10 Simple Ways to Level-Up Your Home Décor

A home should reflect our style without compromising on comfort. These simple tips do not require an interior design qualification (or budget!) and can help you achieve the ultimate combination of aesthetic and practicality.

Refine Your Colour Scheme

Colour is the easiest way to bring visual interest into the home. When used purposefully, colour can unify and change the mood of a space. Compiling a colour scheme might seem intimidating but is more simple than it looks when you break it down into three elements: a neutral base, feature colour and an accent colour.

A neutral colour should cover the majority of the space, including painted surfaces. Use a second, more eye-catching colour for a feature wall, for example, and a final accent colour for soft furnishings and accessories. 

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Curate a Gallery Wall

Wall art is the hero of a curated home. Including a gallery wall will immediately make a room appear finished and thought out. The beauty of a ‘salon hang’ lies in the endless possibilities of style, shape, frames and artwork. Curating walls in your home allows for self-expression and a chance to get creative.

Note: start your gallery wall from the centre – this way, you can effortlessly expand outwards as your collection grows. 

Magna Canvas proudly offers an extensive range of canvas prints created by established and emerging artists. Click here to browse our collection

Photo by Magna Canvas - Blue Canvas Wall ArtSeries

Get Thrifty

Adding some unique items will boost your home’s personality. Try browsing thrift stores or charity shops to discover exciting pieces in need of re-homing. Every item in your home has a story; distinctive objects are not only aesthetically appealing but will spark conversation with your guests. Remember – newer does not always equal better!

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Bring the Outdoors In

Plants are an essential part of interior décor and have gained even more popularity over the COVID pandemic. They are an excellent inclusion visually, with added health benefits, too. Some plants in particular, such as ferns, have air-purifying qualities. Chosen carefully, your plants can improve not just the look of your home but the air you are breathing within it.

Note: Many common houseplants are toxic to pets, so be sure to do your research before committing to a new potted friend.

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Create Layers

The best way to improve the dimension of your home is through layering. You can create layers in all areas of the home through simple decorating tips. Consider using panels of sheer fabric – such as a voile – behind your existing curtains. Alongside creating a statement, a voile is also beneficial for privacy and insulation. A simple styling tip for layering your dining area is to include a centrepiece. A marble or terrazzo tray layered with décor of different heights, e.g., vases, candles, flowers or even a colourful fruit bowl, is perfect for everyday dining.

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Mix Up Textures

Textures will create character in your home if it is feeling flat or bland. Using contrasting materials makes an area dynamic and alive. Three examples of different texture groups to combine are:

Fabrics: a tactile chunky-knit blanket, shearling throw pillows or an upholstered footstool

Metals: gold or silver accents for doorknobs, brass plant stands or a bar kart

Natural materials: wicker storage baskets, a natural wood coffee table, a rattan lampshade

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Lighting Is Key

Lighting is often overlooked for its styling and atmospheric abilities due to its primarily practical function. Without sun-soaked windows, natural light can be hard to come by. However, a way to emphasise and make the most of the natural sun is to use light paint colours. The lighter your walls, the brighter the room. Lamps are an excellent artificial light source and will effectively illuminate the pesky areas of dark in your home. Try a dramatic overhead lamp in your living room or a bedside lamp with an artistic base.

Note: Be sure to check the colour when choosing light bulbs – a warm bulb will give off a soft yellow tint, whereas cool bulbs are a harsher blue hue.

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Mirror Mirror

Mirrors are an extremely versatile product to include in the home. Practically, a mirror will give the illusion of space and make a small room appear larger. Aesthetically, there are countless styles to choose from, all of which will make a statement. For a soft, organic look, try a pebble mirror, and for a more contemporary impression, consider a leaning loft style. Placing mirrors in a dining area or living room will increase energy flow and add to the festivities by doubling your guests and family members.

Note: mirrors are an essential part of Chinese feng shui. One of the areas not recommended for mirrors is in the kitchen or opposite the stove due to negative energy flow

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Don’t Stack Your Shelves

Although great for storage, shelves, cupboards and desks should not be a dumping ground for books and family paraphernalia. Designating shelving for styling purposes will drastically change the look and feel of your space. Designers commonly use the ‘triangle’ principle when styling upwards. Reduce the number of items as you work upwards on your shelves – this works to draw the eye upwards and avoid over-cluttering a cabinet. Attending to storage and surfaces is essential in transforming a space from cluttered to styled.

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Less is More

We are always thinking of what we can add to a space regarding home décor and interior design. However, a designer’s most effective tool can be the absence of décor itself. White walls, empty spaces and clear ceilings all come under the category of ‘negative space’. Negative space allows for a visual pause in a room and helps to emphasise main features. If your home feels busy and full, consider creating walls or floor space clear of artwork and furniture to create balance and harmony. 

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