A peaceful home is the ultimate sanctuary; a place we can escape to and recharge in. Creating beautiful spaces within this safe haven is an incredible way to unleash your creativity, design something that feels authentically you, and simply, be surrounded by an interior that makes you happy.

Our love for all things interior led us to Gandhara; a leading furniture curator and an interior-solutions brand based in Colombo. With an unparalleled eye for style, they create timeless spaces that are exquisite yet warm. Gandhara graciously volunteered to offer our readers 10 interior tips on how to elevate their space:

1. Create a floor plan

To bring out the best in any space, a floor plan is an ideal first step. It creates a visual of the room’s flow and helps identify the furnishings that are needed and their desired dimensions.

2. Mix Old and New Decor

There is something very special about the blend of the past and the present. A mix of modern, minimalistic pieces with carefully crafted antiques creates a juxtaposition that remains timeless; they belong together and elevate the character of any given space.

Sleek modern sofa paired with antique cupboards and signature mirrors; Location: The Postcard Galle, Interiors Solutions by Gandhara

3. Choose the right lighting

Depending on the space, the lighting requirement could be anything from minimal track bars to lavish chandeliers. After selecting the perfect light fixture, selecting the right bulb is equally important. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and they look great–––and we at Gandhara always opt for warm white light over bright white as it helps create a more relaxing, intimate atmosphere. 

Wall and table lamp lighting both in warm white; Home Interior Solutions by Gandhara 

4. Invest in specialty pieces

Signature pieces like fine art and fabulous antiques are equivalent to a good wine; they simply get better with age. So, as Chandos Epley once said, “It’s better to cry once and have a forever piece,” and, we too, recommend adding that statement piece so that you will have a long lasting-love-affair with that space.

Location: Gandhara Store

5. Don't underestimate the power of paint

Be it a wall in your bedroom or a piece of furniture, a vibrant ‘paint-over’ can make all the difference. This is also a rather economical way of giving the space a completely fresh look while going easy on your spending.

If you’re interested in adding an accent wall to your space, skim through this article which explores the current on-trend––yet ironically, timeless–– accent colours. 

Image courtesy of The Spruce

6. Coffee tables are important

A coffee table must be selected carefully depending on the space; taking into account both dimensions and aesthetic. In an open seating area, a well-proportioned coffee table could act as a statement piece; grounding the entire seating arrangement and giving a sense of place. Gandhara has a wide variety coffee tables ranging from textured and smooth, to wood, marble, metal and glass finishes. 

Home interior solutions by Gandhara

7. Get inspired by ancient buildings

Patterns in ancient buildings––from the palace walls in Marrakesh to marble craftsmanship in Rome–– add so much character that it could act as the signature feature of the space while all other furniture remain minimal and complementary. Imagine a checkerboard patterned marble floor bringing all that glory to a simple room, or a colourful zellij (a ceramic-tile mosaic) that accent the wall behind a bar.

Image courtesy of Trendir

Image courtesy of Pinterest

8. Tall furniture creates the illusion of higher ceilings

When furnishing spaces with low ceilings, we recommend using tall shelving units and cupboards. This, in turn, would make the ceiling seem much higher to the ground than it really is, creating the illusion of a larger room. Gandhara has an array of cupboards in Oak, Teak, Metal, and Ratan in a multitude of colours.

PS. This applies to curtains too; don’t hang the railing right above the window, but rather, more towards the ceiling. Ceiling to floor-length curtains will help elongate the space, too. 

Location: Gandhara Store

9. Mirror, Mirror on the wall

There is something warm and wholesome about adorning a wall with mirrors. Yet we risk creating a commercial ambiance if not careful, by slapping large mirrors onto room walls.

Don’t be afraid to take risks with bold and daring frames. By incorporating frames with different textures and colours, they simultaneously serve as pieces of art, too. Finally, be strategic with where you position mirrors. A mirror placed on a wall facing a garden will reflect that beautiful greenery into your home; creating seamless inside-to-outside space.

Gandhara has a collection of intricately patterned mirrors in several shapes and sizes, that could add oomph and elegance to most spaces.  

Old ship windows converted to mirrors; Location: The Postcard Galle, Interiors Solutions by Gandhara 

10. Trust your intuition

And finally, trust your intuition. Listening to experts is always wise, but trusting your instinct is equally important. There is more than one right option, so best go with the option you are most content with. Olivia Erwin once said "Follow your gut. If you have to talk yourself into liking something, you probably don't”, and we heartily agree