Whether you’re furnishing a new home or redesigning your current place, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional living space can be a daunting task. However, with a few simple design decisions, you can easily elevate the style and functionality of your home without breaking the bank or spending weeks on end.
In this article, we’ll discuss some small decisions that can make a big impact on your home design. These tips will help you create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for your needs.
Plan Your Space
One of the most important steps in creating a well-designed space is to plan it out in advance. Start by collecting inspiration through social media, design magazines, or websites such as Pinterest or Houzz. This will give you a better idea of the style and color schemes you’re interested in, as well as the different pieces of furniture and decor that will work best in your space.
When planning your space, consider the different zones and functions of the room. For instance, if you’re designing a home office, you’ll want to think about the layout of your desk, storage solutions, and seating. Similarly, if you’re designing a living room, consider the different areas for seating, entertainment, and storage.
Create an Accent Wall
Having a single focal point in a room can make a big impact on the overall style and feel of the space. An accent wall is a great way to create a focal point that draws the eye and adds visual interest to the room.
To create an accent wall, choose one wall in the room that you want to highlight. This is usually the wall facing across the doorway. You can paint this wall a bold color, use wallpaper, or even add a mural or artwork.
A cheaper and less permanent alternative to painting or wallpapering an accent wall is to use peel-and-stick wallpaper. This type of wallpaper is easy to install and remove, making it a great option for renters or anyone who wants to change up their decor frequently.
Create Symmetry
Symmetry is always pleasing to the eye, and it’s an easy way to create balance and harmony in a room. To create symmetry, start by placing your main piece of furniture in the middle of the focal wall. For example, if you’re designing a home office, your main piece of furniture might be your desk, while for a baby room, it could be the crib.
Next, arrange the rest of the furniture and decor around the main piece, balancing the walls and space. Shelves can be moved to the wall perpendicular to your desk, a chair or other seating located across from it. The same can be said for artwork and other hanging decorations.
Use Mirrors
Mirrors are a great way to make any space feel bigger and more open. They reflect light and create the illusion of more space, making them a great addition to small rooms or dark spaces.
To use mirrors in your home design, place a standing mirror across from a window to let in more natural light and give the illusion that there is another window in the room. This can be especially useful if there is only one small window in the space.
Use a Simple Color Palette
A simple color palette can make a big impact on the overall style and feel of your home. Stick to a color scheme of three colors: a base color, a secondary color, and an accent color.
As a rule of thumb, 60% of the room should be the base or dominant color, such as a white or cream color. 30% should be the secondary color or texturing, such as a rustic color with some neutral undertones like a forest green or a dark rust color; some furniture or decoration pieces to consider could be chairs, shelves, or curtains. Then the 10% would be an accent color. This color should complement the secondary color, but could also be a bold variety in comparison. This could be your accent wall, artwork, or even small decoration pieces like throw pillows or trinkets.
