Interior design doesn’t come naturally to some – and that’s okay. There are plenty of experts out there willing to lend a hand and advise you on furniture and room arrangement; or if you don’t want to splash out on an interior designer, there are a wealth of guides on the internet to help you decorate your home yourself.
With DIY in mind, here are our top picks for simple ways to add luxury touches to your home, without hiring a designer or spending too much in expensive department stores.
Fresh Flowers
Our first tip is to always fill your rooms with fresh flowers – especially when expecting guests. Buy some bouquets for your dining table, lounge coffee table, hallways and even bathrooms, to impress guests and keep your home smelling fresh and fragrant at all times. If you would rather not have the hassle of making a fortnightly florist order, go for some convincing fake flower arrangements.
Plush Upholstery
Rich fabrics add sophistication to any room. We’re talking silk curtains, velvet couch throws and Egyptian cotton bedsheets. Well-made upholstery is a sign that the owner has a strong sense of style and a penchant for the finer things in life – so don’t scrimp next time you buy a new rug or bedding set.
Eye-Catching Lighting
Every room should have a focal point – and there is no easier way to do this than to install a bold lighting arrangement in your most important rooms. The kitchen, lounge and main hallway or foyer are never complete without statement lighting. Choose chandeliers or funky modern pendant lightshades, ideally hanging above tables, to achieve that focal point you desire.
Unique Furniture
Nothing makes a statement more than unusual, unique pieces of furniture. Choose a pretty antique chaise lounge in the kitchen, for example, where it is least expected; or find an old grandfather clock to greet your visitors in the foyer. Alternatively, you could try your hand at a weekend project and make your own furniture – this way you know it’s truly unique and no one will have anything like it. Have a go at crafting your own doors or wardrobes; and bask in compliments when guests ask where you got them. For a project of this size, you’ll need the appropriate guidance and tools – we suggest that you check out Tool Nerds for this purpose.
Carefully Placed Ornaments
Well-placed ornaments and trinkets look lovely, and will invite plenty of interest from guests asking where your collection is from. A good tip for this is to always bring something pretty back from trips and vacations, to fill your home with interesting things from around the globe. Think wooden carvings, paintings by local artists, statuettes and vases. Placement ideas for your collectables include nestled into bookshelves, displayed on top of drawers and as center pieces on coffee or dining tables.
Hall of Mirrors
If you’re not a fan of hanging art or photographs on your walls, you can never go wrong with a large statement mirror. These add a touch of grandeur to any room, while simultaneously making the space look bigger. Install them opposite lights and windows for the best enlarging effect. Go for interesting shapes like ovals to show off your style.
Decorate with Warm Colors
Colour psychology is a thing – and choosing the right colors for the right rooms makes all the difference. It has been found that warm colors (reddy-browns, oranges) are attractive and welcoming, while greens, blues and greys are calming. We suggest using warm tones and jewel colors in rooms you entertain in, like lounges, sitting rooms and kitchens; while cooler, calmer tones are best used in bedrooms and bathrooms, helping you unwind after a long day. Changing the color of your walls or adding a few bright accents to rooms won’t take too much effort; so choosing this option is a great way to switch up your interiors and utilise interior design know-how.
