When thinking about designing a home, most people have the ‘big stuff’ in mind such as deciding about the layout, choosing a colour palette, selecting and arranging the furniture. But, once you are done with the big stuff, you might find there’s something missing. Those are the little details, trinkets, and decorations that make a house feel like home and reflect the personalities of its occupants. If you feel like your home is unfinished, maybe it’s time to spruce it up with accessories and upgrades. Here are some awesome ideas.

Mirrors for glam

No, mirrors don’t belong exclusively in the bathrooms. On the contrary, they can elevate the appearance of every room and introduce unexpected luxury. Besides, mirrors are ideal additions to cramped rooms because, if properly positioned, they can provide the illusion of spaciousness. For example, a mirror placed in a niche can provide a sense of depth, while a mirror hung opposite a window or another light source can increase the amount of light in the space and make it feel larger.

Decorate in odd numbers

It’s an old designers’ rule: no one likes the accessories set up in pairs. Instead, make your decorations more pleasing to the eye by arranging them in odd numbers (e.g., three or five). But, don’t go for three of the same thing, because that can be dull as well. Try to combine different sizes, shapes, or colours, while sticking to one unifying feature.

Display some art

Bold Artwork — Photo by Ostap Senyuk on Unsplash

What’s a home without art? Fortunately, art comes in so many forms that anyone can find something for their taste. An art gallery wall of displayed family photos or black and white cityscapes might be someone’s cup of tea, while other people prefer a more traditional approach. Something that could fit into everyone’s style is definitely outdoor wall art, because it can represent nature in a multitude of marvellous ways, and in different colours and styles. Art doesn’t have to come only in the form of paintings, you can also display sculptures and other art installations.

Design an accent wall

While one of the ways to create an accent wall is by displaying art, it is not the only way. In fact, lately we’ve witnessed a huge comeback of wallpaper as a decorative piece, and you can take advantage of that. Depending on the style you are aiming for, you can go for the modern wallpaper with geometric patterns, shabby chic design with flowers, or old-fashioned damask ornaments.

Let it shine

Lighting plays a vital role in the overall ambience, but lighting fixtures can also be viewed as decorative elements. Make sure you take both of these into account when decorating. First, you should have three layers of light which will include ceiling fixtures, task lamps, and accent lights. Then, you can use the fixtures to draw the attention up. For example, a striking Victorian chandelier in the bedroom can make all the difference, so can retro pendant lamps above the kitchen island.

Inject some life

If you are looking for a way to enrich your space and inject it with life and energy, look no further than greenery and fresh flowers. Besides looking colourful and happy, houseplants can purify the air in a natural way and make your home a healthier place to live in. You should keep a plant in every room, not just in the lounge. There are even some plants that can thrive in the bathroom, which is usually a dark and moist environment.

Texturise

A room decorated with only one texture can look dull or exaggerated, depending on the texture you decide to use. On the other side, a room with mixed textures looks dynamic, vibrant, and homey. Some simple, yet fantastic ideas to get inspired are layering rugs one on top of the other (let one be simple and thin, while the other can be soft and shaggy), adding throw pillows of different materials (e.g., silk, velvet, and faux fur), and mixing different finishes on accessories, light fixtures, and furniture (such as metallic, shiny, and matte).

Your home is a reflection of your personality and your hospitality. There is no room for doing things half-way in this department. So, take these tips and make something completely of your own with them.

Got any tips to share? Add them to the comments below.