Most people want their home to be on top of the latest design trends. That’s why billions are spent every year on home decor and furnishings.
But, not everyone can afford to renovate their home every year. So, what’s the solution?
If you implement some classic features into your design, you’ll be able to achieve almost any aesthetic you want. Whether that’s modern, minimalist, or the clean country look, it all starts with a few basics.
A few minor tweaks here and there will allow you to keep your costs low and still have the flexibility to change your design with the times.
In this post, we give you some basic classic tips on how to decorate a room, regardless of what your tastes are.
1. Use Neutral Colors on the Walls
Sticking to light, neutral colors like whites, beiges, and grays on your walls may sound boring, but it actually gives you a lot of options.
First, it opens up your main living space where the flow is important. If you have a darker dining room or kitchen, keeping your living room neutral won’t lead to a jarring transition.
If your house has smaller rooms, painting rooms next to each other the same neutral hue will make them appear larger.
Keeping the walls light and neutral also allows you to use accessories and accents to add a pop of color.
Finally, you’ll be able to change your design aesthetic easily, since your walls aren’t an offensive or overwhelming color.
2. Arrange Your Furniture in an Inviting Way
Lounges, hotel lobbies, and other meeting spaces always arrange their furniture in a certain way.
They arrange a couch across from two chairs with a table in the middle. Or, they use a U-shaped arrangement.
This is to invite conversation. So, rearrange your furniture so that people can engage with each other.
Also, make sure you invest in a quality sofa. Modern sofa designs are colorful, comfy, and come in many styles and fabrics. If you want to go neutral there too, give your room a splash of color with throw pillows.
3. Let the Light In
Forget hiding your windows with heavy drapes, shades, and blinds. Open them up and let the sunlight in!
Natural light will improve your mood and brighten your space.
Another popular trend is adding stained glass as an accent window. Of course, this idea is a little more permanent than painting your wall. But there are plenty of colors and designs that will complement your home.
Visit a company like www.stainedglasspanelsplus.com for more ideas on your options and what’s available.
4. Scale Your Artwork
Nothing is more awkward than seeing artwork not hung to scale. The middle of the canvas should be at eye level. If there’s a drastic height difference between you and your spouse, split the difference.
Don’t put large, oversized pieces in smaller rooms. Likewise, don’t hang a small piece of art in a large space.
If you want to fill a large wall, start with one oversized piece or group smaller pieces together, two-four inches apart.
For a smaller living room, hang a decorative mirror as your artwork. It will make the room appear bigger. Make sure you don’t hang the mirror across from a window — you’ll have light bouncing right back out.
5. Declutter Your Space
You may not see it, but others do: You have too many tchotchkes and knick-knacks. They’re distracting your guests and cluttering your space.
Over time, you’ve gotten used to them so you don’t notice them. But everyone who steps foot into your house does.
You don’t have to throw out the basalt lava rock you brought back from Hawaii. You don’t need to get rid of your conch shell from the Florida Keys. These things are worth a great deal to you.
But, it’s okay to store them somewhere safe or put them in a cabinet in your bedroom. This way, you can keep your memories in your private space where they’re appreciated.
Want More Ideas on How to Decorate a Room?
You don’t have to spend a fortune to stay on top of design trends. A clean, crisp, and decluttered space invites any aesthetic.
Have fun with your area rugs and your throw pillows. Let the sun in to brighten your space and your mood. Your options will be much more open when you decide on a new look.
For more ideas and tips on how to decorate a room, visit our interior design blog!