Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, or someone in between, there are always ways to enhance the aesthetics of your home, even if that’s currently a room in a shared house. Here are some practical designer tips for improving the look of your home, making it more inviting and visually appealing.
Table of Contents – designer tips for improving the look of your home
Embrace Neutral Colours
designer tips for improving the look of your home
One of the fundamental principles of interior design is the use of colour. While bold and vibrant hues have their place, starting with a neutral colour palette can provide you with a versatile bland canvas for the rest of your room’s aesthetics. Neutral colours like soft whites, greys, and beiges create a calm and elegant ambiance, making your space feel open and spacious. You can then introduce snaps of colour with accessories such as artwork or textiles for added character and depth.
Experiment with Texture
Texture is an often-overlooked element that can make a significant difference in your home’s overall feel. Mixing different textures adds depth and interest to a room. Consider incorporating elements like plush rugs, tactile fabrics, and natural materials such as wood and stone. Mixing textures creates a sensory and visually interesting experience that makes the space feel more welcoming and ‘planned’.
Optimise Lighting
Good lighting is vital and can make or break the desired ambiance. Use a combination of natural and artificial lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, especially in dark corners where you can have a lamp lit on a dull day. While windows can flood your space with natural light during the day, well-placed lighting fixtures such as pendant lights and table lamps help set the mood in the evenings. Think about installing dimmer switches so you have more control and can adapt to different occasions.
Declutter and Organise
A cluttered space can feel chaotic and unwelcoming. Take the time to declutter and organize your home, focusing on creating a sense of order and simplicity. If you have lots of possessions taking up cupboard space at home, consider looking for a storage unit to rent so you can free up those spaces for better use.
For everything else, invest in storage solutions like shelves, cabinets, and storage ottomans to keep your belongings either neatly tucked away or artistically displayed.
Incorporate Mirrors
Mirrors are a fantastic tool for creating an illusion of space and light. Consider using oversized mirrors to visually expand a room, or placing them across from windows to bounce natural light around. The right mirror can also serve as a sophisticated focal point in your room’s design, and fortunately there’s no shortage of style options.
Invest in Quality Furniture
When it comes to selecting furniture, it’s wise to invest in pieces that are both comfortable and durable since quality furniture looks better and also stands the test of time. Focus on pieces that fit the scale of your room so it doesn’t look overcrowded or overwhelmed. Mixing different styles can add character, but remember to maintain a cohesive overall look.
Personalise with Art and Accessories
Another of the top designer tips for improving the look of your home to make your home uniquely yours, is to personalise it with art and accessories that resonate with your taste and personality. Artwork, decorative cushions, and statement pieces can inject your space with character and charm. Think about supporting local artists or acknowledge your own creativity by displaying pieces you’ve created. Whichever you choose, make sure everything genuinely has some personal meaning and is there because you love it.
Create Focal Points
Every room should have a focal point, a visually compelling element that draws the eye and serves as the centrepiece. Focal points can be a fireplace, an eye-catching piece of art, or a statement piece of furniture. When designing your room, consider how you can create a sense of balance and harmony around this focal point, such as by using related or complementary objects. Plants can be focal points too, especially tall, structural specimens.
Consider Functionality
While aesthetics is essential, never overlook the practical aspects of your design. Ensure that your home is functional for your daily needs and lifestyle. Pay attention to traffic flow, seating arrangements, and the placement of essential items. A beautiful home is one that not only looks good but also works well for the people who live there.
While there’s no one rule for creating an ideal home, one or two of these designer tips might help get you started. Give your first attention to the aspect that’s most annoying or irritating, such as using self storage units to help clear the decks, or redecorating walls that feel too busy or dull/bright.
With a little time, imagination and determination, you can achieve a home that reflects your style and provides a comfortable, visually pleasing retreat. We hope these designer tips for improving the look of your home have inspired you.
