Interior trend: overarching style

Fri 08 Apr 2022

Paul Bennett, Director

While we are advocates of the neutrally-decorated interior when it comes to property presentation, some homes look at their best when there are flashes of colour or a design focal point.

 

There is a new interior design trend for those not in a position to redecorate from top to bottom, and that is the painted arch. This dome-topped block of colour can be used to frame a feature or draw attention to wall display and the best bit is the width, height, position and colour of the arch can be determined by the decorator.

 

A painted arch can be achieved with a few simple DIY tools and your choice of paint - handily, Dulux has published this comprehensive guide on how to create the perfect arch. It’s definitely a design feature that can be achieved in a day, as long as you have a smooth, prepared surface to work with.

 

If you’re living in a rented property and can’t repaint the walls, you don’t have to miss out on the arch trend. Both Etsy and Amazon carry self-adhesive and, most importantly, removable arch decals, allowing you to peel, stick and take off before you check out of your property.

 

Here are four arch ideas that can be used in your home:-

 

Create a headboard: this is an excellent choice if you have a divan bed and want to revamp the look of an entire bedroom. A tall arch will leave the biggest impact, especially when a bold colour is used. We’ve also seen arches appear above bedside cabinets – a good option if you’re happy with your current headboard but want to stay on trend.

 

Frame photographs: if you have a gallery of wall-mounted photos that aren’t getting the attention they deserve, applying a coloured arch behind them is a good way to make them a stronger focal point. Black and white photos set on top of a pastel-coloured arch are guaranteed to turn heads. 

 

Offset houseplants: if the lush green of your houseplants is getting lost, a painted arch gives them a stage on which to shine. Group your pots together on top of a sideboard or console table and add an arch behind. Midnight blue, light grey and zesty yellow shades will provide a rich contrast against the foliage.

 

Go pale and interesting: arches don’t have to dominate so if you’re worried about offending potential buyers or tenants, opt for a pale colour. Dulux’s Sloe Flower, Farrow & Ball’s Pale Powder, Little Greene’s Mirror and Neptune’s Sage are excellent hues for when less is more.

 

Create a zone: if you’d like to highlight the flexibility of an open plan space, an arch can help you designate an area’s purpose. We particularly like it when a subtle arch is created over a desk, denoting a work from home zone.  You can even reinforce the theme by adding shelves or a pinboard within the border of the arch.

 

For more advice on preparing your property for sale or to let, please contact the Behr & Butchoff team in St. John’s Wood.