Decorating a room can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a little intimidating. I remember the first time I decided to decorate my own space, I was overwhelmed with all the choices and possibilities. But with a little bit of creativity and some helpful tips, I was able to transform my room into a cosy and inviting space. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can easily transform your space into a warm and inviting haven. One of the best ways to make a room feel cohesive and put-together is by using accessories. Here are some tips on how to use accessories to add personality and style to your room.
1. Start with a focal point
Choosing a focal point is the first step in designing a room. It could be a stunning piece of artwork or a vintage armchair that you want to showcase. When working on my first living space I found a beautiful piece of artwork at a flea market that I absolutely loved, and I built the rest of my accessories around it using the colours from the artwork as a directive. I also mixed different textures to add depth to my room. I found a soft, fluffy rug to contrast with my sleek leather sofa, and I added pillows with different textures and patterns. Whatever it is, make sure it's a statement piece that you love and that reflects your personality. Once you've chosen your focal point, build the rest of your accessories around it.
2. Layer different textures
I absolutely love mixing patterns and textures in my home décor. I find that it adds a unique sense of character to my space, and allows me to express my personal style. I'm not a fan of being too matchy-matchy, and instead prefer to play with different combinations of fabrics and designs.
One of my favourite ways to achieve this is by incorporating a variety of textures into my room. For example, if I have a sleek leather couch, I like to add a chunky knit throw blanket or a woven basket to create contrast. By pairing different textures together, I'm able to create a more layered and visually appealing look.
Another trick I use is to mix and match pillows with different textures, such as velvet, fur, or linen. This not only adds interest to my space, but also allows me to experiment with different colours and patterns. I find that this approach really allows me to personalize my home and make it my own.
3. Add plants
Plants are an excellent way to bring life and colour into a room. When I first moved into my own home, I was so excited to decorate it with all sorts of plants. However, I quickly realized that keeping them alive was a lot harder than I had anticipated. The lighting in my home wasn't great, which made it even more challenging. I struggled with finding the right plant that could survive in my home.
After doing some research, I discovered which plants would thrive in low-light environments. I ended up getting a snake plant and a fiddle leaf fig, and they have been doing surprisingly well! It's been so rewarding to see them grow and add life to my home.
However, I've also learned to appreciate the beauty of artificial greenery. I used to think that using fake plants was a faux pas, but I've come to realize that as long as they are made well and feel realistic, there's nothing wrong with using them to add some greenery to a room. In fact, it's a great alternative for those who may not have the time or skill to care for real plants.
Plants can be used to fill empty corners or serve as a focal point. Choose plants that complement the overall design of your room and that are easy to care for. If you're like me and not sure where to start, consider a snake plant or a fiddle leaf fig.
4. Use lighting to create atmosphere
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating a cosy and welcoming space. When I first started decorating my home, I didn't realize just how much impact lighting could have on the overall mood of a room. It wasn't until I experimented with different types of lighting that I truly understood how it could completely transform a space.
I remember one time I had a lamp that looked beautiful, but it wasn't giving off the right amount of light for the space. I had to switch it out for something more suitable and practical. It was frustrating, but in the end, it made all the difference.
Now, I use a combination of table lamps, floor lamps, and even string lights to create different moods in each room. I also like to use spotlights to highlight my favourite pieces of art or furniture. It's amazing how much difference it can make to draw attention to something special in the room.
Lighting is something that needs to be carefully considered and experimented with. It's not just about making a space look pretty, but about creating the right ambiance and atmosphere for the people who live in it.
5. Be selective
I used to think that small accessories were the way to go when it came to decorating a room. But over time, I've come to realize that they can actually be more difficult to style effectively. No matter how many cute little trinkets I added, the space just never felt quite right.
I soon discovered that it's better to focus on a few key pieces that have more impact. I like to choose bigger accessories that make a statement and complement the overall design of the room. Of course, it all depends on what you're styling. For example, a big vase or a large piece of artwork can really tie a room together and make it feel complete.
By avoiding the clutter of small accessories, I'm able to create a more cohesive look and prevent the space from feeling too busy or overwhelming. It's amazing how much difference a few well-chosen pieces can make!
6. Use pieces that have meaning
One of my favourite things about decorating my home is incorporating personal items that hold special meaning to me. One piece that I absolutely cherish is a painting that my mother created many years ago. It's a beautiful abstract piece that adds so much warmth and colour to my space.
I love that this painting is not only a gorgeous piece of art, but also holds sentimental value. It's a great conversation starter when guests come over, and it makes me feel a sense of belonging and comfort to have a piece of my family's history incorporated into my décor.
I believe that adding personal touches like this can really make a space feel unique and inviting. It's not just about filling a room with trendy décor items, but rather creating a space that truly reflects your personality and style. Whether it's a vintage vase passed down from a grandmother or a painting created by a friend, incorporating meaningful items into your home will add depth and personality to your space.
7. Experiment with different arrangements
I used to rearrange my first place so many times, trying to find the perfect layout that made the space feel just right. And even now, I still enjoy playing around with different arrangements depending on the season or if I want to give the room a new look.
One thing I've learned is that you shouldn't be afraid to experiment with different arrangements. Sometimes just moving a piece of art to a different wall or swapping out a piece of furniture can completely change the look and feel of a room. It's amazing how even small changes can make a big impact.
Finding the right layout can take some time and trial and error, but it's worth it in the end. You want to create a space that truly reflects your personality and style, and experimenting with different arrangements is a great way to do that.
So don't be afraid to mix things up and try new layouts until you find the perfect one. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to create a room that you love and that truly feels like home.
Finally, my last piece of advise is; that when it comes to decorating a space, it's important to remember that it doesn't happen overnight. You shouldn't rush to fill the room with pieces just for the sake of having it decorated. Let the space evolve organically over time, as you find the right pieces that truly speak to you and your personal style.
Some spaces can take months, while others can take years to fully come together, and that's okay. There is no right timeline for decorating a room. It's all about taking the time to find the pieces that truly fit the space and make it feel like home.
So, have fun with the process and don't be afraid to experiment with different accessories and arrangements until you find the perfect combination. Remember, the most important thing is that you love the space and it reflects your unique personality and style.
Happy decorating!
Using this as a guide to start my hallway!
I loved the idea of building a space with something personal and using it as a guide for my colours!