With 2015 in full swing, we’re all looking for ways to update up our homes for the New Year – without redecorating an entire room! One of my favourite furniture items is the chest. Chests of drawers are so versatile and charming, and ideal in many rooms. They provide storage and offer endless decorating potential.

Welcome Anywhere. Chests of drawers are perfect in the hallway or foyer, setting the décor tone for the rest of your home and providing a drop spot for keys, etc. Bring one into the dining room and it’s a server, housing dishes or display items. Add one to a bedroom and you have a vanity (add a mirror over it) or an extra clothing dresser. In the living room, you can use a chest as a media stand.

Don’t overlook other fantastic places for a chest. Consider a stairway landing, a bathroom or even a kitchen. A chest would add so much warmth and character to a kitchen – and provide another area for storage and display.

What are My Options? Chests of drawers are available in an amazing variety of styles, sizes, colours and finishes. From industrial to country, from modern to eclectic – whatever you can imagine.

Have a look at this beautiful soft white piece with intricate carving. It would be stunning in a dining room, adorned with silver candlesticks.

I love this distinctive studded chest and can picture it in a contemporary foyer. Talk about a show stopper at the front door.

For the more adventurous, consider this distressed chest in several muted colours, the ultimate eclectic statement.

Or how about this chest in rich, saturated turquoise. In a hallway or living room, it’s the focal point you’ve been looking for – unusual, timeless and yet still functional for tucking things away.

What’s great about chests is that they stand alone – matching other furniture is not a big concern. The whole point is to be distinctive, so choose what you absolutely love.

How to Dress a Chest. Decorating a chest really depends on where you plan to put it, of course, but a few principles apply anywhere.

• Balance. On a larger chest in particular, symmetry is pleasing; lamps at either end, for example.
• Size. A couple of larger pieces generally look better than tiny items. Go for size variety and varying heights, but limit the little trinkets.
• Go Green. You can’t go wrong with a fresh bouquet – or a classic green plant. A mirror behind the flowers doubles the effect.
• Practicality. If your chest top will see lots of use, provide a vessel for items like keys or a pretty basket for mail or gloves.

Tags: decor, design tips, Furniture