If you’re looking to upgrade your home style, but have no idea where to even start, don’t worry. Any home can shine whether you are aiming for a complete renovation, or just want to refresh it with a few new details. Here is a mix of current trends and tried and true strategies to follow that will definitely help transform your home for the better.
Aim for comfort
Whatever style or trend you’re enamored with, be it classical or minimalist, one thing that you should never neglect is comfort. Aesthetics is important, but above all, you should feel pleasant in your own home. Some styles, for instance retro, eclectic and rustic are naturally cozy. That means that your space will look amazing with plenty of throw pillows, rugs, and soft blankets. But even if you have decided on a more sleek, modern look, you should still insist on comfort when it comes to furniture. Spacious sofas can serve both as a place to kick back and relax and a focal point of the room. Depending on the rest of the color scheme, you can opt for a practical and neutral sofa or an eye-catching one with a bold pattern.
Embrace colors and patterns
Don’t be afraid to play with colors and patterns. Bright colors are all the rage at the moment, especially warm tones like yellow and orange. When it comes to prints, feel free to mix them. Clashing prints have been trendy for a while. Of course, all of this gets significantly easier if you come up with a color scheme first. If you have no idea how to do that, use one of many available free color scheme apps and websites. Remember to stick to a neutral basis, then build upon it with bright accents.
Be smart with your light
Natural light is extremely important for our mental and physical health, productivity, and mood. If you are doing a complete remodel, make sure that each room gets plenty of daylight. If you do happen to have a room that is in the shade or doesn’t have enough windows, try maximizing what it does get by strategically positioning a mirror so that it reflects the sunlight. Artificial lighting should be soft and diffused. Each room should have multiple light sources, normally one overhead and several wall or floor lamps. Depending on the purpose of the room, you can decide on more dramatic fixtures such as chandeliers (for instance, for a dining room), niche lights or even spotlights for details you want to accentuate. If you want to be bang on trend, opt for vintage light fixtures.
Turn your bedroom into a sanctuary
The bedroom is the one place in your home where you should always be able to feel at peace and relaxed. It seems like designers are embracing the notion of the bedroom as a place of calm and simplicity. Gone are the fussy details, the busy color schemes, and the elaborate furniture. The vote is unanimous: when it comes to bedrooms, less is definitely more. Opt for calm and soothing colors, and modern furniture, and keep the details to a minimum. Comfort should be the rule of thumb. Of course, don’t forget to invest in a super comfortable bed – after all, it is the centerpiece of the room.
Pamper yourself in the bathroom
Apart from the bedroom, the room that probably feels the safest and most intimate is surely the bathroom. A few small updates could help you achieve a spa-like look and functionality for your bathroom. First of all, focus on decluttering. To achieve that Zen feel that spas tend to have, the key is to remove all clutter until you’ve reached a minimalist look. That means that you should focus on creating as much closed storage space as possible. If you like that look, you can keep your fluffy white towels on an open shelf, but everything else is better kept out of sight (plus it’s safer if you have kids or pets). If you like playing with trends, remember that bucket and trough sinks are in at the moment. Those who enjoy truly simplistic and elegant bathrooms should check out Scandinavian-style bathroom ideas.
Opt for natural materials
It’s no wonder that all home design trends are leaning toward natural materials. They are better for your health, they look amazing, and they are sustainable. From building materials to furnishings and details, the market has been flushed with new ideas and quality naturally sourced products. Concrete, reclaimed wood, stone, terracotta – the options are endless. When it comes to furniture, focus on wood, metal, glass and natural fabrics.
When it comes to renovating your home, it’s essential to remember that trends come and go. Renovations and upgrades are not something that you can do every time a new trend emerges, so it’s crucial to really explore your tastes and finally settle on a style you will be able to enjoy for years to come.
