The way you decorate your home shapes its personality. Whether you prefer a streamlined, cohesive look or a combination of home decor themes, your home decor possibilities are endless. Don't feel restricted by so-called design rules; rather, incorporate a few of home decor elements to find pieces you love and create a space all your own.
Color makes a major impact in any room. Toss a bold and vibrant throw pillow onto your couch or lay down an eye-catching area rug for an instant style statement. A strategically placed piece of wall art can act as a focal point in a large room or anchor a small space. Lighting also plays a huge role in any room, setting the mood for a romantic dinner or offering some illumination next to your reading chair. Remember, it doesn't take much; a few decorative pieces can make a big impact in any room.
Art encourages more discussion and opinions than any other piece of home decor. Some prefer simplistic, modern, or abstract art, while others lean towards landscape art or classical oil paintings. No matter the medium, your choice of art says a lot about your style and your personality. Don't worry if you're not an art history major; there are plenty of ways to ensure you find a piece of art you'll love in your home.
Framed prints, paintings, and photographs can have a huge impact on the mood and feel of a room. Linear or abstract art may work well in more ordered spaces, like a home office, while more colorful and energetic pieces could wake up a kitchen or a bathroom. To inspire a sense of calm in a busy room, or simply add beauty to a quiet space like a bedroom, opt for pieces of artwork with less movement and energy, like florals or still-lifes.
If you can't decide on a theme, choose a few of your favorite pieces to create your own art gallery wall in any room. Most important, choose art you notice incites a positive emotional response or you are naturally drawn toward. The best choice of art is one that you'll love to look at every day.
An area rug is the perfect way to instantly update any room in your home. Even better, a quality area rug takes the chill off a cold floor and makes any space feel more warm and intimate. They are also a great way to protect wood floors from furniture or in high-traffic areas. Whether you prefer contemporary rugs with abstract patterns or luxurious hand-woven Oriental rugs, you can find a rug to match any decor taste.
Area rugs are available in nearly every size and shape to suit your space. First, determine where you will place your rug, how much floor you need it to cover, and where furniture will sit in relation to it. Use masking tape to create a border on the floor where the rug will lie. Buy a rug within two inches of that size. A stylish rug in the correct size will create an eye-pleasing, cohesive design in any room.
The design of the rug is also an important consideration. Solid-colored or contemporary area rugs work well in sleek, modern spaces, though a traditional or Persian area rug acts as a nice contrast to sleek designs. Whatever style you choose, be sure to purchase a rug pad to keep the rug in place and add an extra layer of padding between your feet and the floor.
The right lighting adds illumination and dimension to your home. Whether you're looking for a glistening chandelier to hang over your formal dining table or a simple bedside table lamp, there are a few things to consider when choosing light fixtures.
Light fixtures can be purely decorative or serve a specific function. An intricate crystal chandelier may add glistening style to your bedroom, but LED lighting fixtures or floor lamps provide more light and may be a better choice in your bathroom, kitchen, or office. Tiffany-style lamps complement vintage-inspired or traditional home decor styles, while sleek sconces work well in modern spaces. Recessed lighting is a good option for a family room or kids' play room where another type of lighting may be easily knocked down or damaged.
Remember, wall-mounted fixtures and other indoor lighting often require an extra installation of wiring; for a more versatile lighting solution, opt for portable floor lamps or table lamps. With these considerations in mind, you'll be able to find a lighting fixture that's as stylish as it is functional.