When was the last time you updated your home’s interior? Has it been five years, 10 years, or maybe even 20-plus years? And when you did update the last time, was there a coherent interior design strategy, or was it just a hodge-podge of random ideas you got from Pinterest?
Many people have outdated interiors without even realizing it. Overly thematic rooms from decades gone by, ugly color schemes, old-fashioned furniture, and fixtures – you name it!
Other people have nice homes, they just aren’t satisfied with the overall style and would prefer something fresh and modern.
Whatever the case, we’re going to dive into some practical ways you can upgrade your home this year.
Reasons to Improve Your Home’s Interior Design
There are several situations where updating your home is a good idea:
- Personal taste. Your tastes have probably changed over the years. So if you’re being honest with yourself, you’re looking for a way to change up your design to reflect your evolving sense of style.
- Home value. If you’re considering selling your home now or in the future, updated interiors can significantly boost its market value. Buyers tend to be attracted to modern, well-designed homes as they require less work to personalize and update. A home with an updated, contemporary interior design can attract more potential buyers and possibly even allow you to increase your listing price.
- Improved comfort. Modern design isn’t just about looks; it’s also about practicality and comfort. Many outdated interior design styles prioritize form over function, leading to homes that look good but aren’t necessarily comfortable or practical. On the other hand, contemporary interior design often focuses on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and comfortable. Updating your interior design can therefore improve the livability of your home.
To be honest, it’s usually a combination of two or three of these factors. That being said, make sure you have a reason for updating your design. If you can’t find a good reason, you may want to hold off a little longer until the time is right.
3 Helpful Tips for Improving Your Interior Design
The great thing about owning your home is that you’re the one in charge. Want pink walls? Slap on some pink. Want a modern kitchen with a retro-style living room? That’s your call. Nobody is going to tell you what you can and can’t do.
However, if you’re looking for some outside guidance on where to start, here are some helpful tips.
1. Choose Modern Colors
Color can dramatically affect the mood and overall aesthetic of a space. Select fresh, contemporary colors that appeal to you. Neutral colors often work well as a base, and you can incorporate pops of color for vibrancy.
When introducing new colors, ensure they harmoniously blend with existing elements that you plan to keep. This might mean choosing complementary color schemes or gradually transitioning colors in different areas of your home.
2. Keep the Bones, Improve the Skin
You don’t need to gut your entire house to achieve the design you want. (It’s too expensive and time-consuming.) Instead, keep the bones of your house – meaning the built-in structures, floor plan, etc. – and just give the appearance some upgrades.
Take a fireplace, for example. If it’s a bit of an eye sore, you shouldn’t cover it or remove it. Instead, upgrade the fireplace mantel to something more modern and stylish. This is an easy way to create a new visual focal point for the room.
3. Replace or Refurbish Outdated Pieces
Assess your furniture and fixtures. Some pieces might simply need a fresh coat of paint or new upholstery, while others may need to be replaced entirely. Aim for a balance of comfort, functionality, and style.
While it’s good to incorporate modern furniture, it’s also wise to invest in timeless pieces that will continue to look good even as trends change. This might include items like a classic sofa, a sturdy dining table, or high-quality bed frames.
Adding it All Up
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to give your home’s interior design a facelift. Hopefully, this article has given you at least a couple of ideas to get started. Try them out and see what you think!
