Elevate Your Home Design: 20 Transformative Tips
Creating a harmonious and inviting home is an art that blends creativity with functionality. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to refresh your space, these tips from renowned designers provide valuable insights on everything from style to storage. Let’s dive into the essentials!
1. Marry Old and New
Integrating heirloom pieces can breathe life into your design. Interior designer Maggie Clarke emphasized the significance of blending old furniture with modern aesthetics. Refinishing inherited pieces like dining tables not only minimizes clashing styles but also adds sentimental value to your space. “It gives the space soul,” she notes.
2. Connect Through Lighting
Lighting is not just for visibility; it shapes the mood of your home. Tamara Honey masterfully connects open-concept kitchens with their surroundings through strategic lighting choices. Use layered lighting to enhance both functionality and ambiance, transforming the kitchen into an artistic centerpiece.
3. Be Mindful With Storage
Storage doesn’t have to be boring. Adam Ben Wagner envisioned kitchen cabinetry as full-height bookshelves, merging practicality with literary charm. Opt for cohesive wood stains to create a seamless flow throughout your home. This keeps your space looking tidy and intentional.
4. Think of Everyone
Don’t forget your guest spaces when renovating. Designer Amber Lewis created a luxurious soaker tub in her guest bathroom, echoing colors from the main bedroom. This design choice evokes a boutique hotel vibe, ensuring guests feel pampered.
5. Create Unique Touches
Let individuality shine through unique design elements. A hidden speakeasy behind a bookcase can turn a living room into a playful retreat. Amber Lewis used a nautical mural to nod to the home’s coastal surroundings, creating a timeless narrative.
6. Play to the Room Size
Small spaces can still offer big impact. In a breakfast nook, designer Amber Lewis chose a corner banquette to maximize available space and allow easy movement. This thoughtful layout not only enhances comfort but also mitigates awkwardness commonly associated with traditional dining setups.
7. Look to Your Own Quirks
Designers often incorporate personal experiences into their work. Breegan Jane added a Moroccan fountain for auditory privacy in a bathroom, addressing her own insecurities about using spaces shared with others. This transformative idea not only enhances comfort but also adds character.
8. Design for How You Really Live
Breegan Jane, who prefers entertaining over cooking, customized her kitchen for social gatherings. By selecting low-maintenance finishes and fun decor instead of traditional culinary appliances, she created a space that mirrors her lifestyle.
9. Know Your Environment
When living near the coast, it’s vital to prepare for the unpredictable. Designer Janie Molster ensured her Captiva Island home could withstand storms with high-impact windows and thoughtful features. This practical approach blends durability with elegance.
10. Lean Into the Room’s Proportions
Embrace the unique characteristics of your rooms. Janie Molster accentuated the dramatic height of a breakfast room using tall drapes, creating an intimate yet expansive feel. Opt for fabrics and materials that enhance architectural features rather than detract from them.
11. Remember That Kids Grow Up
Designing children’s spaces requires foresight. Janie Molster installed extra-long twin beds in a grandkids’ room, considering their future needs. This approach ensures longevity while maintaining a visually pleasing, symmetrical design.
12. Expect Messes to Happen
Create environments accommodating everyday life. Janie Molster upholstered living area sofas with performance fabrics, allowing easy maintenance while providing an attractive design. This prevents stress when spills or stains occur.
13. Find Ways to Add Dimension
Even small bathrooms can feel expansive with creativity. Designer Kelly Hurliman arched the ceiling in a powder room to introduce visual depth, adding interest without compromising on style.
14. Make It Inviting
A home gym should inspire use. Designer Tanya Ryno crafted an inviting space with calming colors and luxurious finishes, making it an enjoyable place to exercise rather than a dreaded chore.
15. Ensure There’s Enough Seating
Planning for gatherings is crucial. Designer Dane Austin advises matching your living and dining room seating to accommodate the maximum number of guests. This ensures everyone feels included during social events.
16. Look to the Past
Using historical design trends can create warmth. Designer Anne McDonald incorporated the concept of English snugs, making her spacious room feel more intimate and cozy, perfect for moments of solitude.
17. Find Your Grounding Elements
When using bold patterns, grounding elements are essential. Colleen Simonds designed a vibrant dining area where the color and texture of lamps and rugs contrasted well against busy wallpaper, creating a balance that feels chic yet lively.
18. Veer Away From Tradition
Don’t hesitate to think outside the conventional. Fort Design Studio sourced a portable wooden island as a quirky focal point in a kitchen, emphasizing that unique elements can create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
19. Work Around Your Life
Customize your design to match your lifestyle. In a Texan home, the design team installed a convenient spice drawer to eliminate unnecessary trips to the pantry, showing that thoughtful additions can make daily tasks much easier.
20. Tweak the Layout
Sometimes, a simple rearrangement can transform your space. Architect J.E. Schram reconfigured a kitchen layout by relocating appliances and maximizing counter space. This clever tweak not only expanded the kitchen’s function but also improved its appearance.
Integrating these tips into your home design journey can turn spaces into functional, aesthetically pleasing environments that cater to your lifestyle. Think creatively, focus on practicality, and allow your personality to shine through each decision you make!
