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Design Tip Round-Up: Great Ideas for Every Home

Design Tip Round-Up: Great Ideas for Every Home

Sep 10th 2020

Are you ready to embark on a home redesign journey or simply looking to refresh your living space with some fresh ideas? Whether you're aiming for a seasonal refresh or need winter design tips, our team of interior designers has compiled a list of awesome, easy design tips that are perfect for everyone. From mastering color coordination to incorporating faux fur accents, these strategies will help you create a cozy home that's both stylish and functional. Let’s dive into some of our favorite tips that will transform your home into a beautiful and comfortable retreat.

A large grey leather sectional sits amongst various decor items in shades of teal, yellow, and white

1. Healing Power of Nature

Bringing natural elements into your home can significantly enhance your cozy home atmosphere. Even when you can't spend time outdoors, you can still enjoy the texture and warmth that nature-inspired decor provides.

Key Elements:

  • Wood Textures: Incorporate matte finish blonde wood furniture such as a coffee table or side tables to add depth and warmth to your dining room.
  • Natural Decor: Add elements like bird sculptures or floral arrangements to bring a touch of nature inside. Keep it balanced to avoid overwhelming your space.
  • Potted Plants: Utilize potted plants to introduce greenery, which not only adds to the aesthetic but also improves air quality.

Design Tips:

  • Texture and Warmth: Use wood textures to create a connection with the outdoors. Combining wood with soft textiles like throws and cushions can enhance the texture and warmth of your space.
  • Natural Lighting: Maximize natural lighting by positioning furniture near windows and using sheer curtains to allow sunlight to fill the room.

Pro Tip: Add a statement piece like a reclaimed wood coffee table to anchor your room and serve as a visually interesting focal point.

Expand the Look:

  • Mix and Match: Combine different wood textures with minimalistic wall art and neutral colors to maintain a balanced and serene environment.

Our favorite greys are from Sherwin Williams:~ Mindful Gray-SW7016~ Pavestone-SW7642~ Dovetail-SW7018

A modern, comfortable living room with white matching sofa and chairs sits above color swatches that show how the colors in the room go together

2. Choosing the Perfect Gray

Grey is a timeless and versatile color that can add sophistication to any room. However, selecting the right shade of grey requires careful consideration to ensure it complements your color coordination efforts.

Key Elements:

  • Color Palettes: Understand the color families within grey to choose the right shade for your space. Whether leaning towards blue, brown, or green undertones, each variation creates a different mood.
  • Paint Selection: Use color tools like Adobe’s Color Wheel to visualize how different greys will look in various lighting conditions.

Design Tips:

  • Sample Testing: Paint small sections of your walls with different grey shades and observe them under natural and artificial lighting to see which one best suits your space.
  • Color Coordination: Pair grey walls with bold colors in accessories like throw pillows or area rugs to add contrast and interest.

Pro Tip: Choose greys from trusted brands like Sherwin Williams—Mindful Gray (SW7016), Pavestone (SW7642), or Dovetail (SW7018)—for reliable and beautiful results.

Expand the Look:

  • Neutral Color Palette: Balance grey walls with neutral colors in furniture and decor to maintain a sophisticated and cohesive color scheme.

A grey sofa sits with a small desk behind it that has two blue chairs slid beneath in a white living room with exposed white beams and a white brick wall

3. Tonal Patterns for Depth

Incorporating patterns into your home decor doesn’t have to result in a cluttered look. Tonal patterns allow you to add depth and interest while maintaining a clean and organized space.

Key Elements:

  • Consistent Color Families: Stick to a single color family when selecting patterns to ensure harmony.
  • Subtle Patterns: Choose patterns that complement rather than overwhelm, such as soft geometrics or understated florals.

Design Tips:

  • Layering Textures: Combine plush textures with subtle patterns to create a rich and inviting environment without visual chaos.
  • Balanced Decor: Use patterns in strategic areas like cushions, throws, or area rugs to add interest without taking over the space.

Pro Tip: Start with a pattern you love and integrate it through various furniture pieces or decor items to maintain consistency.

Expand the Look:

  • Minimalistic Wall Art: Pair patterned textiles with minimalistic wall art to keep the focus balanced and the overall design elegant.

4. Triangle Grouping for Visual Appeal

Creating visually appealing displays can be simple with the right technique. Triangle grouping is an effective way to arrange decorative items in a harmonious and attractive manner.

Key Elements:

  • Symmetry and Balance: Arrange items in a triangle to create a sense of balance and visual interest.
  • Layering: Use different sizes and styles to add dimension without overwhelming the space.

Design Tips:

  • Focal Points: Start with a central statement piece and arrange other items around it to form a natural triangle.
  • Versatile Displays: Apply triangle grouping to various elements like vases, picture frames, or decorative sculptures to create cohesive displays.

Pro Tip: Incorporate side tables or modular shelving units to display your grouped items, enhancing both functionality and style.

Expand the Look:

  • Layering Triangles: Combine multiple triangles of different sizes and styles to create a dynamic and engaging display without overcrowding.

5. Textures for the Win

Adding textures to your home can prevent monochromatic color schemes from looking flat. Texture introduces depth and interest, making your space feel more inviting.

Key Elements:

  • Variety of Textures: Incorporate a mix of soft and rough textures to create a balanced and rich environment.
  • Textured Fabrics: Use materials like faux fur accents, woven throws, and textured cushions to add tactile interest.

Design Tips:

  • Throw Blankets and Pillows: Add plush textures with throw blankets and pillows to your sofas and chairs.
  • Textured Rugs: Use area rugs with intricate weaves or patterns to define spaces and add warmth.
  • Wall Art: Opt for textured wall art such as woven tapestries or three-dimensional sculptures to enhance visual interest.

Pro Tip: Mix and match different textures, like pairing faux fur accents with smooth leather or metal decor, to create a balanced and visually interesting space.

Expand the Look:

  • Functional Decor: Incorporate storage solutions like woven baskets or textured ottomans to keep your space organized while adding texture.

6. Multi-Use Gathering Console

Maximize the functionality of your living room with a multi-use gathering console. This versatile piece can serve multiple purposes, making it a great option for small spaces or busy households.

Key Elements:

  • Integrated Power Sources: Look for consoles with built-in USB ports and power strips to keep your devices charged and organized.
  • Dual-Level Design: Utilize consoles that offer both a tabletop for drinks and snacks and lower storage for additional functionality.

Design Tips:

  • Placement: Position your gathering console near the sofa to bridge the gap between different living areas like the kitchen and dining room.
  • Versatile Use: Use the top level for serving drinks and appetizers during gatherings, while the lower level can store remotes, games, or other essentials.

Pro Tip: Choose a console with clean lines and a neutral color palette to seamlessly blend with any home decor style.

Expand the Look:

  • Additional Seating: Complement your console with deep seating sectionals or comfortable furniture to create an inviting and functional living area.

Final Thoughts: Great Ideas for Every Home

Transforming your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By implementing these awesome, easy design tips, you can effortlessly enhance your living space and create a cozy home that reflects your personal style. 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!