If you’re struggling with a home décor project, you may be asking yourself if you have arranged the furniture right, painted the right colours or whether your carpet is the right one.
But there is really no perfect way to put together a beautiful space. So how do you make your home look like it was done by a professional?
• Pile up your throw pillows on the sofa. A pair looks scanty on the couch; get two or three pairs, depending on the size of the couch. Have them in contrasting colours, textures and patterns.
• Get a big bed, with a high headboard; your room will surely look bigger.
• Many people assume that when they paint their homes bright colours the space looks bigger; it actually does the opposite. Go dark and see how big your room will feel.
• Instead of having a bathmat in your bathroom, get a real rug. It can stand the occasional wet.
• For those without small babies, try a white living room; it is a classic.
• Do not stick to one decorating style. A modern piece here, a traditional one there and an African one at another corner offers a perfect look. You can also mix cheap materials with expensive ones and achieve a great design.
• Vary your lighting. Instead of two lamps, have four. Ambient light offers the mood needed and good for direct reading light.
• Instead of just placing your throw blankets on the couch, tuck them into the seat cushions.
• Try an ottoman instead of a coffee table. Place a tray on it and voila!
• Does your room look ‘nervous’ because of the many chair and table legs; get a fundi to do some covers with skirting for the seats. This way, your room will look ‘grounded’.
• A few accents of gold will warm up your room, giving it a classic feel. You can get the colour in paintings or knick-knacks.
• Fill that lonely corner in your living room with a potted plant to bring some ‘cheer’ to your room.
• If you have a vintage collection, refinish items by painting them another colour. Every piece of furniture does not have to be brown.
• Be bold and mix patterns. Try things out and trust your eyes. You may not get it right when you start but with time, you will be a pro.
• Your small space should not stop you from making it beautiful. Even that narrow kitchen can look great if you extend cabinets up to the ceiling. Put a glass front for you to easily pick your items when you need them.
• Side tables will offer intimacy in your room and make it feel warmer. If space allows, ensure each sofa has a side table or a stool. You will walk into your room and imagine yourself curling up with your glass of wine.
• Hang your artwork together. When you group them, it makes for a lasting impression.
• Keep off cliché designs. Ensure your room design is timeless and will not give in to the obvious. Some people are so faithful to thematic décor that it can end up looking boring. If you live in Mombasa, for example, your décor should not be full of seashells.
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