Our households are our sanctuaries, the spot we return to at the stop of every single day to loosen up and allow the tensions of the working day drift absent. At minimum they ought to be in any case.
If you obtain that your home results in you more moments of distress than remaining a put the place you can destress, then you may possibly want to look to your décor and see if you can uncover strategies to incorporate some uplifting updates to make a more serene atmosphere.
Lack of pure gentle, inadequately put or not comfortable home furnishings, a deficiency of organic features, a poorly organised space and drab décor can all have a destructive influence on our wellbeing, so it’s worth evaluating this to see if your temper can be lifted with a easy transform in décor.
Incorporate a window seat, which can double up as a looking at nook, and take pleasure in the additional vitamin D to lift your spirits. Image credit score: onzon/Bigstock.com
From introducing more gentle to introducing some joy-inducing colour to reorganising your areas so they perform better for you, we just take a seem at 9 property decorating ideas that are absolutely sure to raise your temper.
Permit the sunshine in
Ditch the heavy, blackout curtains and decide for light, airy choices to make it possible for more pure gentle to filter via and brighten your working day. If you have the possibility to consider on even bigger renovations, then open some window areas and swap them out for a bay window. Insert a window seat, which can double up as a reading through nook, and take pleasure in the more vitamin D to lift your spirits.
Vivid colors
Bright, bold colors carry a ton of joy to many folks, and so it will make ideal perception to increase some enjoyment into your interiors with flashes of lively colors. Whether or not you choose to gown partitions with pops of colour or add add-ons in the course of that liven up your household décor, you’ll be sure to get started sensation extra joyful.
Contrary to well-known belief, assertion lights tips come in all styles, sizes and kinds. Image credit score: LiliiaL/Bigstock.com
Assertion lights
You may well feel that your home’s interiors are starting to appear a tiny weary and in will need of some classy updates to preserve you nicely and truly on craze. A good position to commence is inside of your lights fixtures, as this can make a big distinction to how magnificent and chic your house looks. For some super-elegant solutions, head to Lionshome to get some inspiration for your new-glimpse abode.
Gentle and luxurious textiles
Cosying up in bed all set to snooze, on the couch to look at a motion picture, or on an armchair with a extensive-awaited e-book are some of life’s very simple pleasures. These times are designed only superior by becoming cossetted with a tremendous delicate blanket and resting up towards cosy cushions to induce a dreamy condition, so improve your textiles for luxurious lounging.
A pop of colour will inspire you each individual time you wander into the area. Impression credit history: FollowTheFlow/Bigstock.com
Your favourite colour
What’s your favorite color? Why not use this as inspiration when updating your interior decoration for an quick uplift? If you never want to make huge improve like buying a new couch in this color, you could find out some new mattress covers, a new rug or cushion handles for some straightforward swaps.
A favorite focal position
One particular way in which you can carry your temper whilst remaining at household is to introduce a piece of artwork that you enjoy and make it a focal position. Do you want an uplifting print to be the to start with matter you see when you walk in the doorway or an original piece to consider pride of place previously mentioned your fire? Perhaps it could be the to start with point you see when you wake up in the early morning. Use it as a centrepiece and adorn the rest of the place close to this eye-catching artwork.
Consider bringing in some air-purifying vegetation. Picture credit rating: Sorapop/Bigstock.com
Mother nature
There are a lot of scientific studies that present how remaining closer to character can make improvements to your wellbeing and so it tends to make perfect sense to introduce more purely natural factors into your décor when trying to lift your temper at dwelling. Attempt bringing in some air-purifying crops to your residing spaces or include nature influenced wallpaper, cushions, curtains and the like.
Get the suitable layout
Are you worn out of bumping into the edge of the bed? Unwell of steering all over an awkwardly positioned couch or espresso table? Does a substantial bookcase or cabinet really feel like it is looming about you or receiving in the way of the window? It may well be time to shift your home furnishings about so it helps make for an a lot easier move and much better setting or swap out things that are as well major or uncomfortable for the place.
A calming colour palate is certain to make everyone really feel instantaneously relaxed soon after a annoying. Picture credit rating: FollowTheFlow/Bigstock.com
A serene space
Delighted, bright colors may possibly make some people today happy, but when it comes to interiors, quite a few however like a serene environment to unwind in. A calming colour palate is positive to make any person come to feel quickly calm after a stress filled day, just be confident to involve loads of storage to cover away any unattractive clutter.
Sweet dreams are guaranteed when you have a beautiful place to rest your head. Even the most subtle change—from toning down your color palette with calming spa-like colors or adding ultra plush accents like a down duvet and throw pillows—can infuse serenity into your space. If you’re ready for a complete overhaul, we can help you there too. Some transformative ideas include custom statement headboards, installing wall-to-wall seagrass rugs, or even outfitting the entire space with luxe details like oversized light fixtures and antique accent furniture.
When ready for a redo, we’ve furnished you with bedroom decorating ideas to help you create a tranquil retreat. Get decorating and design ideas from some of our best bedrooms.
Wood Wall Treatments
Julie Soefer Photography
Large expanses of wall space can be hard to decorate. Sometimes it’s best to let the shiplap walls speak for themselves. Painting wood walls a simple, clean color automatically increases the serenity of the space.
Antique Furnishing Styles
William Means Real Estate/Keen Eye Marketing
Pair modern fabrics with antique-style furnishings. This room uses an open-back rolled-arm sofa lounge at the foot of the bed and a set of traditional slip-covered chairs to set the scene. Coordinating pale pinks complement the blue wallpaper, which makes the bed skirt.
