Having the perfect home is not complete by just purchasing or renting a house; the comfort and taste of your house is actually the most essential part of achieving that perfect home.
It is important to note that the comfort of a home does not have to do with the size of the house or the amount of money set aside for that purpose, but the creativity and amount of knowledge available to an individual in brightening up a house. This is because; brightening up a home can actually breathe new life into the home.
Here are some useful tips in decorating your home to achieve beauty and comfort:
1. Lighting: It all starts with lighting. Light evokes space while darkness constrains and hides it.
Natural light is a plus in every home because it keeps the room not only bright, but also airy. You should make the most of any natural light you have available without blocking any window in the room. Try to keep the window sill clear, as clutters and heavy curtains can block the sunlight from shining through; thereby making the room look smaller and more clustered than it really is.
When choosing other source of lightings, it is important to go for clear but mild lightings, instead of harsh fluorescent lights which do not give any similar feeling to natural light. These artificial lightings include: recessed lightings, track lightings, pendants, ceiling fans with lights, floor lamps, chandeliers and sconces.
Recessed lightings are suitable for kitchens and living rooms as it reduces the need for furniture or floor space required to house lamps.
Pendants and chandeliers are wonderful choices for open kitchens and dining areas. This is because they give the space presence and make floating furniture seem like it ought to be there.
Lighting has a big effect in your production or fatigue level. Lighting problems, like glare, dim light or too much bright light, can put extra strain on your eyes and leave you feeling exhausted; therefore, it is important to be cautious in your choice of light.
2. Minimising furniture in your home: The minimisation of furniture in a room opens up a room and makes it feel more spacious. A spacious room automatically looks brighter while lack of organisation can lead to a dull and uninteresting environment. When decorating a room, it is important to make a room plan. A room plan will let you know the designs and furniture useful to you and without it, you could end up using more furniture than required; thereby spending more money and clustering up the room.
3. Quality of furniture: The type of furniture used while decorating a room is quite essential to the outlook of the room.
High gloss furniture not only creates a more spacious room but enhances the light in the room by its reflective qualities.
Choose furniture of good quality and furniture that needs very low maintenance. It is also important to keep woodwork white so as to complement the paintings of your home, as well as the general outlook.
4. Painting: Painting is a quick and cheap way to give an old room a breath of fresh air. Many people are afraid of colour in their homes, and simply paint all the walls white. But it’s been shown that colour in the home can enhance your mood and optimize your living experience.
Colour is a very personal preference. I do not wish to tell you what colour to paint your walls, but if you have no idea where to start here is an introduction to colour in your home and a few simple ideas to get you thinking;
a. If you find yourself dragging into the bathroom every morning and having a hard time waking up, try choosing dynamic colours for your bathroom. Dynamic colours can help you shake the sleep off. Examples of a dynamic colour combos include:
- Bright, lime green and electric blue
- Bright yellow, blue, and red
- Bright green and bright yellow
- Orange, electric blue, and bright yellow
- Lime green, fuchsia, bright blue, and yellow
b. Generally speaking, the bedroom should be a colour that promotes relaxation and sleep. Natural colours also tend to promote rest and calm. Here are some colour suggestions for bedrooms:
- Blue, green, or muted purple
- Soft pink
- “Woodsy” colours like sage or moss green and shades of brown
- Soft blue, pale yellow, and light cream – like a sunny beach
c. In the kitchen, you have a certain choice of as to the room’s role. For some, the kitchen is a gathering place for fun, laughter, and conversation. For others, the kitchen is more of a haven where they can be creative without distractions. Still others may find the kitchen a strictly utilitarian room – a place where tasks get done and then you get out. So here are some thoughts on kitchen colours based on the mood you want to create:
- Red is great for stimulating conversation and getting your blood pumping.
- Yellow and orange are said to promote energy and happiness.
- Stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, and neutral colours like black, gray, and white evoke a more formal, calm feeling.
- Wood grain and brown hues create a cosy, woodsy feel.
d. No other room in the house is subject to as much variety as the living room. It really is the room that makes the most pointed statement about your home and sets the mood for guests and family members alike.
Take natural light into account and use light colours to amplify the available light and dark colours to mute it. If you really like a bold colour but don’t want to do your whole living room that way, consider an accent wall – an area that you paint with the bold colour scheme that would be “too much” if done throughout the room.
For the living room, think about what you want to present:
- Blue and white makes for a formal, light, and airy look
- Neutral colours open the door for strong accent pieces that you may want to show off
- Brown, beige, and green feel cabin-like and natural
- Yellow evokes sunshine and cheer
- Purples, blues, and greys present a calm and restful look
We hope these ideas have helped to inspire you as you set up your new home. Happy living!
