Tips and Tricks for Enhancing Your Living Space
Creating a living space that feels both functional and aesthetically pleasing is no small feat. With so many design elements to consider—from flow and furniture to lighting and décor—it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Whether you’re looking to minimize clutter, set the perfect ambiance, or upgrade your décor, these tips will help you transform your space into a place you love to come home to.
1. Get Creative if You Don’t Have Enough Storage Space
Storage can be an issue in any home, but those with limited square footage present a special challenge. However, the good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice style for storage. The key is to find multi-functional furniture that blends seamlessly into your décor while offering hidden storage solutions.
Consider incorporating pieces like cabinets, hutches, and benches that serve a dual purpose. A cabinet in the living room can store everything from books to board games, while a stylish bench at the foot of your bed can hide extra linens or out-of-season clothing. Under-bed storage is another great option for maximizing space: think storage bins or drawers that slide easily out of sight.
Also: don’t be afraid to mix and match the items you store. It’s perfectly fine to keep a variety of objects together in one piece of furniture, as long as they’re organized. For example, a storage cabinet in the entry hall can house a motley assortment of items like your gym bag, kids' lunchboxes, and even candlesticks. Rather than creating rules for yourself about categorization, choose to store items out of sight (and out of mind!). The goal is to keep your space clutter-free and functional, allowing you to fully relax at home without getting overwhelmed or distracted by your belongings.
2. Lighting is Everything
Lighting can make or break a room, transforming it from dark and dull to warm and inviting. With the right lighting, you can accentuate your design choices and make your space feel more open and vibrant. But with so many lighting options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Start by gathering inspiration online. Websites like Pinterest or Instagram are filled with ideas that can help you visualize how different lighting options might work in your space. From there, think about the atmosphere you want to create. A well-lit room should feel bright but not harsh—striking the right balance is key.
One other thing: dimmers are a fantastic way to add flexibility to your lighting. They allow you to adjust the brightness depending on the time of day or the mood you want to set. For example, you might want full brightness during family dinner on a weeknight but prefer softer, dimmed lighting for a cozy dinner party. As a general rule, aim for a wattage of about a hundred in your lightbulbs. And if possible, choose bulbs with dimmable capabilities to give you more control.
3. Decorate with What You Love
When it comes to decorating, there are no hard and fast rules. At the end of the day, it’s your space, so you should surround yourself with things that make you happy. While trends are tempting, the most important thing is to choose pieces that you love.
So, if you’re a fan of mixing patterns or want to layer your sofa with mix-and-match pillows, you should go for it! The key is to make sure that the items you choose are ones you truly love, not just pieces you like right now. Investing in timeless items that reflect your personal style will help ensure that your home remains a place of joy and comfort. Remember: furniture, décor, and other home improvements are an investment, and you want to love your home now and in the future!
If you’re unsure of your decorating style, start by creating a Pinterest board for your home. Pin anything that catches your eye, whether it’s a picture of a room, a piece of furniture, or a one-of-a-kind accessory. Let your impulse guide you, and don’t limit yourself as you pin–this is a place for style discovery! As you add more pins, you’ll likely start to notice patterns in the styles and colors that appeal to you. This can serve as a mood board to guide your decorating choices, helping you create a cohesive look that’s uniquely yours.
Article written and reviewed by Phillip Summers, AIA
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