Looking for wall decor ideas to refresh your space? Those empty walls are filled with possibilities—and a few additions can make a house feel like a home. If you're ready to turn those stark, bare walls into stylish centerpieces, keep reading. No matter your style, we've got the tricks that can amp up your walls and bring out your personality and taste. Whether you’re an art collector, a nature enthusiast, or a book lover, your walls can be customized so that you can be surrounded by the things you adore. Discover 20 wall decor ideas that are sure to add style to your home.
Add Texture With a Weaving.
Those ’70s macramé wall hangings have come back in a big way. The weavings add texture and warm up stark walls. Shop for them on Etsy, or try your hand at making your own.
Add Removable Wall Art.
Minted has an incredible collection of grown-up, sophisticated removable wall art. The adhesive murals have a luxurious matte finish and come in a variety of styles. Removable wall art is perfect if you're renting and don't want to damage the walls.
Hang an Oversized Calendar.
A large calendar works especially well on an office or kitchen wall. Keep track of your events while also adding a standout element to enliven your room! Try bright and bold calendars with sans serif fonts to create a modern look and add a pop of color.
Add a Giant Whiteboard or Chalkboard.
A big board is a perfect functional addition to an office, playroom, or even kitchen. A chalkboard lends a rustic air to any room, while a whiteboard is the contemporary alternative—and you don't have to stick to just white (they're available in a variety of shades and prints). You can even take it to the next level and paint an entire wall with WriteWallPaint, which creates a writeable surface.
Create a Basket Wall
Bet you haven't considered this wall decor idea: Add baskets to your wall! Whether you want to go colorful or neutral, you can liven up any wall with an assortment of baskets in different sizes and textures.
Hang a Personalized Map.
Add a large word map to your room's decor. You can order a personalized map of a city, state, country, or the world in just about any color palette. You can make it ultra personal by adding pins to the places you've visited or plan to visit.
Mount Your Television.
Another way to go? Mount your television. Adding a flat screen to your wall can be a great way to free up space on top of your media cabinet, enhance your wall, and update the entire look of your living room or bedroom.
Add Shiplap Wall Paneling.
Shiplap paneling will infuse your space with a fresh coastal feeling—and it works in any room. Whether your dining room, bedroom, entryway, or even bathroom walls need a refresh, consider adding the wooden boards typically used as exterior siding.
Mount Your Bikes on the Wall.
Creating a stylish and sleek wall-mounting system for your bikes will give you more floor space and create an eye-catching focal point that will transform your blank wall. This is one of the most fun and functional wall decor ideas out there.
Use the Wall for Storage.
Short on closet space? Why not show off your finery and create a striking and practical display? Install hooks or a pegboard and hang hats in a cluster.
READ MORE https://futuristichomedecor.blogspot.com
Note :
Acknowledgements
This presentation contains images that were used under a Creative Commons License. Click here to see the full list of images and attributions:
https://link.attribute.to/cc/485281
Home decor ideas,Decoration ideas,DIY for home,Creative decor tips,Home hacks,Decor hacks,home decor,Decor ideas,Room decor,Interior design,Wall decor,House,Home,Decor,Home craft ideas,DIY home decor,Diy room decor,romantic decor,DIY home decorating idea,DIY home decorating,Indoor decor ideas,room decor ideas,home decor,interior design,diy home design ideas, home decor, decor, home decor ideas, projects, handmade, room decorating ideas, decoration, decoration home,decoration ideas, home design, home decoration ideas, wall decoration ideas,
Looking for an inexpensive way to spruce up your living space? Consider picking out furniture and other decorations with a rustic chic aesthetic. Things like wood, metal, burlap and natural materials can lend a rugged, time-worn look to any home. You can deck out whole rooms with rustic chic decor to create a sense of quiet coziness, or mix and match with modern pieces for a progressive look that defies the decades.
Method 1 Redesigning Your Living Space.
Make the best use of your space. Before you get too eager to shop for new pieces, scan the room you’re planning on decorating. Take note of its size, layout, flooring, walkways, doors, windows, cabinets and other features. The rustic furnishings you pick out should be appropriate for the specific look of each room so that the new atmosphere feels like a natural extension.
Some pieces will look better in certain places than others. Whenever you’re picking out your decor, trust your instincts when deciding where in your home or room it should go.
If you could use a fresh set of eyes, seek out the professional opinion of an interior designer.
Stick with a neutral color scheme. Rustic chic decor is by definition muted and minimal. Forget about bright colors, elaborate patterns or gleaming burnished fixtures. Instead, focus on monochromatic pieces in complementary hues and materials. This basic setting will act as a blank canvas so that you can add personality later by using smaller decorations.
Appliances and fixtures in dark, plain shades will go with a wider range of items.
Vary your tones between rooms. The sun room will benefit from light shades like pine and cream, while the bedroom or study can be done in dark grays, browns and blacks with splashes of color.
Keep furnishings simple. Simplistic items are wonderful on their own, but too many of them can easily start to look busy. Resist the urge to incorporate more and more into a room. Get a few essential pieces, like a maple coffee table or a rich brown leather loveseat, and let them speak for themselves.
Limiting the number of pieces in a given room also helps maximize your space.
A room full of items in all the same style or shade can quickly become monotonous.
Replace tired pieces. If you’re having trouble planning an updated layout for the room or deciding on the perfect spot for new decorations, one good place to start would be getting furniture and accessories that you don’t want anymore. Dull, uninteresting items can be sold, donated or discarded to make room for fresh finds. Assuming you’re not ready to part with a particular piece just yet, you could also have it reupholstered and appreciate it from a new perspective.
Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference. You might not have to totally overhaul your living space in order to breathe new life into it.
Give your old furniture a new home in another room, or store it until you find another use for it.
Method 2 Working with Different Materials.
Show off natural wood finishes. Wood is the ultimate staple of rustic chic style. It’s sturdy, idyllic and, best of all, goes with everything. Oak, cedar, mahogany and walnut are all excellent choices for wood furnishings. To complete the rustic aesthetic, look for pieces with attractive staining, irregular angles and other unique touches like bits of preserved bark.
You can find almost every major piece of furniture for your household in one type of wood or another.
Choose paints and stains that don’t distract from the innate beauty of the wood.
Accent with aged metals. On the flipside of sleek, contemporary styles, old-fashioned metals, such as wrought iron, copper and even artificially-rusted tin can instantly give your surroundings an air of dignified antiquity. Because of their shabby chic characteristics, raw and distressed metals are best used sparingly to offset woods and other finishes.
Lamps, bookends and table legs are good places to weave in metal accents.
Use vintage metal containers in the kitchen in place of traditional ceramic jars.
Incorporate elements of nature. When it comes time to cover the walls or fill up blank space, take cues from the great outdoors. Accentuate end tables and alcoves with decorations made from stone, fur or even faux ivory or tortoise shell. Your living space will have just the right amount of wildness while still looking like it leapt off the pages of a storybook.
If you live near scenic surroundings, switch to a more “exposed” layout with uncovered windows and natural lighting to bring a glimpse of the outside in.
Make sure you’re buying from humane sources. Imitation fur and other materials look like the real thing, but are both ethical and sustainable.
Finish with gorgeous quaint accessories. Put the finishing touches on a room with the same types of items you would ordinarily use to ornament your home, but with a twist—here is where unique fabrics and designs will come into play. Smaller accessories are also the best place to work fanciful designs into the room’s furnishings.
Instead of ordinary throw blankets and pillowcases, go with more eye-catching variations like Navajo or wove saddle blankets and beadwork pillows.
A beeswax candle or wind-up clock will make for a tasteful nightstand display, while blown glass bowls and vases can be substituted for a lifeless dining room centerpiece.
Method 3 Finding Rustic Chic Decor.
Visit your local furniture store. There’s no need to venture all the way to the Alaskan frontier or remote outposts of the Rockies in order to find good looking accoutrements. The rustic look is in, so it shouldn’t be hard to track down a few things that suit your preferences at major home goods stores. You’ll have the most luck when shopping for bigger items like tables, chairs and bedding in these places.
Chain stores like Crate and Barrel, Hobby Lobby and Pottery Barn specialize in rustic home decor.
Furniture outlets tend to charge more, so if you don’t like the idea of paying as much, thrift stores and DIY distressing techniques may be the way to go.
Go thrift shopping. It’s not uncommon to stumble upon forgotten treasures at secondhand stores and vintage boutiques. These are often items that you can’t find anywhere else, and you’re guaranteed a good deal. If you’re remodeling on a budget or looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, a thrift store may be your best bet.
Many old pieces will be ready to display in your home as-is.
Be sure to check beck regularly, as store inventories change constantly.
Distress plain pieces. Rather than scouring various stores and shops for wares with the right rustic vibe, buy furniture and accessories new and modify them yourself at home. Distressing furniture is fast, fun and could hardly be easier. All you need are a few basic tools like paint thinner, sandpaper and specialty paints and brushes. When you’re finished, you’ll have a collection of items that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Painted wood furniture can be weathered to expose the beautiful grain underneath, and metal objects can be strategically rusted or painted over with a matte finish.
Change out the hardware on any dressers or cabinets you happen to come across to customize their appearance.
Repurpose old items. For those little extra touches, look no further than your own attic or garage. Most homes are loaded with scraps of materials that are infinitely useful if applied correctly. For instance, you could use a roll of butcher’s twine to wrap drawer pulls and cabinet handles, wire lanterns for indoor lighting or frame an assortment of old fishing hooks to make wall art that’s anything but commonplace. With a few innovative ideas, you’ll start seeing your junk drawer in a whole new light!
