Not long ago, interior design appeared to be a hobby solely for the upper class. Aesthetically pleasing homes belonged in the pages of luxury magazines and within gated communities. Two things have happened in the last decade or so to bring the home decor world down to a more accessible level.
The rise of trends like minimalism have encouraged everyone, regardless of their net worth, to be intentional, take stock of the importance of their material items, and get rid of things they don’t absolutely need. Additionally, science has started backing up what interior designers have always known, and that is that your physical environment influences your state of mind.
Decorate your entryway
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably grown accustomed to tossing your shoes, keys, and other knick-knacks on the table in the entrance hall without much consideration. Convenience often takes precedence over aesthetics, especially if you have young children and a busy schedule.
However chaotic your life might get, it’s a good idea to keep your entryway clean and organized. Scattered shoes and bags on the floor are not very visually pleasing. A small way to liven up the area is to place a small console table in the foyer.
Accentuate your living space with wall art
You can create a very sophisticated and cultured vibe in your living or dining room with a statement piece of wall art. Consider a gallery wall layout to evoke beauty, conversation and inspiration. It’s a great conversation starter, and will instantly add some European flair to your space.
Perhaps you’d like to commission a piece from that local Instagram watercolourist you’ve been admiring. If you’d prefer to hang a print of your favourite classic piece, you don’t have to search forever to find a suitable knockoff. Instead, consider creating your own with the help of expert brands like Simple Canvas Prints which prints custom art at affordable rates.
Consider lighting
Lighting is a big deal, according to the Brain Science Institute. Not only does it affect people’s natural circadian rhythms, but it also impacts mood on a daily basis, too. Ambient lighting is the key to a good night’s sleep and a happier home life, and it’s surprisingly easy to incorporate it into your existing design scheme.
A good rule of thumb is to follow the Kelvin scale, which measures lighting in terms of temperature. A very warm light is about 2700K, similar to soft candlelight, while 5000K is considered very cold. Your personal preferences will ultimately guide you, but the preference of most homeowners is somewhere between 2900K and 3000K.
Hang mini lights
Another trend that rarely goes out of style no matter the season is the trend of hanging mini string lights. From the stark minimalist Edison bulbs hanging in many hipster coffee bars to fake LED candles, it’s hard to deny the appeal of artificial lighting.
These lights look cozy in spacious rooms and seem to expand rooms that are smaller, especially when paired with lots of mirrors for the light to reflect off of. You may have purchased led lights christmas designers during the holiday season or have seen them strung up during an outdoor wedding, but these miniature hanging lights are an excellent choice for decor all year-round.
Hit the thrift store
Today’s decorating style leans heavily on the shabby chic aesthetic, first popularized in the 1980s. Even the most modern spaces tend to look more habitable with a touch of traditionalism. If your space is predominantly minimalist with lots of sharp edges, add an antique to the mix to offset this. A crushed velvet couch, distressed cabinet, or an old wooden coffee table are all popular choices that are in style.
The wonderful thing about the rustic aesthetic is that it can be achieved with minimal spending. While plenty of companies like Anthropologie have intentionally capitalized on this trend, the original shabby chic decorators found their treasures in thrift stores and flea markets across the country. A real bargain hunter knows they can find gold among the grit. Head to your local Goodwill and see what you can find.
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