10 Quick and Easy Interior Design Hacks to Revitalize Your Living Space

Ever walked into your living room and felt like something’s just not clicking anymore? Maybe it’s the layout, the furniture, or the color scheme that’s grown a bit stale. Fear not, because sprucing up your living space doesn’t have to be a Herculean task involving major renovations or bank-breaking expenses. With a few clever interior design hacks, you can easily add a dash of freshness and personality to your home, making it feel brand new without the hassle. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into these game-changing tips and transform your space into a haven of comfort and style!

This blog will cover everything from rearranging furniture to introducing vibrant accents, all designed to refresh and revitalize your living area with minimal effort and cost. We’ll explore how simple changes, like updating your lighting or incorporating greenery, can make a significant impact.

Expanding Spaces with Mirrors

Who said magic mirrors only exist in fairy tales? Adding mirrors to your space isn’t just great for those last-minute outfit checks; they’re also ace at making rooms look bigger and brighter. Position ’em opposite windows to bounce natural light around like it’s a beach ball at a summer concert. Instant vibe lift!

•  Experiment with different shapes (oval, rectangular, sunburst) to add visual interest.
•  Try placing a mirror behind a light source to amplify the lighting in the room.
•  Consider mirrored furniture pieces, like a coffee table or dresser, for a subtle reflective effect.
•  Install a series of smaller mirrors to create a patterned wall mosaic.

Accent Pillows

Let’s get cozy with cushions, shall we? Swapping out throw pillow covers is like giving your room a mini facelift. Mix and match textures, patterns, and colors for that “I just threw this together, and it looks effortlessly chic” vibe. It’s comfort meets style, and your sofa’s never looked snazzier. In rooms that use a lot of neutral tones, adding vibrant, bold colors using accent pillows and blankets is a great way to create interesting contrast: Not only will the added color pop, but the contrasting texture that fabrics provide can also make rooms feel more comfortable and well designed.

• Seasonally rotate pillow covers to refresh your space throughout the year.
• Layer different textures (velvet, faux fur, linen) to add depth to your seating area.
• Use an odd number of pillows on sofas for a visually appealing arrangement.
• Introduce one or two oversized floor pillows for additional casual seating.

Green Thumb, Chic Home

Plants: They’re not just for gardeners. A splash of greenery can breathe life into any room, purifying the air and adding a dash of color. Whether it’s a towering fiddle leaf fig or a quaint collection of succulents, plants bring a slice of nature indoors. Plus, they’re great listeners and hardly ever talk back.

• Adopt a mix of hanging and standing planters to utilize vertical space.
• Group plants of varying heights together to create a “green corner” in your room.
• Use terrariums for small spaces or tabletops to add a mini botanical touch.
• Incorporate aromatic herbs like lavender or mint for a natural, fragrant touch.

Art Attack

Blank walls are a canvas begging for some love. You don’t need a Van Gogh to make a statement; any art that tickles your fancy will do. Create a gallery wall with a mishmash of prints, photos, and maybe even a woven tapestry for a touch of texture. It’s all about creating a focal point that reflects your personality.

• Create a personal gallery wall that mixes photographs, artwork, and keepsakes.
• Lean larger art pieces against the wall on shelves for a casual, changeable display.
• Frame children’s artwork or your own creations for a personal touch.
• Use washi tape for a damage-free way to hang lighter pieces and prints.

Light It Up

Lighting can make or break a room’s ambiance. Ditch the harsh overheads for soft, layered lighting. Think floor lamps casting a warm glow, table lamps illuminating reading nooks, and fairy lights adding a sprinkle of whimsy. It’s like setting the mood for a cozy night in, every night.

• Combine a mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting to cater to different moods and activities.
• Introduce a statement lighting piece, like a chandelier or sculptural lamp, as a focal point.
• Use smart bulbs that can change color and brightness for customizable ambiance.
• Incorporate candlelight for a warm, comforting glow during evenings or special occasions.

