It doesn’t require a massive overhaul to turn your house into a warm and inviting retreat. With a dash of imagination, you can create a stylish home that truly embodies who you are.
1. Test Wall Styling
Why settle for paint when you have beadboard and wallpaper at your disposal? I put some subtle wallpaper in my guest room, and it instantly added an extra bit of class and texture.
2. Utilize Practical Ornaments
Ornamental pieces can be both lovely to look at and serve a practical purpose. I find decorative trays to be the perfect way to keep items on my coffee table organized.
3. Integrate Living Plants
Adding indoor plants is a great way to breathe life into any room. My kitchen windowsill is full of herbs, which adds both beauty and usefulness to the space.
4. Use Layers of Fabrics
Using layers of fabrics, such as soft throws and cushions, is a quick way to make a room feel cozier. In my humble abode in Boston, I enjoy playing with different textures, such as placing soft wool throws on a linen sofa.
5. Emphasize with Reflectors
Reflectors can make a room seem bigger and brighter. After putting a large reflector up, my entryway looked twice as big, thanks to all of the extra sunlight!
6. Creatively Put Books On Display
Books are great for more than just reading. I like to put my favorite books on shelves, with small sculptures placed here and there for added visual appeal.
7. Show Offbeat Styles
Creating a truly unique space is all about combining different and seemingly disparate styles. In my house, I like to combine vintage finds with modern pieces to create a one-of-a-kind look.
8. Add Season Specific Decor
Changing decor with the seasons keeps things interesting. When spring rolls around, I like to put floral arrangements on my dining table for a splash of color.
9. Experiment with Brightness
Brightness is a game changer when it comes to setting the mood for a room. I have a statement chandelier in my dining room that always does the trick for dinner parties.
10. Make Comfortable Corners
Your very own personal retreat can be a cozy reading nook. My little corner, complete with a comfy chair and a lamp, is the perfect place to spend Sunday afternoons.
11. Take Advantage of Visible Shelving
With open shelves, you get both storage and display space. In my kitchen, they’re the perfect place to showcase beautiful dishes and keep the essentials within reach.
12. Bring in Personal Details
Adding personal touches is what makes a house a home. I have all sorts of travel souvenirs that remind me of my many adventures.
13. Opt for Pronounced Floor Coverings
The right floor covering is just what you need to tie a room together. I have a floor covering with a geometric pattern in my living room, and it does a fantastic job of bringing together the color scheme.
14. Choose Elements from Mother Nature
Accents made of wood are guaranteed to add both warmth and character. I’m a huge fan of my reclaimed wood coffee table, with its rustic charm that really stands out in an otherwise modern living room.
15. Use Eye Catching Colors
A burst of eye catching color can completely change a space. I once painted one of the walls in my living room a deep teal, and it completely breathed new life into the room!
16. Display Wall Art
A gallery wall is a surefire conversation starter. I decided to hang an assortment of personal photos along with art prints for a dynamic display in my hallway.