If you have a certain item that you want to use but it doesn’t quite go with the rest of your furnishings, try painting, sanding or distressing it to make it a better visual fit.
Get creative! As your own personal interior decorator, you’re only limited by the scope of your imagination.
Tips.
No matter where you live, you can bring a sense of humble elegance and timelessness to your home by outfitting it in a rustic style.
Come up with an estimated budget that you’re willing and able to spend before you embark on your redecorating project.
Add to and take away bits of your current decor over time to let the look of your home gradually evolve.
Break up the neutral theme of rustic decor with fresh flowers, potted plants, hanging ferns and other greenery.
Head down to a superstore like Walmart and Target to pick up small, inexpensive odds and ends that help tie everything together.
Browse craft websites like Etsy and Pinterest for more ideas and inspiration on how to decorate your home.
Warnings.
Beware of lead-based paints on vintage finds. Lead paint has a tendency to flake off when it ages and can be dangerous to inhale or ingest.
Mid-century modern style is a popular look that is both minimalistic and fun. The style is known for its retro furniture, romantic color schemes, and straight lines. You can take different approaches to styling your mid-century modern room depending on your personal style. Start by decluttering your house and maximising the natural light. Choose furniture and accessories that enhance the mid-century look, and keep an eye out in thrift stores and garage sales to find unique items at bargain prices.
Method 1 Changing the Basics.
1. Declutter your area. Whether you are decorating a bedroom, lounge, or a whole house, the area will look more mid-century modern if it is free from clutter. Remove any unnecessary items from surfaces, such as desks, benches, or tables. File any loose pieces of paper, throw out any rubbish, and keep books and magazines in one place. Place small objects, such as art supplies, stationery, or cleaning products, into boxes or cupboards.
Consider giving away any objects that don’t fit with the mid-century modern theme, such as any neon or sparkly items. Keep items like sturdy wooden frames and hardcover books. Just prepare to use them strategically.
Place a few candles on a dresser rather than a myriad of ornaments.
2. Paint the walls white and add a feature wall if you want a dash of colour. The majority of mid-century modern homes have white walls as this allows the statement pieces of furniture to stand out. Paint the interior walls white and if you want to brighten up a room, paint one wall a different colour.
For example, paint 3 walls in the dining room white and paint 1 wall pale pink. If you don’t like white, consider other neutral tones, such as light cream or grey.
The exception to this is areas where you have wooden wall panels, brick walls, or large feature windows. These were often centerpieces in mid-century homes and should be displayed and enhanced, not covered up.
Consider using wallpaper for your feature wall if you want it to have texture or pattern.
3. Open the curtains to maximize the natural light. Most houses get at least some light during the day. Make the most of the light to help create a mid-century modern feel. During the day, open all of the curtains in the house.
If you want some privacy during the day, consider purchasing sheer curtains. These give a light and breezy feel to the house whilst still giving privacy.
If there are any tall trees or hedges that are blocking the light shining through the windows, trim them back.
4. Incorporate wooden features into your home. A key focus of mid-century modern design is including wood into the home. Consider adding wooden flooring, a wooden bench top, or wooden doors to your house. Oak, walnut, and teak are popular types of wood used in mid-century modern design.
Use wooden laminate instead of wood to achieve a similar look at a cheaper price.
Wooden decor pieces such as wooden balls, wooden furniture legs and backs, and wood doors were all prevalent in mid-century homes.
Method 2 Choosing Furniture.
1. Choose a couch with straight lines and a bold colour. Couches and armchairs are big focal points in mid-century modern design. Pick a couch that has relatively straight arms and tall tapered legs instead of a couch with ornate rounded edges. Choose a bold colour to help the couch stand out.
A sea-blue couch paired with mustard cushions would be a great colour choice.
If a new couch doesn’t fit in your budget, consider adding a colourful throw to your current couch.
You can replace your couch's current legs with the quintessentially mid-century tapered wooden legs. These are available affordably from most home improvement stores, as well as online.
2. Add a mid-century style mirror as a statement piece. A mirror has the power to make a room look bigger and lighter. Place a large, round mirror opposite a door or window so that it can reflect the natural light around the room.
Consider choosing a sunburst mirror. These are an iconic accessory of the mid-century era. Find replicas online to save money, or search in thrift stores.
Alternatively, look for a mirror with a minimalist aesthetic. A large, circular mirror with a thin gold frame would also be great for a mid-century home.
Upcycle any mirrors you already have. If you have a mirror with a frame, repaint the frame to match the feature wall or lounge suite colours.
3. Add lamps, pendants, and soft lighting. Lighting is a key feature of the mid-century style. Choose lamps with thin stems to incorporate the clean and minimal lines of mid-century design. Pick pendants that attract focus and have sculptural elements. Look for floor lamps that arch over furniture. Choose bulbs that have more yellow tones rather than blue tones as this will create a softer look.
Consider using multiple lamps per room to create different pockets of light. Limit pendants to one per room as they are a dominant feature.
Look for pendants and lamps at garage sales to find unique designs at a bargain price.
4. Choose wooden furniture to give a natural look to the space. Choose shades of wood that mirror the colours of wood found in nature. Natural pines and medium-browns work well. Consider adding a wooden coffee table, wooden chairs, or wooden shelves. If you want more minimal amounts of wood, choose a couch with wooden legs.
If you have wooden furniture that has been painted, consider sanding off the paint to expose the natural wood.
Don’t be afraid to use laminate. This can create a wooden look at a lower price.
Look out for wooden furniture in thrift shops. This is a great way to get quality furniture at a lower price.
Method 3 Adding Accessories.
1. Place a few pieces of bold art on the walls. The mid-century modern style is fairly minimalistic. Avoid placing too much art on the walls and cluttering the space. It is best to pick a few favourite pieces for the walls in each room.
Large graphics painted with oil on canvas are a great mid-century option. Metal wall plaques fit with the theme.
Abstract metal and stone sculptures are also good artistic accessories for this style.
2. Choose indoor plants to bring a feeling of life to your space. A key theme of mid-century modern style is the blending of the indoors and outdoors. An easy way to achieve this look is by adding indoor plants to your rooms. Consider adding plants at different levels to bring a natural look. For example, place one plant in a hanging basket and another on a coffee table.
Peace lilies are a timeless looking plant that improve air quality. Cacti are another timeless option.
Plants with hanging vines or droopy leaves work best in hanging baskets.
Plants are integral to the mid-century look. If you can't keep real plants in your home, invest in some fake plants to get the look.
3. Choose bedding and pillows with bold patterns. Repeating patterns and geometric shapes are an iconic part of the mid-century decorating style. An affordable way to introduce these to your house is through accessories. Add patterned cushions to your bed or couch to bring detail and color to the rooms. Alternatively, pick a patterned bedspread that makes the bed the focal point of the room.
Avoid having patterns on both the bedspread and decorative pillows. Similarly, avoid pairing a patterned couch with patterned cushions. Patterns look best when paired with plain items.
Consider buying fabric and then the sewing cushion covers or bedspread yourself. This is a great way to find the pattern you want and save money. If you can’t sew, ask a friend or family member that has good sewing skills to help you.
4. Pick a neutral-coloured rug that has an interesting texture. Mixing different textures in your home is a great way to enhance the mid-century style. Look for a rug that has a different texture to the carpet and couches. Try to get a neutral-colored rug so that you don’t draw away from the furniture in the room.
A shaggy rug would work well in a space with a velvet couch. Sisal and jute rugs also compliment this style and are very durable.
Purchase a rug from a home department store or keep an eye out at garage sales.
Tips.
If you working with a low budget, keep an eye out for big sales throughout the year.
Search thrift shops to find authentic retro items.
The mid-century look is very popular, so you can find a lot of modern items made to fit the aesthetic. Take a look at your local discount home goods and furniture stores for inspiration.
Adding terracotta to a home can create both an old world style and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Terracotta pieces are easy to integrate into your decor and add a little extra flare to any room. With so many options available, the hardest part is deciding what to pick. However, choosing a theme can go a long way to helping you find what terracotta will work in your home.
Choosing a Style.
Go Southwestern or add some Mexican flare. Search for terracotta in earth tones with a rough texture. For example, look for burnt orange and dark brown pieces of suns and animals. You should also avoid items with a gloss. The more home-crafted it looks, the better.
This type of terracotta pairs well with brightly painted walls and colorful tapestries. Try placing these pieces in a room with an azure blue accent wall or in a dining area with a hand woven rug.
Try a Mediterranean touch. Go for terracotta with painted designs or engravings. Look for large vases with brightly colored gloss. Often times, these items will appear rustic with chipping paint and rough patches. You can also find intricate pitchers, bowls, and Tuscan or Greek inspired pottery.
If you have any mosaic tile in your home, especially in blues and whites, Mediterranean inspired terracotta is an ideal accent.
Mix and match. If you can't decide on one style or another, try picking a few pieces from each. For example, the dark, rough-edged terracotta of a Southwestern-inspired candleholder can be a great contrast to the glossy finish of Mediterranean pottery. You can also try matching color palettes to help mesh the style. Pair a light orange vase with a rustic pink statue.
Pairing Things Indoors.
Try a variety of vases in an entryway. Terracotta vases come in a multitude of styles and sizes. Go for a large Grecian urn or a small Navajo inspired pot and put them alongside a side table. Or pair a painted, mosaic style pitcher with a burnished clay bowl. Set these items alongside your doorway. You can even fill them full of sprawling vines, small succulents, or umbrellas.
