Sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. It could be the addition of a mirror, a painting, a lamp or even a plant. Maybe you want to soften your walls, brighten a room, or add some warmth to your living space. Take a look at these smart design tips and see how they can inspire you!
1. Paint small rooms in soft, light colors
The living room above is a great example of how to maximize a small living space. A room this size has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light colored walls and strategic use of mirrors reflects the natural light pouring in from the doors and the windows. Here’s another classic interior decorating secret. Using mirrors gives the optical illusion of extra space, making a small room seem larger than it actually is. On the opposite end of the spectrum, painting a room with darker colors will make it feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the savvy placement of the mirrors, this room in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.
2. Use decorative mirrors to add light
As you’ve seen, mirrors are great for making a small space feel larger. For larger rooms or a room with less natural light, placing mirrors directly across from the windows adds instant brightness. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space.
3. Mix patterns and textures, old and new, expensive and inexpensive
Don’t be afraid to mix it up! There’s nothing wrong with placing family heirlooms alongside your modern couch. All good interior decorators will tell you that the key goal for decorating your home is to create a design that reflects who you are, your personality and your style.The antique Chippendale desk that was your grandfather’s tells a story. It tells the story of your past. The modern couch you fell in love with and simply had to purchase also tells a story, your present story, and there is no reason why the present and past can’t co-exist beautifully together.The same can be said for art. Now you might not want to place a painting by Salvador Dali on the same wall next to a Monet, but there’s no reason why they can’t be in the same room together. A unique blend of furniture, rugs or pillows paired with varied colors and patterns can bring warmth and texture into your living space.
4. Add wicker baskets for extra storage
Wicker baskets, or baskets made from any material, are an economical and elegant way to add storage to any room. Baskets can be used to store and display books, architectural and decor magazines, toys, towels and blankets to name a few. Placing small wicker baskets filled with fruits and veggies on your counter top is a smart interior design trick for your kitchen. It doubles as storage and an eye-catching focal point.
5. Go green with houseplants
Adding plants to your living space is an inexpensive way to accessorize by adding color and texture. Not only are plants beautiful, they can help clean the air in your house and control humidity. House plants keep your home healthy by absorbing pollutants and removing harmful gases from the air. Plus, they make your home feel more alive!
6. Add area rugs to soften hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are easy to maintain, but they lack the comfort of carpeted floors, especially in the cooler months. A cozy home design trick is to add area rugs to your living space for extra warmth, texture, color and personality. Use throw rugs of varying patterns and fabrics to showcase your personal style. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same color. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons, using warmer tones and fabrics for winter and lighter ones for summertime. There are family-friendly washable area rugs that are ideal for homes with children.
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