A while ago, I was in Madrid for a short work trip. With a bit of spare time before my flight, I took the opportunity to explore some of the city centre.
I came across a beautiful store called Purificacion Garcia, which sells a mixture of fashion and home accessories. What I liked most about it was the interior; because it didn’t look much like a shop at all. It was more like walking through someone’s home – and a very stylish one at that!
It got me thinking how retail interiors can often be a great source of decorating inspiration. And I found so many design ideas there that you could use in your own home.
One of the design features I particularly liked was the blend of contrasting materials: warm wood, industrial concrete, tactile carpet and smooth leather. The colours and textures combine to give the interior real depth.
Using two different types of flooring side by side is an interesting idea. It might not work too well on a narrow staircase. But it’s something you could try in your hallway leading into your lounge (rather than a traditional runner in the centre).
Using alcoves as bookshelves is always a great way to maximise space and storage. And the addition of lighting turns them into a focal point.
The recessed stair lighting adds such atmosphere, don’t you think?
A minimalist open fireplace was a very original and unexpected feature to find in the store. But creates a rather dramatic effect. If you’re lucky enough to have a gas fire, pairing it back so the attention is drawn to the fire works very well.
Rather than using only one colour, having modular storage units in different shades of wood creates a more interesting display. You can also try a similar effect using floating shelves.
Make a feature of your accessories such as bags, scarves or toiletries. Not only will it keep them organised, but the coloured accessories also add a decorative element to your room.
What design ideas do you like? Please tell me in the comments below …