Install some clay sconces in your family room. A subtle way to work in terracotta is through light fixtures. Not only is it practical, but it's a decor piece that can add a rustic feel without overtaking a room. Try an engraved sconce with simple geometric patterns. Or, make a statement with something figurative and playful, like Kokopelli or a sun face.
If you have a minimalistic room or a space with very little decorating area, try brightly painted terracotta sconces to add a pop of color and design.
Add masks to a wall mural. Place traditional Navajo or Mayan clay masks alongside family portraits or paintings. These rough, hand-made items work as a great contrast next to sleek modern picture frames. You can also try hanging brightly painted suns and stars from Mexico next to black and white photos to bring in pops of color.
Moving Outside.
Put terracotta statues in your garden. Whether you are growing vegetables, flowers, or a myriad of other greenery, terracotta statues can add a point of interest to any garden. For example, add a trio of medium sized terracotta fish to a bed of lavender or geraniums. Not only will the burnt-orange pop against the purple of the flowers, but the fish will appear to be swimming.
Or, instead of a garden gnome, set a small terracotta warrior to stand guard next to your tomatoes or spiraling cucumbers.
Line porches with terracotta planters. When looking to add flower pots to your deck or patio, trade in the stone or porcelain for terracotta. Not only does terracotta breath easier, but the porosity of the clay allows moisture to penetrate the pot, giving your plants lots of much-needed nutrients. If you have a cement patio or light colored wooden deck, try the traditional orange colored pots. Put them in corners or along stairs. On the other hand, if you have a darker colored deck, try a painted terracotta in a distressed white or cream.
Fill these up with flowers of contrasting colors like blues, purples, and yellows.
You don’t have to stick with the traditional smooth terracotta planter either, go for pots that mimic Grecian urns and are carved into intricate patterns.
Attach small terracotta pots to a fence or wall. An easy design trick is making outdoor collages or murals with miniature planters. Line these pots up in large geometric patterns like squares, circles, or even stars. You can place them on fences around pools or yards, or even on the back wall of your home. Leave them with their common orange color or paint them different shades to stand out against their backdrop. For example, if you have a white picket fence, use the reddish hues of the pots to create a striking pattern that you can see from far away.
Nothing transforms an ordinary room faster than adding some metallic. Not only does it brighten up your space, it instantly adds a touch of glamor and modernity. However, like with many trends, it’s important to keep from going overboard. A sophisticated room can turn into a funhouse with just a few too many metallic accents. If you’re interested in using metallic in your home décor, there are a few design techniques you should keep in mind.
Part 1 Adding Accessories.
1. Start small. If you’re new to this trend and haven’t played around with metallics before, don’t go big right away. Try adding a few small pieces to a room first, just to get a feel for how it works in your home – and to confirm you like metallic décor! Adding a metallic gold vase as a table centerpiece or hanging up a mirror with bronze trim are examples of ways you can add a bit of bling to your space without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Purchase versatile items. If you aren’t a professional interior decorator, you might not have a grand vision for your space. That’s OK! You can always buy a few items that can work in several places around your home, and you can play around with them. Look for pieces that can work in your bedroom or your living room, or the bathroom or the kitchen. You can move things around and experiment.
A metallic picture frame is a small touch that can add a lot to a space, but can also work in virtually any space. The same goes for metallic lamps, trays, bowls, and so on.
3. Try out things that aren’t permanent. If you aren’t ready to fully embrace this trend yet, why not purchase a few temporary metallic accessories? For example, consider using fun golds and silvers in your holiday or seasonal décor. You can find festive throw pillows, table settings, display trinkets, and so on. If you still love the metallic trend when the season or holiday ends, you can get some décor that is more permanent.
4. Use one metallic statement piece. If you don't want to fill your home with various metallic pieces, or simply only have one metallic piece that interests you, why not just use it solo to make a statement? Whether it's a metallic tea tray on your coffee table or one metallic piece of art on your mantle, one statement piece will draw the eye immediately. You don't need to add metallics to every corner of the room to embrace this trend in your home.
Part 2 Choosing your Metallics Wisely.
1. Consider the different types of metallics. After all, not all metallics are created equal. A shiny, smooth gold will create a different effect in a room than a hammered gold. Any metallic with an antiqued finish will look darker and older, and a metallic with a brushed finish will be more matte. If you’re not interested in traditional gold or silver, don’t overlook copper and bronze décor! Also, don’t be afraid to mix and match metallics to create a lot of interest.
Again, if you aren’t sure which one you’ll prefer over time in your home, try out a few smaller, temporary pieces! You can get an idea for your personal preference without committing to anything or shelling out a lot of cash.
Don’t buy a certain type of metallic simply because it’s recommended with your color palette or someone suggested it. Choose a metallic that you personally love, and you won’t get sick of it.
2. Gather inspiration from the professionals. If your space needs a makeover, try heading to Pinterest before heading to Home Goods. You can also find decorating ideas from interior design magazines and websites. Even if you have experience decorating your home, it never hurts to check out what other people are doing. You can see how the professionals are using metallics in homes, and you might discover combinations or ideas that you never considered.
3. Repurpose things you already own. Giving your own furniture or décor a metallic makeover is a great way to save a little money and extend the life of your belongings. Instead of tossing that plain wooden dresser you’re sick of, give it a makeover. A coat of black or white paint with some metallic knobs or accents will make it look like a whole new piece. The same goes for old chairs, tables, desks, and so on. You can find metallic spray paints in every hue at a home improvement store.
Part 3 Balancing Out the Space.
1. Pair metallics with soft fabrics. To bring balance to the room you’re decorating, it’s a great idea to pair opposites. In other words, try blending your metallic décor with soft fabrics. A vibrant gold bowl placed on a faux fur place mat creates a beautiful contrast. Adding a metallic throw pillow to a soft velvet armchair strikes that same balance.
Not only do these pairings create balance, but they also allow the metallic element to really stand out.
2. Use a neutral color palette. Using metallics to decorate your home is a pretty bold choice, and it’s typically best to let those elements be the focal point. In order to do this, try to keep the rest of the room fairly neutral. Pair your metallics with colors like gray, white, cream, black, and so on. Not only is this extremely modern and on trend, it’s also much more welcoming and “livable.”
Pairing some already flashy metallic décor with colors like hot pink or electric blue is certainly a bold choice, but you’re likely to get a bit sick of it after awhile.
3. Let the metallics have the spotlight. The other tips have alluded to it, but the key to using metallic in your home décor is to let those pieces have the spotlight. By keeping the rest of your décor neutral, soft, and simplistic, you’ll ensure that your space doesn’t become overwhelming. For example, if there’s a metallic coffee table that you love, go for it! Just keep the couch and rug neutral, and let that table have the spotlight.
The added bonus of keeping your spaces pretty neutral is that you will be able to swap different metallic pieces in and out as you like!
Eclectic interior designs are perfect for anyone who wants to put a fun, creative spin on their home decor. Eclectic means combining different time periods and styles. This results in unique décor, like colonial with a bohemian flare, rural meets modern, or Neo-classic with a trendy urban spin. But it can also be tricky to pull off. While there’s no set rules for eclectic homes, some tips can help turn this mismatched style into a cohesive, unified look.
Method 1 Buying Statement Pieces.
1. Search for one-of-a-kind furniture and knicknacks. Your furniture should help bring your different styles together. Look at different time periods for ideas, like furnishing your living room with a chintz armchair and a mid-century sofa. Hand-made pieces are perfect for eclectic rooms. Go with family hand-me-downs or something you can pick up at a garage sale. This feels creative and personal, which is exactly what eclectic style is about.
2. Make a focal point out of an eye-catching decoration. Maybe it's a painting, chandelier, antique, or special piece of furniture that gets guests talking. Only use one focal point per room. Any more is too confusing and distracting.
A statement piece can also help you to develop an eclectic style for a room. Choose your piece, and then build the rest of the décor around it.
3. Show off your interests and hobbies. Eclectic style is about your personality. If you’re a photographer, make a gallery of black and white photos. Bookworms can fill their rooms with bookshelves, or even use end tables made out of books. Hunters can mount deer heads on the walls. Whatever your hobby, find a way to make it part of your design.
Keep in mind that an eclectic home should look curated and collected. Use pieces that show off your style to achieve this look!
4. Decorate with objects that reflect your history. Your home can tell your story. Decorate with Mexican pottery from your vacation to Oaxaca, Celtic crosses to honor your Irish heritage, and potted cacti from your college years in Arizona. Blend these different parts together. Use family heirlooms like your grandmother’s antique lamp mixed with pop art from your favorite movie.
Even your main style can come from your history, like rustic chic in honor of your grandparents’ farmhouse.
Avoid lots of matching items and brand new pieces. Collect a variety of new, used, and reused pieces over time to make your home look eclectic.
5. Let your style say something about your values and personality. Throw in a splash of bohemian to reflect your free spirited side. If you’re forward-thinking, go with elements of modern style. If you enjoy the simpler side of life, go with a classic, Victorian, or a colonial theme. Your style should be based on who you are, and what you believe in.
Method 2 Unifying Elements.
1. Choose 2 or 3 styles so your design doesn't get too complicated. Eclectic doesn’t mean over the top. It’s easy to get caught up in blending so many styles and objects, but that can turn your home into a messy eyesore. Try sticking to 2 styles (3 max), usually with 1 dominant style and the other complimenting it.
