interior design tips

7 Tips to Simplify Interior Design

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 Coffee tables can be refinished, and often, outdated furniture just needs a fresh coat of paint to become new again.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

Artwork by Kim Romero 

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!

2021 home design trends

What’s In and What’s Out: 2021 Home Design Trends

A new year means new trends. 

People spent a lot of time in their homes in 2020, which means many are rethinking their home design and decor. Take a look at what trends are expected to stay in and what’s on the way out in 2021!

IN: Bold Paint Color

There are many bold, vibrant colors in 2021’s paint color predictions. From vibrant hues to darker earth tones, more people will play with color. While some will start with the walls in their home, others will keep rooms neutral and add in bold accents or furniture. 

OUT: Open Floor Plans

With people using their homes for work, school, and play, it’s natural that privacy has become an issue. I mean, have you tried having jumping on a Zoom meeting while your kids are logged into Google Classroom? While I don’t think the open flow will disappear completely, designated spaces for work or school will become a priority. 

IN: Easy-to-Clean Materials

Easy-to-clean materials are expected to rise in popularity as people not only spend more time at home, but are more conscious than ever about the spread of germs. Non-porous materials, as well as fabric designed to resist stains and bacteria, will likely become more prominent. Let’s call this a win for parents of young children!

OUT: Matching Everything

From furniture sets to monochromatic rooms, the days of perfectly matching decor may be over. By mixing furniture, finishes, and decor, design becomes more personalized. Complementary colors, designs, and materials will help add warmth and style to any room. 

IN: More Plants

Indoor plants aren’t a new concept, but you may start to see them, along with other natural elements, more than before. Indoor trees and plants act as an accent piece by bringing in a piece of the outdoors. Lighter woods, natural materials, and earthy palettes can also help to create a space inspired by nature. 

OUT: Toilet Paper

Ok, maybe not completely, but I had to add this to the list! Bidets are expected to become popular here in the US. Some are adding a bidet to the design of a remodeled bathroom, while others are opting for bidet attachments. 

What trends are you happy to see? Let me know in the comments!