Home is a refuge, a sanctuary, and as such, it should feel welcoming and relaxing, an extension of who you are. Develop an interior design aesthetic that’s truly a reflection of your taste by incorporating these principles of home decor into your life.
- Use color to your advantage in unexpected places like corridors and hallways, to play up contrast or formality. You can also use color to enhance the focal point of the room by choosing a piece of art with an abundance of that shade.
- Go big with florals – whether fabric or wallpaper, big blooms can make a small space dramatic. Balance the excitement with low-key or minimalist furnishings and fixtures.
- Mix it up: it’s okay to choose things from different time periods; in fact, this kind of intentional design drama can elevate a look. Curate your pieces based on similarities or striking differences. Build themes based on color, style or function. Unconventional choices, like a traditionally-styled piece of furniture made over in a bold, modern print, can be fun and edgy but still tasteful.
- Bring the outside in. No one says you need to turn your home into a greenhouse but a few potted plants can add softness to a room. Green not your thing? Go with reclaimed or recycled bare wood, whether it’s a coffee table, bookcase, mantel or faux ceiling beam.
Remember, it’s a home, not a museum. It’s okay to add newly discovered gems and pare down pieces that no longer work for you or reflect who you are. Keeping everything the same for too long can become stale and leave you feeling like you can’t make changes. This strategy also works well because you’ll be less likely to feel tired of a room and want to spend a fortune re-doing it. By adding or replacing a few pieces here and there, your home will always look fresh and inviting, and reflective of your personal style.
