After getting your keys to your new house, your next task is to transform its empty spaces into warm and inviting rooms to make it feel like home. While it may seem straightforward, it can actually be a little challenging to pull off.
Sometimes, in your effort to make the decor look perfect, your home ends up looking like a showroom rather than a cosy space where you can relax. That said, with proper planning and execution, you can develop each space according to your needs, preferences, and personality. After all, a home is not merely a physical space; it’s a reflection of you and the life you’ve lived.
That’s why in curating furniture, curtains, modern art posters, and other items that will fill up each room, you have to think about their significance and how each piece fits into the life you want to live.
In this guide, we’ll explore decorating tips that will help you transform your living space into a warm and inviting haven.
Fill Your Walls with Your Favourite Art
Art has the power to breathe life into your home, turning blank walls into a canvas that tells your story. So, consider showcasing your favourite contemporary art posters that resonate with you on a personal level.
Whether it’s a collection of your own creations, family artworks, or art prints collected during your travels, incorporating art adds character and a sense of identity to your space.
For variety, you can experiment with arrangements to find a layout that enhances the overall aesthetic of your home.
Showcase Your Personal Collections
Ditch the idea that collections are meant to be hidden away. Instead, display your treasures proudly and make your home feel like a true personal retreat.
You can dedicate a shelf for your vinyl records or antique trinkets, or perhaps create aesthetically pleasing vignettes around your home using artefacts from your travels. While you can buy a new set of decorative objects that go together effortlessly, nothing beats things that hold special meaning and memories.
Display Your Worn Books
In carefully curated homes that look impeccable enough to be on a magazine cover, books are usually just decorative accessories meant to be seen, not read.
However, if you’re a bibliophile who actually does read books, now’s the time to get your precious collection out of the box and onto your bookshelves. Do away with tradition and arrange your books however you like: alphabetically (by title or author) or chronologically (by the date you finished them), or even by genre.
Never mind if the book is falling apart or is not “aesthetic” enough to be displayed. The most important thing to consider is what the book means to you.
Experiment with different arrangements, mixing books with a graphic design poster or other pieces of art to add visual interest.
Mix and Match Your Throw Pillows
Transform the look and feel of your living space with the simple addition of throw pillows. You can opt for a mix of textures, patterns, and sizes to create a casual and inviting atmosphere.
Try coordinating colours and patterns that complement your overall decor. For added visual interest, you can add pillows with interesting prints that are still cohesive with the rest of your design elements. Through mixing and matching throw pillows, you can express your individual style while adding a layer of comfort to your furniture.
Choose Comfortable Furniture
Comfort should be a top priority when selecting furniture for a lived-in look. With that in mind, choose pieces that invite relaxation and convey a sense of ease.
Consider furniture with plush cushions and soft upholstery. If you’re not afraid of buying secondhand furniture, you can also consider thrift shopping for distressed furniture. These imperfections add a touch of character and history to your space, which contributes to the overall lived-in aesthetic you are looking for. That said, you have to strike a balance between style and comfort. After all, this is key to creating a space that truly feels like home.
Use Soft and Ambient Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in achieving your desired mood. To achieve an elevated look through lighting, opt for soft and ambient lighting options like table lamps, floor lamps, or string lights. For an art gallery vibe, add spotlights and aim them at your art prints and illustration art posters.
You can experiment with different lighting sources to find the perfect balance that suits different moods and occasions.
Embrace the Eclectic Interior Design Style
The eclectic interior design style lends itself well to a cosy, lived-in look. With this style, you can be free to hang your contemporary illustration art prints along with heirloom paintings from grandma.
The eclectic style, however, is not about mixing and matching elements willy-nilly. To achieve a cohesive look, combine various elements with a common thread. In addition, avoid a cluttered interior by adding negative spaces to give the eyes a break.
Transforming your home into a lived-in haven is a personal journey that goes beyond following design trends. By filling your space with meaningful art, personal collections, well-loved books, and unique furniture, you’ll create a warm and authentic home.
So take these tips, make them your own, and watch as your home evolves into a comfortable haven that tells your unique story.