For example, a vintage main style with a hint of rustic charm.
You can create an eclectic style using a minimalist or maximalist approach. Go with the approach that suits you!
2. Pick a single go-to color scheme to unite the room. Eclectic style only works if you connect the mismatched styles. Color schemes can pull a room or house together. Neutral colors are your best bet. Use a neutral like gray with gold or pastel colors to make the room look cohesive.
Don’t use too many different colors, or colors that clash. That's more gaudy than eclectic.
Opt for a single bold color, such as green, to unite the items in your room. Just make sure to be consistent with your color choice.
3. Furnish each room with a variety of textures. Different textures bring out different styles. Try combinations like a shag rug next to a metal coffee table, or a soft, modern sofa beside a hand-carved Victorian writing desk.
Keep a balance of soft and rough textures, with a few objects of each.
Choose art, rugs, and furniture in a variety of different textures to add interest to your space.
4. Chose a color palette, furniture, and decorations that fit the same mood. Think of how you want to feel in each room. You might want one room to unwind, and another to host parties. Keep that in mind when you decorate.
Keeping your furniture in the same general style allows you more freedom to change up your other décor, such as accessories, accent pieces, and art.
If you’re going for something whimsical, fill the room with plants, bright colors, and unique, bold patterns. For something more cerebral, go with bookshelves, vintage furniture, and calming colors.
Method 3 Arranging a Layout.
1. Buy practical furniture that fits your needs. Don’t get so caught up in style that you forget the actual purpose of the room. Remember that you’re living here, so it needs to be functional. A living room should be relaxing, and a breakfast nook should have space to cook. Pick furniture that fits those needs.
For example, get a dining room table that has space enough for your family, not just one that looks stylish.
Comfortable living room furniture is also very important. For example, you might find a really interesting sofa that would look great in your home, but you may regret this purchase if the sofa is not comfortable.
2. Spread out the furniture so the room isn't too crowded. Balance is the key to eclectic rooms. Too much furniture looks cluttered, especially if it’s all bunched together while the other half of the room is empty. Spread out the furniture evenly, so the room looks neat and smooth.
Clutter looks messy, not eclectic, and makes it hard to get around.
3. Remember to leave some empty spaces. You want your interior design to be unique, not overwhelming. Don’t overdo it. Keep it balanced with empty space. Empty space can help put the focus on the decorations that you want to show off. If one wall has a photo gallery, leave another one bare.
If you’re a homeowner who is looking for a way to add a little bit of sunshine to the dark corners of your home, there are many tips and tricks you can use to easily brighten up your life. With a little bit of imagination, you can look past a dreary, dark room and find many ways to make it cheery and bright. Just by adding light, accessorizing, adding pops of color, and controlling clutter, you can make a big difference and brighten things up!
Method 1 Adding Light.
Add overhead lighting. Installing an energy efficient overhead light, track light, or recessed light can look great in any area. Consider an Energy Star approved fixture to help conserve energy at the same time you’re adding brightness.
Install a floor lamp. Lighting up a dark corner of a room can make it feel cozier, brighter, and more inviting.
Change out opaque light fixtures for clear ones. Lighting can make a world of difference in any room. You can literally brighten things up by something as simple as changing that old light fixture to a more modern, clear one that lets the light shine through unhindered.
Choose an LED or CFL lightbulb. Swap your existing bulbs for some with higher lumens to intensify the light in your room. LED and CFL bulbs are an excellent choice, since they provide the same quality of lighting you’re used to, but they use very little power. LEDs can last up to 6 times longer than CFLs and 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Don’t forget the mirrors. Mirrors are, hands down, the very best accessory you can add to help enhance existing light and make your room appear larger. Light that reflects off of a mirror doubles the light in any room! If possible, hang a large mirror directly across from a window to get the best results.
Make it sparkle. Add crystals, rhinestones, and other shiny objects to lamps or vases. Place these on tabletops and bookshelves to bring a bit of light into areas that may otherwise be dull and boring. Add metallic finishes to shelves and frames to help reflect light and brighten up your room.
Method 2 Accessorizing.
Paint a bright accent wall. If you decide to go a little bit farther on your quest to brighten up your home, a more in-depth way is to paint. The right color of paint can brighten up any room. Painting is also a good way to disguise wear and tear that has occurred over time. Painting just one wall can give the entire space a new look.
Change old worn out color schemes for new ideas like pairing neutrals with a bright anchor color that ties everything together. Focus on a particular combination and develop your concepts from there.
Consider painting your existing furniture a newer, brighter color. When you’re done with that fresh coat of paint, make sure your pieces aren’t blocking sources of natural light.
Add plants. You will be amazed at how bringing just a little bit of nature indoors can brighten up your home. Houseplants and fresh-cut flowers add not only improved air quality, but also pops of fun and color.
Add some fun artwork. The right piece of art has the potential to change the entire mood of a room. Add something bright and cheerful that makes you feel happy when you look at it. This is not only a great way to personalize your area and make it your own, but it’s a great way to make your room brighter and more visually appealing.
Throw down a colorful rug. A big chunk of color might be just what you need to make a statement, especially if you have neutral colored flooring. If you don’t see one that catches your fancy, try making your own!
Add some bright pillows. If your color scheme is neutral, a pillow in a bright color might be just the pop of color you need to liven things up.
Try new fabrics. A slipcover in a light fabric can add an entire new style dimension to an area. Add patterns and textures that you love. Trade heavy old drapes for some bright white panels with a bright scarf or tie-back and see how the light shines through!
Method 3 Controlling Clutter.
Clean it up. When was the last time you vacuumed the dust bunnies under your bed or wiped down the walls? Cleaning streaked and smudged windows will let more sun shine through. A clean house just feels brighter.
Open your windows. It sounds silly, but fresh air can make any room feel brighter and more cheerful! So raise the shades, open the blinds, and air things out!
Purge your belongings. You probably have too much stuff. Sometimes it’s time to do a major purging. Once you get started, it feels great to say goodbye to all that clutter!
Donate it. Give your extra clothing, books, housewares, and toys to a local collection for those in need. Some organizations will even come to your house and pick up donations.
Throw it away. Do you really need to save those textbooks from 10 years ago or that half-roll of Christmas paper? Probably not. If no one can use it, just pitch it.
Limit yourself when it comes to belongings. The old saying is “there is a place for everything,” but you don’t really need a thing for every place!
Don’t go out and replace things immediately. If you run out of something or break an item, see what you can “make do” with. You would be surprised at how resourceful you can be when you challenge yourself to use what you already have available.
Give yourself restrictions. Limit yourself on certain things. Decide on the number of coats you’ll allow yourself to have or how many coffee mugs are allowed in your cabinets. You probably don't really need three copies of your favorite book!
Having your own bar is a fun and exciting way to entertain guests. Decorating your bar can actually be a lot of fun and really easy. A great way to get started is to decide on a theme for your bar. That will help you choose the appliances, glassware, and storage that accents the theme of your bar. Then, it’s just a matter of adding decor that matches your theme and you’ll be drinking comfortably at your own bar in no time!
Method 1 Customizing the Bar Countertop.
1. Make custom napkins with your initials or a logo to place on your bar. Creating your own bar napkins is an easy way to add a personal touch to your bar. You can print napkins in any color that have your initials, your favorite team’s logo, your wedding anniversary, or even a photograph of your family on them.
Go online to search for customized napkins.
2. Use decorative coasters on your bar top. Coasters are both decorative and practical because they’ll help preserve your bar top and are a great way to accent your bar by using an interesting design. Famous quotes, a sports team logo, iconic landmarks, or humorous quotes can all add to the decor of your bar top.
For an even more personal decoration, try your hand at making ink stamped coasters or felt coasters.
You can find all kinds of coaster designs online. You can even make your own and have them shipped to you.
Many craft stores have the materials you need to make your own coasters.
3. Keep an assortment of straws on your bar. The straws you choose to serve with your drinks can affect the vibe or style of your bar. Using wacky and colorful straws would have a different effect than plain and purely functional straws. Put out straws on your bar for people to use that reflect the style or theme of your bar.
For example, a Caribbean or tiki-themed bar could use ornate straws that have Easter Island heads on them.
4. Add plants to your bar top to add some color or greenery. A potted plant or a vase of fresh flowers can really alter the look and feel of your bar. Unless your bar has a window that allows lots of light in, you’ll need to choose an indoor plant that does well in low light.
A decorative vase to hold your flowers can be a great decoration as well.
Use fake flowers for an easy-to-maintain option.
Tip: Use herbs in pots to decorate your bar and use in drinks. For example, you could keep mint and rosemary in small pots on your bar.
5. Install a countertop that creates the look that you want. The centerpiece of your bar should be the bar itself: the countertop where people will sit and enjoy food and drinks. Depending on the look you’re going for and your budget, you have several options to choose from for your bar countertop.
Granite and marble countertops are expensive, but they last forever and create a very elegant, stylish appearance.
Dark, well-grained wood fits into a traditional pub motif and will give your bar a warmer look and feel.
Stainless steel or glass bar countertops will give your bar a modern, experimental vibe.
Tile countertops are a less expensive but attractive option.
Avoid surfaces that will warp, chip, crack, or scratch easily like vinyl or wood paneling.
6. Add a backsplash beneath the bar to accent the countertop. Utilize the space beneath the countertop to complement or contrast with the design of your countertop. The space doesn’t need to just be a place for people to rest their feet!
