lighting trends

Interior designers Nicoll Lamb and Janine Lusted of Lusted & Lamb share their top tips for choosing light fittings in the year ahead:

Let nature be your muse In 2024, using natural elements remains on trend. Materials such as rattan, bamboo, wood and stone add visual interest and warmth. This trend seamlessly blends with various interior design styles. Add a statement piece or two and transform your home into an inviting retreat.

Add a metallic touch Metallic tones continue to dominate showrooms this year.

Adding a hint of gold will create a luxe look and be on the lookout for low-shine bronze and aged brass for a classic aesthetic. Tip If you're on a budget, use metallic spray paint to transform an old light fitting.

Vintage glam Art Deco shapes have gained momentum and include statement pieces characterised by geometric patterns and symmetrical designs. Often made with a metallic finish, they add an elegant touch.

Create a mood with smoked glass A timeless addition to modern interiors, the muted tones of smoked glass add a touch of class, without being overpowering. In a bedroom, they create a moody and sophisticated look.

Go cordless Rechargeable and portable LED lights are ideal for load-shedding.

#5 Go wild!

While there's definitely a place for decorating rules and trends, there is much to be said for enjoying your own unique style. That's precisely what we love about Tammy Walker's Johannesburg home; it's full of bright colours and patterns - and tigers!

As the owner of kaftan business and brand Dollhouse by Tamryn Walker, Tammy often travels to India, which has proved to be an endless source of inspiration.

"I adore the qualities of a tiger," she says. "They are strong, exotic creatures - just like me. Tigers take pride of place in my home, reminding me that I am fierce yet feminine.

"My love of colour has a huge impact on my business and my kaftans serve as a ‘palette' in my home. I've always been drawn to the many cultural ‘melting pots' around the world. The more diverse prints and patterns and shades, the better. I will never grow tired of vibrant colours!"

When visiting her home, friends and family find magic in every corner.

"They describe my sense of style and d cor as ‘brave' and say they wish they had the courage to fill their own homes with the same kind of passion!" Tammy doesn't believe in balancing colour in her home.

"I just keep adding more," she says with a smile. "I love flowers and every room is very often filled with them. Adding colour is a priority for me."

Go green

A unique fruit bowl