Welcome to the realm of home transformation! As we enter into 2024, I believe that there is no better time to update your living spaces. My goal is for my home to radiate comfort, style, and personal flair. In this guide, I’ll explore nine simple yet impactful ways to breathe new life into your living space design. Whether you're a seasoned home decor enthusiast or a novice looking to infuse your personality into your surroundings, these tips will serve as your compass for creating a space that truly feels like yours.
1. Declutter & Organise
I like to start by going through each room and removing items that are no longer needed or loved. Organise the remaining items neatly, and consider investing in storage solutions to keep things tidy. This could be HKLiving’s Ceramic Jars for the kitchen, Nkuku’s Hasa Industrial Storage Bench for a hallway or utility room or House Doctors' Natural Baskets (which create a lovely warm atmosphere) for bedrooms and living rooms. I also love the collection from Liewood, which could be used anywhere around your home.
2. A Fresh Coat of Paint
A fresh coat of paint - such a simple, yet very effective way to update any space. Start by choosing a colour scheme that aligns with the mood you want to create. Soft, neutral tones can make a room feel calm and spacious, while bold colours can add drama. My top tip would be - don't forget to consider the natural light in the room when choosing colours. It has a big effect on the final feel.
3. Bight, Bold Wallpaper
Consider transforming one of your walls with a stylish and expressive wallpaper from Mind the Gap. Whether it's a subtle pattern, a nature-inspired motif, or a bold and vibrant design, wallpaper can instantly elevate the aesthetic of a room, making it a focal point that captures attention and adds depth to your living space.
4. Swap out Soft Furnishings
Update your throws and pillows with vibrant patterns or textures - for this, you have to choose something from our Society of Wanderers collection. You may like to consider changing your curtains to allow more or less natural light and I would recommend investing in a new rug (see our incredible range here) to anchor the space. Soft furnishings provide an opportunity to experiment with different colours and styles.
5. Add Indoor Plants
Introduce a variety of indoor plants to add life and freshness to your living space. For me, I like to consider low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos. You can place them in decorative pots which will help enhance the overall aesthetic. Some of my favourites have to be from House Doctor, HKLiving and OYOY Living Design, but we have a whole range to choose from, see more here.
6. Update Lighting Fixtures
Upgrade your lighting fixtures to match your desired atmosphere. Ceiling lights, floor lamps, or stylish table lamps can be functional and decorative. Don’t forget about the use of candles and lanterns too - you can create a warm, relaxing atmosphere with just a few extra additions.
7. New Art & Wall Decor
Choose artwork that resonates with you and complements the room's colour scheme. Consider a mix of natural wall decor, along with bold framed prints from HKLiving. If you are anything like me though, it’s so important that you experiment with different arrangements before settling on the final placement.
8. Rearrange Your Furniture
Play with the arrangement of your furniture to create better flow and functionality. Consider focal points like a fireplace or a beautiful view when positioning larger pieces. Don't be afraid to try unconventional layouts until you find what works best.
9. Introduce a Statement Piece of Furniture
Choose one standout furniture piece that becomes the focal point of the room. This could be a bold-coloured sofa (you can’t beat a Broste Copenhagen Lagoon 3-seater), a unique coffee table, or an eye-catching accent chair. The statement piece adds character to the space and serves as a conversation starter. A top tip from me would be to make sure it complements the overall style of the room while standing out as a distinct element - it’s a balancing act!
And that's it - my top tips for updating your living space. I hope that you have found them helpful. I’d love to see how you have transformed your homes - please just tag me on Instagram (@folkinteriors).
Enjoy folks.
Katy x