50 Interior Decorating Tips for a Lovely Home

50 Interior Decorating Tips for a Lovely Home

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Your home should be the best place on earth for you. It is where you recharge to face what your work life brings and where you spend invaluable time with your loved ones. But, if your home does not inspire rejuvenation, calm, and confidence, it is time to redecorate. Still, trying to figure out where to start? This article will share the best interior decorating tips you can use today.

There are so many benefits of redecorating your home. For instance, it reduces clutter and improves your home’s worth if you ever need to resell it. At the same time, redecorating is a healthy exercise that will boost your happiness and calmness and improve your sleep and creativity.

Luckily, you do not need to hire expensive interior designers for the job. In most cases, you can redecorate on your own by adjusting the littlest of things. So, read on to find which tips require little physical and financial effort and which could require an interior designer to accomplish.

1. Get A House Cleanup

Give the house a clean up

Image Credits: pexels.com

Before renovating your new house, you should clean it up before making any changes. Sometimes, all your house needs to feel new and elegant is a thorough cleanup, after which you can rearrange furniture and decor pieces to create a fresh look.

If you’re cleaning yourself, prepare all the supplies and get started. First, clean the cabinets, counters, and other hidden areas to keep the space in order. On the other hand, you can also hire cleaning services to do the task for you.

2. Update the Layout

Update the Layout

Image Credits: pexels.com

Sometimes, updating the layout can be as complicated as redrawing the home design, so you must look for the best architects and interior designers. This process can involve tearing down walls and erecting new ones in different areas. However, it is a good way to increase space for new decor.

But, if you are content with your current layout, you will need to rearrange furniture pieces to improve the look. The main benefits of rearranging furniture are defining balance, directing traffic flow, and removing clutter. So, when rearranging furniture, ensure you leave enough room where people can move around.

3. Consider the Best Interior Design Balance

Interior Design Balance

Image Credits: pexels.com

Interior design balance is a fundamental aspect that affects how your home looks and feels and defines functionality. There are three main types of interior design balance to consider: symmetrical, symmetrical, and radial. In addition, the color scheme you choose for your house will also affect how balanced your space looks. Not sure how to achieve balance as you redecorate? You can take these interior design quizzes to get a better idea.

4. Select A Color Scheme

Interior decorating color scheme

Image Credits: pexels.com

When it comes to interior design, choosing a color scheme for every room is also essential. Color is a fundamental quality in our visual perceptions, and the color scheme you choose can affect your quality of life. For instance, some colors improve your moods, while others can leave you stressed.

When choosing a color scheme for your interior design, consider different room features like walls, upholstery, floors, and furniture. Be sure to consider the kind of furniture you want to buy when selecting wall paints. Remember, the wall colors you choose should complement the room’s theme.

With plenty of colors available today, take your time and get the one that can give your new house a comfortable and inviting look. But remember to balance the colors for psychological comfort.

To do so, choose a color palette with warm or cool tones. Warm tones are colors like red, yellow, and orange, which spark energetic sentiments. However, these colors can also cause restlessness, so you want to create a healthy balance with cool tones like purple, green, and blue or neutral tones like creams and grays.

5. Play With Patterns

Image Credits: achitecturaldigest.com

After choosing the best color palette for your interior decor, you can also work with different patterns to create more interest in the spaces. Contrasting patterns are stylish and unique, and there is no boundary to how far you can take your creativity. For example, you can choose contrasting patterns on the floor tiles using different colors, shapes, and sizes. You can also use patterns on walls or fabrics.

6. Play With Proportions

While aiming to create balance in your home, one of the best interior design tips tells you to play with proportions. Essentially, you mix and match big and small furniture pieces so a room appears manageable and exciting.

7. Play With Textures

Play With Textures

Image Credits: brownstoner.com

In the same way, you can get creative with colors and patterns, you can also mix and match different textures to add uniqueness to your interior spaces. An easy way to incorporate different textures is to pick one type for the floor and a different texture for the walls.

Alternatively, you can work with different textures for your upholstery. For example, you can use velvet throw pillows and a knit blanket on your couch. In addition, a ceramic vase atop a wooden table is a nice touch.

8. Understand Your Room Sizes

This is a vital interior design tip to get the best room furniture. As mentioned above, you want to maintain a healthy balance in your rooms, so it makes sense to have the correct room measurements before you buy furniture. For this, you will take ceiling, wall, and floor measurements to get furniture that fits each room’s size, shape, and layout.

