Our homes and personal space play a key role in how we feel. With the pandemic behind us and with these spaces needing to deliver more than initially planned for, such as impromptu office spaces, more storage opportunities, and accommodating the household's growing interests and hobbies, emphasis is being placed on transforming a humble home with the expectation to deliver more while still being comfortable, and stylish.
Burdened with storage and spacing issues, the question on most homeowners' lips is, 'how on earth do I transform this mess into a chic and versatile abode?' Luckily, there is a slew of interior designers prioritizing turning living areas into masterpieces with clever design and styling concepts.
The prediction is, and with the phenomenal creativity that occurred in the last few years, that the market will see an uptake in functional design and décor that radiates with color and texture inspired by the great outdoors.
There is also a firm nod toward upcycling old furniture and undertaking DIY projects as individuals embrace the term 'sustainability.’
This year promises to be filled with ingenuity, transforming old spaces into flexible areas that serve multiple purposes in a trendy, affordable fashion.
Modern Home Improvements
If there is little wiggle room to add extra space, then investing in a project of this scale would be the best alternative. Houses are significant investments that do not depreciate over time. You can increase your house's value by undertaking a few larger projects. Whether you plan to sell, add space, or consider a passive income.
With stricter building consents, the cost of building and material, and the environmental impact, more contractors recommend that prefab homes and additions be the way of the future, being friendlier on purse strings too.
Interior designers are backing this trend.The time of ugly, tiny, boxlike prefabricated houses is behind us and has given rise to homes with exceptional interior and exterior finishes delivered in half the time than traditional builds.
Multi-functional Mania
Goodbye to lumpy, old furniture that takes up room and offers nothing more in return. Turn your bedroom around by adding a pullout under the bed storage or drawers.
And before you scoff at the words ‘sofa bed,' consider it an alternative if your second room needs to serve as an office space. With so many on the market oozing contrast and modernity, there are lots to choose from.
Here are a few more storage hacks:
- Storage ottoman
- Mudroom bench
- Behind-the-door storage
- Stair wall with built-in drawers
Amazing Awkward Spaces
We all have unconventional spaces, nooks, and odd-shaped walls in our homes. The idea is that these annoyances can be used to your advantage.
Convert negative spaces with modular furniture, shelving, or striking paint colors. If there is room, consider a fold-down desk to make room for a hobby or provide a homework space for the kids, thus keeping clutter contained to one particular area.
Elemental Elegance
Combine new modernized pieces of furniture with antique finds. This will always stay in style. Before breaking the bank and replacing furniture, find items within your home that can be repurposed. Often all it takes is a new set of handles and a lick of paint.
Replace the run-of-the-mill light fixtures with lighting elements that make a statement, using alternative bulb shapes, shades, and structures.
Do not overlook the bathroom, either. Even if you have older-looking basin, bath, and shower tapware, upgrading the fixtures with ultra-modern styles in gold or solid black colors will go a long way in transporting the room into the 21st century.
Always be bold in adding a dash of color. There are no complex rules to what you can and cannot paint, so dare to be different and add it to the skirting and doors or consider applying wallpaper to the ceiling.
Take the Methodical Approach
While a handful of individuals may feel challenged by the prospect of getting creative, there is room for a systematic approach. Planning what purpose each area will serve is a good start, followed by taking measurements of each room. That way, you know what you are working with.
A mood board is also an essential part of design planning. Paste your favorite pictures from interior design magazines, Instagram, or Pinterest into a large piece of paper, then combine them with complimentary swatches of fabric and paint samples. From there, you can replace elements that do not work together.
Lastly, take photos before, after, and during your redesign process. Not only does this allow you to plot and plan, but it is also handy when in a thrift store or soft furnishing store and an item catches your eye, but you are unsure if it will tie in with your scheme.
Stylish Quick Fixes
If the above seems like a stretch, start small and in one designated area of your home first.
These simple decorative solutions may be a good starting point:
- Create a gallery wall
- Ditch the faux greenery, and go with authentic plants
- Declutter
- Use mirrors, as they reflect light and open a space
- Go for retro tile shapes such as circles, hexagons, or tiles with hints of metallic or iridescent flecks
Take Your Time
Take your time to create a space that you fall in love with and reflects your family and personality.
A home is a place unique to you, so a show home effect should never be the end goal other than serving as an inspiration to shape yours into a personalized, homely space that provides a sanctuary from the outside world.
