There’s a lot of inspiration for home design out there: from shows on TV to Instagram feeds and Pinterest boards.

And who doesn’t love browsing through before and after photos of a home remodeling project?

Social media and TV shows have even affected how buyers view properties:

68% of buyers agents stated buyers were disappointed by how homes looked compared to homes they saw on TV shows.

Whether you are getting ready to list your home for sale and want to increase the value, or you want to upgrade your living space for your own pleasure, take a look at these tips to modernize your home!

Start in the Kitchen

There are so many ways to modernize your kitchen!

One of the most popular is updating appliances. Newer stainless steel or black appliances can make a huge difference in your space. Appliances with smudge-resistant finishes and easy-to-clean surfaces help keep things looking newer longer, too.

New cabinetry is another way to change the look of your kitchen. Not in the budget right now? No problem – you don’t have to install brand-new cabinets to get a new look in the kitchen. Painting or refacing your cabinetry, along with some new hardware gives existing materials a facelift at a much lower cost.

Even the simple act of reorganizing your kitchen can make a big difference. Think about using cabinet organizers and other organizational tools to create more usable space for everything you need – from pots and pans on the stovetop, to spices stored away neatly in a drawer – without making it look cluttered or messy. This will give an open feel that makes kitchens seem larger than they really are.

Update the Bathroom

New tile – whether flooring, shower, or backsplash – in the bathroom can provide a refreshing change. And, with newer and more water-resistant materials available today, it’s easy to bring your outdated tiles up to date without worrying about chipping or cracking.

A fresh coat of paint or fun wallpaper is another way to modernize this space – especially if you’re not looking for anything too drastic and just want things to look clean again.

Finally, replacing old or outdated accessories can make the space feel like new. Towels, mats, shower curtains, and towel rods or hooks can all be updated for a modern look.

Upgrade Lighting Fixtures

If you still have original lighting fixtures throughout your home, that means they’re probably a few decades old. The options for lighting fixtures are endless and there are also plenty of new modern styles to choose from – without breaking your budget.

Just think about what you want the space to look like. Do you want it to have a bright, welcoming ambiance, or do you prefer something more subdued?

Replacing outdated fixtures is a quick and easy way to modernize your home!

Statement Decor Pieces

Statement pieces are all the rage these days and for good reason! They’re a great way to make your home more unique. This can be anything from an accent chair in a bold color or pattern, to a piece of artwork, to painting over old wood paneling to create an accent wall.

You can shop for statement pieces at your favorite shops, or you can hit up markets and estate sales for unique finds you can’t find in stores. Start with a vision in mind and explore your favorite places.

There’s no need to invest in every piece of statement decor at once. Start small by adding just one item that will make your house feel like it belongs only to you!

Do you have any design questions? Let me know in the comments!

Whether you completed renovations, are moving into a new space, or want to change things up, interior design makes your home feel like…home.

Many people get overwhelmed at the thought of decorating their home, but design does not need to be complicated!

Take a look at these seven simple tips for interior design that can transform any room!

Find Furniture that fits the Room

No matter how gorgeous the couch (or table or chair) is in the display room, it will not look good in your house if the size isn’t right. Often, people go too big or too small with their furniture, and it throws off the rest of the design.

If you are not sure what size or shape will fit best in a room, speak with someone in the furniture store. There are also many online applications that allow you to view furniture in your space virtually – all you need is the correct measurements!

Salvage Goods

Incorporate what you already have! Just because you are redesigning a room doesn’t mean you have to buy all new items. Have an armchair that you love, but the color doesn’t go? Get it reupholstered. Coffee tables can be refinished, and often, outdated furniture just needs a fresh coat of paint to become new again.

If you love salvaging items, you can also explore second-hand shops and markets in your area. Antique and rustic finds can be repurposed into statement pieces in any room.

Mix and Match

Design today does need to be perfectly matching. Mixing and matching patterns, colors, and even metals adds an element of fun to your design. Be careful not to incorporate too many different designs because it could become visually overwhelming. Stay within the same color scheme, then choose two or three visually appealing patterns or textures to repeat throughout the room.

Let Lighting be a Feature

There is no end to the design choices in lighting fixtures. Select lighting that goes with the overall theme of your room: rustic, modern, classic, or country. A modern chandelier can be incorporated as a statement piece in the dining area, while a lamp next to the couch can become a subtle design element.

Invest in Art

Art displays do not have to be expensive, but they should communicate your style. Instead of searching for a specific piece for that one wall, stroll through art, stopping when a piece catches your attention (I promise – you WILL find the perfect sport for pieces you love!).

Art can add a pop of color or become a focal point to the room. Remember that art comes in all forms – wall hangings, sculptures, statues, even a handmade vase is a piece of art. Showcase art that speaks to you.

Incorporate Plants

Incorporating nature into your interior design adds color and a fresh look to any room. Do some research on which plants do best with low levels of sunlight for indoor plants, so they last. Don’t have a green thumb? Many fake plants can pass as the real thing.

Accent Walls

Accent walls can be incorporated with wallpaper, wood paneling, or color. An accent wall is perfect for people who want to go bold without going overboard. This is also an excellent solution for people who don’t want a lot hanging on the walls because, with the right design, an entire wall can turn into a piece of art.

Do you have any interior design tips? Share them below!

Tag: lighting fixtures

7 Tips to Simplify Interior Design