When you start to explore home design ideas, it’s important to determine your style and find a common thread (this plays out in framing styles, vases and decorative objects). 2023 decor trends show that luxe is on the rise in every room of the house.
Adding personal touches like framed photos and mementos will help your home feel more alive and authentic. These are the types of details that make homes feel truly beautiful.
1. Paint Your Walls
Paint is a room’s most versatile home design element, providing the ability to hide architectural features that you don’t want to play a big role in the room’s design, or to add a focal point. Paint can be color-blocked or vividly patterned, and it’s even available in finishes like matte, metallic, or glossy.
Sheri Thompson, director of color marketing and design at Sherwin-Williams, suggests painting molding or doorways just one shade lighter or darker than the wall for a subtle emphasis on these features. She also recommends using a patterned paint roller to create a wood grain or horizontal line texture on the wall.
Another fun option is to stencil your family name or an inspirational phrase onto a bedroom, living room, or kitchen wall. Typically, you want to use highly contrasting colors for the letters to stand out from the wall’s base color, but this is up to personal preference.
2. Add a Backsplash
A backsplash is the perfect way to add a pop of color or pattern without overwhelming your space. Plus, it can help tie your design together by creating a visual flow. Just make sure you consider things like the overall style of your home and whether the backsplash will be over or under the counters. Also, don’t forget to factor in your appliances and measure for electrical outlets before you start putting down tile or shiplap! Here, a classic red brick backsplash sets the historic tone designer Liz of Landed Interiors & Homes was going for in this kitchen. But this design could look totally out of place if it were over white counters or another bold color.
3. Add a Rug
Home design is a fun and creative journey that allows you to express your personal style and preferences. Whether you prefer the simplicity of minimalism or the tranquility of coastal design, there’s a home design idea that can suit your personality and taste.
One of the most effective home design ideas is to add a rug to the room. The rug acts as the foundation for the furniture in the room, so it’s important to select one that complements the shape of the furniture (e.g., a circular dining table pairs well with a circular area rug) and anchors the smaller pieces in the room (similar to how larger frames house art on a wall). The rug also helps to define a space and create an “island effect” for the main furniture groupings in the room.
4. Add a Plant
Whether you’re trying to liven up a dull corner or create a focal point in a room, adding plants is an easy way to enhance your space. Plants can add textural contrast, filter light and help divide open-plan living areas. Fiddle Leaf Figs are currently popular but you can also try other tall, potted plants such as a Dracaena or Monstera.
Hanging plants are another great option for bringing more life into your home. Trailing plants like Philodendron, Ivy or Pothos can be hung on shelves and table legs for a cascading look that elevates the simplest of decor.
Plants are also an excellent choice for filling in empty spaces because they’re eye-catching and can add a sense of depth to any room. Just make sure your plants are well-tended so they don’t become a chore to maintain.
5. Add a Lighting Fixture
Lighting is one of the first things guests notice when they walk into your home, and it can really set the tone for how a room will feel. There are so many options to choose from that can fit any design style. The important thing is to find a fixture that suits your personality, so it’s something you love looking at and using every day. Another great tip is to find fixtures that have similar design traits or color traits so they work well together and create a cohesive look for your space. This can be done by using sconces, chandeliers or pendants that all have similar shapes, colors or materials.
6. Add a Window Treatment
While furniture and wall decor tend to get the most attention, window treatments can have a huge impact on a space as well. The right curtains or drapes can tie a room together while also providing privacy and light control.
When choosing a fabric for your window treatment, lean into your design style for inspiration. For instance, if you’re going for a coastal-inspired aesthetic, a relaxed Roman shade in a soothing neutral fabric may be the perfect choice. If you prefer a classic look, opt for full-length drapes in a sophisticated fabric with plenty of visual interest. Layering your window treatments is another way to add depth and a put-together finish. Pair natural shades or roman shades with coordinating drapes for variety that’s still cohesive. This is especially useful for open-concept homes.
7. Add a Wall Decor
A great way to spruce up your home is by adding wall decor. Whether it’s a woven wall basket to hold trinkets or a DIY gallery wall of photos and artwork, hanging up something unique to your style is a surefire way to make your house feel more like home.
If you’re into rustic design, for example, hang up a vintage-inspired felt flag pennant. This simple decoration is the perfect way to celebrate your alma mater while incorporating a classic Americana aesthetic into your space.
Once you’ve taken the time to figure out your design style, it’s important to look at your current home and make a list of what distinct characteristics you want in each room. Keeping a physical copy or creating a digital note will help you stay on track as you start working toward your dream home.
8. Add a Plant
Add a plant to your home for a pop of greenery that can make any room feel more inviting and cozy. Plus, plants are great for improving air quality and can boost creativity, making them perfect for a home office. Try a variegated Snake Plant or Pony Tail Palm for a tolerant, low-maintenance option.
For an even more impactful look, group several plants together rather than sticking with just one. You can even use different sizes and shades of green to create contrast and movement that adds interest to the space. And don’t forget to pick up an array of planters in bold patterns and colors for added flair. Fiddle Leaf Figs and Monstera plants are popular choices, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other options like Dracaenas and White Bird of Paradise.
9. Add a Mirror
No matter your home decor style, you can use mirrors to add visual depth and enhance natural light sources. Choose a round or rectangular mirror with a sleek frame to complement the shape of a gallery wall or to make a statement over a fireplace mantel. For a contemporary look, consider using mirrors with a black frame to tie in with accent lighting and other decor.
When hanging a mirror, positioning it opposite the entrance of a room helps to visually expand the space. Similarly, a mirror can reflect light into dark corners and add a sense of brightness throughout the day.
No matter what your style, there are plenty of home design ideas you can try to create a living space that’s truly your own. From embracing minimalism to incorporating natural elements, these ideas will help you transform your space into something you’ll love.