Construct a Built-In
Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
Take advantage of your room’s architectural elements, especially if that includes a charming built-in to display your favorite things. If renovations or new construction are options, try implementing built-ins to your bedroom. This space-saving option not only adds character but also provides the perfect place to showcase florals and books and even add extra storage.
Find Your Vibe
Dane Tashima
The owners of this Mississippi getaway are all about making their space unapologetically their own, but to do that they had to befriend their favorite vendors along the way. Designer and collector Simon Paul Scott of Jardins en Fleur sold them the vintage bamboo tester bed that’s now in the primary bedroom. “It was the last one Scott had, and he did not want to part with it,” says the homeowner. “Then he saw our Instagram, chatted with us, and eventually gave in.” New Orleans artist E. Lee Jahncke Mead (of E. Lee Jahncke Fine Finishes) added the coral stripes to the walls. The resulting bounty reinforces what the couple calls the Palm Beach-meets-Bahamas-meets-Fantasy Island vibe.
Coastal Cozy
ALISON GOOTEE; Styling by Dakota Willimon
In the primary bedroom, these Florida homeowners selected a soothing shade of blue (Sherwin-Williams’ Take Five, SW 6513) to set the tone for the space. The enveloping upholstered bed by Hooker Furniture feels like a cozy hug. A trio of framed hydrangeas from Charleston, South Carolina-based Urban Garden Prints punctuates the look.
Incorporate Unique Tables
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Page Mullins
Rethink your bedsite table. Repurposing old furniture or discovering an eclectic flea market find can add personality to your room. Antique furnishings become statement pieces when used for something other than their intended purpose.
Modern Drama
Photo: Helen Norman
This homeowner used black for various fabrics and wall decor to add a spark of drama, including on the frames and plates. Bold chevron stripes on the pillows and a classic duvet pattern bring contemporary elements to the mix. Soothing seafoam green paint on the shiplap wall behind the white headboard blends the color palette.
Pretty Floral Bedroom
Photo: Hector Sanchez
The hand-painted floral wallcovering was the starting point behind every other color choice in this bedroom. The flourishing wallpaper makes a statement as the room’s main focal point. The apple green rug, pair of chartreuse gourd lamps, hot pink velvet upholstered bed, and patterned linens are from the homeowner’s store, Biscuit Home.
Handsome Main Bedroom
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
In this bedroom, the homeowner was going for a gentleman-architect vibe with wool blackout curtains, cream walls, a tufted headboard, and a collection of sketches he did while traveling through Italy. Adding antiques to the space continued this old-world aesthetic. Allowing the artwork to be the star of your main bedroom can set the stage for a relaxing retreat.
Antique Elegance
Photo: Tria Giovan, Styling: Olga Naiman
This welcome getaway feels conveniently detached with its soothing, cream-colored walls and mixture of antique and reproduction furniture. The room contains personal comforts, including an abundance of oversized pillows. Adding custom elements, from the hard pine floors to the antique secretary table, creates a collection of unique furnishings.
Choose a Floral Headboard
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
Choosing a floral or pattern fabric for your headboard creates an eye-catching focal point. Decorate your existing headboard or DIY a fabric sleeve to cover wood or metal posts. Find a material you love, which can be the basis for the rest of the bedroom’s decor.
Classic Blue and Yellow
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A classic palette of blue and yellow gives a punchy modern update to this bedroom makeover. It radiates a sunny disposition stemming from the canary yellow headboard. Various prints and patterns keep your eye moving in this room, filled with fresh ideas for budget decor.
Layer Coastal Decor
Laurey W. Glenn
Mixed materials like the down-filled duvet, grass cloth wallcovering, bamboo bench, and wool Berber carpet add warmth. This sleepy space gets a gentle wake-up from the quiet splashes of celadon green on the bed linens, pillows, and bench cushions. Combining soothing colors with a pop of color creates character without overwhelming the room.
Inspiration from Patterns
Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
The pattern on the upholstered headboard inspired the color scheme in this room. Punctuated with highlights of deep red, the homeowner opted for a more serene space with its muted color palette. Installing a unique chandelier lends an air of casual elegance to the area.
Cottage White
Colleen Duffley
The lilac accents in this primarily white room, keeping with the calming color scheme, are displayed through florals on the bedside table, a throw on the edge of the bed, and tucked at the bottom of the window drapes. White seashell bouquets, used as wall decor, add coastal character to the room without being distracting. Subtle purple hues in the wood tone of the bedside table add cohesiveness to this pretty palette.
Neutral Retreat
Laurey W. Glenn
In the bedroom, a monochromatic tan color theme adds warmth through textures. A crushed velvet armchair, coordinating with the bedding, sits at the bottom of the bed, creating a resting space. Windows flanking the bed and the set of double doors bring light into this subtly-toned room.
Emphasize the Mirrors
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Instead of a traditional headboard, try using a mirror. A distinctive mirror makes a room more visually attractive while providing some function. An overhead mirror is an excellent opportunity to incorporate vintage or antique items you usually wouldn’t use as decor because it can stand on its own as the focal point.
Crisp and Clean
Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery
Keeping the basics white gives a clean, versatile look. Hanging a mirror above the headboard reflects light and creates a focal point. The ombre drapes, armchair, and throw pillows add interest to an otherwise neutral space.
Use a Wood Bench
Courtesy of Ruggable
Positioned on top of a statement area rug, a wood bench at the foot of a bench adds a rustic charm to the space. This addition adds function and style and is perfect for sitting while you put on your shoes or even a place to store your extra pillows and blankets while you sleep. A darker wood stain on the bench than the flooring allows the statement piece to stand out.
