INTERIOR DESIGN HACKS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK PROFESSIONALLY STYLED

We all can sit in marvel watching the block or any other renovation show. But, how do they achieve the flowing, cohesive look in their homes. How can some people envisage an item in a location when they see it for the first time? It is easy to get excited over a piece of furniture or an item however when you take home you realise it does not look the way you had expected. In this article we focus on some hacks used by interior designers to achieve that flawless “it just landed like that” look.

HACK NUMBER ONE: ONLY DISPLAY WHAT YOU NEED (OR LOVE!)

We have all been there, excited about all of our nick knacks and just wanting to display them ALL. It is a simple trap to fall into. The fact is that the more you have displayed the less likely someone is going to recognise that rare artwork from the Maldives when there is too much to pull from it. Instead try displaying a few less items. Start by emptying the space and one by one introduce different items and see how they complement each other. This will lead to a more uniformed space.

HACK NUMBER TWO: HANG YOUR CURTAINS HIGH

This is something that is simple and can really help expand the elegance of a room and compliment and make the ceiling feel higher than it actually is. Also consider a double set curtain rod, allowing you to have a sheer white and a thicker block out curtain, this also adds texture to a room and can also assist in less than desirable view blockage. There are a number of cost-effective curtains available from IKEA or Spotlight that would offer this luxurious feel without hurting your wallet.

HACK NUMBER THREE: BUY FURNITURE TO FIT THE SPACE

We all inherited an item such as that stunning, wood, 12-person dining table but, if you are living in the a 2 bedroom apartment in the city then, your home was probably not designed to hold such a grandeur piece of furniture. Do not throw it away rather, place into storage or lend to a trustworthy sibling or friend. Find some more size appropriate pieces of furniture that really compliment the space rather than dominate it.

HACK NUMBER FOUR: UTILISE ALL SURFACES AND CONSIDER STORAGE/DISPLAY SOLUTIONS

So, you have a tonne of books and even though you are trying to create a uniform/ decluttered look there are a number of ways to achieve this through some intelligent storage and also eclectic solutions. For example, take a look at the billy bookcase from IKEA. It offers different panelled solution so for example you can store filing, books, DVD’s all in the below covered area and then in the glass display your collectables or vases. Explore picture rails and combine some plants and pictures and create a more eclectic space. There are so many great solutions to savour the space you have.

HACK NUMBER FIVE: GET TONAL

No matter the size of the room you want to use tonal colours or shades of the same colour to create a calming, soothing oasis. Should you choose to use white it can make any room feel bigger, brighter and bolder. However, keep in mind white, unless you are a single person or very neat can be hard to hide dust, dirt and wear.

HACK NUMBER SIX: ADD TEXTURE

Mixing textures in your home adds dimension, which in turn makes it more appealing to the eye. Texture can come in the form of wood, faux fur, metal, tile, glass, linen, velvet. The best way to introduces these elements is to understand your colour palette and find something that either becomes a feature or an addition to the room.

HACK NUMBER SEVEN: GO GREEN

It is so easy to underestimate the positive nature not only visually but also physically that plants create. Plants in the last 5 years have become a “must have” on any interior decorators list. Generally, any plant that is easy maintenance and complements the home. You can use hanging plants or potted, large or small. Once added they can really add a sense of luxe.

  If you are afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, we suggest creating a mood board or simply visit Pinterest. It is so easy to find inspiration from these posts. Keep in mind your home, what room you want to purchase things for or how can you better display what you already have. Pick focal points for example if you have a nice antique shelf that in its own right needs to be recognised, perhaps surround it with tonal colours.

That way you are complimenting it. If you surround it with too many other colours or antiques, you might lose the shelf in the mix and it doesn’t become special anymore. That does not mean you can’t introduce colour or other exciting pieces. It just means you have to be mindful. Do not be discouraged if it takes time to love what you have created.