9. Use What You Have As Home Décor

It’s worth remembering that a home makeover doesn’t have to be costly. At some point, you can utilize all the items in your possession as home décor for your new space. Just give your things a second glance and see if you can use them to decorate your interior.

For example, you can hang some of your family portraits or favorite paintings against the wall to create great wall art. The rule of thumb when reusing items you have is to keep those with sentimental value, as these generally make you feel good about your space. So, if you are moving to a new place, pack these items properly and let professionals transport them safely to your new destination. Typically, most moving companies are experts in moving valuable possessions securely. 

10. Decorate With Versatile Pieces

Decorate With Versatile Pieces

Image Credits: potterybarn.com

Designing interior spaces makes it easy to use too many pieces that make a room look cluttered. One way to mitigate this is by using decor items that can multitask. Versatile pieces optimize your living room and other spaces for functionality while removing clutter.

Need help figuring out how to do that? You can use a tray to transform an ottoman into a coffee table or snag pillows that can create floor seating options when you have guests.

11. Consider Proper Lighting Placements

Another vital element of interior design is lighting. When lights are installed in their proper places, they’ll definitely improve the look and vibe of your new home. Ensure that every light fixture is placed in a way that provides illumination throughout the space.

Some of the best lighting fixtures to add to your rooms are lamps, recessed ceiling lights, chandeliers, and wall sconces. Most interior designers can incorporate all these light fixtures in the same room, and you can, too. Just ensure the best light bulbs for cozy color temperatures, and ensure all are placed for functionality and to complement the other light sources.

12. Go Green

Interior Decor with Houseplants

Image Credits: pexels.com

Houseplants, for instance, can make each room more refreshing. They’re also one of the cheapest ways of decorating your place. In addition, by adding plants, you can purify the air and remove toxic pollutants. Let’s face it – your new location will feel and look like home with these beautiful greens.

13. Add Comfortable Furnishing

In today’s world, you can get the most out of several varieties of textiles and textures in the market. These furnishings, for instance, can give comfort to your room interiors. If you want to surround your place with softness, you can play around with accessories like cushions and pillows on bulky furniture items like big couches. That way, you can transform even the boring corner of your new house.

14. Have Enough Storage Space

You can decorate your interior wall by having enough storage space for all your stuff. Consider storage ideas like closets, cabinets, and boxes to prevent cluttering your spaces. These are superb ways to store all items, including clothes, shoes, cleaning supplies, and more, out of sight so you can leave more space for beautiful decor items. You can enlist the help of experienced movers to make unpacking an easy and smooth process.

15. Keep Furniture Pieces From the Walls

Keep Furniture Pieces From the Walls

Image Credits: pexels.com

This is one of the top interior design tips for small spaces. The last thing you want is a layout or furniture arrangement that emphasizes the small size. Rather, you want to find ways to make your rooms look bigger. So, do not arrange furniture against the walls. Instead, bring the furniture towards the middle of the room, which will define functionality and also direct traffic flow.

16. Hang Your Art Collection Low

When decorating a room with art, you want to hang them at a safe eye level so they easily grab the attention of all visitors. This is especially clever if the art is dear to you, as it will be an easy conversation starter. Any professional interior designer will tell you a good height for your art collection is 60-62 inches from the floor.

17. Decorate the Ceiling

Decorate the Ceiling

Image Credits: livingetc.com

While it is effortless coming up with floor and wall decor ideas, the ceiling is harder to decorate. However, it is one of the most eye-catching areas, as you’ll find your eyes drawn from the floor up. Chances are, every guest you welcome will look at the ceiling at least once. So, it makes absolute sense to add some interest to that area. You can decorate a ceiling using bold patterns or unique paint colors or leave it textured to spark curiosity.

18. Upgrade Switch Plates

Remember, not every redecorating project needs to break the bank. Sometimes, minor changes in prominent places can make all the difference. Switches are some of the most used features inside your home, so they present a good opportunity to add authenticity and style.

Unfortunately, most houses come with white switch plates that appear dull with walls painted in bold colors or if there’s a bold theme going on in the house. So, you can swap the white plates with colored, patterned, or textured plates to match the interior style.

19. Play With Heights

Another way to create uniqueness in your interior design is by playing with different heights for your decor items. For example, you can pair tall decor with short items, e.g., furniture with tall houseplants or taller wall art with small wall art. The goal here is to guide the eye line, so ensure the small pieces lead the eye to the taller pieces.

