Is there a room in your home you’ve been neglecting? Maybe it’s your kitchen, your garage or utility room. Every time you walk in you notice how tired and unloved it looks.
Just because a room is primarily used for chores or other practical tasks, it doesn’t mean you can’t turn it into a place you’ll enjoy and can be proud to show off.
We’ve got a few top tips on how to take your space from boring to beautiful.
Invest in some decor
The sign of a room that’s been given due care and attention is the presence of some decor. A picture hanging here, a cushion or two there. This doesn’t mean cluttering up your space with a lot of unnecessary stuff. But a few well chosen pieces can make a big difference.
Accent pieces, such as cushions, mirrors or plants, are also great ways to introduce a bit of colour into a drab looking space. As well as giving you a chance to express your unique taste and personality through your decor.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to decor? Consider the type of styles you admire. Take inspiration from places like Pinterest. This will steer you in the right direction when it comes to introducing new pieces. For lovers of Scandi style, you might choose some minimalist frames for the wall or interesting accent furniture. Or if you prefer luxury design, you might look at some high end pieces such as pendant light fixtures to brighten up the room.
Smarten up your colour scheme
Have an existing colour scheme throughout the rest of your home? Create flow by extending it through to your practical space. Or, take the opportunity to get creative and opt for something entirely new. If you want to keep your walls neutral, use furnishings and accents to bring your chosen colour scheme to life in a more subtle way. Or, why not go all out and splash some colour on the walls? Or try out a feature wall?
Colour is also a great way of enhancing a small or dark room. Lighter colours will give the appearance of more space. So, if you’re working with a tiny dark utility room, choose lighter tones to help maximise the feel of space. Similarly, if you’re in a room that feels a bit cold, using warmer shades will help make it a more cosy environment.
Choose materials wisely
Pay attention to the materials you’re using in your space. Choosing the right materials can make a big impact. That might mean installing a sleek granite countertop instead of plain laminate. Or cute patterned vinyl flooring to showcase your personality. Stay in tune with your chosen style and pick materials that complement it. Think wood for country and traditional, granite and marble for luxury, patterned vinyl for quirky or copper and concrete for an industrial look.
Embrace the right lighting
The right lighting can be the difference between a dingy, unappealing vibe or a warm, welcoming space you’ll enjoy spending time in. It’s essential to choose lighting that will compliment the tone you’re trying to set. Overhead lighting rarely does the trick. Invest in some beautiful lamps, sconces or even under cabinet lighting so you can see what you’re doing, but not feel like you’re stuck in some 1950s laundrette, complete with fluorescent strip lighting.
Find clever storage solutions
Our utility rooms, kitchens, garages and attics are often the places where we store all the junk and eyesores we don’t want cluttering up the rest of the house. The vacuum, cleaning products, muddy boots, pet food, etc. However, with a bit of clever thinking, you can do away with those eyesores, using smart storage solutions to clear the clutter from sight. Here are just a few smart storage ideas that will help you get started:
- Buy stylish storage containers to hold those cleaning products, foodstuffs and other bits cluttering up the shelves.
- Use curtains to hide under the counter mess.
- Place hooks on the inside of cupboard doors to maximise space.
If the space is where you keep your appliances and you’re keen to create greater flow, why not hide your appliances behind cupboard doors or invest in some integrated appliances? You’ll end up with a much cleaner looking space, and that old cheap Bosch dishwasher will be neatly hidden away, ready for use.
Bring the outside in
A temporary way to beautify your space is to bring the outside indoors, with some inspiring flowers or plants. Despite summer being over, there are still plenty of in season plants or dried blooms that are available to spruce up your home. A quick, easy and inexpensive way to infuse some splashes of life and colour into your otherwise drab space. Plus, you’ll fill your home with lovely scents to boot!
These days, most of us are spending more time at home than ever before. Creating a space you’ll enjoy spending time in is a great way to boost your mood and bring life to your home. Plus, it’s a fun project you can involve the whole household in.
For more decor and design inspiration? Check out some of our other blog posts. Or, why not share some of your design tips with us on social media?
