DEMYSTIFYING DÉCOR MYTHS by Kelai Wanjiru

The world of interior décor and design has fast gained popularity in Kenya and people are now more conscious of aesthetic appeal and elegance in their living and working spaces. Regardless of personal style, size or location, a lot of time and energy goes into design, and while taste and preference takes priority in this exercise, most people’s decisions are influenced by traditional décor myths. Well, they are just that – myths – and as we delve deeper into design this Christmas period at Thika Road Mall, we demystify some of these myths to help you create a personal space that’s beautiful and inviting.

The holidays are here with us and families are out to make the most of the Christmas spirit by shopping in various malls in Nairobi and Kenya at large.  Why not do this by sprucing up your interiors from our top stores at TRM – the value mall.

Décor Myth No. 1

Walls Painted White Make A Room Seem Large

This couldn’t be further from the truth. While white is a good colour on the wall because it is clean, it is monotonous across the wall. While most of our homes have this feature, it is good to change this myth. Uniformity in colour makes the eye steady, thus it doesn’t matter what colour is on the wall, whether black, yellow, orange – uniformity is what makes the room feel larger, not the colour. Remember, different colours may make a room feel small and cluttered, but they do instill a lively and intimate feel in the room.

Décor Myth No. 2

The Sofa Must Be Placed Against The Wall

Common with 90% of Kenyan homes, this is a myth that we must dispel at all costs. Who said that the sofa has to lean against the longest wall of the room? Try to be creative with the placement of furniture. Place the sofa on the opposite side of the wall, or create a walk way between the sofa and the wall, or place it an angle? One does not need to place furniture the same way it was done in your mother’s and grandmother’s home. Experiment and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Décor Myth No. 3

One Must Buy A Whole Set Of Sofas That Match

This is another myth that guides most homeowners when building, renovating or re-designing the living space. One does not have to have the same sofa set – different is special, so choose to have one three seater and a vintage seat at a strategic corner. Apart from being unique, this gives the illusion of space and makes movement easy across the room.

Décor Myth No 4.

It’s Easy To Decorate With Neutral Colours

Yes – we said a myth is just a myth, but all myths have some element of truth, and this is one of them. However, this can easily make one lazy when designing or decorating your home, office or hotel. Elements such as flooring cannot be easily replaced or removed from the design process, but variety changes the look of a room. Imagine that your walls were ivory, buy ivory or cream seats, match the coffee and dining tables – you will end up with a large cream-ivory box, which is very unappealing. Create a colour scheme that revolves around one basic colour that’s the foundation of your space – so add contrast by playing with elements and colours that compliment the main colour of the room.