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

A guest room enhanced by elegant patterned wallpaper.
A guest room enhanced by elegant patterned wallpaper.

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

A functional coffee table adorned with a stylish decorative tray.
A functional coffee table adorned with a stylish decorative tray.

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

A lively kitchen windowsill adorned with fresh herbs and plants.
A lively kitchen windowsill adorned with fresh herbs and 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

A fashionable living room where layered textiles add warmth and texture.
A fashionable living room where layered textiles add warmth and texture.

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

An entryway enhanced by a large, light-reflecting mirror.
An entryway enhanced by a large, light-reflecting mirror.

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

A bookshelf styled with books and decorative sculptures.
A bookshelf styled with books and decorative sculptures.

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

An eclectic home setting where vintage meets modern.
An eclectic home setting where vintage meets modern.

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

A dining table brightened by spring floral decor.
A dining table brightened by spring floral 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

A dining room illuminated by a stunning chandelier.
A dining room illuminated by a stunning chandelier.

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

A snug reading nook perfect for relaxation.
A snug reading nook perfect for relaxation.

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

A kitchen where open shelving combines functionality with style.
A kitchen where open shelving combines functionality with style.

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

A home filled with personal travel mementos adding character.
A home filled with personal travel mementos adding character.

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

A living room united by a striking geometric rug.
A living room united by a striking geometric rug.

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

A modern living room featuring a rustic reclaimed wood coffee table.
A modern living room featuring a rustic reclaimed wood coffee table.

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 living room enlivened by a bold teal accent wall.
A living room enlivened by a bold teal accent wall.

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 that adds character and interest to a hallway.
A gallery wall that adds character and interest to a hallway.

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.