The last few years have been a boon for home remodeling companies and interior design professionals. With limited restaurant options and postponed vacations, many of us decided to funnel our disposable income into the one area it made sense: our living spaces. Now, with summer in full swing, the fruits of our labor are being put on full display as we invite friends and family back into our humble abodes.
If you didn’t get around to making your “Home Deco Styles” Pinterest board a reality last year, fear not! Because it’s relatively easy to give your home a quick and simple refresh. From adding cozy texture to the living room to giving your kitchen a green makeover with eco-friendly kitchen products, here’s a no-fuss guide to elevating your living spaces and getting one step closer to your dream home.
- Dress Up Your Walls – Perfect for homeowners and renters alike, removable wallpaper is a low-risk venture that can add instant dimension and visual interest to a room. Unlike traditional wallpaper, the removable options can be easily removed or replaced, so you can go a little crazy with fun patterns and designs without stressing about how much you’ll like it down the road. Dip your toes into the trend by wallpapering the back of a bookshelf or go all out with a funky pattern for your powder room — a space that’s ripe for a little risk-taking. You can also use removable wallpaper to revamp your work desk, line the insides of drawers and add a pop of personality to your stairs.
- Cozy Up the Living Room with a Mix of Textiles – As they say, variety is the spice of life. Adding a number of different materials to your living room gives it intrigue and movement, making it look — and feel — cozier and more inviting. Indeed, incorporating textiles into the living room is particularly important if you’re designing with a neutral color palette because it helps keep the space from looking “blah.” To add more depth, try incorporating different furniture styles. For instance, if you have a leather sofa, you can pair it with a tufted chair and lacquered side tables. To further enhance your living room, you can play around with different colors, patterns, textures and shapes (think adding brightly-hued throws and pillows to a neutral sofa).
- Level Up Your Food Storage Containers – Food storage containers are essential for any modern family, but let’s be real — they aren’t always pretty to look at. Most are made from flimsy plastic that warps in the dishwasher, stains easily and breaks down over time (and don’t even get us started on the harmful chemicals often lurking inside). Why not ditch the lowly plastic tubs and opt for high-quality food containers with a modern aesthetic? From stylish, seal-tight containers that keep food from spoiling to sustainable water bottles with chic designs, you can now find an assortment of upscale food and beverage products to instantly elevate your refrigerator and pantry.
- Update Your Light Fixtures – It’s easy to think that lighting is purely functional, but the light fixtures you choose can make or break a room’s vibe. For instance, brighter lighting can make you feel alert and anxious, whereas warmer, redder lighting can evoke feelings of relaxation. The style of the light fixture matters, too. Outdated lighting in an otherwise modern-looking home will stick out like a sore thumb and ruin the ambiance. To see a dramatic improvement in your living spaces, try layering your lighting. Incorporating various lighting levels into a singular space — such as overhead lights, lamps and dimmer switches — can create a warm, cozy feel that will add a je ne sais quoi to your abode.
- Marry Modern Furniture with Antiques – Let’s face it — there’s something undeniably cool about being able to incorporate your grandma’s armoire into your ultra-modern living room. By marrying the two interior design styles, you can tell a unique story with your furnishings and create a one-of-a-kind space that no one else can replicate. (Plus, it’s better for the environment because you’re saving an antique from a landfill.) To pull off the look, try grouping your antiques in one area. By doing so, you can make your interior design look purposeful and give your old-style furnishings the spotlight they deserve.
- Swap Out Your Hardware – Looking for a quick and easy way to upgrade your boring, builder-grade cabinets? Consider swapping out the basic hardware on your cabinets with creative, eye-catching handle pulls. Replacing cabinetry often requires the work of a skilled tradesman and can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the type of cabinetry you want installed. In comparison, the cost of new cabinet hardware is between $2 and $30 per knob or pull, and it’s a job you can easily knock out yourself on a Saturday afternoon. For unique and stylish handle choices, check out Etsy.
- Add Some Natural Elements – Interior design trends come and go, but nature’s beauty is eternal. Something as simple as adding houseplants to every room and using flowers to brighten up a bedside table can breathe new life into your space and lower your stress levels to boot. Other ways to incorporate natural elements into your home may include installing bamboo blinds, decorating with seashells and opting for natural wood furnishings and wicker décor.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Transforming your living spaces doesn’t have to mean vetting contractors and dealing with a month-long renovation. By upgrading small details — food storage, hardware, etc. — you can swiftly elevate your home and get an expensive look without breaking the bank. The key is to start small and get a few easy wins under your belt. Once you get some momentum, you’ll be well on your way to creating a more inviting and functional home.
