Game-Changing Home Decorating Tips to Elevate Your Living Space
How to Decorate Your House
Whether you’re moving into a new home or looking to update your current living space, redecorating your house can feel intimidating. With endless options to choose from, it’s easy to get caught up in trends and lose sight of what matters most — creating a space that reflects your personal style and makes you feel at home.
From simple swaps to bold design choices, we’ve compiled expert-approved home decor tips to create a space that’s both visually stunning and functional. Get ready to transform your home into one uniquely tailored to your tastes and lifestyle.
Find Your Signature Style
Honing in on your signature look is the first step in how to decorate your home. Take time to peruse design magazines or decorating blogs, scroll through Pinterest or visit model homes to identify styles that resonate with you. You may be drawn to the:
- Clean lines of Scandinavian design
- Bold colors and global influences in boho chic
- Timeless elegance of traditional home styles
- Rustic simplicity of modern farmhouse decor
If you find a mix of styles appealing, so much the better. Intentional contrast and an eclectic mix of art and furniture will add visual interest to your home. To create a cohesive look, focus on incorporating consistent design elements that flow from room to room, such as:
- A whole-house color palette
- Recurrent materials and textures
- Specific furniture silhouettes, such as low-profile, geometric shapes or ornate curves
How Often Should I Redecorate My House?
While there’s no need to gut your house every year, you should reevaluate the layout and color scheme of each room regularly. Can’t remember the last time you updated your home decor? It’s probably ready for a change.
“Your home doesn’t need to exceed anyone’s expectations but your own. While it’s easy to get caught up in trends, your home should be a reflection of your personal needs, desires and joys.”
Sarah Barnard, Sarah Barnard Design
Before Redecorating Your House — Declutter
Decluttering may not be the most glamorous aspect of how to decorate a house, but it’s essential for creating a beautiful, functional space. Tackle one room at a time, and be ruthless:
- Sort items into three piles: keep, donate/sell or trash
- Properly dispose of items that are worn out or broken
- Invest in storage solutions like baskets and drawer organizers to tidy up items you decide to keep
Where Should I Begin Redecorating My House?
Once you’ve decluttered, set up your game plan to get decorating:
- Define your objective, whether that’s to create a more functional layout or elevate the look of your home.
- Take inventory of your furniture and decor. Decide which items you want to repurpose and identify gaps that require new purchases.
- Establish a budget, accounting for big-ticket items, like furniture, and smaller accent pieces alike. Even redecorating with simple things, like changing out throw pillows, can have a big impact.
- Create a vision board, including color palettes, materials and design elements that capture the vibe you’re after. Refer to it as you move through the decorating process.
- Adopt a timeline by breaking your home redecorating project into manageable, room-by-room phases.
“While redecorating your house is easier than renovating it, you should still make a plan. Having a complete decorating plan will help you make a budget and stick to it.”
Jane Lockhart, Jane Lockhart Design
Next, do a room-by-room inspection of your home. Start with the room that’s the most outdated, or the one where you spend the most time.
“Every home is as unique as the people living in it. Prioritizing rooms when redecorating will depend significantly on individualized preferences, needs and goals. What areas of the home are creating challenges or inspiring negative moods? We tend to focus on the areas that will have the greatest impact on happiness, whether through highly functional kitchen designs, meditation spaces, and custom wellness rooms or maximizing space with creative bedroom layouts and custom built-in furniture.”
Sarah Barnard, Sarah Barnard Design
9 Home Decor Tips to Live By
Whether you’re redecorating your house on a budget or planning to overhaul your space indoors and outside, these home decorating tips form the foundation to transform your living space into one that reflects your personal style.
1. Upgrade Your Front Entrance
Your entryway is the first impression guests have of your home. Use a bold color on your front door, install unique house numbers or add a rocking chair and planters as space allows.
2. Change Your Paint Colors
Choose lighter hues to make your space feel more open and richer tones to add coziness and warmth. Cool paint colors can create a calming mood, while a bold accent wall adds personality and charm.