Tropical Getaway
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
A serene color scheme of yellow-gold and beiges sets a relaxing mood in this island-inspired bedroom. The canopy bed is the main attraction in this room. Matching throw pillows and wallpaper tie it all together.
Casual Coastal Bedroom
Photo: Lucas Allen, Styling: Elizabeth Demos
These homeowners collected antiques from Kansas City and combined them with painted pieces, flea market finds, and antique reproductions for a casual beach look. The one-of-a-kind bedroom repurposes salvaged items into new decor. The burlap pendant light makes an eye-catching focal point.
Rustic Retreat
Laurey W. Glenn
Light-drenched window nooks, exposed timber beams, and mountain cabin-inspired furniture make this bedroom a retreat. Antique prints of regional wildlife and floral-themed drapery also reference the home’s forested location. Keeping a more muted, desaturated color palette helps this room blend into its surroundings.
Try Green Living
Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Scott Martin
This room, with its traditional mixed furnishings and contemporary details, takes inspiration from a Japanese garden. The furniture comes from several sources. Some pieces are antique, vintage, or made from reclaimed wood. Still, most are from nearby furniture companies committed to manufacturing in environmentally sensitive ways. For flooring, fast-growing yet durable bamboo wood keeps the room from looking too contemporary with a dark stain.
Flea Market Fabulous Bedroom
Photo: Miki Duisterhof
See how Eddie Ross used flea market finds to transform this room into a light-filled, colorful retreat. Coordinating drapery and bed skirt adorn the custom-created canopy rails of the four-poster bed. Abstract artwork over the bed links the red accents, benches, pillows, and window drapes to the room.
Geometric Greyness
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Shannon Gini
This bed’s solid structural lines complement the faded damask-style rug. Bed linens and drapes take a softer approach to styling than the bed frame. The overall simplicity of the space gives a calming effect.
Stylishly Simplified
Photo: Charles Walton IV
Stylishly simplified, the bedroom is as easy on the eyes. A modern four-poster bed bridges the past with the present and gives the otherwise contemporary space a dash of Southern romanticism. Highlighting the bed are navy pillows, a silk quilt duvet in a soft shade of gray, and an antique needlepoint navy lumbar pillow. A fresh coat of white paint freshens the room without making it too bright. Contemporary patterned fabric panels draw the eye to the windows and the view beyond.
Sustainable Space
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Green design doesn’t have to mean mod and sleek. Start by using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint on the walls. The four-poster bed, crafted from rattan, is more sustainable because it is a fast-growing wood. It can be grown in natural forests without disturbing the existing structure and balance. Items such as these are suitable for your home’s environmental footprint.
Classic Elegance
Hector Manuel Sanchez
A four-poster bed has a timeless look. Using a classic color palette like blue and white will hold up well as time passes. Modern accents, like an eclectic lamp, can add new life to a room while retaining the traditional elements.
Fresh Green
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Different shades of green make crisp white bedding and accessories pop. A luxurious area rug and wood flooring ground the space with exaggerated textures. Matching drapes and throw pillows also easily add cohesion to a room.
Relaxing Tones
Atlantic Archives, Inc./Richard Leo Johnson
Calm, restful colors and piles of pillows invite you to relax after a busy day. The overhead artwork, a soothing sky, sets the tone for the barely-there blue paint on the walls. Surrounded by windows, this room is bright from natural light as it is from its decor.
Grand Getaway
Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
This bedroom displays a more-is-more approach. The abundance of textures and patterns keep your eyes busy, so the crisp white bedding gives you a place to rest (literally and figuratively). Accents such as the mesh and tassel canopy cover give the room even more grandeur.
Relax and Reflect
Captured Moments By Buddy Mountcastle
This tranquil space feels larger and lighter thanks to the oversized, standing mirror. Adding a soothing quality to the room, the matching grey-beige drapery and bedding complement one another. The minimalistic space provides a clutter-free retreat.
Cottage Romance
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Stage drama in the bedroom with fancy-feeling details, like a thick duvet at the foot of the bed or window treatments that frame your windows like an opera curtain. Unique decor, like the candelabra and vintage laundry rack, set this room apart from others. A well-positioned painting can add just the right amount of color.
Add Soft Textures
VSI Group/Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty
The soft, inviting textures in this room create a cozy escape. From the tufted upholstered bench to the flowing floor-to-ceiling drapes bordering the windows, this bedroom has textures on every inch of its decor. Beach-inspired colors tie the space’s palette of pale blues, creams, and brown highlights.
Accentuate Spring Colors
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Kathleen Varner
For a cheery bedroom, try using spring-inspired colors. Pairing sunny yellow with radiant purple and tieing it together with grassy green combines to create a perfect palette. The additional blue-green headboard and bedding trim anchor the space as a calming space.
Cosmopolitan Decor
Sean Shanahan
The exposed bricks and vintage-inspired painting establish an old-world charm quality to this room. Adding vintage suitcases enriches this thematic decor. Using primarily shades of black and white helps keep this space’s sophisticated tone.
Paint it Black
Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
For a true nighttime escape, paint your walls black. This moody paint color option forms a dramatic atmosphere where every additional aspect feeds off its energy. Keep bedding and flooring neutral to allow the walls to be the focal point.
Paint the Trim
Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
Sometimes the best way to dress up your bedroom is not to paint the walls but the trim. Using a soft shade to highlight a tray ceiling or set of windows draws your eye up and out, increasing your perception of the room’s size. Detailing a bedroom this way allows for neutral or white bedding colors as the pop of wall color adds contrast.
