Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to undergo an extensive (and expensive) renovation to change the look inside your home. In fact, adding a few things here and there can drastically alter the appearance of your abode. Here are seven examples!
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A New Coat of Paint
Is your home feeling cramped and/or outdated? Explore the incredible difference a fresh coat of paint can make in reviving your living space. Doing so can lead to a whopping 107% return on investment. So, if you spend $967 on paint, you can increase your home’s value by as much as $2,001!
Here’s how to make the most out of painting your interiors.
Enlarge Space
If you want to make your room seem larger, then be sure to use some light-colored paint. Similarly, painting the ceiling (and just the ceiling) in a lighter color will make the room seem taller. The same goes for vertical paint stripes. If you want to lengthen an otherwise short room, painting the ceiling and an accent wall in a dark color will help. You can also create this illusion by adding some light-colored wainscotting on the walls.
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/YI2YkyaREHk
“Reduce” Space
Painting the ceiling in a light shade and the walls in a dark color will bring the walls in. This is recommended for homes that seem “empty” because of the vast available space. A dark-colored accent wall, meanwhile, can help shorten a space while infusing a nice pop of color in the room.
Mixing and matching paint colors will help change the interiors too. Painting the ceiling in a dark color while using light colors on the walls, for example, will create a look that brings the ceiling down.
Other Options
If you want to make your home cozier, try using a darker paint color. Do note that this will make your space appear smaller, though. Meanwhile, painting the wall in a light color will help accentuate a specific area in your home. If you want to highlight your mantelpiece or the art collection on your walls, then this is the way to go.
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Curtains
Don’t have time to repaint your home? No need to worry; a simple change of curtains (and how they’re installed) can give your home a fresh, new look.
Drapes in a bold or striking shade can add a jolt of color to an otherwise dull room. Graphic curtains can make your home appear more casual and relaxed, while sophisticated drapes can make the space look more formal.
Curtains can help create an illusion of space, too. To make your room seem taller, place the rod above the window frame and get it as close to the ceiling as possible. When paired with floor-length drapes, this combo can easily draw one’s gaze upwards.
Curtains can also make your space seem more expansive. Place the drapes on both ends to create the illusion of a bigger window. This, in turn, will make the area appear roomier.
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Rugs
While it’s great to get rid of your old flooring and get new installed, doing so will burn a hole in your wallet. So, if you don’t have that big of a budget in the meantime, you can always go for the affordable, second-best option: getting some new rugs.
If you have a small space or a large undefined one, a rug can help define the space. For example, it can show where the living room stops and where the dining room begins. Additionally, rugs can help conceal the floor spots and deformities you can’t afford to fix as of now.
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Art
Transform your boring space into a more exciting area by adding some art around the house. Again, you don’t have to go for expensive styles to do the job, though you’re more than free to do so. Framed photos or your children’s handmade artwork will help seal the deal without the steep price tag.
Here are some of the best places to hang/install framed photos or wall art:
- On an empty or bare wall, at eye level
- On the staircase wall, with each photo/artwork placed at least 145 cm from the ground/step
- At least 15-20 cm above the sofa or desk
- About 10-30 cm above the fireplace or mantelpiece
If you want to make the photo or artwork the centerpiece in your room, arrange the surrounding pieces in such a way that the eyes fall naturally on the item. For example, you could use vases, plants, and lamps to frame this “focal” piece.
Remember: you don’t have to necessarily hang your artwork around the home. You can also place them on top of a mantelpiece or firework and lean them against the wall.
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Lamps
Lighting can drastically alter the look of your home’s interiors. Not only will it provide the illumination that will make your house seem bigger and brighter, but it can set the mood and refocus the eyes on key areas around the home.
Here are some excellent areas to place your lamps:
- At the corners, to help radiate the light inwards
- At the sides of the fireplace, to cast soft shadows in the room
- Behind the couch, to create depth and provide additional lighting when reading
- Next to the desk, to provide lighting for desk-bound tasks
- Next to your reading chair at eye level, to help reduce straining when reading
- Behind or next to the TV, to soften contrast and lessen glare
Sofa and Chair Slipcovers
An outdated sofa or chairs can make your home look older. So, if you want to modernize your space, know that you don’t necessarily have to re-upholster your sofa or purchase a new one. You can easily update their look with the help of sofa and chair slipcovers.
When choosing a slipcover, always consider the look you wish to achieve. If you want to maintain a casual look, go for a relaxed or loose slipcover. But if you want to create a crisper, formal look, then be sure to choose a tailored design.
As for the color, a neutral shade is the best, if not the safest bet.
However, warm shades should be your top choice if you want to make the room feel cozier and more intimate. Yellow, orange, red, brown, or a combination of these colors can make your “cold” space seem warmer, too.
If you want your small space to appear larger, go for cool colors such as green, blue, and light purple. These shades will not only make the area appear more spacious, but they can make you feel more calm and relaxed as well. Cool shades can make everything feel “cooler” in your home during summer, too.
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Mirrors
Mirrors aren’t just for touching up or seeing how good you look before you head out of the house. It can help improve the look of your home’s interiors, too.
For example, you can place a mirror next to a window or any light source to add more illumination to the room. Installing mirrors in the hallways will also bring more light to this otherwise dim area. You can also use a mirror to make your house look more prominent. Install one opposite your window to create a sense of extended space. The same effect goes for placing a mirror opposite a doorway, which can help extend the vision line beyond the room.
Impactful Changes
As you see, you don’t need expensive decorations or a big renovation to change the look of your home’s interiors. With the help of these seven things, you can make your place seem like it’s all professionally designed and brand new!