3. Arrange Furniture for Optimal Flow
Position couches and chairs to create defined conversation areas. The furniture spacing should promote interaction while leaving pathways clear. Ideally, float your furniture pieces away from walls to create a more inviting space.
4. Consider Layering Your Lighting
Using a combination of lighting, including overhead lights, table lamps and floor lamps, creates a multi-dimensional ambiance. Use dimmers to adjust the mood and lighting to suit any activity.
5. Embrace Wall Art
Choose wall art that reflects your personality, but keep in mind your room’s color palette and size. Large walls look best with oversized artwork or a series of pictures hung gallery style. Hang artwork at eye level, and choose a mixture of framed prints, photographs, mirrors, tapestries and other art to suit your taste.
6. Pay Attention to Window Treatments
Don’t overlook the power of window treatments to elevate your space. From sleek motorized shades to airy linen panels, choose a style that’s both functional and fashionable. In some cases, removing heavy curtains for a bare window look may add the perfect touch.
7. Use Area Rugs as Anchors
Area rugs define your space while muffling noise and adding warmth. Be sure to choose a rug that’s large enough for your space, and put at least the front two feet of couches and chairs on the rug. You should have 12 to 18 inches of flooring around the perimeter. You can even layer smaller rugs on top to add more texture and visual interest.
8. Refresh With Seasonal Accents
Swapping out throw pillows, candles, greenery and other accessories is a simple, budget-friendly way to decorate your home for the holidays and different seasons.
9. Add Functional Storage
To keep your home looking stylish and tidy, adding clever storage solutions is a must. Ideas include:
- Ottomans with concealed storage inside
- Shelving units that act as room dividers
- Media consoles with baskets for remotes and electronics
Stay stylish and organized with these incredible DIY storage projects.
A Room-by-Room Guide to Redecorating Your House
Add Pizzazz to Your Living Room
Your living room is where friends gather, kids play and conversation happens. So, it should encapsulate your personal style while still feeling inviting to guests.
“Your unique personality is your best design weapon. When designing a space or seeking advice from a designer, be sure to stay true to your authentic self. When you create a space from the heart and incorporate pieces and elements that have special meaning to you, bring a smile to your face and give you that breathless feeling — that is a space where you will find comfort and safety, a truly timeless and personalized space.”
Christina Manzo | Decorist
7 Home Decor Tips for Your Living Room
- Create a focal point. If you have a fireplace, it makes a natural focal point for the room. Hang a piece of large artwork or a mirror over the top and add decorative objects to the mantel. If you don’t have a fireplace, create a focal point using a faux installation, built-in bookshelves or a large statement piece of art.
- Define zones. Use area rugs and furniture placement to create zones for conversation, reading or TV viewing.
- Check Facebook marketplace. If you’re decorating on a budget, look for furniture that’s new to you.
- Add a rug. Buying a new rug is much more affordable than installing new flooring. And it’s easier to change if you decide to go with a different style or want a change for the holidays.
- Spruce up your furniture. Decorating with what you already have? Refresh your furniture with new throw pillows or a blanket.
- Use vertical space. Installing floating shelves or a floor-to-ceiling bookcase adds personality while maximizing the room’s vertical space. Also consider mounting your tv on the wall instead of placing it on a console.
- Choose multifunctional furniture. Optimize a smaller living room space with furniture that does double duty. Try using a console that acts as a bar cart, a sectional with a built-in lounger and other multipurpose pieces.
Redecorate Your Bathroom
Before redecorating your bathroom, get rid of any unnecessary or expired toiletries. Once you’ve decluttered, consider tiling your walls and floor if you haven’t already. Not only is tile on trend, but it’s easy to clean and style. Then, reevaluate your vanity, toilet and shower to determine if it’s meeting the needs of your household.
You can easily make your bathroom more efficient by installing a double vanity. With more than one sink, multiple people can brush their teeth at once, and you’ll have additional cabinet space. Next, add wall art, hand towels, new fixtures and backsplash tile to create a space you love.
