How to Transform Interior: 10 Designer Tips

Sometimes the smallest element has a huge impact. It can be a mirror, a painting, a lamp, or a beautiful plant. Perhaps you want to soften the walls, make the room brighter, or add some warmth to your living space. Then read these design tips that will surely inspire you.

1. Paint Small Spaces in Softer and Lighter Tones That Will Make the Space Visually Larger

The living room in the photo is a great example of how to expand a small living space. A room of such size usually looks cramped, but large windows, light-colored walls, and abundant use of mirrors that reflect natural light make the room appear more spacious. Moreover, mirrors create an optical illusion of expanded space, visually enlarging the room. On the contrary, dark tones compress the room. Even with plenty of natural light and strategically placed mirrors, a room in dark tones will look small and cramped.

2. Use Decorative Mirrors for Additional Lighting

As we mentioned earlier, mirrors visually expand space. In larger rooms or in rooms with limited natural light, mirrors are placed directly opposite windows. Decorative mirrors can be used instead of paintings on the wall, filling empty space and adding light to the room.

3. Mix. Mix Patterns and Textures. Mix Old and New, Expensive and Cheap

There is nothing wrong with placing old family souvenirs next to a modern sofa. Every experienced interior designer will tell you that the most important aspect of decorating your home is that it reflects your personality and style. An antique English grandmother's table tells a story – a story of your past. A trendy sofa that you fell in love with at first sight and bought immediately also tells a story – your present-day story. There is no reason why your past and present should not exist beautifully side by side. The same can be said about art. You may find it strange to hang a Salvador Dali painting on one wall next to a Monet piece, but there is nothing wrong with placing them in the same room. Mix furniture, rugs, cushions, colors, and patterns, and you will see how your favorite room becomes warmer and more textured.

4. Dress Up Furniture in Something More Stylish

Furniture covers are an excellent way to refresh any space. For example, you can change them each season for family events or just to match your mood. These easily removable decor elements will add sophistication to your interior without constantly worrying about what is spilled on them or who sits on them. Covers are the perfect solution for children's rooms. On the photo – white furniture upholstery gives a feeling of effortless, comfortable, light, and yet elegant sophistication.

5. Arrange Woven Baskets

Woven baskets are an affordable and elegant way to organize additional storage space in your home – books, magazines, toys, towels, and blankets. For example, place a couple of small baskets on the kitchen countertops and store fruits and vegetables neatly there.

6. Use Everything Within Reach for Decoration

Everyone has a bunch of things in their home, perhaps hidden away in boxes that we haven’t looked at for years. If your home lacks accessories, don’t rush to the store – take a careful look around your house. Wooden, acrylic, metal, or silver trays can be placed on shelves, tables, nightstands, and coffee tables to add variety and texture to the room. Put candles, frames, or stacks of books on the trays. For a beautiful wall decor, hang plates. For children’s rooms, cut out pictures from children's books and frame them on the wall. You will be amazed at how beautiful decor you can make from what is already in your home!

7. Hang a Pot Rack on the Kitchen Wall

Kitchens must be warm and welcoming. We spend a lot of time here preparing food, serving meals, and entertaining. A hanging pot rack is useful elegance. The kitchen should look like it's used regularly, and a hanging rack is exactly the element that creates such an atmosphere. Besides looking great (with many sizes and styles), they also free up additional space underneath that can be used for other useful items. Few people will complain about having too much storage space.

8. Don't Forget About Plants

Add greenery to your living space. Place them in every room – large and small, many or just a few. Plants are an inexpensive way to decorate the interior and add color and texture. Besides being beautiful, they also purify the air and balance humidity in the room. They absorb pollutants and remove harmful gases from the air. Plants are a must-have element in any home!

9. Paint or Wallpaper Bookshelves and Cabinets

This trick makes any room brighter and livelier. It is wonderful when such a simple action as painting or wallpapering can instantly revitalize and transform a room. The built-in bookcase in the photo would have been very plain and ordinary if not for the bright green backdrop. Probably the easiest and cheapest way to transform a boring space is to paint something unexpected. Bookshelves are an ideal place to start because you don’t need to paint large areas. You can also paint the fireplace surround, the inside of a wardrobe, the hallway, or the ceiling.

10. Use Rugs

Rugs add warmth, texture, color, and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to clean, but they lack the comfort of carpeted floors, especially in cold weather. Zone rugs bring mood and functionality to your living space. Use several different patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Alternatively, place several rugs with the same prints and made from the same materials or different textures but in one color. The possibilities are endless. You can change rugs in zones each season, using darker tones and fabrics for the cold months and brighter, lighter ones for warmer months. There are many excellent washable cotton rugs that are the perfect solution for homes with children.