Rug Revolution

Never underestimate the power of a good rug. It anchors your furniture, adds warmth underfoot, and can totally transform the look of a room. Play with patterns and sizes to define different areas within your space. It’s like giving your floor a hug with style.

• Layer a smaller, vibrant rug over a larger, neutral one for an eclectic look.
• Choose a washable rug in high-traffic areas or dining spaces for easy maintenance.
• Opt for a textured rug (shag, wool, jute) to add warmth and comfort underfoot.
• Select a rug that extends beyond your furniture setup to unify and anchor the space.

Rearrange and Rejoice

Sometimes, all it takes is a new perspective. Moving your furniture around can drastically change the flow and feel of a room. Experiment with different layouts until you find one that maximizes space and coziness. It’s like a little workout session that ends with a brand-new room.

• Create distinct zones in an open-plan space using furniture arrangements (e.g., dining, lounging).
• Try floating furniture away from walls to create a more intimate conversation area.
• Use an area rug to define a new focal area after rearranging.
• Swap furniture between rooms for a fresh perspective and new functionality.

Pop of Color

If your room’s vibe is more “blah” than “ta-da,” a pop of color can work wonders. Whether it’s bold throw blankets, vibrant vases, or a statement piece of furniture, a little color goes a long way in livening up a space. It’s like your room just had a shot of espresso.

• Paint a single accent wall or architectural detail (like a fireplace mantel) in a bold hue.
• Introduce colorful textiles (rugs, throws, curtains) as easily changeable color splashes.
• Display a collection of colorful books, vases, or other decor items on open shelving.
• Update small fixtures like cabinet knobs, lampshades, or picture frames with vibrant colors.

Storage, but Make It Fashion

Clutter is the enemy of calm. But with stylish storage solutions like woven baskets, chic shelving units, and multi-functional furniture, you can keep your space tidy and trendy. It’s all about having a place for everything and everything in its (stylish) place.

• Use decorative ladders for hanging textiles or as makeshift shelving.
• Opt for storage ottomans that can double as extra seating or a coffee table.
• Install floating shelves in unused nooks or above furniture for additional display space.
• Choose multi-purpose furniture like a bed with built-in drawers or a coffee table with hidden storage.

DIY or Die Trying

Unleash your inner craftsperson with some DIY projects. Upcycle old furniture, create your own wall art, or knit a chunky throw blanket. It’s about putting a personal stamp on your space and having a blast while doing it. Plus, bragging rights are guaranteed.

• Refresh old furniture with a new coat of paint or new hardware.
• Create your own wall art using simple materials like canvas, paint, or fabric.
• Upcycle jars and containers into plant pots or decorative storage.
• Customize plain textiles with dye, stencils, or embroidery for a personalized touch.

These checklists provide a variety of ways to bring each design idea to life in your space, catering to different styles, needs, and levels of DIY skill. Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a living space that truly feels like home.

Further Reading

Blogs and Websites:

1. Apartment Therapy: A treasure trove of DIY tips, small space solutions, and home tours to spark inspiration.
2. Design*Sponge: Offers a wide range of content, from home tours to DIY projects, focusing on creativity and personal style.
3. The Inspired Room: Features accessible decorating tips, organizing solutions, and simple DIY projects.
4. Freshome: Covers a broad spectrum of design and architecture topics, including innovative home design ideas and trends

Books:

1. “The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living” by Nathan Williams: This book delves into the notion of creating spaces that foster community, simplicity, and comfort.
2. “Elements of Style: Designing a Home & a Life” by Erin Gates: Gates offers practical advice on decorating and mixing styles, punctuated with personal anecdotes.

Podcasts:

1. Young House Podcast: John and Sherry Petersik of Young House Love discuss DIY and renovation projects, design dilemmas, and lifestyle tips.
2. Design Matters with Debbie Millman: One of the first and longest-running podcasts about design, where Debbie Millman interviews designers, artists, and creative thinkers.
3. Fine Home Talks: Produced in-house by the team at Fine Home Contracting, this home-focused variety podcast covers design, real estate, home maintenance, and just about every other aspect of homeownership and investing.