Decorating your home to reflect your personal style and meet your family’s needs can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour. With some careful planning and clever tricks, you can create an interior that looks professionally designed without the hefty price tag. Follow these six key DIY interior design tips to craft a stylish and personalised living space you’ll love coming home to.
1. Mix Old & New
Combining vintage or antique furniture with modern décor creates depth and visual interest. Search local markets or online retailers for unique second-hand pieces, then integrate them into your existing layouts. A distressed leather armchair or rustic wood cabinet can offset sleek lines and muted palettes for an eclectic look with character.
2. Create Focal Points
Every room should have an eye-catching focal point, like a statement light fixture, vibrant artwork, or intriguing architectural detail. Drawing the eye to specific areas makes spaces feel curated rather than haphazard. For living rooms and bedrooms, anchor the focal point on the main seating or bed; for dining areas, centre it over the table.
When choosing a focal point piece, opt for something with visual contrast and presence. Boldly patterned wallpaper, an oversized mirror or metallic cabinetry instantly grabs attention. Shelving that cleverly displays treasured collections or a textural area rug underfoot also qualifies. If you install new lighting, pick a chandelier, pendant or sconce with striking shapes or materials. Reflective glass and crystal facets amplify the drama.
3. Rethink Neutrals
Sticking to neutral hues like beige and grey may seem safe, but varying textures and sheens keeps things interesting. Combine matte, eggshell and high-gloss paints in similar tones for dimension. Accent with warmer neutrals like tan, almond and ivory to prevent a flat, icy aesthetic. Metallics like pewter, silver and gold inject shine without overpowering.
4. Zone With Lighting
Effective lighting transforms the feel of a room and defines separate activity zones. Overhead fixtures illuminate overall spaces, while directional lights highlight specific areas. Install adjustable floor and table lamps ideal for reading nooks and work-from-home setups. Dimming capabilities enable modifying ambience from bright and perky to calm and cosy.
5. Display Cherished Items
Carefully curating beloved books, travel souvenirs, family photos, and other personal pieces results in a home brimming with memories and meaning. Dedicate shelves, tables, or even entire walls to showcase these treasures rather than cramming them into drawers and cupboards. Rotate seasonal items to keep the collection fresh and intriguing for visitors.
6. Seek Advice From The Professionals
If you still can’t achieve the look you want, seek advice from an interior designer like Peter Staunton of Peter Staunton Design Studio. An expert eye may spot layout tweaks or design elements you overlooked that can take your space from mediocre to marvellous. Many designers offer hourly consultations perfect for troubleshooting dilemmas or refining nearly complete rooms.
With some strategic planning and targeted upgrades, DIY decorators can fashion interiors that rival what the professionals produce. Focus on mixing eras and textures, defining functional zones and infusing personality into the décor. Don’t hesitate to consult an interior designer if you need an assist taking your room from dowdy to dazzling. By following these tips, your home will quickly become your favourite – and most fashionable – place to relax and entertain.