“You can upgrade your bathroom by replacing your cabinet hardware or buying new ceiling fixtures and art. I advise my clients not to hang precious artwork in their bathrooms due to excess heat and moisture, but the right wall art can add a lot of glamor to the space.”
Pamela O'Brien | Pamela Hope Designs Interiors
7 Home Decor Tips for Your Bathroom
- Add built-ins to maximize storage. To tackle limited storage space with style, add floating shelves above your toilet and install a recessed medicine cabinet.
- Upgrade lighting. Add wall sconces or a statement chandelier to create a spa-like ambiance.
- Use statement tiles. If you’re redoing tile, consider adding eye-catching mosaics, geometric tiles or subway tile in a bold color.
- Add an oversized mirror. A large mirror — or two matching mirrors side-by-side — will open up the space and make it brighter.
- Decorate your vanity. Patterned hand towels and floral arrangements are an easy way to spruce up your vanity.
- Store toiletries in style. Rather than keeping toilet paper in its plastic packaging, use a toilet paper holder.
- Organize your medicine chest. Don’t put pills and prescriptions on display for guests — keep them safely tucked away in your medicine chest.
Create a Stylish Kitchen
To liven up the heart of your home, add new backsplash tile and a fresh coat of paint. If your cabinets have windows, use your dinnerware as a decoration. Your plates and bowls are on display for guests, so their design should complement your kitchen interior. In addition, make sure any visible serving utensils are clean and shiny.
“Kitchens should be clear and organized so you can cook a delicious meal. That means no clutter. Have your spices, cooking utensils and all other cookware in a space that’s easy to find and easy to use.”
Anna Shilwall | 27 Diamonds Interior Design
7 Home Decor Tips for Your Kitchen
- Swap out hardware and fixtures. Upgrade old, outdated fixtures like cabinet knobs, faucets and light fixtures for an instant style boost.
- Upgrade your backsplash. Adding bold patterns or sleek glass tile to your backsplash will infuse your kitchen with personality and can serve as the anchor for your kitchen design.
- Invest in high-end appliances. If you’re in the market for new appliances, consider professional-grade or retro-inspired options that not only add function to your kitchen but also color and style.
- Take advantage of open shelving. Use open shelving to showcase dishes, glassware and other unique decor.
- Hide your food. Don’t set groceries on the counter. Keep them in your pantry where they belong. If you don’t have a pantry, designate a cabinet or two for this purpose.
- Clean your dishes. It’s easy for plates and bowls to pile up. Avoid excess clutter by washing your dishes as soon as you’re finished eating.
- Add a coffee station. Calling all coffee lovers! Display your most stylish mugs alongside your coffee maker.
Style Your Bedrooms
Considering you spend nearly 30% of your life in the bedroom, its design should really strike your fancy. We recommend starting with the room’s most prominent piece of furniture, the bed, and going from there. Paint your walls in coordinating colors and choose a bedspread and throw pillows to complement them. As you reinvent your bedroom, get rid of any old decorations, knickknacks and clutter that’s just taking up space.
“The primary bedroom is often left to the very end of a home makeover. I like my clients to consider this room first, even though it isn’t considered a public area. Take the time to make it comfortable, as the bedroom should be a relaxing space that brings you back to life after a long day.”
Pamela O'Brien | Pamela Hope Designs Interiors
7 Home Decor Tips for Your Bedroom
- Choose luxurious bedding. To elevate your bedroom, invest in high-quality bedding that feels indulgent and inviting. A plush comforter, soft sheets and accent pillows in a variety of textures and colors will instantly add style and comfort to your room.
- Carve out a cozy nook. Transform an unused corner of your bedroom into a meditation space or reading nook. Define the area with an accent chair, floor lamp, small side table and plants or other decorative touches.
