Ever wondered what it is that gives a room that polished look or elevated feel? It’s the decorative accents and personal touches that really bring it to life and help to make your house feel like a home. The beautiful thing about decorative accessories is that they have the power to change the mood of a room and, can easily be swapped out seasonally, or as your style and tastes change. If you feel like something is missing in your space but can’t quite put your finger on what it is, here are a few ideas to help you achieve that elevated home design you are seeking.
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Size Matters
The size and placement of décor items like window treatments and area rugs have a big impact on whether the end result of the room will feel refined and finished or awkward and, dare I say, cheap.
Here are a few guidelines…. for seating areas, your area rug should be large enough to fit at least the front legs of all of your furniture on it, if not all of the furniture completely. In a bedroom, the rug should extend out on either side of the bed at least 1/2-2/3 the length of the nightstands and at the foot of the bed so that if you also have a bench, it is completely on the rug as well. If you have a rug in your dining room, the rug should be large enough so that the table and all chairs fit on it when the chairs are pulled out.
Window treatments are another common area of difficulty, but here are a few tips to help you get your windows just right. Floor length curtains or drapes create a more sophisticated look. When hanging the curtain rod, hang it 1/2 to 2/3 of the way between the top of the window and the ceiling. (Please note that this is for average sized ceiling heights of 8-10 ft.) To create the illusion of larger windows and an elevated look, extend the curtain rod on either side so that the curtains don’t obstruct the window and rather just cover the trim or edge. Lastly, doubling the number of curtain panels you use can also create a fuller and more luxe aesthetic for achieving that elevated feel.
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Layer Your Lighting
Layering the lighting in a room is SO important for creating a space that is functional, as well as an ambiance that is warm and inviting. It also provides flexibility and, frankly, makes us all look so much better than a single light source ever could.
To ensure that you have adequate lighting for your home, you will need 3 different types of light: ambient, task and accent. Ambient light provides the room with overall or a general light source, task lighting works just as it sounds, by providing a light source for a specific task like reading or over the bathroom vanity. Lastly, accent lighting helps to highlight certain features or areas of your home, like a piece of artwork or a fireplace mantle.
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Add Artwork
Artwork is such an intensely personal part of a home that it really personalizes your home in a way that most other décor and furnishings can’t. Art doesn’t have to be expensive to be impactful either. You can use photographs of your family or travels, find artwork on Etsy or a similar site and frame it yourself, or you can even make your own art (this works especially well if you like abstract art and don’t mind a little DIY).
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Add Plants
There is something about incorporating natural elements into a home that instantly elevates the whole space and adds a lovely little pop of color to make the room more interesting and inviting. Whether it’s through live plants or faux greenery, adding an organic element goes along way in helping a space to feel finished.
Photo by Isaac Martin
Mix and Match Pillows
Although this one can be a little intimidating for some people, mixing and matching pillows on your sofa, sectional or bed creates a more custom look. When getting started, choose a solid pillow then layer in a couple of different patterned ones in coordinating colors. To keep it looking balanced, odd numbers of pillows generally work best.
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Incorporate Books
Whether you are trying to style some built-in shelving or your coffee table, adding a few books sets a tone of interest and creates a more refined look. They can also be great conversation starters when you display books that have special meaning to you or include a topic of interest.
Carefully Curate Your Look
Just because you have decorative accessories does not mean that you have to display them. To prevent your space from feeling visually overwhelming or cluttered, make sure that you choose your décor with care and purpose. Each piece should be something that speaks to you, tells your story, or that you find especially beautiful.
