They say a change is as good as a holiday. When it comes to your home interior, a refresh of your decor can help breathe new life into your space. With the right strategies, you can create a home that’s warm, comfortable and inviting.
Your living space is a good place to start. A key communal area of your home, your living area is where you spend time with family and friends, or simply relax and unwind at the end of a long day.
While decorating can be overwhelming, it can also be a great way to add a fresh personal touch to your space. Here are some easy steps to get you started.
Assess your current space
First things first, it’s important to take the time to assess your current space. A few questions to ask yourself include:
- What do I love about the room?
- What works for me? What does not?
- What are some things I would love to replace?
With these questions in mind, you can assess your living space and make a to-do list. Decide what is working and what isn’t, and prioritise any urgent repairs. Then pay close attention to design elements. Do your walls need a fresh coat of paint? Or perhaps it’s time to update your space with modern flooring.
With the big renovations in mind, you can then pay attention to furniture and its placement, and also what decorating items you’d like to update.
Declutter and organise
To get a clear picture of what you’re working with, it’s important to declutter and organise. Decluttering simply means removing unnecessary items from your space and either removing them completely or storing them away.
Take stock of your items and ask yourself if you still use them or if they still have a purpose. If you decide to keep it, make sure it has a place. Whether it’s a plastic tub, in a book shelf or in another room, it’s about minimising what is on display. For items you don’t want to keep, you can either donate or sell. If it’s broken, throw it out.
When you give everything a home it will help you stay organised. Consider adding more storage solutions, such as a buffet, bookshelf or slim console. You can also look at functional furniture like a couch with hidden storage or a coffee table with drawers.
Rearrange furniture layout
One of the easiest ways to refresh a space is by switching up your layout. Whether it’s your sofa, cupboards or other items, your furniture should be functional, with the layout impacting the entire flow of the space.
When considering your layout, think about how you use the space. If you like to entertain, consider dedicated conversation areas. A cosy nook by a window may be the perfect place to chat. Alternatively, if you enjoy watching movies — the sofa, coffee table and television should line up for prime viewing.
When it comes to functionality, make sure there is a clear walkway to move between the dining area and relaxation zones.
Update decor elements
Next, it’s time to have some fun with a room makeover. This is your opportunity to add colour and style to the space with decor elements – no matter how large or small.
Here are some ideas to get you inspired:
- Remove old blinds or curtains in favour of plantation shutters or new curtains.
- Swap out soft furnishings like cushions and throws, experimenting with colours and textures.
- Add a pop of colour with a piece of wall art.
- Bring nature inside and add some greenery to your space with potted plants.
- Create a feature wall using textured wallpaper.
Personalise with accessories
Remember your space should be unique to you. After all, an inviting living space will have meaning. During your design, make sure to surround yourself with items that suit your personality and interests.
For example, you can have a gallery wall with family photos. Black and white photographs are a classic choice and can be paired with matching frames. Or, maybe you’re a traveller? Collect mementos from your adventures and display them on a buffet or floating shelves.
For creative folks, display your hobbies with DIY artwork, or throw a handmade blanket over the sofa. From vintage finds to collectables, the only rule is — the accessories should make you feel happy.
Your living space should be unique to you
Your living space doesn’t need to be set in stone. Instead, making changes can refresh the area and make it feel like new. Remember to keep it personal to you and your style preferences, while also considering functionality and lifestyle factors.
With these simple tips, a tired living area can become a haven for entertaining and relaxation.