Add a Daybed
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
Add an extra place to rest your head for the ultimate relaxation oasis. A daybed is a great way to fill an awkward space in your room and can be a place to add pops of color with bedding, pillows, or a throw blanket. Use it for reading, dressing, or simply as a decorative furnishing.
Open-Air Loft
Photo: Ralph Anderson
Designer Matthew Bees mounted an Asian-inspired screen from the ceiling in this loft bedroom to create the illusion of a wall. The open-airy feeling of the loft maintains when using a screen to create privacy while also keeping the natural light. Touches of teal and a mix of textures make an inviting space.
Try Warm Colors
Photo: Helen Norman; Stylist: Liz Levin
Bedrooms don’t always need to be blue or neutral colors. Try adding a bright, warm color palette for a unique space that fits your energy. Vibrant red or orange colors can be the thing you need to help you wake up in a cheerful mood every day.
Highlight the Lighting
Laurey Glenn
Brighten your bedroom with a unique light fixture. Show your bedroom in a whole new light by transforming the overhead lighting into a piece of art instead of only a functional accessory. Sconces or bedside tables also are opportunities to exchange plain lighting for something more ornamental.
Let in the Light
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
The three windows over the bed allow for light to fill this space. Natural light extends from the cream-trimmed windows into this room, brightening dark wood floors. In this bright bedroom, wood furnishings contrast the white bedding and pale-blue painted walls.
Go for Oversized Art
Jean Liu
A floor-to-ceiling art print draws your attention. Positioned on a neutrally painted wall, a colorful painting or abstract piece of art can enhance a room’s decorative qualities. Use this statement piece as a jumping-off point to introduce color into other furnishings such as throw pillows or an area rug.
Paint the Ceiling
Courtesy of Behr
Consider decorating from the top down when looking to freshen up a bedroom. Look at the ceiling to determine if you can produce the atmosphere you wish to achieve by adding a coat of paint. Coordinating the ceiling color with the beadboard and doors adds cohesion to this dramatic decor.
Serene Retreat
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Serene neutrals and solid fabrics create a peaceful retreat. Tactile velvets, linens, and bits of fur add the necessary plushness to this bedroom. Adding monogrammed shams brings a sense of Southern charm to this luxe room.
Look to Nature
Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
Drawing inspiration from the outdoors is a way to construct a cohesive color palette that works. Nature has a way of supplying soothing scenery, so incorporating this into your bedroom can offer the same effect. Using wood or muted forest shades can be monotonous, so add vibrant colors to highlight specific decor.
Design from Top Down
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Kiera Coffee
The large framed pictures creating a gallery over the bed draw your attention upwards. In addition to this display, the overhead light adds one of the only pops of color with green on the shade’s interior. The bedding complements this green while the furnishings remain neutral.
Add Extra Seating
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
The bed is the lead furnishing in this room, but a unique seating option makes the space feel more inviting. Look for an accent chair or bench to add character to an otherwise blank space. The weathered texture on this bench contrasts the soft, delicate fabrics surrounding the bed.
Create a Reading Nook
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
Build yourself the perfect escape by creating a reading nook in your bedroom. The sconce and drapery allow you to stay up late reading your favorite book without disturbing anyone else in the room. This cozy space is excellent for relaxing or storing things behind the drawn curtain.
Highlight the Views
Secret Bay, Dominica
There is no need for additional decor when you have a view from your room. Center your bed to overlook the exterior wonders that reside outside your home. If you do not have this expansive view, consider creating it with a floor-to-ceiling mural of your favorite place.
Find various shades of the same neutral to create a monochromatic space. A blush-grey bedroom can incorporate hues ranging from cream to barely-there pink but still look like a cohesive space because of the closely related pigments. The pink florals on the bedside table nicely complement the decor.
Mix and match patterns, embrace bold colors, layer rugs, and so much more—we have plenty of tips for decorating the space where you enjoy conversations with friends and family. No matter if you call it a living room, family room, den, or even keeping room, you’ve got that one room in your home, aside from the kitchen, that’s intended for both family and company. And we bet you want it to look both pulled together and comfortable. It’s possible to create a well-decorated living room that will impress company and remain relaxed enough for your family to enjoy. Here are our best easy decorating ideas to create a living room that’s just right for you, whether that’s a more formal living room or a relaxed family room.
Bring the Outdoors In
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Materials that connect to your location are key to adding character. In this coastal Lowcountry living room, a natural sisal rug hints at marsh grasses and is also durable and easy to clean. The alligator skull speaks to the local wildlife, while palms in antique glass and fern-patterned pillows add to the room’s Lowcountry vibe and carefree polish. A vintage kilim is layered over the sisal rug in a spot that is protected from heavy traffic.
Enhance an Architectural Feature
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
The owners of this historic Louisiana home painted the coffered ceiling in a whimsical light blue to make it stand out. A similar approach could be used with decorative wall paneling. An Early American sofa is covered in a contrasting dusty rose silk velvet.
Invest in Antiques
Photo: Laurey Glenn
As your budget allows, invest in one fine antique per room. Here, a round French marble-topped gueridon table becomes a focal point and provides rich color in an otherwise ivory room. A pair of armchairs by the windows creates a secondary gathering space in this Birmingham home.
Use a Bold Accent Color
Carmel Brantley
White upholstery and the natural texture of the rug, blinds, and furnishings set the tone in this relaxed room. Vibrant pillows and drapes in bright, beachy colors add a tropical flavor. Try a strong punch of your favorite color to add interest to a subdued space.
