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Recently, we were more than happy to help some sweet clients with their living room / great room area, and we thought it was the perfect chance to talk all things design and decorating tips in the home. {While sharing some fabulous eye candy, of course.} It’s a great opportunity to break down the process, to dish out what works, and why. So, without futher ado, 10 foolproof decorating tips for major personality.
10 foolproof decorating tips
1. Embrace your space for what it is, and highlight your strengths. – 10 foolproof decorating tips
In the rampant world of Pinterest, social media, and all things design TV, it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. One quick scroll through Instagram can have us feeling a bit out of touch with well, everything. We call it highlight reel syndrome since we’re only seeing the good points in everyone’s feed, instead of reality.
We can’t even begin to tell you how much prep goes into our own photography and spaces. So just know, things aren’t always magazine-worthy or perfect. And while we can’t aways have our cake and eat it too, there is one major thing we can do from the get-go, which can totally change our perspective on everything. Every space has its weaknesses, but it also has its strengths.
So embrace your space for what it is, and highlight the strengths.
I’ll leave you with this: We had some college friends to our own home recently. When I gave them the ten-cent tour, they were ooh-ing and awe-ing over everything, {like good friends do- they were being nice}. I literally had to reel myself in, from showing them the cracked area in the drywall that needed to be patched, and lose penny tile on the ground. I see the things that bother me, because life happens. So we can choose to see it through the fresh supportive eyes, or focus on the imperfections.
I think I’m going with option A. Whole heartedly. It can change everything.
2. Create zones – 10 foolproof decorating tips
No matter what the size of your space, address your needs and create zones. The placement of your rugs and furniture can do so much to help the space work for you. It’s important that it’s multifunctional for you, but also that it makes a clear statement on what each space’s job really is. One area can say, come and sit – Let’s have a visit. Another can invite you go gather around the table. Another, specifically for storage and work.
Decide what’s needed, and go from there. Zones, no matter how large or small a room is, can make all the difference in the over-all feel.
3. Make moments in your space – 10 foolproof decorating tips
Sure, “make moments in your space” sounds like something out of a self-important design mag. We’ve all been there, staring a bit miffed at the pages. So stay with us, because we actually believe this is true, and no, we’re not feeding you something ridiculous to write this post.
When you have little areas that really reflect who you are, that’s when you’re getting somewhere. Giving an area space to breathe, to create little moments within your space, is like double bonus points for spaces in your room.
4. A simple light can change everything. – 10 foolproof decorating tips
Lighting, is actually everything.
When you think of elements in a space like a good outfit, it’s an essential layer that comes in and highlights it all. From canned lights, natural light, and especially the accents, they’re an excellent way to bring in all the character. We adore the potential that light has to make all the difference.
What we love the most about this light from Kichler, is the touches of brass and personality that come in, to tie together black accents. The right light can really accentuate the right areas of a room, and the style can actually anchor a space, giving it more prominence. There are so many different possibilities, we love the look and promise great lighting holds.
5. Stop Shying away from color – 10 foolproof decorating tips
Disclaimer for the below statements: Let me be clear before I drop the not-so-surprising-bomb…If you love neutral, then please, by all means, you do you. We have nothing but appreciation for people who truly do their own thing because they love it so. But if you revert to neutrals out of fear, or for the pure sake of it being a trend, or for the fact that you haven’t tried something new and don’t want to…. that’s when you may experience decor regret, down the road.
It’s our job to help our fabulous readers and clients consider alternatives, and we feel like there’s a rampant misuse of neutrals out of pure confusion and lack of color knowledge. People tend to hide behind neutrals because they just don’t know how to use color.
Personally, we’ve just never really been fans of neutral. Upon layers of neutral. With more neutral. There. We said it out loud. It’s not for us. We don’t get opinionated about too much over here, but this is definitely one of them. Farmhouse neutrals are now fading into the over-use of black. Which is trend on top of trend. Ew.
We just think there’s a balance that can be found somewhere, that carries a little classic weight behind it.
