In the Detail

They say that good design is in the detail, but practical items such as curtain finials, door handles and interior hardware often get overlooked when decorating a home. We think that paying special attention to beautiful basics make all the difference. Here we celebrate the well-made, small details that truly make a home.

Small Luxuries: Metal detailing is seriously on trend, thanks to its ability to bring a touch of minimal sophistication into any room. Repurpose salvaged iron railings as clever storage for a quirky alternative to traditional shelving or invest in brass curtain rails to add depth and quiet glamour to a room. Try architectural salvage warehouse Lassco for unusual and vintage styles.

(lassco.co.uk)

Soft Glow: Some might think that light bulbs are an odd detail to pay attention to, but the right bulb can make all the difference to the feel of a home. Incandescent lighting has become hugely popular in homes over the past few years and the quality of the light emitted from these pretty bulbs is the closest you can get to the warmth of sunlight. Try Historic Lighting for an array of styles and on-trend Industrial pendant lights

(historiclighting.co.uk)

Pick & Mix: We love the array of covetable knobs and knockers on the market. From geometric drawer pulls to Mother of Pearl door knobs, the right adornment can completely change the look of a simple piece of furniture. We love the idea of mixing different aesthetics on a large kitchen dresser to create an eclectic look.

(anthropologie.eu)

Knock Knock: They say that first impressions are everlasting, but the front door to a home can still get overlooked. Welcome your guests in style with a quirky and contemporary door-knocker that will make them smile instantly. Anthropologie offers a whimsical selection of woodland creatures made of brass – perfect for making an entrance.

Pretty Pegs: Hallway hooks and pegs need not be purely functional – create a wall of graphic colour with DIY style. Buy a bunch of affordable standard wall pegs from Ikea and customise them with hardwearing spray paint in bright colour combinations from Plastikote. The beauty of these is that you can change the colours regularly to fit your mood and the season.

(anthropologie.eu)
(muuto.com)

Instant Adornment: A small display of decorative tiles is a great way to pretty up a basic bathroom or a failsafe solution for those in rented accommodation. These vintage Victorian tiles guarantee a pleasant wake-up call just propped atop a sink and can be easily removed to change up the style. Hunt down similar at Lassco architectural salvage yard or find joyfully colourful designs at Mexican hand-made tile company Milagros.

(milagros.co.uk)

On the Surface: Add subtle depth to your walls with these luxurious Dechirer wall tiles by Patricia Urquiola. Inspired by the beauty of concrete, the design features layered designs with irregular hints of delicate patterns running through the tile at various heights, giving the impression of a surface worn away by time.

(surfacetiles.com)

Bare Essentials: Let the raw beauty of your home speak for itself by enhancing its original details. We love the look of this kitchen, where the lustre of the copper piping takes centre stage. Make the most of simple details such as these by matching the accessories accordingly.

(jeroenvanderspek.com)

© 2012 Dalani Home & Living - written by Rohini Wahi
Photos courtesy of Loupe Images/Polly Wreford, , SchoolHouse Electric, Casasugar Blog, Muuto, Anthropologie, Loupe Images/Debi Treloar, Surface Tiles, Jeroen Vander Spek