Interior design can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, you don’t have to go into it by yourself. We sat down with our Atlanta Design Team to hear their tips on designing every aspect of your home. We know you have a lot of big design decisions to make, and hopefully with these tips, it’ll make the entire process that much easier.
1. Add (Real or Fake) Greenery
Greenery is a great way to infuse subtle pops of colour into your home’s decor. And the best part? A green thumb isn’t required. If you’re opting for live plants, succulents are an excellent first choice as they don’t need to be watered frequently. For a natural aesthetic that doesn’t require any maintenance, you can always opt for faux-greenery.
Pictured: Avalon model home in Caledonia, ON.
2. Swap Out Decorative Pillows
The options for decorative pillows are endless, allowing you to find a print or pattern to fit any style. With an abundance of budget-friendly options, this can be an inexpensive way to freshen up your space.
Pictured: West End Towns model townhome in Charlotte, NC.
3. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Changing up your wall colour is an easy way to give your room a new look, all with a few coats of paint. You have the entire rainbow at your fingertips, and can switch up the colour of your walls whenever you choose.
Pictured: Blanco Vista model home in San Marcos, TX.
4. Add an Accent Wall
Create a focal point in your home with an accent wall. If you’re one to stay on trend, our Atlanta Design Team reports that the darker, moody shades are currently a popular choice.
Pictured: Legacy model home in Thorold, ON.
6. Switch Out Your Light Fixtures
Decorative lighting can make a huge impact on the overall feel of your home. With an infinite number of options, light fixtures can turn into functional pieces of art that compliment the rest of your space.
Pictured: Buckley model home in Atlanta, GA.
7. Bring Out Your Curtains
Hang curtains up if you don’t already have them. Curtains are another great opportunity to experiment with different colours and patterns without a big commitment. Pro tip: Hang your curtains closer to the ceiling to create the illusion of a taller space.
Pictured: Halcyon model home in Alpharetta, GA.
8. Check Your Light Bulbs
Many may not realize that light bulbs are the key to creating an ambient setting in your home. They come in a variety of types, colours and strengths, helping you to transform your space to suit your unique needs. Pro tip: If you want to keep your current lighting, make sure your bulbs are 2700-3000 K so the lighting in your home is warm and inviting.
Pictured: Landings at NoDa model townhome in Charlotte, NC.
9. Consider New Cabinet Hardware
Hardware is usually forgotten when looking for ways to refresh a space, and while it’s a small change, switching out these fixtures can create a huge impact. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to mix metals to create dimension and interest throughout your space.
Pictured: Paintbox model townhome in Atlanta, GA.
10. Add a New Area Rug
Think of your floors as another opportunity to get creative with design. Area rugs come in a multitude of different patterns, colours and textures that you can play around with to add some flair to your home.
Pictured: Maven model suite in Toronto, ON.
11. Layer Your Rugs
When designing, consider a natural fiber rug in a larger size on the bottom and something decorative to add character on top. As a recommendation, our design team loves vintage rugs.
Pictured: Venetian Pines model home in Conroe, TX.
12. Coffee Table Books
Find a few coffee table books on topics that interest you and layer them as a centrepiece. Not only will they add a sophisticated feel to your space, but they’ll always serve as a great conversation-starter.
Pictured: Wyndfield model home in Brantford, ON.
13. Don’t Forget the Bathroom
Change out your bathroom mirror for something a bit more decorative. Depending on the look and feel you’re going for, you can play around with different frame styles that’ll help to transform the room.
Pictured: Swift model home in Atlanta, GA.
14. Refresh Your Blinds
Give your windows a much-needed refresh by changing out the treatments you currently have for something new. Try updating your blinds to a 2” faux wood or decorative roman shades. Not only can this give your home a more modern feel, it’ll also give the appearance of custom window treatments.
Pictured: Cibolo Canyons model home in San Antonio, TX.
15. Have Fun with Bedding
Change out your bedding to include layers like a quilt, duvet, and decorative blanket. Besides keeping yourself extra cozy during the night, adding in these pieces can help to elevate the atmosphere of your bedroom.
Pictured: Crosby model home in Atlanta, GA.
16. Accent Doors
Paint your doors an accent colour like grey or black, or experiment with pops of colour like a pale blue. This update will add a unique flare to your home that not many take advantage of.
Pictured: Harper’s Preserve model home in Conroe, TX.
17. The Power of Scents
Give your home a signature scent just as unique as the space itself. Scented candles are the perfect addition to any room, and it’ll be something your guests are sure to enjoy. Not only do candles look great on a book stack, you can use them to create an inviting aroma.
Pictured: Riverland model home in Breslau, ON.
18. First Impressions Are Everything
Wow your guests before they even step into your home. Place a decorative wreath and a fun welcome mat to your front door to add some flair to your home’s exterior. Also consider sprucing up your entryway to further enhance your space and create a lasting impression on your guests.
Pictured: Halcyon model home in Alpharetta, GA.
19. Show Off Your Artistic Side
Add a gallery wall of your favorite art pieces to add a bit more of your own personality to each room. Mixing up different kinds of media will make this area more of a statement and focal point of the space.
Pictured: Crosby model home in Atlanta, GA.
20. Utilize Wallpaper
If a fresh coat of paint just isn’t cutting it, consider incorporating wallpaper. You can have this professionally done or you can go the DIY route with peel and stick wallpaper. Both options are a fun way to add some interest to a small space, such as a powder room or laundry room.
Pictured: Avalon model home in Caledonia, ON.
Explore more interior design guides from our Atlanta Design Team right here on our blog. From choosing the best neutral paint colour, to designing rooms with purpose , you’re bound to find inspiration for your next home project.