So many discussions of home improvements seem to focus on the functional. And that’s just fine; some simply want a liveable space which gains in value as the years progress, rather than depreciates. But such a utilitarian approach can sometimes jeopardise the aesthetics of a house, an equally important aspect to contentment and continued life satisfaction, we think.
Time away from thinking about the faucet, insulation foam and the rest can be very liberating, indeed. Fortunately, the key interior design trends of 2022 tend to support this way of thinking; minimalism is on its way out, and in its place, natural elements, playful curves, and art that displays your frivolous side.
With that in mind, it’s all about the cosmetics today; here’s how to give your home’s aesthetic a makeover in 5 simple steps.
Spruce Up Your Exterior
All this focus on ‘interior design’ while our house’s facade lies derelict and unloved…
But first impressions count, and the initial judgements on your place’s aesthetic will be made from on the street, so we’re starting outside today.
Indeed, the appearance of your home’s exterior creates a lasting impression and sets the expectation for the rest of your home. For that reason, don’t neglect your front garden, driveway, any window boxes…even your front door deserves love. Luckily, there are plenty of easy and low-cost ways to spruce up your home’s exterior and boost its kerb appeal. Here are a few ideas:
- Keep your front and back yard tidy by cutting the grass, removing weeds and debris, and trimming trees and hedges.
- Plant some attractive flowers to add colour to your outdoor space.
- Use a power washer to clean your driveway and entranceway.
- Repaint your garage door, front door, and window frames in a bold, matching hue.
- Add window boxes with colourful flowers and plants.
- Inspect your home exterior regularly and repair any damage such as missing tiles or cracked bricks.
Change Up Your Flooring
Ever wondered why something at home just feels off, even after you invested in the best furniture, introduced some gorgeous potplants, and hung your artwork just right?
Often, the enigmatic effect of some carefully considered flooring is what’s missing. Damaged tiles, scuffed and faded wooden floors, and carpets that have picked up a certain aroma can all reduce your house’s visual appeal.
Not only that, but there’s something oh-so satisfying about a newly installed floor, offering a certain look, feel, sound and even smell that can bring your whole home’s energy to life.
Hardwood is perhaps our favourite for providing that multi-sensory effect. Whilst it’s certainly on the more expensive end of the scale, you’ll find flooring deals on offer if you’re buying a large amount – perhaps you could re-floor several rooms, reducing the accumulated cost in the process?
Get Creative With Wall Art
Wall art can be used to add a splash of colour, texture, and vibrancy to a room, just as much as it’s able to represent a statement of your exquisite taste and grasp of the zeitgeist. The best part, perhaps, is that wall art is super easy to introduce to a room (usually by hanging), which makes it a quick and low-cost way to upgrade your interior design. There is a fantastic selection of wall art available; think outside the box and be creative, though do ensure that you find something that will complement your decor and suit your style and taste.
Gallery walls have also become increasingly visible in modern day home design as they allow homeowners to show off their sense of positioning, framing, and curation in a way that a single picture doesn’t.
You can easily create a gallery wall in your bedroom, the living room, or in the stairway; all you need is a variety of framed prints and a bit of creativity to position them in a way that looks visually appealing and cohesive. That said, this thing doesn’t have to be overly abstract or artistic; you can also create a gallery wall using family photographs for a more sentimental touch.
Read: How to display your artwork to catch the attention of your guests
Shed Light, Make Space
Introducing more mirrors to your property can also help increase its aesthetics. The more mirrors, the more light will reflect in your home, which will make your house seem more bright and will also create the illusion of more space.
Mirrors can be used to create the illusion of space within a room, which gives the overall aesthetic of your place a huge lift, reflecting light around and helping make things appear larger and brighter.
There is a huge selection of mirrors available in various sizes and styles, with large, decorative mirrors best at creating a statement, and smaller mirrors offering a more contemporary feel, as well as being perfect at hiding flaws in rooms, i.e., to cover cosmetic wall damage.
Of course, installing too many would be a mistake; you don’t want to be living in a literal ‘house of mirrors’, after all, crashing into your own reflection and freaking yourself out.
Add Some Natural Elements
Bringing nature into your home can be an affordable way to create a more soothing aesthetic. The added (though admittedly, negligible) bonus of a houseplant’s air purifying capabilities shouldn’t be sniffed at either. Unless, of course, you’re allergic to them.
Plants and flowers can instantly breathe life into your home and give its overall aesthetic a huge lift. There is an excellent variety of low-maintenance indoor plants out there that are easy to look after, some of the best of which include Chinese Evergreen, Yucca, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, and Peace Lily.
You can also buy high-quality artificial plants and flowers that will remain looking beautiful without the need to water or trim them. Another easy way to bring some greenery into your home is by starting a herb garden or keeping freshly cut bunches of flowers in vases around your home. So many options!
The Bottom Line
We’ve all been spending a little more time than usual at home recently, and this looks set to continue for a while longer yet. Rather than staring at beige, unadorned walls and lamenting the lack of visual stimulation in your gaff, why not focus on improving your home’s aesthetic to make it a more pleasurable space to spend time? We’re right there with you!