20. Transform Design Flaws

Transform Design Flaws

Image Credits: contemporist.com

Do you have a column in a room that displeases you? Or maybe it’s a weird corner? Could it be weathered floors or a slopped ceiling? There is a high chance there is an aspect of your interior layout that you don’t like. So, highlighting it might be a better idea instead of covering up the imperfection.

These imperfections add authenticity to your space, so highlight them using colorful decor items or bold paint to create unexpected interest.

21. Pay Attention to Wood Stain Undertones

Wood stain colors can make or break a room’s style. When choosing the best undertones, you want to gravitate toward timeless ones that do not limit your decor choices. However, some undertones, like red or orange, are too extravagant and can throw your design off or even complicate the home’s sale in the future.

So, go for calmer undertones that are easy to work with, and ensure you keep the look consistent in all rooms.

22. Mix and Match Furniture

Mix and Match Furniture

Image Credits: pexels.com

If you are after a dynamic look, you will want to mix and match furniture pieces or sets. Opt for options that do not match in color, material, texture, periods, size, and functionality. Juxtaposing these features will add a healthy contrast to your room.

23. Design A Focal Point

Design A Focal Point

Image Credits: elledecor.com

Every room needs a prominent point where you can direct other design elements. You can make this a fireplace in the living room, an oversized light fixture in the kitchen, or an accent wall in the bedrooms or living room. A focal point is a good way to add character and the element of surprise in a room.

24. Embrace Negative Spaces

Negative spaces are blank spaces between your decor items. The main goal of incorporating a blank space is to rest the eye and mind while highlighting prominent items on display.

25. Work On the Entryway

Work On the Entryway

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The entryway creates the first impression of your house, and you want a say about it. The area defines your style and character. So, add design elements that communicate your touch. These could be a unique table with a bowl for keys, a stylish mirror, or a beautiful, welcoming rug.

26. Utilize Mirrors

Suppose your interior space is small. The last thing you want is to highlight the small size, which is why you need to use mirrors. Mirrors can create the illusion of space while reflecting more light into the room. If you have a decor item with sentimental value, you might want to fix a mirror on the adjacent wall, so it remains visible to everyone in the room.

27. Use Murals

Do you live alone? Or do you have a special room you spend most time alone? The room can feel lonely, so installing a mural is a good way to create the illusion of company. On a blank canvas, display a mural of your role model or favorite animal, ensuring to place it strategically, so it is the first thing you see when you walk in. Think of a mural as the focal point in your room, but one that has so much more personal meaning to you.

28. Mix New and Old Decor

If you are decorating on a budget, the best move is to repurpose old furniture items that add healthy contrast to new pieces. While doing so, you want to maintain your interior design scheme and balance. For instance, pair a new furniture item with an old antique piece to create an eclectic look.

29. Swap Out Soft Furnishings

This interior design tip speaks to you if you want to complete a fast renovation on a budget. So, swap out soft decor pieces like throw pillows to change the room’s appearance. These changes are transformative and easy to apply with every new season.

30. Play With Different Window Treatments

Play With Different Window Treatments

Image Credits: kashblinds.com.au

Are you looking to add drama to your rooms? Mix or layer different window treatments for privacy and functionality. For example, you can layer blinds with sheer curtains. The former is best for privacy, but the sheers allow light and fresh air when you open the blinds.

31. Decorate in Threes

Decorate in Threes

Image Credits: welshdesignstudio.com

Decorating in threes is a good way to reduce clutter while keeping the room kind to eye weight. You will want to choose decor items of different characters like texture, height, and color. The height is the easiest quality to target; you can draw attention to the tallest item that will direct the eye line to the shorter pieces. Notice the decor vases in the image above.

32. Redecorate Hallways

Redecorate Hallways

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The hallway often presents free space that can make the house more welcoming and fun. Use the blank walls to display bold art or photos of your family members. Alternatively, you can repaint the walls with bold colors or apply a unique wallpaper.

33. Consider Lighting Temperature

Consider Lighting Temperature

Image Credits: umbrellarealty.com.au

Light temperature can change the entire mood of a room. So, you want to ensure your light bulbs emit balanced color temperatures. For instance, balance the temperatures from the ceiling and accent lighting. On the other hand, you can opt for bright color temperatures in busy rooms like the kitchen and laundry room and warm colors for cozy living rooms and bedrooms.

34. Utilize Rugs

Utilize Big Rugs

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A rug in a room is fundamental for it grounds furniture, adds texture, defines boundaries, and displays your style. Opt for a big rug in most rooms to maximize functionality and make your rooms look bigger.