For example, if you had a white marble countertop, you could use a black coral pattern backsplash as a contrast.
Method 2 Decorating the Walls.
1. Install decorative lighting fixtures to accent your bar. The lighting you choose for your bar should add a decorative accent but also be functional and provide adequate lighting for your bar.
A classic light fixture for many bars is the pendant lighting fixture.
Use lower wattage or softer light bulbs if you want to create a pub-like atmosphere.
Add small LED lights beneath the cabinets and on your shelves to draw light toward your decor, glassware, and supplies.
Change the color of the lights to suit the theme of your bar.
2. Hang a neon sign to make your bar look like an authentic bar. Depending on the theme of your bar, hanging a neon sign as decoration can make it feel like you’re sitting in a real bar, especially for a sports bar or a pub-style theme.
A wine or modern-themed bar wouldn’t be served by hanging a neon sign.
You can find neon signs for purchase online.
3. Use memorabilia to add a personal touch to your bar. It’s your bar, so you should add your own touch to it! You can hang photographs, images, or even flags to decorate your bar that makes it your own.
For a sports bar theme hang a jersey from your favorite team or flags with the team logo.
Tip: Hang pictures of your friends and family to make your bar feel like home.
4. Add a mirror to give depth to your bar. Many bars use mirrors to make the room feel larger and add a decorative accent to the bar. Mirrors visually expand the space and can be an effective design element that adds to the decor of your bar.
Make sure you choose a place on your wall that can support the weight of the mirror.
Method 3 Arranging the Bar.
1. Use an interesting shelf system for your bar. The shelves behind your bar can be used for more than just storing your glasses, supplies, mixers, and liquor. They can also be a part of your bar’s decor. The color, design, and arrangement of your shelves can all add to the look of your bar.
For example, you could use dark stained wood to store your beer mugs.
If you like to serve cocktails, you could use glass or stainless steel shelves for a more modern look.
2. Display your glassware in a visible spot behind the bar. You can use your glassware as decoration when you’re not using it to serve drinks! Keep glassware that is appropriate for the types of drinks that you can serve and look good sitting the shelves of your bar. Organize and arrange the glassware in a fun and cute way so people can see it.
Show off your cocktail equipment by arranging your martini glasses and shakers on a shelf behind your bar.
Use a decorative glass rack for your stemware like wine glasses and champagne flutes.
If you have themed cups or glasses, place them on shelves behind your bar as part of your decoration.
3. Arrange your alcohol, mixers, and supplies in an interesting way. The manner in which you display your liquor and your supplies add to the overall look of your bar. For example, you could arrange everything you have in a neat row or you could only display your more expensive and fancy drinks for a more professional look.
Your more expensive liquors should be placed on a higher shelf
Keep cheaper liquor beneath the bar so you can access it but it isn’t visible.
4. Put out fun shot glasses for people to use. You more than likely will be pouring shots at some time or another at your bar. Keep fun shot glasses out for people to use whenever the occasion arises.
Keep shot glasses with your favorite team’s logo to use after they score in a game!
Use frozen shot glasses to kick it up a notch.
5. Select barstools that complement your bar. Barstools are also both practical and decorative elements of your bar. Choose barstools that add to the look of your bar, but are also comfortable for people to sit in. Your barstools also need to be tall enough to accommodate most people so everyone can enjoy sitting at your bar.
For example, a pub theme would have barstools that are made of dark wood, while a modernist cocktail bar theme would be sleek and a monochromatic color.
A typical bar countertop stands at about 41–43 inches (100–110 cm) tall, and your bar stools should stand between 29–32 inches (74–81 cm) from the floor to the seat to accommodate most people.
6. Install custom tap handles to decorate your bar. Decorative tap handles will make your bar feel more authentic and personal at the same time.You can go online to purchase customized tap handles or you could order tap handles of your favorite brew or even your favorite sports team to decorate your tap handles with.
Use chalkboard tap handles so you can change what’s written or drawn on them.
7. Consider following a theme to help choose the decor for your bar. You could choose a theme for your bar to help decide what decorations you use. If you do decide to follow a theme, it should be manageable and fit the space of your bar, but it can be anything you want!
Look online or flip through design magazines for theme ideas or for decorations that fit your theme.
Bar Theme Ideas.
Sports Bar: If you’re a sports fan, you can use your favorite teams and sports to help choose color patterns and decorations.
Tiki bar: A tiki bar theme is fun and playful and would include lots of bamboo and wicker elements to give a South Pacific flair to your bar.
Wine bar: If wine is your interest, you can focus your decorations to highlight your passion using things like corks, wine racks, and an assortment of glassware.
British pub: A British pub theme would utilize dark wood accents, empire-themed decor with the Union Flag, and proper pint glasses.
Giving your bedroom a makeover is the perfect way to express your creativity and help you feel happy and relaxed in your own space. Start by updating your walls with a new paint job or colorful prints, then revamp your bed with matching blankets and throw pillows. Bring your furniture into play with bright accessories and organization tools to make your room the perfect reflection of you!
Part 1 Decorating the Walls and Floor.
1. Choose a style and color scheme. For a room that looks cohesive and cool, it’s best to decide on a color scheme and a general style before you start decorating. Choose a color palette that you love, but make sure you won’t get sick of it easily. Also, keep in mind that while your bedroom should be fun and exciting, it should also be conducive to a good night’s sleep. You can find inspiration online, using sites like Pinterest, by reading design magazines, from visiting home goods or furniture stores, or even watching design shows.
Soft, pastel wall colors paired with a brighter floral bedspread and decorations make a room that’s feminine, but not overpowering.
Dark purples and blues coupled with white or cream walls give a gentle, relaxed vibe.
Opt for a sophisticated space with black, white, and gray coloring, plus pops of pink, purple, or blue.
For a bright, tropical look, blend bright pinks and deep oranges with your walls, bedspread, and furniture.
2. Repaint your room to totally change the style. To really transform your space, a new paint job is the way to go. Tell your parents what you envision and talk about some color options. Go with them to buy the paint and offer to help with the painting as well to show your dedication to your project.
Be careful when choosing colors! Although bright shades look great on a paint swatch, they can be overwhelming on your walls. Opt for a more subdued hue to bring a sense of calm to the space. For instance, choose navy blue instead of cobalt blue for a peaceful, warm, color.
If you do decide to go with a bright wall color, balance it out with lighter-colored furniture and blankets. You could use accents of bright color with colorful pillows, blankets, or rugs, or paint just the wall behind your bed a bright hue for an accent wall.
If you can’t repaint your room, don’t worry! You can still decorate it to match your style with wall decorations, blankets, and revamped furniture.
3. Hang a print, decal, or poster on the wall to perk up your room. Even freshly-painted walls can use some extra decorations. Look for adhesive wall decals, framed prints, or posters of your favorite movie or band to brighten up blank corners of your room.
Decals come in many different shapes and patterns. Look for ones with colors and styles that will play off of your wall color and bedspread. You can get decals at home stores or online, especially at craft-focused retailers like Etsy.
Don’t go overboard with your decals—any more than 2 in a small space can look overdone. Stick with 1 large decal, or 2 smaller ones placed separately.
To make a poster look more stylish, put it in a frame or hang it with wire instead of simply taping or tacking it to the wall.
4. Hang up photos or a bulletin board to personalize your wall space. Frame and hang a few of your favorite photos of your friends and family for a homey touch. For even more wall space to decorate, buy a bulletin board and tack up photos, drawings, and mementos.
You can also use a small, magnetic chalkboard or whiteboard to hang photos and scribble notes and thoughts. Or, paint a whole wall or part of a wall with magnetic chalkboard paint. You’ll be able to write messages and put up photos or posters without damaging the wall.
If you don’t like the tan, cork-like look of a regular bulletin board, customize it by spreading a length of colorful fabric over it and taping or stapling the ends to the back.
Decorate the edges of your photo frames with stickers and paint for a look that’s even more you.
5. Get a soft rug and throw pillows to make a lounge space in the corner. Most teen rooms are too small for a couch or comfy armchair. Luckily, you can make your own lounge area in an empty corner by stacking a few big throw pillows on top of a soft rug.
If you have a little extra space, add a small beanbag or a backrest pillow with arms.
To create a cozy reading nook, put a floor pouf and a few cozy pillows in a corner. Add a floor lamp to brighten the space.
6. Add a mirror to make your room look bigger. Hanging a full- or half-length mirror in your room makes it easy to choose a great outfit every morning. As a bonus, a mirror can also make your room look more spacious.
Add a small mirror in another area to check makeup and open up the room even more. Make sure to situate it so that your mirrors don’t reflect each other.
You can put a mirror on the back of your bedroom door, on your closet door, or even above your bed.
7. Hang up string lights to add a soft glow to your room. Ask your parents if they have any extra white string lights and use them to decorate a plain wall or add soft illumination to your room. You can make a design out of the lights or simply string them across a wall with tape and push-pins.
Weave the lights through your headboard to create a soft reading light, or string them around the top perimeter of your room.
8. Hang a lighted mirror garland to add sparkle to a plain wall. To make a lighted mirror garland, drape 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 m) of mirror garland thickly over a curtain rod that’s 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) long, so that the they hang down towards the floor. Install hooks in your wall and set the rod in them for a flashy, unique wall decoration.
Set your garland next to a window to make it glow. For all-day sparkle, drape 6–7 feet (1.8–2.1 m) of string lights among the garlands.
