Fostering creativity in your living room through decor

Your home is often the only space you have to be creative. You might have a full-time job and do more creative work in your spare time. You might have a family and are looking for ways to instill a strong sense of creative play in your little ones.

Creativity-seekers of the world: this post is for you and your interior design. We’ve been chatting on ways we invite inspiration into our homes and today we’re sharing our top advice with you, from colour choices, accessories, textures and more.

Inspiring colours to kickstart creative thinking

Colors have a profound impact on mood and creativity. Consider incorporating colours that are known to stimulate creativity, such as blues, greens, and purples. However, the right colour can vary from person to person, so choose hues that personally inspire you.

Colours, as you might have guessed, affect emotions and mood, just as much as access to natural light, or as much as how much water you’re drinking (note: drink more water). Thinking in terms of colour psychology, science and emotion are woven intricately together. - Productivity, remote work, and the psychology of colour

So, what is the psychology behind colours? Here are some popular shades and why they work:

• Green is a tranquil hue known to enhance focus, serving as a neutral alternative to the warmth and alertness associated with red, akin to warning signs or traffic lights.
• Blue exudes a calming influence, imbuing the room with a sense of serenity. This can be conducive to maintaining a creative atmosphere. Dive in: Find calm with the restful 'Classic Blue'
• Purple reigns as the colour of creativity and inspiration, making it an excellent option to stimulate imaginative thinking.
• Black or grey tones can add a modern twist.
• Creative homes don't have to be a riot of colour: whites and neutral tones have their purposes too. They induce a sense of a 'blank slate' in the mind, offering a spacious feel that aids in decluttering thoughts, making them an excellent choice to foster creativity and clear thinking within your home. Learn more: Our Guide to...Decorating with Neutrals

The creative energy of houseplants

It’s a sad fact of life that with more people than ever before living and working in urban environments, we just don’t get out enough these days. But that doesn't mean you can't bring outside to you. Did you know that plants in the office can increase employee creativity by 45%? If it has this effect on the workplace, imagine what plants can do for your home!

"Biophilic design uses features or patterns that elicit a similar mental and physical response to those we have when we're in nature. It's not just literally bringing nature to a space, but also considering natural light, fresh air and replicating the cosy or stimulating feelings that nature evokes in us." – Interior designer and biophilia expert Oliver Heath

We've written about the power of plants here a lot, so we're sharing our key tips:

Flowers, flowers everywhere:

"With the right combination of materials and finishes, you can create an open, romantic interior design concept that reflects your personal style. To create an accessible, romantic interior design concept, pay attention to the materials and finishes you’re working with. Bringing in natural elements to a room, such as potted plants, woven baskets, and natural wood furniture can provide a calming and soothing atmosphere. Introducing ferns, orchids, and bromeliads, can help to bring a sense of peace and serenity." Keep reading: Spring home decorating ideas from our 2023 Trends.

Introduce other natural elements:

"While introducing greenery is a vital part of the biophilic approach, there are more subtle ways to reference the natural world, such as selecting a gentle, nature-inspired colour palette. Botanical patterns are another great way to bring nature into the bedroom. Fabrics and wallpapers with floral or jungle-inspired designs make a cheerful nod to the natural world and serve to 'bring the outside in'. Fruity motifs are trendy now, as are patterns featuring monkeys, ferns and palm leaves." - Keep reading: Biophilic bedrooms: a natural approach to a good night's sleep

Feng shui, plants and the workspace:

"Add plants that improve the overall look and feel of your workspace, and make sure to take care of them: dead and dying plants are a haven for bad energy – kind of what we’d call bad feng shui. If you were to go big into feng shui principles, you’d see that east, southeast, and south areas of an interior space are excellent feng shui areas to decorate with plants. Why are they excellent? Because plants in these positions help to infuse the space with a vibrant, dynamic energy (apparently). Get out that compass app on your smartphone, find out where these directions are, and put plants in them. Simple." Keep reading: This is Feng Shui: 4 valuable tips to guarantee harmony in the office

Flexible furniture arrangements and comfortable seating are key for creative thinking

Flexible furniture arrangements and comfortable seating play pivotal roles in nurturing creative thinking within your living space. The ability to easily adapt your furniture layout allows you to transform your environment to suit various creative tasks.

Modular seating not only promotes physical relaxation but also encourages mental comfort, enabling your mind to wander freely and explore innovative ideas without distractions. Together, these elements provide a dynamic and inviting setting where creative thinking can flow effortlessly, fostering an atmosphere that nurtures inspiration and imagination.

