Interior stylist Maxine Brady is a creative force in the world of home décor and she has spent 20 years with the single aim of styling joyful interiors. She’s also a TV presenter, art director, interior designer and writes a multi-award winning lifestyle blog called maxinebrady.com. She shares her peppermint terrace house in Brighton with her fluffy dog Teddy.
Today on the La Redoute Influencer Hub, she’s sharing her expert styling tips so your home feels amazing, lifts your spirits and brings you unlimited joy.
Hi! I’m Maxine. And I’m a happy home expert! I believe that home is where you can be free to be who you really want to be.
I believe our homes are so much more than just bricks and mortar. They’re where we can be our true selves. It’s where we potter in our pjs, eat snacks on the sofa, dance around the kitchen, and sing in the shower. Home is where you (normally) laugh, gossip and hang out with family and friends and we can’t wait to do this again soon. A happy home is where we make lasting memories. And it’s where you feel the best version of yourself.
Does your home need a little lift? Then follow my styling ideas to create a space filled with love and joy.
1. Enjoy a switch up
One really easy way to breathe life back into our homes is to switch things up! Start by moving things around like the art on your walls or the pillows on your sofa. There is nothing more fun that swapping out rugs in your living spaces. It makes your home feel like new, and you won’t be able to help yourself smiling when you see how different you rooms look. Try mixing colours and plains, shapes and sizes – and La Redoute are famous for their rugs! See my favourite picks below. By making little tweaks to your home, you’ll fall in love with your rooms all over again.
1. Sarakala Multi Circle Jute Rug
2. Kieran Rug
3. Bala Berber Style Cotton Rug
4. Niji Large Kids Cotton Rainbow Rug
2. Add a splash of cheerful colour
Colour is an instant mood booster, and it’s an easy way to inject personality into your home. If you’re unsure where to start, then take inspiration from your wardrobe. For example, I love wearing pastel shades and I’ve been adding peach, baby blues and lilacs to each rooms with paint, cushions, rugs and throws. Why not do copy me? And once you start adding colour to your home, you’ll see your spirits soar, I promise.
2. Ankara Flat Weave Kilim Rug in Wool Mix
3. Elisa Art Deco Cotton Percale Duvet Cover
5. Ochre Velvet Chair with Walnut Effect Legs
3. Declutter your home happy
It’s well known that if your home is cluttered or messy, then won’t look or feel very relaxing. Sorting through our belongings can feel a bit overwhelming. Start by tackling one at a time, keeping only what you love or need. Then recycle, gift or repurpose what you no longer want. Investing in clever storage solutions will make your home work harder and smarter. In smaller homes, look out for multi-functional furniture that serves many roles to will keep your home in tip-top shape. Beautifully organised spaces create a joyous atmosphere.
1. Wapong Sideboard with 2 Sliding Doors
4. Make magical mealtimes
Sharing a meal with friends and family brings us closer together. Don’t wait for special occasions for good times with your loved ones! You can make your mid-week meal magical with a few key styling ideas. Start by dressing your table with your fanciest plates and serving dishes. Set the mood with candles down the centre of your table and colourful linens. You could even plan fun themed nights like Taco Tuesday or make food from a favourite holiday destination. Get the whole family involved by inviting them to make a joint playlist filled with your favourite tunes for dinner time. It will turn everyday mealtimes into memorable events – something you will talk about for years to come.
3. Faraji Jug
5. Set of 4 Waldou Dessert Plates
5. Delight your senses
One way to press the reset button is with the power of scent in your home. Beautiful aromas lift your mood and instantly bring back special memories. Fill each room with aromas that will energise you in the morning, uplifting during the day and then calm you at night. This can be as simple as lighting a soy candle infused with essential oils in your living room. Or burning an incense stick at the end of a long day in the kitchen. Or you could treat yourself to a bunch of flowers and scatter the arrangement throughout your house. Fill teapots, recycled bottles, jam jars — anything goes when it comes to floral arranging as long as it brings you pleasure. Our sense of smell has the ability to awaken a part of your brain that’s stimulated by fragrances, and you’ll find it will bring a deep connection to your home. And who doesn’t love a home that smells a good as it looks!
1. Kuro Decorative Ceramic & Rattan Vase
6. Fill your room with (green) friends
Lush green plants bring much needed personality to rooms. You could start with a few trailing plants on a book shelf or on a window still. Choose plant pots that complement your décor (La Redoute has a huge range of plant pots from ceramic, to patterned to ones with legs). And, if like me, you have the ability to kill real plants just by looking at them, then opt for faux foliage that can still add personality to your room. I’m a huge fan of a fake terrarium! Plants bring a subtle layer of happiness to your space and a sense of contentment.
3. Cactus in Black, White Cement Pot
2. Small Succulent Dome with Cement Base
4. Mixed Succulent, Grey Cement Pot, Metal Stand
All these items will make your home look good, feel good and will exude joy!
Instagram: @maxinebradystyling
Website: www.maxinebrady.com
For more fabulous ideas on how to improve your home, see this article on how to curate a calm and restful bedroom by Cate St Hill
