It's said there's a world of difference between a room designed by a professional interior designer and one done by a home decorator, but this needn’t be the case.
This is according to Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, who says: “Contrary to what most people think, achieving a stunning interior design doesn't always require a hefty budget or extensive renovations.
“There are numerous simple yet artful interior design tricks that have the remarkable ability to transform a space, making a significant impact with minimal effort.
“In fact, some of the most impactful design elements can be implemented with minimal fuss and expense but still pack a visual punch.”
Geffen says that by employing any of the following tips, one can make a dramatic statement in one’s home:
Create a warm welcome: Start your stylish home from the beginning by paying attention to your home's entrance. Paint the front door, update the hardware, ensure there is adequate lighting and complete the kerb appeal with greenery such as a hanging basket or potted tree.
Strategic Lighting: Lighting can dramatically alter the ambiance of a room. Update old lightshades and incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and visual interest. Opt for adjustable fixtures and dimmer switches to control the intensity of light and set the mood according to the occasion.
Work around a hero feature: Select a star item to be your feature as the main focal point of the room. Then use other items to blend into the backdrop to accentuate your main attraction and create a calming vibe rather than a cluttered one.
Mirrors for Illusion: Mirrors are a designer's secret weapon for making small spaces appear larger and darker rooms feel brighter. Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light or use them to create the illusion of depth by strategically positioning them across from each other.
Use rugs wisely: Rugs are the ultimate way to draw an interior design scheme together but there is an art to it. If too small, the rug will look lost and your scheme will fall flat. Ideally, a rug should be big enough that some or all of your furniture’s feet can sit on it. For instance, in a dining area, you should be able to sit at the dining table with all four of your chair’s feet on the rug. Consider using them in different ways, too; whether it's a few rugs overlapping each other or even hung as a wall hanging.
Statement Wall: Transform a room with a statement wall that adds personality and visual impact. Whether it's a bold paint colour, eye-catching wallpaper, or a gallery of artwork, a statement wall can serve as the focal point of the room and elevate its design without the need for additional decor.
Multi-Functional Furniture: Make the most of limited space with multi-functional furniture pieces that serve dual purposes. Look for coffee tables with built-in storage, sleeper sofas for accommodating guests, or ottomans that double as extra seating and storage solutions.
Use the whole room: Don't feel you have to line your furniture up along the walls which often results in wasted space and awkward gaps. Bringing sofas and armchairs or even home office desks into the centre of the space will create a sociable seating space and practical office. This works particularly well in open-plan spaces with large windows.
Fresh Coat of Paint: One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to refresh a room is with a fresh coat of paint. Experiment with different paint colours to create a mood or add dimension to your space. Don't be afraid to paint an accent wall or ceiling to make a bold statement.
Use the 30 - 70 split: This is a handy trick for getting your proportions right and balancing different styles within the same space. A guaranteed way to give a room character is to decorate about 70% of it in a particular style and then complete the remaining 30% in a completely different style. In this way, you can spice up a largely traditional scheme with a smattering of contemporary items, or vice versa.
Accessorise with Textiles: Elevate your decor with the strategic use of textiles such as throw pillows, rugs, curtains, and throws. Incorporate textures, patterns, and colours that complement your existing decor to add warmth and visual interest to your space.
Indoor Plants: Bring the outdoors in with the addition of indoor plants that not only add a pop of colour but also improve air quality and promote a sense of well-being. Choose low-maintenance plants to add greenery to your space with minimal effort.
Hardware Upgrade: Give your kitchen or bathroom an instant facelift by upgrading the hardware on cabinets, drawers, and doors. Choose modern or vintage-inspired knobs, handles, and pulls that complement your existing decor and add a touch of elegance or whimsy to your space.
Declutter and Organize: Finally, one of the most impactful design secrets is simply decluttering and organizing your space. Clear away unnecessary items, streamline your belongings, and invest in storage solutions that help keep clutter at bay. A clean and organized home not only looks better but also feels more spacious and inviting.