We don’t see things in black and white, {literally and metaphorically} so why should rooms look that way? The overuse of this phase: neutrals, and now the black obsession, are going to soon be filed away, right beside linoleum patterns and paneled walls circa 1975, and it’s there that they should stay. Color will never go “out”, and we think you should always use it in some capacity. In clever and new ways. That makes them the antithesis of a trend. Because you will always need and use color.
Color will grow with you over time as your home evolves with you. So, if you want a fresh change, stop shying away from color.
6. Choose pieces that tell a story. – 10 foolproof decorating tips
Sharing unique combos of fun finds, family photos, and conversation starters in one of a kind pieces are what make your space oh so amazing. From mementos that take you back, to handmade additions, these are some of what set your spaces apart from the rest. Especially the ones that give a little humor. They reflect who you are. They invite conversation and make it fun, taking it to the next level.
Choose pieces that really tell an interesting story. They’re the very best accents.
7. Add some books – 10 foolproof decorating tips
Are always a classic choice – they bring in a deeper layer that really mean something to all things bookshelves. In a world of rampant technology, we consider them an essential must-have for nearly every space.
They offer multiple finishes, colors, fun graphics and so much more, as an amazing backdrop. We always say you should hoard two things: craft supplies and books. We have no shame. They’re under appreciated, and we think everyone should have plenty in their home.
Books, old and new, fresh and classic are the very best accessory. Of all time. Period.
8. Make it comfy. – 10 foolproof decorating tips
Yes, duh. We know. We loved bringing in layers of pillows, fluffy blankets, and obviously, those are just icing on the cake when it comes to the furniture. We believe part of a space’s function is to be comfortable. If a space isn’t comfortable, there is no point. These La-Z-Boy Duo recliners are a new fave for us, and our clients love them in their home, too.
They recline with a button, and serve as a nice modern contrast to the softer, classic lines.It even has a space to charge you device. We love that these are customizable to whatever fits best in your space. The fabric in these particular chairs are so fabulous, it feels like a soft, trustworthy tee. These are seen here in D145087 – i-Merino / Flannel.
9. Define your entryway. – 10 foolproof decorating tips
Maybe this should have come first? There is so much to be said for giving an entryway plenty of character, no matter what your size. If you don’t have an actual entryway per say, we have plenty of tips for “faking it” here. We love this mirror, a fabulous flea market find, along with touches of nature and natural woven accents. Add big character to the small spaces, and you won’t regret it.
10. Symmetry if your best friend. – 10 foolproof decorating tips
Symmetry is an element that can help ground everything, and bring calm to an open space.
Pair up chairs, candlesticks, lamps, pillows and more. But then we would even recommend looking for ways to find balance with color, and the weight of different elements and the way that they play with one another. There are always ways to bring symmetry in, in different ways. If your space isn’t making much sense, come back to this… we think it helps keep you centered in your space and the design.
When you start looking at your space like that, it helps make sense and bring things to life, visually.
We hope you enjoyed our little tour today and our 10 foolproof decorating tips. What are some of your very favorite tips? Also be sure to check out all our spaces here.
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And just in case you’re curious…
We don’t believe in the dream home, we believe in your home. And we can’t wait to help you discover it all over again.
The Handmade Home : Love Where You Dwell.
The Handmade Home is thrilled to bring both full on rehab and design services to our clients.
We offer in-person, full service design options, from a complete kitchen overhaul to a simple consult in your home on how to spruce it all up. Both nationally and locally in the Nashville area, we even offer a wealth of resources for our clients, right at their fingertips.
If you’d like to hear more about what we have to offer for you {because the possibilities really are endless} please be sure to check out our design services page, here! While you’re at it, be sure to check out our completed projects here. We look forward to hearing from you, and we welcome the opportunity to work with you!
To read more about us, be sure to check out this page here, as well.
Anna says
THIS IS SO true!!!! Could not agree more with all of these. And I can not even with all the black. What is this trend? Thank you as always for your smart thoughts on all things house.
Layla k says
Such awesome advice. I couldn’t agree more. Beautiful space!
Ferguson says
Absolutely packed with personality! I love your spaces. They’re the best. Thanks again for all of your fab advice and ideas. Truly inspiring.
Erin Sisk says
Beautiful!! Love the Lauren Dunn frames!