The hard truth about interior design is that no matter the theme or concept you choose, it can all feel stale after a while. So if you want to give your home a quick uplift without the need for major renovations or tedious home improvement projects, take a cue from these simple design tweaks that will breath new life into your abode.
- Add a touch of nature
There’s a reason your favourite interior design mood boards on Instagram and Pinterest all have greenery incorporated into their spaces. That’s because plants not only add colour and texture to a home, they also make a space feel more lived-in and welcoming while reducing your stress levels at the same time. So whether in the form of succulents or glass terrariums or potted plants, adding lush greens will instantly liven up your home.
Image credit: Wong Weiliang
- Create an accent wall
Another quick option for enlivening a space is through the use of colour. So if you feel that a part of your home feels a tad too uninspiring, focus on the wall that your eyes are most naturally drawn to and paint over that surface with a shade that is contrasting yet still complementary to your existing colour palette. In the mood for something bold? You can even give bold and intricate patterns a try. However, if painting your walls is not something that appeals to you, consider alternatives like wallpaper, which can be easily removed or replaced at any time.
Image credit: Brim Design
- Swap out your pillows
Besides your bed, the couch is where you’ll spend most of your time on while at home. So what happens when you find yourself tired of the look of your sofa? You switch out your throw pillows of course! Don’t be afraid to mix things up and play with colour, pattern, texture and shape in the process. If a clean, minimalist look is what you’re aiming for, opt for a set of pillows in complementary neutral tones. For a bolder aesthetic, try graphic and patterned pillows in vibrant colours.
Image credit: Wong Weiliang
- Rearrange your furniture
Even though the structure of your home is fixed, your furniture and decor items need not be. For instance, if your current living room setup is facing the main living room wall, you can reorientate it to face the opposing wall. This will create a new layout flow that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a totally new space without actually doing much heavy lifting. The best part? Nothing is permanent, so you can always switch back to the original layout if you feel like the new one isn’t working for you.
Image credit: KDOT Associates
- Toss out unnecessary clutter
While the first four points have their own merits in refreshing a home, most of the times, all you’ll really need to do is a quick decluttering session. Take 10 minutes out of each day to go through all the items in one corner of your home and toss out anything that no longer serves it purpose and no longer has any sentimental value. But if there are some decor items you just can’t throw, then refrain from displaying everything all at once. Instead, store away about 40% of these pieces and swap them with what’s currently on display a few months later. This way, you’ll create a more breathable and relaxing space while still having plenty of alternative decor options to revamp your home occasionally.
Image credit: Studio FortyFour