Make the Room More Inviting
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
In this family-friendly remodel, multiple rooms were cleared away to make one large living space. The sofas offer plenty of room and invite conversation and games. With such a light, inviting space, the family is certain to spend hours here.
Host Like Your Grandparents
HECTOR MANUEL SANCHEZ STYLING BY: HOLLY SMITH
This living room already had good bones, but it was due for a once-a-century makeover. Laura Kay, owner and interior designer wanted her Chattanooga home to have touches that give the space just enough flair. “I splurged on this space. I wanted it to be a little fancy. The antiques give it a collected persona, but I also made sure to keep it youthful with lively prints like Lee Jofa’s Althea Linen and a classic animal print, Brunschwig & Fils’ Les Touches on the curtains, with funky ikat pillows from Etsy,” says Laura, who carved out three seating groups within the living room. “There’s purposely no TV, and we love to entertain here after dinner.”
Visually Divide a Great Room
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Modern homes often have an open floor plan in the living space. Use architectural details, like the cedar ceiling beams in this room, to help visually divide the living room from a dining area or kitchen. In this Georgia home, a rug and a pair of leather chairs also define the space.
Make An Indoor Garden
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
A classic floral chintz pattern was used here for both the curtains and the armchairs. Chalky green walls and botanical-themed accessories, like the prints around the fireplace and even a branch under the coffee table, complete the garden effect. The shades and lamps also add a natural element.
Modernize Heirloom Pieces
Laurey W. Glenn
The settee in this room was given a modern update with wild fabric, while neutrals were used to cover the curved vintage sofa and rounded swivel chairs. The brightly colored lamps, art, and fabrics add a punch that keeps this room from being stuffy or staid.
Lighten Up with Whites
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Achieve a luxe neutral look with white upholstery and decorative accents in a variety of soft hues to add extra depth and dimension. By using overstuffed furniture, this formal living room feels more relaxed. Try washable slipcovers if you have a high-traffic area.
Embrace Ideas from the Past
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Lydia Pursell
Try a great idea from the past. Glass-fronted cabinets are a common feature in historic bungalows that can be incorporated in a newer home. In this living room, green leather chairs offer a modern touch.
Let History Take Center Stage
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Comfortable furnishings, historic moldings, and museum-quality antiques go together in this 1830s Charleston living room. “Rooms in Charleston have a personal, collected look that is rich with layers of history,” says interior designer Jenny Keenan. “If you don’t include those traditional pieces, such as an antique secretary, you’re cheating all the people who lived in your home before you.” Use antiques to anchor your room and then mix in modern touches with bold fabrics, mid-century lighting, and sculptural accessories.
Make Existing Pieces Work
Brian Woodcock; Styling: Page Mullins
Because the house was already full of furniture, the designer, Allison Allen, didn’t have to start from scratch. In the living room, for instance, Allen re-covered the traditional sofa in a white stripe and wrapped a couple of ottomans in a cheeky animal print. New pieces—like the pair of skirted love seats and wicker urns from Mainly Baskets Home— provide a welcome layer of youthfulness.
Round Up Pieces with Personality
Dane Tashima, STYLING: Buffy Hargett Miller
The couple who bought this weekend escape in Pass Christian, Mississippi, knew exactly what style they wanted. They filled their living room with color, bamboo and rattan, beachy things and an eclectic mix of artwork. To find these treasures, the homeowners went to eBay, Chairish and estate sales. The resulting bounty reinforces what the couple calls the Palm Beach-meets-Bahamas-meets-Fantasy Island vibe.
Use a Barn Door
Laurey W. Glenn
A barn door allows the living space to be separated from the kitchen if nessessary, while taking up less space than traditional hinged doors. Close it to make your living room feel private and intimate. Then slide the door open anytime you have a free-flowing party.
Unify Your Space
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Designer Sam Blount used the biggest rug possible to tie this blue and white space together. “I’m a big fan of large rugs in small spaces—too many bitsy ones visually chop up the floor.” says Blount. The rug and upholstered chairs also have similar prints that tie them together.
Play With Color
Laurey W.Glenn
An elk antler trophy is the focal point in this primarily gold-hued living room. The soft wall color and muted ceiling keep this space feeling relaxed, while a palm tree triptych and blue, green, and mulberry furnishings and fabrics provide colorful accents. Adding splashes of color in an otherwise monochromatic space makes for a more lively room.
Whitewash the Walls
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Elly Poston Cooper
Allow your guests rather than your walls to provide any color to the space. Here a homeowner painted all of the background surfaces, including the brick fireplace, a clean shade of white. A few touches of deep blue make the whites appear even more brilliant.
Forgo the Chairs
Laurey W. Glenn
These oversize sectionals allow everyone to sit with plenty of room to spare. The bench-style seat cushions look cleaner and don’t shift around like multiple seat cushions do. With a furniture arrangement like this, you’ll be lounging and conversing comfortably for hours.
Create a Neutral Backdrop for Collections
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
If you’re a frequent redecorator, keep the base neutral in order to let accessories really shine. White or off-white walls and furniture stay the same while a rotating collection can change with the seasons. You’ll have the freedom to add a splash of color or change things up with pillows and throws.
Mix Instead of Match Fabrics
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
“I don’t think fabrics have to be matchy-matchy to communicate with each other,” Lindsey Ellis Beatty says of her sunroom. “If they share a similar vibrancy and color temperature, they’ll look good together.” The designer set the room’s happy mood with a bright color palette of pink, turquoise, and chartreuse. A base of whites and neutrals helps keep the space grounded.
