Say you’ve lived with the same ol’ same ol’ decor for yearsss now. If you’re feeling like it’s getting a bit too dull, you can freshen it up without resorting to a complete renovation.
Understanding the essential elements of interior design can help you better integrate your design ideas to your home. We’ve provided some of the basics below for a quick and easy reference:
- Space: There are two types of spaces – two-dimensional (2D) space and three-dimensional (3D) space. 2D space refers to floor space; 3D space refers to the overall room, taking into account length, width, and height. Making good use of it involves balancing the 2D and 3D spaces.
- Colours: There are three distinct characteristics, namely hue, saturation and brightness.
- Hue is linked to the colour name such as red, blue, and yellow.
- Saturation refers to how sharp or dull the colour appears.
- Brightness is (obviously) the darkness or lightness of a colour.
- Texture: This usually refers to textiles such as rugs, curtains, and wallpapers. It can also refer to how an item looks like it might feel.
- Patterns: These are the repetitive shapes and designs that can be used to accent a room.
Keep It Simple: Interior Design Tips!
There are plenty of home design ideas out there, so we’ve gathered some of the best ones (read: uncomplicated!) here, so that you can begin your makeover journey as soon as possible.
1) Add some light
Floor lamps can serve to add light where there are no tables, or if you have awkward dark corners in a room.
They don’t take up a lot of space, and can be placed in areas where other types of lighting fixtures aren’t suitable.
The use of wall sconces may be tricky, but they can add a different dimension to your house’s design when done well.
You might be surprised at how a few strategically placed lights can completely change the mood of a room.
2) Frame it up
Framing up your favourite art piece, or a few photos of your loved ones adds a uniquely personal touch to your living space.
It’s not limited to photos – a large mirror with an ornate frame makes a great statement piece for your living room.
There are several factors to consider, such as choosing the type of frame, where to hang them, and how many of them.
If you’re living in a larger place for example, you can opt to hang a single large painting in the living room.
If you’re living in a smaller space, you can try using multiple smaller frames for a more intimate feel. In case you don’t want to ruin your walls, or if you’re living in a rented place, you can learn how to put up frames without drilling.
3) Work upwards
Knowing what you have to work with helps a lot with planning on how best to freshen up your home.
Whether you’re styling a big apartment or maximising space in a smaller home, you should take into consideration how much of that space you can actually use.
To prevent clutter, go vertical. Wall-mounted shelves and storage frees up floor space and makes a room look more spacious. Go a step further and place a mirror or two to open it up even more.
If you ever run out of ideas, you can always head over to Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration.
4) Cover it up
Applying wallpaper is probably the most efficient way to hide boring-looking walls, or to cover up cracks and stains.
If your floors feel drab and bare, toss down a rug or a few plump cushions. They add texture and visual interest to an otherwise plain surface.
Adding rugs also gives the space a more cosy and inviting atmosphere, and there are a huge variety to suit whatever ideas you have in mind.
5) Give it a pop of colour
While a room with its four walls painted all white is a safe choice, it wouldn’t be the most interesting – unless you’re gunning for a super minimalist theme.
There are plenty of colour combinations you can deploy to brighten your home, even choosing to have a feature wall, where only one side of room is painted with a bright colour and the rest are kept neutral (like the image above!).
Understanding complementary colours will be a great help, and you can learn the basics of the colour wheel and colour combinations here.
Remember, your home’s interior design should match the mood you’re going for. Don’t be afraid to try unconventional combinations too, such as orange and blue!
6) Go green
Not in the environmentally-friendly sense! Adding a couple of potted plants is one way to add more life to a room.
If you’re worried about whether you can pay enough attention to them, here’s a list of houseplants that are easy to find in our country, and would complement numerous interior design styles.
If you prefer things to be even more hassle-free, you can always purchase fake plants. If you live in a condominium, you can choose to create your own balcony garden.
Home design can be fun, especially if you just moved into a new place. For those who are looking to switch things up, these simple tweaks can enliven your home. But if you’re planning to do more than just add a few lights or mirrors, check out our guide here to make sure you don’t go over your budget!
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