As someone who knows a bit about planning communities and constructing housing units, Nicholas Kyriacopoulos has seen what people can do with their spaces. The fact that he’s grew up being exposed to the cultural wonders found in Montreal also provide some insight into how to make a dwelling into a true home. If you’re wondering how to take a rental unit, a house, or any other type of dwelling truly cozy, look closely at some of these recommendations. You’re sure to find that one or two from Nicholas Kyriacopoulos will help.
Walk Around the Area For Some Inspiration
As a child, Nicholas Kyriacopoulos had the opportunity to walk around town and be exposed to some of the best examples of French, European, and British architecture. From building facades to stately courtyards to beautiful cafes, that setting provided all sorts of ideas about how to create spaces that were functional as well as inviting.
You can do the same thing by drawing inspiration from what’s in your area. Spend some time walking around and see what sort of ideas come to mind. Use the notes feature on your phone or carry a small notebook and pen with you on those adventures. Jot down notes about colours, textures, and other elements that you think might work in your space. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos would later do, what you see now could be the foundation for a great idea later on.
And Draw on Your Heritage
Along with what’s around you, consider drawing on what went before you. Young Nicholas Kyriacopoulos was able to draw on Grecian and Jewish influences thanks to the backgrounds of their parents. The lessons they taught proved invaluable later in life. Doubtless they also taught him a few things about elements to make spaces into homes.
You can do the same. Delve into the heritage that has been passed on from your parents. There may be elements there that provide clues on how to arrange your space and what to include in it. The result will be something that’s truly yours, just as the structures that Nicholas Kyriacopoulos created are truly his.
Invest in Plants That Are Easy to Grow
As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos knows well, greenery indoors is both functional and attractive. Bringing a little of the outside into the home provides a sense of life. The right plants also help to keep the air a little cleaner.
If you aren’t lucky with plants, don’t worry. There are varieties out there that thrive when they’re left alone except for a little water once a week. Place them carefully based on what they need to grow. You’ll find, as did Nicholas Kyriacopoulos, that the effort pays off in more than one way.
Find or Create Wall Art That Suits You
As someone who appreciates art, Nicholas Kyriacopoulos learned early on that it comes in many different forms. One of the simplest to include in any home decor is wall art. You can find pieces that help to introduce colour and set the mood for each room.
Remember that if you can’t find what you like, there’s no rule that says you can’t create your own. Feel free to invest in a canvas and some paints in the colours that you want. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos would remind you, something that’s just right could emerge from your efforts.
Try Something New With the Window Treatments
Window treatments don’t have to be the same old thing. Experimentation is the parent of creativity, something Nicholas Kyriacopoulos points out often. Consider treatments like shelves over the windows that you use to display some of your treasures. Consider a valance that’s made of hanging green plants.
The goal is to come up with something that is fun to look at and allows natural light into the space. If your home is like many of those designed by Nicholas Kyriacopoulos, windows are plentiful. Have fun with them.
Lighting Makes a Difference
Lighting also goes into making any space into a home. It’s not just overhead light that’s helpful in certain areas of the house. Nicholas Kyriacopoulos often uses recessed lighting or lamp light to create moods in different rooms. Imagine how subdued light in your bedroom helps to make it more inviting.
Experiment with different lighting options and see what you think. The right mix will add something to common spaces as well as personal ones. You can be sure that Nicholas Kyriacopoulos would agree that if low lamp light makes you happy, it’s the right choice.
Give Area Rugs a Try
Area rugs add texture and a splash of colour to any space. Whether you have hardwood flooring or wall to wall carpeting, using an area rug is possible. In fact, it may be one of the most practical things you could do, according to Nicholas Kyriacopoulos.
Area rugs help to define functions within a room. Use it to anchor a conversation area within a living room. It can also be used to enhance a reading nook in a bedroom. Draw on the other colours used in the space and choose the rug accordingly. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos will point out, the rug adds another hint of coziness while visually unifying the space.
Accent Walls Help Too
Nicholas Kyriacopoulos would tell you that there’s no need to paint in order to create an accent wall. Patterned flat bed sheets soaked in starch and stretched flat on a wall will do the trick. When you’re ready to move, peel them off and wash the wall.
As with the area rugs, draw on secondary colours within the room to choose the sheet pattern. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos will point out, that helps to further create a unified look.
Avoid Creating Too Much Clutter
While you want to personalize the space, do avoid clutter. As Nicholas Kyriacopoulos often says, not every surface has to be laden with belongings. Have areas of each room that are somewhat open. This approach as practised by Nicholas Kyriacopoulos and others, actually makes your other items stand out a little more.
Remember That It’s Your Space
When it comes to creating comfortable spaces, you’re not in competition with anyone. Nicholas Kyriacopoulos would tell you to go with your gut feeling and arrange things to suit yourself. If someone else things a certain chair design or placing a bookcase along a particular wall would be great, be open to the idea. Just remember that you make the final decision. In doing so, you will find that the space truly feels like yours.
One doesn’t construct hundreds with housing units and interact with people from a number of backgrounds without learning a thing or two about home decorating. Thanks to the experiences of Nicholas Kyriacopoulos you can draw on these ideas and see how they work in your space. Who knows? Some of these suggestions may lead to a few ideas of your own that pair nicely with what you’ve learned from Nicholas Kyriacopoulos and create space that’s cozy, comfortable, inviting, and all the other qualities that you want.
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