Mix Up the Seating
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Seating shouldn’t be limited to club chairs and sofas. Utilize benches, ottomans, and odd side chairs to accommodate more people. As a plus, the bench in this Sea Island beach house allows for conversation in either direction and can be moved around the room.
Layer Neutrals for a Relaxed Look
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
“To give Country French my minimalist spin, I avoid the expected ruffles and plaids and keep it about the painted antiques and white linens,” says homeowner and designer Regina Lynch. “In this house, curtains would have been too much, so instead I painted the trim a dark gray for a similar, but cleaner, look.” Soft green walls and a seashell lamp make the space relaxed and beachy.
Use Unexpected Materials
Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Scott Martin
Horizontal wood paneling clads this chimney from floor to ceiling instead of the usual brick or stone. The wood material ties together with the built-ins flanking the hearth, making the entire wall an interesting feature of the room. Deeply stained wood floors and furniture add additional warmth to the space.
Try Bold Patterns
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
This Louisiana living room shows that you don’t need to shy away from bold patterns or unusual colors in a small space. A loveseat is covered in an unexpected lilac, while an animal-print chair heightens the drama. A floral rug and coordinating pillows add further texture and color.
Let the Light In
Photography: Laurey W. Glenn
Short on windows to capture natural light? Replace solid exterior doors with glass ones for an airy feel and pretty views of your yard. A skylight was added when renovating this 1935 cabin to make the room even brighter.
Add Historic Charm
Laurey W. Glenn
Former editor-in-chief Lindsay Bierman sprang for real V-groove wood ceiling to add more character to the ceiling of his lakefront hideaway. Beaded board is cheaper and looks great too. It adds historic charm to any brand-new house. Ditto for chunky window casings.
Add Color to Collectables
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Don’t be afraid to personalize the items you buy. Almost every chair in this North Carolina living room was refinished: Two armchairs were whitewashed, and the blue velvet chair was gilded. “Neutrals can be so beautiful, but I am always drawn to bold color because it brings a room to life,” says interior designer Megan Young. “Using a variety of colors adds to the sense that furniture and objects have been collected, not just bought for the space.”
Know When To Save or Splurge
Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,
This sofa with its supreme comfort, rich color and fabric, and clean lines is definitely a forever piece, so it was worth spending a little more money on. The honeycomb mirror over the fireplace was an inexpensive purchase from a chain store. It’s unique enough to look like a custom-made piece.
Add Interest with Decorative Trim
Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
The designer of this room in a Georgia mountain home added trim to the bottom of a basic sofa to dress it up and a mix of custom pillows to pull colors from around the room. Diamond-shaped molding on the walls provides an unusual focal point, while grass-cloth walls also add interest and texture.
Accent with Red
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Liz Strong
Use bright colors and strong patterns to punctuate an otherwise neutral space. The red upholstery and fabric in this living room add energy without overwhelming the area. Boldly patterned pillows also bring in a touch of blue.
Fake a Tall Ceiling
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn / Styling: Anne Turner Carroll
In a restored 19th-century farmhouse, ceilings were made to look taller by painting the baseboard and crown molding the same color as the walls. The uniform wall color also allows the original mantel and wood-paneled ceiling to shine. Wingback chairs and an antebellum piano hearken to the past in this historic home.
Get Inspired by a Favorite Textile
Photography Van Chaplin, Charles Walton IV / Styling Buffy Hargett
Use a fabric pattern to inspire the color scheme and style of your room. The fabric on these armchairs pulls together the bright red and gold tones of the family room in this Georgia mountain home. The coffee table and built-in furniture provide space for storing games and books.
Create a Keeping Room
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
The term “keeping room” is centuries old, but the concept is just as relevant today. Since guests typically gather in the kitchen, a keeping room is ideal for overflow and comfort. They can relax in a small seating area while still keeping company with the cook. Consider using furniture that is comfortable and durable, as this space is sure to be one of the most used in your home.
Center a Collection Around Color
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
In this living area, we established a pretty focal point with a vintage painted secretary that displays a collection of blue books and collectibles. The secretary also provides a spot for note writing and gift-wrap storage. A blue-striped rug repeats the theme.
Slipcover in Style
Charles Walton IV
Ready for a change? Washable slipcovers in lighthearted new fabrics perk up old upholstery and give the furniture a longer lifespan. Stools at the counter are slipcovered in coordinating fabric.
Achieve Balance
Laurey W. Glenn
Asymmetrical arrangements can be intimidating, but formal symmetry is easy to pull off and adds a calm balance to a room. In this Nashville home, the simple symmetrical arrangement above the fireplace is clean and elegant. The stain-treated fabrics in this formal-looking room are designed to stand up to wear and tear.
Balance Masculine and Feminine
Laurey W. Glenn
“You have to give credit to a husband who’s confident enough to handle a pink-and-purple-themed living room,” jokes designer Barrie Benson. Her expertly layered feminine touches are part of the well-executed yin and yang that balance this Tudor living room’s more masculine architecture. She also wove in menswear-inspired fabrics like wools and plaids with floral and chintz patterns.
Create a Cozy Spot for Reading
Photo Robbie Caponetto / Styling Anne Turner Carroll and Fran Keenan
This armchair is re-covered in a botanical print fabric. The legs are painted white to lighten the visual weight of the piece. Tucked into a corner of the living room and paired with a set of nesting tables, the chair is a perfect spot for reading.
Open Up Your Living Space
Laurey W. Glenn
Although less than 2,500 square feet, this North Carolina cottage feels larger because of the homeowners’ clever decision to open up and connect the main living spaces. The family room is also vaulted to reveal the loft space above―yet another way of providing extra volume to a relatively modest space.
