Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people spend much more time in their homes. Unsurprisingly, one of the consequences of the current state of affairs is the growth of the interior design industry. If people have to spend their days indoors, then at least, they want to have something nice to look at.
If you think that your house could use a little renovation, we've got good news for you - you are in the right place. Besides, if you wonder, "How do I get more cash for my house when it comes to selling it?" - be sure, decorating contributes to your home value as well.
In this article, you will find several simple steps that will help you make your house look elegant, and what's important, you won't have to worry about the cost.
Step 1: Choose a Theme and Stick to It
Before you do anything else, you need to select a theme you want your home to be. In terms of interior design, the possibilities are endless. You can go for a minimalist style or a country look. You can also give it a romantic touch or introduce some bright details that reflect your personality.
Once you have settled on a theme, make sure you stick to it - this will allow you to avoid impulse purchases later on. Otherwise, your house will end up looking like a patchwork quilt (to be fair, that can be a theme as well, but you will have to think it through as well).
Step 2: Choose the Right Colors
The next step is to come up with a color palette for your house. Choosing the right colors might seem like an easy task, but matching shades can be tricky. If you don't know what colors go well together, you should start by choosing one of the basic colors that go with any other - such as white or brown. Both will work in any room and positively affect your mood.
After that, decide whether you want light or dark colors for your walls. In order to make the decision easier, it's best to bear in mind that darker colors need brighter decorations, while light colors require darker furniture and accessories.
You can either use a single palette throughout the house or mix different colors. For example, you could have dark blue for the dining room walls and light neutral colors for the bedroom walls.
Step 3: Change the Flooring
First impressions count, and the floor is one of the first things people see in your home. The good news is that you can choose from many different materials for flooring - they all look great. Moreover, if you want to achieve a high-level look, you do not have to spend a fortune on marble or slate tile flooring - vinyl, laminate, or hardwood floors are much more affordable and will do just fine.
Step 4: Update Your Furniture
If you want to create a sophisticated look in your home, furniture is one of the essential elements you need to consider. You can mix and match different furniture styles, colors, and materials, depending on the room and its purpose, but make sure to focus on choosing pieces that match your style in the first place (or it's going to look tacky).
For example, if you're going for elegant furniture pieces, leather couches would fit well in your living room. And it doesn't have to cost you a pretty penny! If you know what exactly you are looking for, always make sure to check second-hand online offers, thrift stores, and yard sales before going to the store. For example, you can find many different vintage wooden tables and chairs that will give your place a refreshing look without breaking your budget.
Step 5: Add a Touch of Luxury With Some Decoration
You may think that décor is all about paintings and sculptures, but that's not true. There are plenty of other elements you can use to create an elegant look in your home. For example, candles, vases filled with fresh flowers (don't underestimate fake flowers as well!), and plant holders will enhance your space and make it cozier at the same time.
Here are some cost-efficient decoration ideas that will make your house look inviting and elegant:
● Curtains and rugs. Adding these decoration elements can be an eye-catching yet sophisticated way to give your house a luxurious feel without breaking the bank. To keep the elegance in check, it is better to stick to neutral colors - for example, black and off-white rugs with matching drapes.
● Wall art. Frames with funny or inspirational quotes written on them, posters with your favorite cinematic moments, or paintings featuring beautiful landscapes will give your home a posh look.
● Plants and flowers. This is another excellent way to add color and personality to your home. You can get some white roses and a vase or a lovely decorative bowl for a romantic touch. You can also use colorful petals or small living plants to fill empty corners in your home.
When browsing through garage sales and thrift stores, make sure to look for well-made decorations that are also nicely decorated and reflect your own style - you cannot be misguided by these criteria.
Step 6: Pay Attention to Lighting
Lighting plays a huge role in shaping the overall house style, and it can make or break your room. Thus, make sure that all the light sources have not only a decorating purpose but are properly placed and, therefore, functional.
If you do not want to replace all of the old lighting fixtures, such as chandeliers or standing lamps, with new ones, consider adding smaller light sources. For example, LED under-cabinet lighting for the kitchen or floor lights for the bedroom are inexpensive options that you can easily install on your own. They eliminate places where daylight cannot reach working surfaces, providing even lighting across the entire surface area.
Conclusion
Home improvements are always associated with significant expenses, especially if you aim for a luxurious and sophisticated look. However, there are many cost-effective solutions that will allow you to enhance your interior design without breaking your budget. Choosing the right color palette, opting for more affordable materials, checking the second-hand options before purchasing new items in the store - are just a few of them.
Following these simple tips, you won't have to spend a lot of money to create an inviting atmosphere in your house and make it look elegant. All that you need is just a little bit of creativity and some determination!
