Decorating, despite the stress it brings, is the best way to add value to your home or to refresh it as time goes on. Itβs a great way to revamp the love you have for your home. But it also comes with challenges.
To make things easier, weβve collected a few handy tips in collaboration with Kent Blaxill for decorating each of the βmainβ rooms in a home β so keep these in mind whenever youβre getting the DIY bug.
Living Room
As the centrepiece of your home, the living room should also be stamped with whatever personality you want to reflect throughout the house.
A contemporary room may have wooden floors and light walls, painted in either white, grey or pastels. You can add in pieces of contemporary wooden furniture and modernist elements such as steel tube lightshades for an up-to-date feel.
Alternatively, you can use driftwood and aged wood furniture to create a more rustic, down to Earth room.
Tips β
- Donβt paint without placing a dust sheet down to catch stray flecks.
- Ensure children keep their hands away from freshly painted areas by placing signs around the home
- Use high-quality paint as it is easier to apply and, if used correctly, you donβt have to do repeated coats.
- Boost natural light in your living room by incorporating mirrors and large windows.
- Often a living room is where you house your TV and entertainment centre. Build a media centre with furniture to house your devices and keep the space de-cluttered by loose wires and mess.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are a place of privacy, but theyβre also an opportunity to splash out and create a luxurious area to relax in.
Tips
- Lighting is important in bathrooms as they generally donβt have much window space due to privacy. A large mirror will help brighten up the room.
- Flooring has to be waterproof and slip resistant. This is especially true for children. However, your floor also needs to match the theme so keep it in-touch with the aesthetic of the bathroom.
- Elegance is important in a bathroom β but blockier furniture may be easier for children to use without risking breakage.
- Your bath, toilet and shower should not be afterthoughts. Spend more on them to get the best for your budget as youβll be using each item frequently.
Kitchen
The kitchen needs to be designed with function at its core. A modern kitchen should use modern materials and incorporate a bright but clean colour scheme. The floor should be hardy enough to withstand any spills or accidents.
Tips β
- Storage is an essential part of a kitchen so plan to include lots of cabinets, such as overheads and fold-out draws in cupboards.
- Donβt use old appliances in a new kitchen. Yes itβll cost more money, but any old equipment that doesnβt fit your scheme will stand out like a sore thumb.
- Donβt go overboard with furniture in a kitchen. Youβll need the space.
- Hardwood flooring is okay in a kitchen but can wear out around areas like the fridge and stove. Consider natural stone.
Bedrooms
A bedroom is a place where comfort is key. Your own bedroom should reflect who you are and help to relax you at night. Iβd advise ditching TVβs and electronics in a bedroom to promote healthy sleep. For children, however, it is sometimes handy to let them watch television in their rooms. Design with lots of colour β blues and greens are relaxing tones that promote sleep.
Tips
- Carpets and rugs keep bare feet warm when you get out of bed on cold mornings
- Ensure curtains and blinds block out light at night
- Keep things simple β a bed should be the main feature of a bedroom
- Donβt scrimp on a bed β invest a bit more money and get a far better quality sleep.
The decorating image, kitchen storage image and bathroom towel image can be found on Shutterstock.
