There’s quite a bit of effort involved when seeking to turn a house into a home. While the big projects such as painting or arranging furniture will likely take up a majority of your time, there’s something to be said for the little things as well. In fact, in many cases, it’s the little elements that can truly transform a cookie-cutter house into a home with individual style and personality. Decorating your home with these smaller items can often be a bit of a balancing act, however. There’s a very fine line between tastefully incorporating a variety of decor items and overstuffing your home with an abundance of unnecessary knick-knacks. Limiting yourself to several home decor essentials is therefore a great way to ensure your home is neither over nor under decorated. Utilize the following list of home decor essentials your home should have to help guide you as you turn your house into a home.
Mirrors
Mirrors are a must for anyone looking for a simple and sneaky way to make their home seem bigger. Mirrors can serve as a great finishing touch to any space and are a great way to add a bit of depth and a touch of class to your home. Be sure to use mirrors sparingly, however. One mirror too many and your home will start to look more like a funhouse than a home. Try to choose mirrors that will complement the overall style you hope to achieve in a room. The shape, color, and material of the frame will greatly influence the overall style of the mirror, so be sure to choose these elements accordingly. An angular mirror with a metal frame, for instance, may lend itself to a more minimalist or classic design approach, whereas a circular mirror with a carved wooden frame may be better suited to a vintage or pastoral style. Try to hang your mirrors in a spot where they will be functional as well as fashionable. Circular mirrors do well above sinks or vanities while long, rectangular mirrors are often better suited for entryways or living areas.
Greenery
Nothing brightens up a space quite like a bit of fresh greenery. House plants have become an increasingly popular design trend in recent years, particularly among younger homeowners, and for good reason. Whether real or fake, house plants can add a lovely touch of life and a vibrant pop of color to any living space. As with any type of home decor, however, it’s important that you incorporate greenery lightly. Certain houseplants grow very quickly and can take over your home if not tended to carefully. Try to limit yourself to one or two small houseplants per room. This will allow you to reap the benefits of a beautiful houseplant without running the risk of your home turning into an indoor jungle.
Decorative pillows and throw blankets
Your home should be the one place in the world where you feel most comfortable and at ease. Home decor plays a large part in this. One great way to infuse your space with a touch of comfort is through decorative pillows and throw blankets. These decorative elements may not seem like much at first, but they can really help tie a room together. Throw pillows and blankets in a complementary color or pattern to the main color of your furniture can help add a touch of dimension to the entire space. Decorative pillows can be added to couches, beds, and even patio furniture to add a touch of comfort to all livable spaces in your home.
Wall art
When it comes to home decor essentials that your house should have, wall art is the cream of the crop. Wall art is available in so many different shapes, sizes, colors, and styles that make it very easy to design a room according to your individual style. Gallery walls are a popular trend for wall art at the moment as they provide the perfect opportunity to showcase all your favorite photos in one central location. Shadow boxes, tapestries, or hanging baskets and planters are also great options for those interested in wall art. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of materials and styles when selecting wall art. Be sure to maintain the same colors or materials throughout all pieces, however. Keeping the color or the texture of the frames the same will help create a more cohesive look and feel, even if the art pieces themselves are vastly different from one another.
Rugs
Adding a rug to your home is another great way to infuse elements of comfort throughout the entire space. Decorative rugs offer a happy medium between the comfort of wall-to-wall flooring and the sleek look of hardwood or tile flooring. The most important thing to consider when choosing a rug is the size. Placing one large rug may seem like the best way to cover a space, but it can often make a room feel more cramped than it really is. Likewise, placing several small rugs can make the space appear cluttered and untidy. Choose a rug that mirrors the space rather than separating it. Long rugs placed horizontally across a room will effectively section off the space, making each distinct area feel rather cramped. A smaller rug that matches the footprint of your furniture provides a much better use of the space as a whole.
Window treatments
Home decor can be as practical as it is stylish, as is the case with window treatments. Curtains and blinds can help tie a room together while also lending a bit of privacy to the space as a whole. Select your window treatments in a fabric that complements the furniture in a given space. This will help tie the room together and make the entire area feel more cohesive. You will also want to consider light allowance when selecting the style and fabric of your furniture. Bedrooms will often benefit from curtains with heavier fabrics, as they will make the room much darker and therefore much better for sleeping. Sheer curtains, on the other hand, are a great option for day rooms or sun rooms. They will let in a sufficient amount of light throughout the day while still providing you some much-needed privacy.
To view more essential home decor in Toronto, contact our team at Home Smith and browse our online store.