35. Decorate With Books

Decorate With Books

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This tip is easy to pull off and also inexpensive. Books are conversation starters, so layer a few on the coffee table while you can have more in a study or on a wall unit or dedicated shelf.

35. Play With Metals

This tip will not have you create an industrial style. Instead, it aims to add more fun and character to rooms with metal features. So, mix metal accent colors, like light fixtures, door knobs, and drawer pulls. Other metal surfaces you can work on are big appliances. For example, pair chrome lighting with gold fixtures, or add gold hardware to stainless appliances.

37. Utilize Blind Spots

Blind spots are spaces that do not draw attention, such as walls with doors. So, these spaces are ideal for not-so-cute necessities like TVs and appliances.

38. Upgrade Lampshades

Upgrade Lampshades

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Do you love your lamps, but the lampshades appear dull or worn out? Instead of replacing the lamps, swap out the uneventful lampshades. Alternatively, you can repaint them with cuter colors or wrappings.

39. Pay Attention to Functionality

Your rooms need to be functional or at least make you feel functional when inside. What could motivate you to get moving? Is it new paint color, furniture, or layout? For example, if you entertain guests a lot, you can design a bar in the room as that will motivate you to plan a party.

40. Pick a Style

As you know, different home styles can help you define your spaces better. So, which types of furniture or design elements will help you define your style? You can choose styles like Victorian, Modern, Mediterranean, Contemporary, Shabby Chic, and more.

41. Invest in Good Upholstery

Invest in Good Upholstery

When choosing curtains, refer to your wall height to pick the best length. Curtains also present a good opportunity to play with colors and patterns while defining and anchoring a room.

42. Extend Backsplash

Extend Backsplash

Image Credits: thespruce.com

Do you want to communicate a unique style in a kitchen or bathroom? Then, you can extend the backsplash higher up the wall.

43. Cover Appliances with Wallpaper

Sometimes, you choose a room theme, but then the appliances destroy it since they come with rather basic colors. If you face this challenge, you can cover your appliances with peel-and-stick wallpaper that matches the theme.

44. Use Matte Finishes on Metal

Use Matte Finishes on Metal

Image Credits: thespruce.com

Most metals are bold and harsh against the light. If you want to eliminate this, apply a matte finish that gives the metal a soft, welcoming, and subtle look. In addition, the matte finish will interact best with light in busy places like the kitchen.

45. Use Mirrors to Create Fake Windows

Use Mirrors to Create Fake Windows

Image Credits: housebeautiful.com

Interior decor extends to some of the darkest areas of your home. So, if you are decorating a basement that does not have a window, you can create its illusion using mirrors. This provides an opportunity to make the room appear bigger and one that will also improve illumination if you have the best lighting solutions.

46. Repaint the Home

Sometimes, repainting surfaces like walls and floors could make all the difference in a room. Depending on the paint colors you choose, you can let in more natural light and give new life to old furniture pieces. Also, repainting is easy and affordable and is one of the projects that won’t require interior designers.

47. Collect Unique Decor Pieces

Collect Unique Decor Pieces

Image Credits: pexels.com

The main goal of home redecoration is to create a fun and happy place for you and your loved ones. So, decorating with items you love the most makes sense since you will also find ways to use them. These could be paintings or unique pieces of furniture.

48. Trust Your Gut

Redecorating can feel daunting, especially if you are DIYing your own home. So, feel free to break interior design rules. These are rules relating to themes, styles, layouts, and more. You want your home to communicate your most creative side, and the rules don’t always accommodate that.

At the end of the project, you want to create a space that is one with you, where you will feel most comfortable, functional, and happy.

49. Remove An Item from Cluttered Rooms

Remember, you don’t always have to start from scratch when decorating your interior spaces. For example, suppose you feel your rooms are cluttered. In this case, you can make vital changes by removing an item from each room. Of course, you only want to remove items of the least sentimental value you rarely use.

50. Give Yourself Time

You need time for two things: first, you must plan your interior decorating project. Take time to structure your desired outcome and also plan a budget. In addition, you will also need time to get used to the changes you make. Since you have gotten used to your house before redecorating, you may need a day or two to get used to the new style, furniture, or layout you have chosen.

Conclusion

Following these essential interior designing tips while redecorating your new home can save time, money, and energy. So, take a look at your space to see how you can transform a dull house into a welcoming, lovely home.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.