Ask your parents to help you install the hooks. They should be wide enough to be able to set the pole in comfortably, and will need to be screwed into the wall.
You can buy mirror garlands online or at craft stores.
9. Install hanging shelves to add storage options for a small room. If you’re running out of desk or closet space for pictures, knick-knacks, or books, ask your parents to help you install hanging shelves on your wall. This is a great way to decorate your walls while organizing clutter.
You can buy hanging shelves at a furniture store or make your own with the help of your parents for a fun home improvement project.
As an alternative to a nightstand, place the shelves on either side of your bed.
Part 2 Sprucing up the Bed.
1. Choose a comforter that won’t overwhelm your room. Your bed comforter or duvet is the center of your room, so picking the right color or pattern can make a huge difference! Check home stores, online retailers, and catalogues for one that matches your room’s style and color scheme.
For a luxurious feel, choose a fluffy comforter and layer a throw blanket or 2 on top of the comforter at the foot of your bed. Add a row of throw pillows for a cozy feel.
If your walls are bright or you’re planning on going all-in with colorful furniture, you could try a more subdued pastel or white comforter.
If your walls are white or light-colored, feel free to go for a comforter or duvet that’s brighter or patterned to add a burst of color to the center of your room.
If you can’t get a new comforter or are looking to save money, you can revamp your bed with a few pretty blankets, or even sew a comforter yourself.
2. Move your bed to change your room set-up. Turning your bed the other way or moving it to the opposite side of the room can really freshen up your space. Talk to your parents about scooting your bed against a different wall, or turning it so that it sticks into the middle of the room instead of sitting against a wall.
When deciding where to place your bed, try to put the head against a wall with no pipes running through it, near enough to your window for natural light.
If you’re worried about putting your bed too close to the window, put up some drapes to block out the sun on mornings when you want to snooze a little later.
To create a daybed feel, position one of the long sides of your bed against a wall and line that side with pillows. You can easily relax or study there, then simply move the pillows when you’re ready for bed.
3. Toss fun throw pillows on your bed for a burst of color. Look for pillows that are pretty and comfortable, that match your comforter and walls. Scatter 3-4 of them across your bed for a casual look, or stack them neatly for a style that’s more sophisticated.
Look for pillows in various shapes and sizes that match your room decor.
4. Place an end table at the foot of your bed for more storage space. A storage bench at the end of your bed is a stylish way to store clutter and add an extra, comfy seat to your room. Look for a bench to match your comforter at home stores and online.
For even more storage space, grab some colorful bins at a home store and stash them (and your clutter) under the bed.
5. Try a mounted headboard for a cleaner look that takes up less space. A headboard can push your bed a foot (0.3 m) or more away from the wall, which is a lot of space in a small room. Talk to your parents about getting rid of your headboard, or mounting one on the wall behind the bed to save space and look neater.
As an alternative to a headboard, hang up a wall tapestry or decorative scarf on the wall behind your bed.
6. Hang a blanket over your bed for a relaxed, boho canopy. If you feel too old for the full princess canopy, try lightly draping a thin, patterned blanket above your bed. String it from the ceiling and let it dangle 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) from your pillows for an airy feel.
Part 3 Dressing up Your Furniture.
1. Use a small table as a desk and dress it up with colorful containers. If you don’t already have a desk, look for a small table that will save space and look light and easy in your room. Fit it into your color scheme with colorful accessories like a desk lamp, a pencil cup, bookends, and a digital clock.
Try not to clutter your desk space up with too many knick-knacks, especially if this is a space you’ll use to do homework. All those small items will distract you from your studying.
2. Set out a small, pretty trash can to quickly dispose of clutter. Buy a small trash can online or from a home store, looking for one that matches your overall decor. Place it in the corner of your room for a quick, convenient way to throw away scraps of paper, tags from clothing, or any other bits of waste you have in your room.
If you don’t have much trash, you could use a container you already have around the house, like a basket, as a creative trash can substitute.
Remember to take out your trash at least once a week to keep clutter from piling up.
Don’t use your small trash can to throw away food or anything else that could decompose. This could make your room smell and even attract bugs.
3. Organize your makeup on a magnet board. Buy a magnet board and glue thin fabric over it to match your color scheme. Then, hot glue small, round, strong magnets onto the back of each of your eyeshadow, blush, and bronzer containers. Stick them onto the board to make a cute makeup organizer.
To organize your brushes and liners, glue a few magnets onto an old, small plastic cup. Store your mascara, brushes, and liners inside and stick them on the board.
4. Turn over a colorful trash can to make a simple night stand. If you want to revamp your bedside table, buy a cheap, colorful trash can online or at a large general store. Flip it upside down and set it by your bed for a small, cute table!
Look for a trash can with artful designs or a pretty pattern that will blend nicely with your bedspread and walls. Or, find a plain trash can, turn it upside down, and spray paint it the color you want. Try a glittery gold paint for a fun and bold option.
5. Decoupage dresser drawers with fabric for a splash of color. Cut a sheet of matching fabric to fit your dresser drawer, then wash it and dry it. Brush Mod Podge over the fabric and the dresser drawer and press the fabric onto the drawer one section at a time, smoothing it down with a straight edge as you go.
If you’re using a thin, cotton fabric, paint your dresser drawers white first. Mod Podge makes thin fabrics somewhat see-through, allowing dark colors to bleed through.
To get the process down, try practicing on a small piece of wood first.
6. Paint an old filing cabinet for modern storage space. Ask your parents if they have an old filing cabinet they don’t need anymore and transform it into a unique storage space! Lightly sand the cabinet with some sandpaper, then clean the cabinet and apply 3-4 coats of paint with a roller.
Paint the cabinet with chalk paint and label the contents of each drawer with chalk for extra organization. Or, pick a bright color like neon pink or yellow for a mod vibe.
To clean the cabinet, simply run a wet cloth over it to catch any dust and grime. Let it dry before you paint.
7. Spray paint the bases of your lamps in fun, matching colors. To update an old-fashioned looking lamp, pick up some cans of bright spray paint. Bring your lamp outside, set it on some newspaper, and spray paint it evenly on every side.
Let the lamp dry outside or in the garage for as long as instructed on the spray paint can.
Make sure to remove the lampshade before you spray paint.
8. Create a fashionable dressing area by dressing up a tailor’s mannequin. Pick up a female dress form mannequin at a craft store or order one online. Dress it in a pretty dress and place it in a corner of your room near a mirror or vanity to create a classy “dressing area.”
Go for a dress form rather than a full-body mannequin to save space and give your dressing area a sophisticated, classic look.
Use the dress form to express your creativity. Try switching out the dress form’s outfit based on the season, or put a dress on it to get you excited for an upcoming dance.
Room dividers can be a stylish and effective way of making the best use of a room, office, hall or other area in need of division. Small, impermanent dividers can be made easily by the novice DIYer, using objects that are easily obtainable. Choose one of the suggested methods below for an easy and very cheap way to create a unique space divider for your home, made by you.
Method 1 Trellis divider.
This project is very simple and only needs about 30 minutes to complete.
1. Purchase a section of wooden trellis. It should be of a decent height (tall enough for it to make a break in vision, and if possible, higher than the average person).
2. Cut the wooden wall trellis into three equal pieces, vertically. These pieces will be joined together again in a way that allows them to be bent or folded.
3. Reattach the pieces to form the divider. Tie the first piece with the second piece, then tie the second piece with the third, using wire or rope.
4. Weave dried plant parts, one beside other, through the frame squares. Add more of this material until the plants completely cover the trellis.
The dried plant parts are best when they are of the same height (or longer) as the divider you are going to make.
Live plant vines could also be used but they're trickier and you will need to place the container growing the plant down in its final place before weaving. Moreover, moving the divider is much harder when you do this, so it's best for a more "permanent" divider, such as for an office.
Instead of dried plant parts, you can use artificial floral items, such as long leaves, etc.
5. Put the divider up where you need it. Angle the three partitions so that the divider stands in place unaided. Plant containers or similar weighted objects can be used to prevent the divider from falling over if accidentally knocked.
Things You'll Need.
A square wooden wall trellis, Saw or Jigsaw, Binding wire or rope, Wire cutter or scissors, Various dried plant parts,
Method 2 Shower curtain divider.
This easy divider has the benefit of easy pulling back when you need to space to be opened up again quickly.
1. Choose a shower curtain with a design you think is perfect for the space to be divided. If the area to be divided is longer than one curtain, choose another one or two in the same design.
If the design is stripes, spots or some other pattern, you might consider varying the colors, as long as they match nicely.
2. Hang up a line of strong wire across the area to be divided. Hang this either at ceiling height or above the area of a tall person walking through.
You may also like to attach a curtain tieback hook on a wall or area for ease of pulling the curtain back to one side if needed. This step is optional.
4. Hang the shower curtain across the wire. Pull the hung curtain across to create the divider.
This is a rather funky room or space divider, perfect for a longer-term decorative space divider in a more modern style of home.
1. Find a bundle of old, unwanted vinyl records. The "unwanted" is an important part! Each record should be the same size, unless you're planning on deliberately using a big-small-big, etc. pattern. That's up to you.
The amount of records you'll need depends on how much space you are trying to cover. If you are hanging them from the ceiling to say, sofa level, count on about eight records of large size for the vertical drop, then as many of these rows of eight as you need to cover the space to be divided. This could be a lot of records, so visit the local thrift store if you haven't got that many stashed away.
2. Select a color of contact paper that suits your room or area. Contact paper is the best way to cover the records and make them all the same color.
