Figuring out how to bring your home to life and leave your own mark on your chosen space is what interior design is all about, but it might feel a little overwhelming. With so many different options to consider and choices to make, finding the right balance between form and function often requires some careful thought. The good news for you is that we’ve put together everything a beginner needs to enjoy the transformation process one step at a time.
Start by defining your style
Looking for sparks of inspiration is what it’s all about here, and what better place to start than magazines and interior design channels? They give you the chance to experiment with your ideas, see new perspectives, and think about how you can tie everything together. For example, if you want to find a style that matches the contemporary architecture your home offers, searching for different ways others have done it will set things off in the right direction.
Focus on functionality
Thinking about how you want your home to look is one thing, but it also needs to be practical and purposeful so that you feel right at home. Measuring up, considering how you’re going to use each room, and factoring in footfall and traffic in each room is what matters here. It’s easy to overlook but it’s what will ultimately make all the difference when you want a house to feel like home.
Search for a hero piece
Your space needs to have something that you can anchor the rest of the inclusions and additions to and a statement piece of furniture is often the way to go. In the master bedroom, this would be the bed, in the kitchen it could be a central island, and in the living room, it could be the seating or the fireplace. Taking your time to find something that feels right will allow you to set the tone in your new-look space so that you can bring it to life in your own signature way.
Add the little extras
The appeal of modernism is that you can take things in so many different directions that it gives you almost total freedom to express yourself. Something as simple as considering a new gallery wall in the downstairs hallway or across the landing will help you to populate the space without overwhelming your senses. Likewise, if you want to add a burst of vitality and energy without making things too busy, a touch of greenery will make all the difference.
Rugs are another great way to add your personal touches to the space with the minimum of effort. A classically styled rug atop a wood floor can make a real difference when you want to be able to adopt a two-tone approach that feels like it has a little something of everything. Ideal when you want to be able to set the tone for the most subtle part of the transformation process.
Perfect your lighting
Layer your lighting and use side lights and up lights and you will be able to strike the right balance so that you bring the most out of your space. Using mirrors on feature walls also helps you make more of the light you have at your disposal, especially if you want to be able to open things up in a way that makes you feel right at home. Using a statement mirror on the hearth as your secondary hero piece and then layering your lighting around the edges of the room is an inspired approach.
Embrace decorative elements
Taking a look at the many home design ideas for beginners that are out there will help you find the perfect finishing touches that allow you to tie everything together. It could be as simple as a new set of throw pillows and a couple of folded blankets on the back of the couch, or it could be something a little more in-depth like painting your trim and woodwork a darker shade for some additional depth and clarity. By adding your new elements one at a time and making sure you consider how they all interact with one another, you will be able to set the tone for the kind of home you will simply never want to leave.
Final thoughts
Give yourself complete creative freedom and follow our step-by-step approach and you will be able to fall in love with your home all over again. Perfect when you’re looking to make a house a home in your own signature way.
