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Expert tips to transform your home into a sanctuary

Karla Coles, Owner and Director of Archipelago Interiors shares her tips to transform your place of residence into one of complete bliss.



Arguably one of the most incredible parts of travelling is when you first step foot into your five-star hotel and feel the wave of joy, bliss and relaxation wash over you. You take a deep breath in, inhaling the lobby's crisp aroma, and let the serenity sink in. While residing in a luxury hotel sounds enticing, it is not a reality for many of us, yet the ambience created in such places can be mirrored at home.


I sit down with Karla Coles to discuss how to transform a home into a 'sanctuary'.


What is a 'sanctuary' in terms of one's home?


The key to creating a 'sanctuary' is to get clear on what that means to you, acccording to Karla. "A sanctuary, by definition, is a place of peace, rest and safety. How this translates aesthetically to your home and its style is unique to every individual. Understanding our clients' personalities and how they live their life in the spaces we create for them is integral to the brief."


Karla recommends getting clear on what creates calm for you before investing in homeware and decor. "Your sanctuary should be an authentic representation of your personality and a space where you feel most at peace."



What is the biggest styling mistake people make when trying to create this calm space?


"Hoarding and lack of cohesion", Karla says. Keeping things simple, clean and rhythmic is vital when it comes to transforming a space into a haven. "It is difficult to feel serene and calm in a space that is disjoined, chaotic and cluttered."



What are your three no-fail tips to follow to take a home to more of a haven?


  1. "Keep your home clean and tidy. The most beautifully decorated home will always look and feel chaotic and unappealing if it's not well presented

  2. Create layered and textured vignettes with meaningful touches such as your favourite flowers next to a framed image and a unique ornament that has significance. Perhaps your purchased it on a trip or it reflects your interests

  3. A well-styled home should have a considered theme, however, it shouldn't be cliche. Don't be afraid to mix materials. Raw timber with natural stone and accents of brass all work well together to create a sense of warmth. Juxtaposed styling done well is a very effective way to create visually interesting homes. "



What are your go-to items to achieve this?


"I have personal favourites, however, items that reflect my personality may not be relatable to someone else. For example, I love summer and the ocean and a warm space, so I have a lot of white in my home to brighten and lighten it." Karla says adding light isn't as hard as it seems and has some easy hacks to achieve this: "I use lamps and natural material in furnishings to create texture and warmth. Vintage photography of European summers inspires me and [I fill my space with] plenty of greenery to bring the outside in."


 

You can follow Archipelago Interiors on Instagram here.



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