It's easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to home decor. Most of the time, we're so used to where we live that we don't notice when things start to look old or boring. Over time, you can start to feel down. It's not that we don't like our homes; it's just that they don't give us the same sparks of happiness and sense of sanctuary that they used to. To improve our homes and make them look nicer, we don't have to work hard or spend a lot of money. Here are five suggestions to get you going.
- A Fresh Paint Job
A fresh coat of paint doesn't cost much, takes only a day or two, and can make your home feel bright and open right away. Quick tip: If you're thinking of making a big change in colour, paint a square of cardboard that colour and hang it on the wall for a day or two to see how it looks at different times of day and night.
- Room dividers and screens
In the last ten years, many homes have been built with large rooms that flow from the foyer to the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Many people like this kind of open architecture, but others think it takes away from the intimacy of a living space. Privacy screens can be a cheap way to divide up a room. In Japan, these screens are called "shoji screens," and they usually have two, three, or four panels and are four feet tall. They make smaller, cosier spaces in a larger room, and because they are portable, you can move them around to give your dining room or living room a new look.
- The light
Changing the lighting is the fastest way to change the mood of your home decor. If you have lights hanging from the ceiling, switch to wall sconces. If you want to make your dining room look better, put in a new chandelier. Re-lighting a bathroom or putting table lamps on end tables in the living room can make a big difference.
- Create More Space
If your living space is small or just cluttered, there are many ways to decorate the inside of your home to make it look bigger. Use nesting tables to save space in your living room, or buy a coffee table with a lid or drawers that can be used to store things. In the same way, baskets can be both pretty and useful, giving you a place to store your magazines, craft supplies, or even tablecloths.
- Say what you like
By using a theme, it's easy to give a room your own personal touch. Whether you like Shabby Chic, Cape Cod, Southwestern, or Mediterranean style, you can start to add pieces that match your taste. Use throw rugs, decorative pillows, and art to keep the style going through the room. Changing the patterns, textures, and constructions of the fabrics in a room can quickly change the mood of the space.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to make your home look better. All you need is some creativity. So, take home improvement to the next level by fixing up a room or two. You'll feel better, and your home will feel like your safe place again.