Related read: Embracing fun with the curved furniture trend >

Spark decor joy through your hobbies and passions

There’s no need to relegate your hobbies to the shed or the garage: let them be the wellspring of inspiration for your interior design. Incorporating elements from your passions into your living spaces can breathe life and personality into your home.

Looking to be inspired?

Place the inspiration right where you can see it. Some items to add in include things like plants and hobby projects like we mentioned above but inspiration can come from anywhere. How do you incorporate the things you love into your living room? Let's see:

1. If you're a collector, whether it's books, vinyl records, action figures, or any other items, consider dedicating a part of your home to showcase your collection. Shelves, cabinets, or wall-mounted displays can help you exhibit your treasures as a decorative element.
2. Why not use your hobby-related art, posters, or memorabilia as wall decor? These pieces not only reflect your interests but also serve as conversation starters.
3. Draw inspiration from the colours associated with your hobbies and incorporate them into your home's colour scheme. This can be done through paint, upholstery, or decor items.
   
4. Incorporate fabrics and textiles that represent your hobby. This can include hobby-themed throw pillows, curtains, or even a quilt with a pattern related to your interests.
5. If your hobby has a strong theme, like a nautical theme for sailing enthusiasts or a nature-inspired space for hikers and nature lovers, design an entire room or area around that theme. How about a room to feel nothing but blissed-out zen? We've got you covered: How to create your own emotional escape room sanctuary

Engage the sense of touch for extra creativity in your living room

In the realm of interior design, our attention is quickly drawn to the visual elements of a space, such as colour schemes and furniture layouts. However, deep inside the magical toolkit of every outstanding interior designer lies a concealed treasure that taps into an entirely different sense: the sense of touch.

Touch and texture are like the secret ingredients that, when combined, make interior spaces outstanding. It's like a special invite for our senses to join the party and connect with the space and the current moment. Texture adds an extra dimension and character to a room, whether it's in the grain of natural wood, a shaggy rug, or the tactile intrigue of textured wallcoverings. Designers use touch and texture to make rooms not just beautiful but elevate it into a multisensory journey: if you dare to put down your phone and answer the call to adventure, that is. - The Sensory Delight of Velvet Upholstery

What about the other senses?

Consider incorporating sensory elements like scented candles, essential oils, or background music that enhance your sensory experience and create a conducive atmosphere for creative thinking.

FibreGuard's easy clean upholstery helps you foster creativity in your living room

Our easy-clean upholstery is a game-changer for those looking to infuse creativity into their living spaces. With FibreGuard, you can unleash your imagination without worrying about spills, stains, or messes. This innovative fabric technology not only offers a wide range of stylish designs and colours but also boasts exceptional stain-repellent properties.

It empowers you to experiment with bold, artistic choices, knowing that any mishaps can be effortlessly wiped away. This means that you can also relax when your kids spill their food on the sofa or even get a bit of paint on it. Stain removal is a big part of keeping your FibreGuard furniture looking good. So how does it work?

1. All accidental stains can be removed using only water, but should you have a tougher stain, a small amount of standard, white, household soap, can be used. Keep in mind that immediate stain removal will ensure the best result.
2. Apply water to the stain and blot using a white paper towel. Repeat the process until you can’t see the stain on the paper towel anymore.
3. Apply even more water to the area and rub with gentle movements with a microfibre cloth. Use some normal white household soap for stubborn stains. Repeat the process until the stain is completely removed.
4. Allow to air dry.

Whether you're an artist, a family with young children, or simply someone who loves to entertain, our upholstery fabrics encourage you to express your unique style, fostering a stress-free environment where creativity can flourish. Your living room becomes a canvas for your creative vision, and with FibreGuard, you can let your imagination run wild without any concerns about maintenance.

Our stylishly stain resistant upholstery makes your living room functional and fun

Your interiors are a canvas waiting for your unique touch. Experiment and make them a reflection of your personality and passions! Start by incorporating elements that resonate with you, from hobbies to cherished objects and preferred colour palettes. Your space should tell your story, after all.

FibreGuard isn’t just our fabric: it’s our standard. FibreGuard's child and pet-friendly fabrics are technologically advanced, so your cleaning doesn’t have to be.

Keep an eye on this blog for more inspiring posts, tips, and ideas to continue your journey toward crafting a living space that's both beautiful and uniquely yours. Your creative adventure is just beginning! Hit us up on Facebook or Instagram and share your ideas and tips for what keeps you creative at home.