Prints are also possible but bear in mind that your room decor must be matched nicely.
3. Measure a round section of contact paper over a record. This forms your template piece for records of that size. Use this to make as many circles as needed for the amount of records (one piece each side).
4. Carefully peel off the backing of the contact paper and apply to each side of the first record. Smooth out all bubbles and wrinkles so that the contact paper sits perfectly flat. Meet the edges of each side of each circle with care. Repeat for all records.
5. Use a long piece of thick wire, such as from a wire coat hanger, to make holes. Mark four holes at even quarter spaces around the edges of the record circle. Heat the wire at one end over a stovetop and use the hot end to piece holes through the marked spots.
Hold the wire with strong gloves, such as gardening gloves, in case it heats too much.
Repeat for each record.
6. Join the divider together. Use medium gauge wire to make ring joins between the holes, closing the wire with pliers. Cut the same lengths of wire for the entire project, although you may wish to make large rings for the top level rings, depending on the hook requirements from the hanging points.
Make rows first, according to the measurement needed for your space.
Then join the rows to form the entire hanging divider.
Ensure that the top row has rings too, so that it can be hung from the ceiling, beam or other area, with ease.
7. Hang the divider. Use planter hooks from the ceiling over the area in need of the divider, either with a piece of chain to add length or directly hang the divider straight from the hooks. It is important to have at least one helper to do this part, as hanging can be tricky.
8. Done. You now have an amazing, funky divider for your room or area.
Things You'll Need.
Vinyl records, in sizes preferred, as many as needed for length and width of area.
Pencil or other marker for measuring the record size onto the contact paper.
Scissors for contact paper circles, Medium gauge wire for making rings.
Tin snips or similar for cutting ring lengths, Contact paper in color of choice.
Pliers, Wire for making holes, or a coat hanger, A helper for hanging the divider.
Tips.
For the first method project, choose any size of wall trellis you think is appropriate for your project, as long as it covers what you want covered.
Warnings.
In method 1, instead of binding the pieces with wire or rope, you might consider trying to nail or screw hinges; however if the quality of the wood is poor, these will not work well, if at all.
Take care when burning holes into the vinyl records; wear gloves to protect your hands and keep your distance from the heat. Keep children and pets out of the way while working with the stove top in this project.
A well-designed room looks expensive even if it isn’t. Before you invest in decorative try to come up with a theme or scheme for the room. Once you have identified what you want your room to look like, search for economical pieces that look classy and expensive. If you’re not having much luck finding pieces in stores, you can make your own. The following steps provide some ideas and advice, get started at step number one below.
Designing a Room that Looks Expensive.
Choose a unifying theme. A well-coordinated room will look expensive even if the elements of the décor are cheap. Choose a theme that will tie together your room. This will help you look for inexpensive pieces while making it seem as though you have paid an interior decorator. Rooms that seem confused, cluttered, and mismatched have the look of cheap rather than luxury even if the pieces are lovely. For example:
A beach-themed room would have pictures of the ocean, shell decorations, and a blue-green palette.
A rustic, woodsy theme would have wood detailing, paintings of landscapes, and an earthy palette.
Industrial themes use repurposed items, steel accents, and sharp edges to give the room a more modern edge. Gray, brick red, and black are popular colors.
Minimalism is a popular and trendy design scheme where you use as few pieces as possible to decorate your room. Simple furniture and white or neutral colors will make the room look as though it could feature in a magazine, likes Home and Garden, but the style is inexpensive to recreate.
Focus on a neutral color palette. Stick with white or light neutral shades, such as brown or gray, for the base color. Your walls and larger furniture pieces should belong to this color scheme. For example, you might have beige walls with white doors and gray furniture. Your feature elements will stand out against neutral colors more, which will make them seem more prominent. Some neutral colors you can mix and match include:
Gray.
Slate Blue.
Taupe.
Soft yellow.
Off-white shades like ivory and cream.
Coffee brown.
Tan.
Beige.
Add accent pieces. Accent pieces are small decorative items that contrast with your neutral color scheme. They are usually either brightly colored or patterned. Accent pieces can be easily and cheaply be replaced if you ever change your style. Make sure all of your accent pieces are the same color for maximum effect. Some items you might consider for accents include:
Vases.
Pillows or cushions.
Blankets or throws.
Picture Frames.
Ottoman.
Tablecloths.
Flowers.
Figurines.
Striped, dotted, or chevron patterned objects.
Choose a focal point. A focal point is a piece of furniture, art, or object that is the primary decoration in the room. Having one grand piece will draw attention to it, making it seem important and pricey. A room in which there is no clear focus tends to feel cheap. [2] Some good focal points for a room include:
A large painting.
A unique table.
Two retro mod chairs.
A wall decal.
Full-length book shelves.
An ornate mirror.
Consider getting rid of dated details. To some, the key to making décor seem expensive is to follow modern trends. To help your room remain stylish and cool, you should reduce the dated elements of its décor. Some common out-of-style elements include:
Vertical window blinds.
Formica tables.
Clear plastic furniture.
Furniture painted to resemble marble or stone.
Broken or damaged items such as torn posters, cracked vases, or splintered wood.
Obviously, antiques can lend an expensive looking touch to any room, especially if it is an family piece you have inherited and haven't had to pay for. As long your antiques are in good condition and tie in with the rest of the room's dėcor, keep them. Don't ditch them just because they are old. It "is" possible to combine modern and antique pieces in a room.
Avoid clutter. Ironically, having less" clutter in a room makes the overall impression that of luxury. You do not want a room that is filled with furniture and decorative items and resembles a second hand shop. Limit how many decorative pieces display. This creates the impression that you spent more on a few, expensive items instead of buying many cheaper items. When placing your decorative items around the room, keep a little bit of space between each item.
Decorative shelves should ideally not be crammed with items. It's tempting to fill that space with stuff. Instead, only fill 1/2 to 3/4 of the space, leaving some empty space.
Keep your surfaces, such as coffee tables, counters, and TV stands mostly clear.
Choose only one or two items to place on these surfaces.
For example, you might keep a lamp on a side table with a single picture frame but nothing else.
If in doubt, remove. Try taking out a piece of furniture. See what happens if the coffee table is simply moved to the another room. Or see what happens if you remove throw pillows/cushions. You may find that less is more.
Finding Cheaper Alternatives.
Visit thrift stores. Thrift stores, charity shops, consignments, estate sales, and antique stores will often have old vintage or antiques items that are much cheaper than new. This is a great way to get inexpensive but quality items, such as wooden tables or embroidered chairs.
Old wooden furniture can always be repainted. If you find a piece that is chipped or faded, you can paint it to match your color palette.
You may find interesting and unusual items in these stores and shops. These will seem expensive because they are unique. For example, you might find a lunchbox from the 60s with old superheroes on it, or you might discover an antique milk pail that you can use for flowers.
Shop online. Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Gumtree allow people to sell their old furniture and decorative items. Search through these sites to see if you can snag a deal. It may take a little while to find the perfect deal, but you may be able to score a truly expensive piece for very little money.
Search online for less expensive replicas. If there is a more expensive piece that you have your eye on, you might be able to find a cheaper replica online. Search for words that are associated with the original piece.
For example, you might type, “cheap crystal chandelier” to see what pops up.
Print out your own art. If you can’t afford originals of art, you can buy prints from the internet. If the artwork is in the public domain, you can even print out your own copy at a print shop, and frame it yourself. This is a great way to get quality reproductions of famous art pieces in your own home without paying a fortune.
When sending the work to the print shop, make sure you send an HD copy so that you get the best image possible.
You can also tear out images from an old calendar and frame them. This is a great way to reuse an old calendar, and the images are all professional quality.
Repurpose items. You might find interesting pieces that can be used for a different purpose than intended. These pieces can be a focal point for your room if you choose. Transform your old furniture, or keep an eye out for things that can become tables, wall hangings, or accent pieces. You might.
Use an old luggage trunk as a coffee table.
Hang antique dinner plates on the wall.
Drape an old quilt over a chair.
Frame vintage fashion magazines images.
Make shelves out of old wooden planks.
Position a TV on a painted crate.
Making Your Own Décor.
Assemble your own built-in bookcases. Floor-to-ceiling length bookshelves may seem expensive, but you can replicate the effect without purchasing high-end custom furniture. Measure your wall. Instead of building one giant bookcase, purchase four identical smaller bookcases that will fit in that space. Place two side by side for the base, and stack the other two on top. Be sure to bolt all four bookcases to the wall for stability.
Wallpaper the inside of your bookcase. An easy way to add a customized twist to an old bookcase is to wallpaper the back of the shelves. Find a wallpaper that matches your theme or color scheme. Cut the wallpaper to size of the backing of each shelf. Paste it on using wallpaper paste. Let it dry before you put items back on the shelves.
If you are using the bookcase to display decorative objects like vases or figurines, you might want to choose a solid color for the wallpaper, so that more attention is drawn to your collection.
If you are just using the shelves for books, you can choose a bold pattern, such as chevron stripes, polka dots, or a floral design. This will make the shelves an accent piece in their own right.
Paint your own tile backsplash. Small ceramic tiles are great for decorating the backsplash of kitchens or bathrooms, but decorated tiles are expensive. Plain white ceramic tiles, on the other hand, can be cheap. With a little time and effort, you can turn tiles into something stunning and extravagant.