“These simple yet artful interior design tricks demonstrate that creating a beautiful and harmonious space doesn't necessarily require a large budget or extensive renovations,” concludes Geffen.
“And that with creativity and attention to detail, even the smallest changes can make a big impact, transforming a house into a home that truly reflects the personality and lifestyle of its inhabitants.”
READ: 5 improvements to consider to maximise the value of your investment property
Here is a look back at David Jacobs, Gauteng Regional Manager for the Rawson Property Group, favourite DIY home improvement ideas:
1. Kitchen facelifts
Kitchens are renowned for their impact on the value of a home, and clever updates in this area can give a lot of bang for your buck. Concentrate on external surfaces like countertops and cabinet doors, which are easy to refurbish without professional help.
2. Cabinet doors
Modern buyers definitely prefer light and bright kitchens and repainting old, dark cabinets a lighter or more modern colour can really open up a space.
Solid wood cupboard doors can be sanded down using a palm sander before painting, while melamine cabinets need to be primed with a special primer before they’ll be ready to paint. Remember to remove the doors from the cabinets and take off all the handles and hinges before sanding and painting. Use a foam roller with a water-based enamel paint for the smoothest and long-lasting finish.
3. Countertops
Great countertops make a big difference to both a kitchen’s appearance and the cooking experience. Granite, Caesarstone and marble counters are always crowd favourites, but they do cost a fair bit and need to be installed by professionals. Timber and Formica are much more approachable and affordable for the DIY family, and can be just as attractive if they’re chosen and installed well.
When selecting a Formica finish, Jacobs recommends avoiding dated options like faux granite or marble.
Modern wood grains and minimalist textures give the best results. A square edge profile rather than the traditional quarter-round also adds a more contemporary flavour.
For the more adventurous DIYer, there are also options like casting your own concrete countertops. Just keep in mind the general style of your home, and make sure your countertop choice enhances its surroundings.
4. Your garage
Garages may not seem like the most important part of a home, but Jacobs says homeowners can add a lot of value to their property by turning them into more functional spaces.
Garages are often underutilised. They’re ideal spaces for adding extra storage - something that is very important to a lot of buyers, and can often accommodate a mini workbench or laundry area with a little planning.
While adding a laundry corner to your garage would require a plumber, storage is an easy weekend DIY for the handyperson in your home.
You can buy ready-made cupboards and shelves from your local hardware store, but budget-conscious DIYers can also try second-hand websites to find old kitchen cabinets to mount along their garage walls.
For those with less available space, hanging storage may be a better option. Try pegboard walls with hooks for holding everything from bicycles to lawnmowers and secateurs.
5. Update outdoors
Garden spaces are still very popular with buyers, but a bigger emphasis is being put on ease of maintenance.
Water-hungry lawns and labour intensive plant beds are falling out of favour, but outdoor entertainment areas are in high demand. Homeowners with a flair for DIY could do well to combine these two trends by adding paved or gravel sections to their garden, and possibly a pergola or a built-in braai.
While paving may be hard work, it is DIY-friendly, as is the basic brickwork required for a simple braai. Construction plans for braais and timber pergolas can be found online, and all supplies are available at your local hardware store.
Remember, low-maintenance doesn’t mean bare of all greenery and life - try to at least keep a border of plants or creepers, and definitely preserve any mature trees.
6. Restyle your bathroom
Bathrooms may be tricky to totally revamp as a DIYer, but small updates can make a big difference here. Try a fresh coat of paint on your walls and ceilings and replace old-school towel rails and accessories with more modern versions. You can also refinish your bathroom cabinets, or replace your vanity entirely. Adding a few stylish mirrors or display shelves can be a great idea as well.
Retiling makes a huge difference, but it’s a pretty big DIY. If you’re not up for a project of that scale, you could consider refinishing your existing tiles using the specially formulated tile paints that are now available.
If you do decide to paint your tiles, just remember to follow the instructions very closely. For the best finish, avoid areas like shower enclosures that get wet on a regular basis.
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