Upgrade Your Doors and Windows
Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling by: Elizabeth Demos
To enhance the home’s 9-foot ceilings, these homeowners upgraded to 8-foot-tall doors and 6-foot-tall windows to let in maximum light. They also aligned the doors and windows at the same height to draw the eye up and create the illusion of more space. As a result, this prefab coastal college is airy and bright.
Accessorize with Nature
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Tortoise and conch shells accessorize this coastal living room, while starfish adorn the mantel. Books on South Carolina’s coastal area lie stacked on the coffee table and topped with shells. Vases of palm fronds simply picked up from outside complete the tropical decor.
Pick Interchangeable Furniture
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Use furniture that can be used flexibly around your home. In this home, the designer peppered the living room with turquoise and lavender, while in the den (which opens to the main living area), a deeper teal and violet dominate. A pair of whimsical Moroccan-inspired stools upholstered in a striped fabric serves as a coffee table, but can be converted to extra seating in either space.
Repeat Prints
Photo by: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling by: Natasha Louise King
Repeating patterned fabrics in adjoining spaces is a great way to tie them together. Here, the dining chair upholstery is repeated in accent pillows on the living room sofa. At the same time, other prints on drapes and pillows keep the space from becoming matchy-matchy.
Build-In Your Entertainment Area
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
These homeowners flanked the hearth with bookshelves, one of which is designed to accommodate the television. They also removed a wall to open up the space into the kitchen. Now everyone can get in on the action in their Alabama home.
Retrofit Your Lighting
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,
Don’t be trapped by a light’s intended use. This homeowner painted an outdoor lantern and wired it for the indoors. It’s a whimsical choice for a room painted in a lighthearted pink and green.
Use Art to Achieve Height
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn, Styling: Heather Chadduck,
In this living room, artwork arranged over the door casing serves to draw the eye upward. Painting the ceiling an airy blue also makes it soar. The translucent chandelier and long drapes help the room feel taller.
Use Outdoor Fabric for Durability
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A sectional sofa covered in a khaki Sunbrella sailcloth floats in the center of this room. The outdoor-rated fabric won’t fade and will easily shed stains. Outdoor, washable rugs can also be used in a high-traffic family room.
Use Flexible Furniture in a Great Room
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
This living area contains leather swivel chairs that can be rotated to face the kitchen or the TV and fireplace. The long upholstered ottoman does double duty as a coffee table and a bench. In this Tulsa, Oklahoma home, everything is designed to be family-friendly.
Curate a Rotating Mantle Display
Laurey W. Glenn
Display an ever-changing arrangement of artwork and accessories above the mantel. Pick up one-of-a-kind finds at the flea market or antique store. As you find new collectibles, swap them out as a quick way to change up the look.
Make Room for Family
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Designers eliminated the breakfast room in this home and incorporated it into a more casual family room that connects to the kitchen. The den wall was taken down and the space was reappropriated as a sunroom, filling the main living area with more light. A mostly blue palette sets apart the area, which has plenty of seating to accommodate a crowd.
Hang Mini-Galleries
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Hang mini-galleries throughout the house to maximize limited wall space and showcase art. Create groupings within her collection of artwork based on styles, weight, and frames. Use artwork wherever you see an opportunity –above doors, between windows, or even wrapped around the TV.
Create a Nook for Artwork
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A stacked fieldstone fireplace takes center stage in this family room. Rather than just a sheer wall of stone, the exposed chimney is designed with a central recess for artwork, along with tapered edges on either side, to keep it from appearing too overpowering. Sconces mounted directly to the stone are an attractive way to shed plenty of light on the antique timber mantel.
Splash on the Color
Laurey W. Glenn
Don’t be afraid to try a rainbow of colors. This cheerful space incorporates lemon yellow, green, and tangerine. A neutral sofa and rug help keep the room grounded.
Create Display Cubbies
Photography: Laurey W. Glenn
Cozy built-in cubbies provide the perfect place to display antique collectibles and heirlooms in this living room. Built-in shelves and floating shelves add additional display space. Beautiful baskets can do double duty, hiding away your collection of remotes.
Salvage Original Materials
Photo: Helen Norman
Salvage materials to add unique architectural features to your home. Doors, windows, and trim can be rescued from an abandoned home or found at an antique or reuse store. In this living room, simple Shaker-style cabinet doors from a lumber salvage yard mimic the look of a custom paneled wainscot for much less.
Maximize Small Spaces with Built-Ins
Marta Xochilt Perez; Styling: Page Mullins
In this small room off of the front entry of this Kentucky home, a built-in bookshelf also provides storage behind closed doors and a flip-out desk. This multi-functional room can serve as a workspace, a quiet escape, or a fun entertaining space. Especially with more families working from home, these multi-functional areas are becoming more popular and a priority.
Divide Up Large Rooms
Laurey W. Glenn
How do you make a gigantic room look cozy in an open floorplan? Turns out it’s all about dividing the room into cozy seating areas. A console table and lamps behind the sofa help to separate the space.
Go Bold With Color
Robbie Caponetto
“I thought I could be a neutrals girl, but I’m not. I’m embracing who I am and throwing in color wherever I see fit,” says homeowner Stacie Abdallah. She fearlessly painted these bookshelves in her remodeled home a bold navy to great effect. The bookshelves were an Ikea purchase that she repainted and framed in for a custom built-in look.
Dress Up a Rustic Room
Laurey W. Glenn
Even a rustic wood cabin can be softened and made more sophisticated with fabric and furnishings. Barn builders used post-and-beam construction in rough-hewn yellow pine in this farmhouse living room. Linen curtains with vintage trim add elegance to the rustic room.
