Focus On: Seamless Interior Design

If you look at the photographs depicting beautiful, modern interior design, you will quickly notice one thing they all have in common: they’re seamless.

That’s not quite true though, is it? You might be glancing up at that picture now, seeing the smooth lines, the absolute flatness of all the surfaces, and how it contributes to the overall look. However, it’s not something that you would have noticed unprompted. Nevertheless, that seamless, glass-like look makes a huge difference when it comes to the impression of your home.

Sadly, it’s not that easily achieved. Even in a new build property, you will find a few lumps and bumps in the wall that are harder to hide than you might think. Then there are the essentials that have a tendency to jut out, such as your photo frames or light switches and thermostats.

Is it possible, given all of the above problems, for your home to ever have that seamless look? Perhaps, but it might take a bit of work and a few renovations to get it right.

1) Recess Everything You Can

First and foremost, the best way of achieving this look is to recess everything that you can. Light switches that jut out are always going to spoil the finish of any room; the same is true of thermometers and even your attic access door in the ceiling. Thankfully, transforming these items into recessed options is relatively simple. You’ll need an electrician for the wiring and possibly a new attic door where the frame is inlaid, but these are small changes that really can make a very big difference.

2) Use Lining Paper For Wall Bumps

If you have wall bumps of unknown origin, then it’s probably a sign that your house has been well lived-in. If you don’t want to go to the hassle of sanding and flattening the walls (which can often be more trouble than it’s worth), then your best option is probably lining paper. Applied like wallpaper, lining paper skims over the worst of the bumps and creates a smooth surface on which you can either paint or fix more decorative wallpaper.

It’s usually a job that you can do for yourself, but it can be tricky to get right if you’ve never papered anything before. One tip to bear in mind is that lining paper tends to drink paste, so you can never use too much. It’ll dry clear and flat when you’re finished, so don’t worry about being heavy handed.

3) Stay Away From Fringing

Finally, let’s move our focus onto decor. Fringing goes in and out of style, and few of us have ever lived without at least one fringed accessory. It might be a cushion with a few tassels or the shaggy rug in front of the fireplace; there’s always room for a little fringe in most houses.

Except, of course, if you’re trying to create a seamless effect. Fringing breaks up the space rather than allowing it to flow together, creating a chaotic effect where you are trying to achieve the exact opposite. Ditch the fringe and you’ll see an immediate improvement.