Whether you’re looking to put your stamp on a new place you’ve just moved into or to freshen up a home you’ve had for years, there are some simple and inexpensive tricks to interior design that the pros use. Even small changes can have a big impact; you might be surprised at what a difference adding a few accessories or painting a wall can make.
Transforming your living space doesn’t need to be a hugely time-consuming and expensive project. Think outside the box, let your creativity flow and be inspired. You can make lasting changes no matter what your budget and have a space that is reflective of you and your personality.
Here are some clever design tips to get you started.
Going Green
Plants can thrive in almost any room, although some are easier to keep than others. Large or small, sun-loving or shade-seekers, on a table or as a greeting just inside screen doors, adding a plant (or two) to a room changes up the color and texture. It’s also an inexpensive way to clean the air indoors and balance humidity, not to mention absorbing harmful pollutants keeping your home beautiful and healthy.
Hanging Pot Rack
Kitchens are warm, homey gathering spaces, but they’re also meant to be used. Whether you’re channeling Dan Hunter or just warming up leftover takeaways, your kitchen will always look ready for action with a beautiful display of kitchenware hanging up. Your pots and pans also perform two tasks, becoming decorative as well as useful, and they’re easy to find when you need them. Installing a hanging pot rack also frees up cabinet space and who can’t use more storage?
Slipcovers
They may have gotten a bad rap in the past but slipcovers can transform a room. They’re useful in different areas of the house, from the sofa to the dining room chairs, and can be changed on a whim or with the seasons. A lighter fabric on the sofa in the summer will help keep you cool while a thicker one can provide some warmth when you’re chilly. The different colors will bring out different aspects of the room, making it feel new again. They’re also easier to remove and clean than your sofa as a whole.
Use What You Have
Before you run to the store to find home accessories, take a look at what you already have. Check storage areas and boxes that haven’t been opened for a while, you may find a forgotten gem. A simple tray made of wood, metal or plastic can add texture and dimension to a flat surface and becomes a way to keep small items from being misplaced. A basket or bowl can do the same thing. Pile books on a table, hang plates on the walls, or frame artwork from your children’s outgrown books. Get creative instead of going shopping and add a personal touch to your home.
Mix It Up
Monotone rooms are often boring and cold. Instead, mix up patterns and textures, old and new, while potentially adding a splash of color in the middle. The most important thing to ensure when it comes to your décor is that it represents who you are. So, family heirlooms should be welcomed next to the modern art if both are things that are important to you. Fabrics are an easy area to bring more life into a room because they are everywhere (furniture, pillows, curtains, rugs, etc.). Using varied patterns and colors to create a more interesting look.
Choose the Right Paint
This is admittedly not the smallest change you could make, but this one can have a huge impact on a room. Darker colors can create a boxed in feel while lighter colors make a room feel larger. Combine this with a large mirror to help catch and magnify the natural light and you will feel like you have more space right away.
Be Inspired and Transform Your Space
Don’t be afraid to make changes when your home starts feeling stale or uninviting. When someone comes over, they’ll feel that inspired energy as soon as they walk through the door. Search online, check out interior design magazines and find something that really sparks your interest.
By making a few, small simple changes, you can truly transform your space and make it a warm, welcoming area for you to entertain friends or just relax with family. Avoid going for what’s in fashion and find designs and nuances that fit your personality and really make it your own.