- Update your window treatments. Airy, sheer curtains will let natural light in as the sun rises, while blackout drapes will keep out light pollution that may interrupt your slumber. Choose window treatments that add both function and style.
- Conceal electronics. Use a media console or decorative screen to keep cable boxes, charging stations and other electronics out of sight. For the sleekest space, and the most relaxing ambience, consider removing them from the bedroom entirely.
- Have a hamper. Piles of clothes are never a good look. Hide your dirty laundry with a stylish hamper.
- Organize your closet. Running out of room for clothes in your closet? Avoid excess clutter by clearing it out regularly. Matching hangers don’t hurt either!
- Love your lampshades. Make sure your lamps are as stylish as the rest of the room and consider adding dimmable sconces and an overhead chandelier for more personality.
Elevate Your Home Office
Your home office should spark creativity and productivity, so you’ll want to incorporate both form and function into your office design. Start with a color palette of neutral tones on your walls, set off by pops of bold hues in your furniture, rug or other decor. Then, arrange your desk and other regularly used items, like a printer or file cabinet, in a way that optimizes workflow.
7 Home Decor Tips for Your Office
- Invest in a comfortable, ergonomic office chair. Many styles are available to add a pop of color and texture to your space while providing the physical support you need.
- Add a large mirror. This will create the illusion of more space and brightness in the room.
- Incorporate different textures. Your office needn’t be stark and cold. A nubby throw blanket here and a plush rug there will add warmth and visual interest.
- Pay attention to lighting. In addition to a desk lamp to illuminate your workspace, consider a chic pendant lamp or chandelier.
- Choose stylish organizers. Patterned storage boxes, sleek file cabinets and desk accessories with personality help keep your space tidy.
- Bring in greenery. Potted plants or a desktop terrarium bring the outdoors in while adding a natural touch to your office space.
- Use your wall space. Install floating shelves, a gallery wall, pegboards or a vertical bookcase to display home decor items and artwork you love.
Revamp Your Basement
Many basements have designated areas for laundry, storage, utilities and entertainment. But have you considered merging these spots into one open space? Without obstructive walls, your basement will feel spacious and more comfortable. If you prefer to split your basement into distinct spaces, you can distinguish each area with a rug or different paint colors. Need to knock down a few walls for an open-concept basement? Make sure you do it properly.
“Inviting in light colors on the walls — think creamy and fresh whites — will automatically make your space not only feel larger, but brighter as well. Play around with painting the ceiling and trim the same color as the walls to truly create an open feel. A well-placed mirror that reflects light and the space will also create the illusion of a large space. Lastly, scale is important in all things so be sure to scale your furnishings appropriately to maximize the use of the space.”
Christina Manzo | Decorist
7 Home Decor Tips for Your Basement
- Add recessed lighting. Basements can feel dark and dreary. Adding recessed lighting throughout will help brighten the space.
- Incorporate comfortable, casual seating. Plush sectionals, oversized bean bags and reclining armchairs add functional comfort to your basement, which can be stylish without feeling overly formal.
- Organize your shelves. Use shelving to display your most prized possessions or decorative objects. If you still have a DVD collection, only display your favorite movies to avoid excess clutter.
- Consider shiplap or paneling. To add architectural interest, use shiplap, beadboard or wood paneling on the walls. Along with adding texture and visual interest, this will help cover up any imperfections.
- Define zones with area rugs. Bright area rugs provide an easy way to create distinct zones, such as a recreation space, an exercise area or an entertainment spot.
- Hide mouse traps. Basements are often home to creepy critters. Keep your basement pest-free in the most effective and subtle way possible by installing traps in hidden places.
- Let light in. If your basement has windows, open the curtains to let some natural light in. It will make the space look bigger and feel less cramped.
You’ve Redecorated Your House — Now What?
Now that you know how to decorate your house, you can focus on curb appeal and other outdoor projects. From giving your backyard more privacy to installing a new patio, we have you covered. Check out the following posts to make the outside of your home as beautiful as its new stylish interior.