Find a stencil of a design you like, such as a fleur-de-lis or a bird. Press the stencil down on the tile, and paint over the design. Let the tile dry, and you have an easy, beautiful tile. You can then adhere it to the wall using tile mastic.
Good places for painted tile backsplashes include underneath cabinets or above a countertop. Do not paint the tiles on your floor or along your shower or bath. Too much water damage can ruin the paint.
Use fake flowers instead of real. Fresh flowers are beautiful, but they can become costly. Instead, look for convincing fake flowers. Put together your own centerpiece, and arrange them in an inexpensive vase. You have an easy, reusable centerpiece.
Go for flowers that look as close to real as possible. You might even be able to find ones that also feel soft and natural. Your guests probably will not know the difference.
You can swap out flowers for each season and event, reusing the same flowers every year. Friends probably will not notice, but it will make it seem as though you are constantly updating your centerpiece.
Artificial flowers can easily become dusty. If so they do not look luxurious. Also, this can be problematic for allergy sufferers and asthmatics
Fill a vase to make a centerpiece. Vases are easy to find, and they can be relatively inexpensive. To help jazz up an empty vase, you can fill it with some small items. This will add a touch of character to your décor without costing a ton of money. Some things you can fill it with include:
Potpourri.
Shells.
Pieces of coral.
Marbles.
Buttons.
Sticks.
Wine corks.
Repaint frames. Nice picture frames can be expensive, but you can manage a high quality look without paying a lot of money. Find inexpensive picture frames at a dollar store, craft store, or thrift store. Paint the frames with a color or design that pleases you.
Gold and silver paint are easy to find if you want a more distinguished shade.
You can add words as you like such as “Sisters” or “Friends Forever.” This will make it seem personalized.
Painting designs on your frames gives them a unique look. You can paint stripes, dots, or other easy geometric shapes.
Tips.
The most important thing is that the room looks good to you. If you like the way the room looks, you do not have to worry so much if it appears expensive or not.
While you should invest in good furniture pieces, such as sofas and tables, you can go cheap on accessories, like pillows and artwork, without people noticing.
If you are making your own décor, you should choose projects that you know you can complete at your skill level.
Always measure your space before buying new décor or furniture to make sure that it will fit.
Try leaving a little bit of space between furniture and other objects to make the room seem larger than it is.
If you are decorating for Christmas, you may need some fresh ideas to brighten up your living room! Pick a Christmas tree as the centerpiece, whether you choose a large one to fill the corner or a small one to set on a table. Once you have that up, spread decorations throughout the room, such as wreaths, evergreens, and ornaments to bring joy to the whole space.
Method 1 Putting up a Tree.
1. Pick a live tree for an eco-friendly option with a good scent. A live Christmas tree brings the holiday home for many people with its rich scent and deep green color. When looking at trees, pick a full tree with a strong scent. Look for green all the way to the tips. Try snapping a needle; if it's a pine tree, it should bend without breaking. If it's a fir tree, it should break in half easily if it's fresh.
Make sure to choose one that's the right size for the space. Too big, and it will take over. Too small, and it will look puny. Measure the width and height you need to fill before you go, then measure the trees you're looking at.
This option is environmentally friendly because live trees are raised as a sustainable crop. When you support the industry, you're supporting more trees being planted and producing oxygen.
Noble firs are a popular Christmas tree.
2. Choose a fake tree for convenience and longevity. Pick a tree that's full and fits the space you have. Also, look for convenient features like easy setup or ones that are pre-lit. When it comes to fake trees, it's mostly up to your preference, though higher quality trees will be made of PE or PVC, and when you run your fingers over the needles, you should feel small ridges.
Most Christmas trees aren't recyclable, so if you're concerned about the environment, be prepared to hold on to your tree for a long time. For this option to be more environmentally friendly than a real tree, you'll need to keep it for about 20 years.
3. Place the tree in a prominent spot or window. Try putting it near the front window or to the side of the television. Set it up where you'll be able to admire it often. You may need to rearrange a bit to fit your Christmas tree in the living room. Keep live trees away from heaters or fireplaces, as they can catch fire.
When putting up a a live Christmas tree, cut off the very bottom when you get home before you stick it in water. Put it in the stand and ensure it has plenty of water at all times.
Follow the instructions for your artificial tree. With some, you'll need to put up the trunk then insert individual branches. Fluff them out as you go. With others, it will come in several main sections that you attach at the trunk.
4. Add lights moving from the bottom to the top. Twine the lights around each of the main branches, going up and down the tree instead of around. As you wrap the lights, make sure you are getting them up close to the trunk, as illumination from within gives the best effect. Make sure to hit as much of the tree as you can as you move around it in vertical lines.
Keep in mind that many artificial trees come pre-lit.
Lights come in 2 main varieties, incandescent and LED lights. LEDs last longer and stay cooler, but the warmth of incandescent will help spread the pine tree scent around the room with a live tree. These 2 types come in many shapes and sizes, as well as colors, so pick whatever you like best. Just try to be consistent with what you pick. You'll probably need at least 2-4 strands for an average size tree.
Opt for a wire color that matches your tree.
5. Drape a garland around the tree for a traditional look. Try thin garlands like strung cranberry, beaded strands, or sparkly tinsel strands. Position smaller garlands so they dip from branch to branch. You can also add larger garlands, such as wide ribbon or paper chains. Twine larger garlands around and around the tree, tucking them in a few places but mainly keeping them loose.
6. Choose a color theme or scheme for your ornaments. Try drawing on colors you already have in your room or just pick a color or two you love. You could also pick a theme, like "snow," "candy," or "plaid" to decorate your tree. Of course, your theme could also be "all my favorite ornaments!" A loving mixture of old and new ornaments, handmade and store-bought, can make a lovely tree.
Start with the bigger ornaments. Put your favorites up first in places where they'll be seen the most. Try to hang the other large ornaments at even intervals around the tree, though you can leave the back sparser if it's up against a wall.
Once they're in place, fill in the gaps with smaller ornaments.
Method 2 Adding Decorative Touches throughout the Living Room.
1. Hang your stockings in a prominent location. Stockings make a great homey decoration, and you don't need a mantelpiece to hang them! Opt for fun, personalized stockings or sophisticated designs based on your preference. Simply hang them on an open wall, centering them in the space.
Above the mantel is a great option, too, if you do have a fireplace. Just make sure they are well away from the fire.
2. Place smaller trees around the room in larger living rooms. If you have a big living room, try adding a small tree here or there. Place a 1 to 2 ft (0.30 to 0.61 m) one on a stand in a corner, for instance, or group several 6 in (15 cm) or smaller trees on the mantel.
Think beyond plastic trees. Pick up a small potted rosemary bush, for instance, or try out some stylized trees made out of wood.
3. Scatter evergreens and pinecones around to bring freshness to the room. Even if you don't have a live tree, you can still get that wonderful scent. Purchase or gather some branches and place them in a vase or basket. Toss some pinecones in with the greenery, along with something red, such as apples or cranberries.
If you want your branches to stay fresher for longer, cut off the ends and put them in water.
Try adding an evergreen garland along the mantel or along the tops of curtain rods.]
4. Put up a wreath on the wall for a traditional touch. Christmas is a perfect time for wreaths, and almost anything can be made into a wreath! Create a wreath out of evergreen branches accented with cranberries and white flowers to hang up, for instance.
Alternatively, wrap red ribbon around a foam craft wreath for a quick pop of color.
Get creative! Paint or decorate any round object in a Christmas style, such as a wagon wheel, a bicycle tire, a picture frame, or even the bottom of a bundt pan!
5. Make the room sparkle with metallics and candles. The sparkle of metallic ornaments and the bright flames of candles add warmth to the room. Place silver and gold ornaments in a bowl, for instance, and surround them with candles in a variety of sizes. Hang glittery snowflakes in the windows or along the mantelpiece.
These little touches will add brightness and joy to the space.
Method 3 Creating Themed Looks.
1. Add vases of white flowers to your evergreens for a floral take on "White Christmas." This is a great way to get that "White Christmas" look without snow. Simply tuck vases of fresh or silk flowers in among your evergreens, including placing a vase on the mantel and one as a centerpiece on your table.
Try white tulips or white poinsettias. Add other touches of white, too, such as twirls of white ribbon and white candles.
2. Scatter your favorite holiday figurines throughout the room. Picking one style can help create a cohesive look. For instance, collect Santa figurines and place them all over the room in small groups. However, you can also mix-and-match to your heart's content. Go for a variety, including different sizes. Group smaller ones together and then place a large one by the tree, for example.
You could also try doves, snowflakes, nutcrackers, angels, reindeer, snowpeople, or anything else you fancy!
3. Group odds and ends in greens and reds for a traditional color scheme. While your color scheme doesn't necessarily need to be red and green, an easy way to create a "Christmas" look is to follow this scheme. You can even use things other than Christmas decorations. Just find a variety of items in these colors and set up a display or group them in small bunches around the room.
For instance, if you have a white couch in front of a bookcase, throw green and red pillows and blankets on the couch. On the bookcase, put out green and red items, such as candles, baskets, knickknacks, and decorative plates. Add a few touches that are purely Christmas, such as a small Santa Claus.
4. Create your own Christmas color scheme for a modern take. If bright red and green aren't your favorite colors or they simply clash with your existing decor, opt for your own Christmas colors. For instance, decorate your tree with silver and blue, and then add touches of those colors around the room, such as silver snowflakes, bowls of blue ornaments, and blue stockings.
You could also do a twist on bright red and green, such as a burnt orange and sage green.
