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Awesome, Easy Design Tips for All

Awesome, Easy Design Tips for All

Posted by Penny Mustard on Oct 22nd 2020

As the seasons change, it's the perfect time for a seasonal refresh and home redesign. Whether you're a seasoned interior designer or simply looking to update your living space, these awesome, easy design tips are designed for everyone to execute. From mastering color coordination to incorporating faux fur accents, these strategies will help you create a cozy home that's both stylish and functional.

A wide angle shot of a furniture showroom under construction with pieces of cardboard and temporary carpet covering the floor

Another view of a furniture store under construction with exposed support pillars sitting in rows across the room and blue tape on the temporary carpet

1. Design Tip: Will It Fit?

Before making any significant changes to your home decor, it's crucial to ensure that new furniture pieces will fit seamlessly into your living space. This foundational step in home redesign helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a harmonious layout.

Use Traditional and Modern Tools for the Perfect Fit

  • Cardboard Cutouts: Just like in the past, cutting out the footprint of your furniture in cardboard allows you to physically place items in your space to see how they fit.
  • Color Tools and Adobe’s Color Wheel: Utilize digital color tools like Adobe’s Color Wheel to create an inspiration board. These tools are not only useful for color coordination but also for planning your furniture layout.
  • Carpenter or Template Paper: If you don’t have cardboard, a roll of carpenter or template paper is a great option. It’s affordable and easy to manipulate, making it ideal for experimenting with furniture arrangements.
  • Painter’s Tape: Use painter’s tape to mark out the dimensions of your furniture on the floor. This method provides a visual guide without the need for physical cutouts.

Pro Tip: Always measure your furniture and the space multiple times to ensure a perfect fit. Consider the entryways, hallways, and doorways to avoid any surprises when moving pieces into place.

Expand the Look:

  • Best Space-Saving Furniture for Small Homes: Opt for deep seating sectionals or modular shelving units to maximize floor space and maintain a clean, uncluttered space feel.

A light display showing the various intensity and colors of light and how they affect the aesthetic of a roomPhoto Source: Elekzon

2. Design Tip: The Color of Light

Lighting plays a pivotal role in color coordination and overall home decor. The type of light bulbs you choose can significantly impact how your paint colors appear in different rooms.

Understanding Light and Color Interaction

  • Warm vs. Cool Lighting: Warm-toned bulbs (lower Kelvin scale) enhance neutral colors and create a cozy ambiance, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. Cool-toned bulbs (higher Kelvin scale) highlight bold colors and are ideal for kitchens and home offices.
  • Natural Lighting: Maximize natural lighting by using sheer curtains or strategically placing mirrors to reflect light and make your space feel larger and more open.
  • Layered Lighting: Combine different types of light fixtures such as overhead lights, table lamps, and floor lamps to create a balanced and versatile lighting scheme.

Pro Tip: Experiment with different bulb temperatures to see how they affect your paint colors. Sometimes, a simple change in lighting can transform the entire look of a room without the need for a fresh coat of paint.

Expand the Look:

  • Warm Lighting: Incorporate warm lighting fixtures to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Use lamps with clean lines and minimalistic wall art to enhance the overall aesthetic.

A wicker laundry basket with a towel hanging out sits against a white brick wall

3. Design Tip: Laundry Never Rests

Keeping your laundry organized can be a challenge, especially during busy seasons. Efficient storage solutions and thoughtful home redesign can make laundry a manageable task.

Organize with Style and Functionality

  • Drawer Pedestals: Utilize drawer pedestals to create designated spaces for sorting and storing laundry. These pedestals double as extra storage for blankets, towels, or cleaning supplies.
  • Closet Hooks: Install additional hooks in your closets to hang clothes, bags, and accessories, keeping them off the floor and easily accessible.
  • Laundry Hampers: Choose stylish laundry hampers that blend seamlessly with your home decor. Options like bamboo hampers with geometric patterns or classic wicker hampers with lids offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Pro Tip: Regularly declutter your wardrobe by donating unused clothes. This not only reduces laundry load but also keeps your closet organized and manageable.

Expand the Look:

  • Storage Solutions: Invest in storage solutions such as modular shelving units or ottomans with built-in storage to keep your laundry area tidy and efficient.

A cozy brown leather chair sits in the foreground complete with matching ottoman with a light grey sofa in the background sitting next to a fully stocked bookcase and below a painting of a horse

4. Design Tip: Fall Leaves

Embrace the beauty of fall by incorporating subdued fall color palettes into your home decor. Opt for rich, natural hues that reflect the changing seasons without overwhelming your space.

Create a Serene Autumn Ambiance

  • Subdued Colors: Choose colors inspired by nature, such as deep burgundy, muted oranges, and earthy browns. These hues evoke the tranquility of fall evenings and the vibrancy of autumn foliage.
  • Seasonal Accents: Incorporate fall leaves through decorative items like throw pillows, area rugs, and artwork. This adds a touch of nature and warmth to your living space.
  • Statement Pieces: Use statement pieces like a plush armchair or a bold coffee table to anchor your fall-themed room. These focal points draw attention and add depth to your design.

Pro Tip: Balance bold fall colors with neutral colors to maintain a sophisticated and cohesive look. Use throw pillows and side tables in complementary shades to enhance the overall color scheme.

Expand the Look:

  • Matte Finish Blonde Wood: Incorporate matte finish blonde wood furniture to add a touch of elegance and natural warmth to your fall decor.

5. Design Tip: Embrace Minimalist Home Decor

For those who prefer a clean and uncluttered space, minimalist home decor offers a perfect blend of simplicity and functionality. This style emphasizes quality over quantity, ensuring that every design element serves a purpose.

Achieve a Minimalist Aesthetic

  • Clean Lines: Opt for furniture with clean lines and simple silhouettes. Pieces like a sleek coffee table or a streamlined sofa can enhance the minimalist look.
  • Neutral Colors: Use a neutral color palette to create a serene and spacious environment. Shades like white, beige, and gray are staples in minimalist design.
  • Plush Textures: Add plush textures through rugs, throws, and cushions to introduce warmth and comfort without compromising on simplicity.

Pro Tip: Focus on low-maintenance decor and minimalistic wall art to keep your space uncluttered and visually appealing. Invest in multi-functional furniture pieces that offer both style and practicality.

Expand the Look:

  • Modular Shelving Units: Incorporate modular shelving units to display your favorite items in a neat and organized manner. These units provide flexible storage options and enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Home with Simple Design Tips

Creating a cozy home doesn't have to be complicated. By implementing these awesome, easy design tips, you can effortlessly transform your living space into stylish and comfortable retreats. Whether you're focusing on color coordination, investing in comfortable furniture, or embracing minimalist home decor, these strategies will help you achieve a harmonious and inviting home environment.

Call to Action: Ready to refresh your home design? Start by creating your own inspiration board and explore these design tips to make your living space both beautiful and functional. Don’t forget to share your favorite design ideas in the comments below and inspire others to create their perfect home!