Mix Up Monochromatic
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Make monochromatic more interesting. The homeowners combined several shades of blue, from almost-black navy to a pale sky blue, in the light-filled living room. A print over the fireplace also plays up the monochromatic theme.
Add Your Own Creations
Photo: Helen Norman
In his cottage living room, designer P. Allen Smith wanted a one-of-a-kind art piece over the mantel. “It’s more affordable than you might think,” says Allen, who mounted old farm tools to make a big impact for little cost. “Original artwork adds so much soul to a home.”
Choose a Statement Sofa for a Large Room
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
A tufted chesterfield sofa covered in family-friendly Sunbrella fabric adds scale and traditional style in this farmhouse restoration. Tip: A large sofa needs large pillows—ours are 26 inches square. Bonus Tip: Reinvent vintage finds in a new setting. Here, an old flat file cabinet works as a coffee table.
Use a Range of Textiles
Laurey W. Glenn
In this Tudor renovation, designer Barrie Benson combined 10 different textiles and prints in a single, orderly viewpoint without flinching. “I’m not shy about mixing patterns,” she admits, “as long as the scale is significantly different.” Three boldly distinct but equally strong upholstery selections converse easily with one another in this mise-en-scène, and the lighthearted purple, pink, and white leopard print on the window seat cushion keeps pace with the other prints without overwhelming any of them.
Add In Rustic Elements
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Front and back doors open directly into a two-story-high living room, where spruce-planked walls and wood beams salvaged from an 1890 Tennessee barn reflect the home’s rural setting and give the space a refined, barnlike feel. Interior decorator Phoebe Howard balanced the rustic elements in this Nashville house with color. “I added an air of elegance with a soft color palette that reflects the surrounding sky and hills,” she says.
Layer Patterns and Prints
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cox
Sprinkling the same print throughout a room (on throw pillows, curtains, and walls) is an old decorator’s trick. Scattering patterns that are similar—in scale, motif, or color (like the diamond shapes in the living room)—but just a little different keeps things interesting and really wakes up the room. Colorful, loose abstract art pieces keep a formal room from feeling stuffy.
Hide Private Spaces
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
Use design elements like these louvered doors to make private spaces inconspicuous. “We needed a powder room in the part of the house where the living was going to happen, but having bathrooms right off living spaces is a real pet peeve of mine,” says architect Chris Sanders. In this Austin home, he helped design a wall of louvered doors that hide an almost 5-foot-wide powder room, a small wet bar, and a row of air vents that run across the top.
Showcase Antiques
Laurey W. Glenn
Antiques are the hallmark of Southern homes, but you don’t have to have a room full of fine antiques—one nice piece in a room can elevate everything around it. The antique hutch in this room gives a sense of history.
Decorate with Cottage Style
Laurey Glenn, Styling: Matthew Gleason
Layer floral patterns and stripes on casual furniture for a cozy, cottage feel. Try a knotty pine table that won’t be ruined by spills and scratches. Cottage style is all about creating a comfortable space for the entire family.
Create a Statement with Accomplishments
Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Liz Strong
A family collection of fishing-tournament awards were arranged here to create a gallery feeling in the den. The walls and sofa reflect a color pulled straight from one of the pieces. With such bold colors, matching the sofa to the wall color prevents it from overwhelming the room.
Keep it Neutral
Helen Norman
Keep the beautiful views the primary focus. A neutral palette is devoid of area rugs or window treatments, camouflaging this lake house living room with its surroundings. The soft color gives the room a restful feel.
Bring the Outdoors In
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Don’t underestimate your living room’s greatest feature: the view. The two-story-tall window in this living room maximizes natural light. An undivided lower sash and a window seat take maximum advantage of the serene exterior view.
Give Your Living Room a Sense of Place
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
This home’s boho beach style is well-developed. Palm fronds and shells are scattered around the room. A painting of a seascape hangs on the wall, and the blue-and-white color scheme echoes the area’s white sands and blue waters. A large rattan coffee table gives the room a mellow, beachy edge and doubles as a game table.
Reflect Your Surroundings
Robbie Caponetto; Styling: Kendra Surface
In this mountain home, interior designer Lauren Liess infused the living room with earthy color palettes and a tree-stump side table to create a cozy gathering space just as relaxed as the beautiful Blue Ridge setting. The living room had to be equal parts hangout spot, entertaining center, and functional pass-through. “I often use new upholstery but bring in quirky antiques—like the Victorian armchair—to add charm,” Lauren says.
Put Your Feet Up
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Lizzie Cullen Cox
Designer Whitney McGregor wanted every room in this Highlands, North Carolina cabin to be more inviting than the next. “This is a mountain cabin, and the wood is cozy, so I decided to roll with it and keep the walls,” she says. While a crisp white sofa and chintz slipper chairs dress the space, McGregor favors ottomans over coffee tables. “I want people to lie back and put up their feet. Comfort is my number one goal,” she says.
Make Height a Showstopper
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Shannon Gini
In this 1940s Georgia home, an addition provided the opportunity to create a showstopping living room. The space is adorned with clean, traditional moldings and a hipped box-beam ceiling set just high enough to wow. Atlanta designer Amy Morris accentuated that height with a statement light fixture from Currey & Company and enhanced the room’s feeling of openness with a pair of large-scale mirrors to “create a feeling of windows all around,” she says.
Save With Thrifty Finds
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Kiera Coffee
“I love the hunt of finding cool things for a good deal,” says homeowner EJ Brown, who scored the round wood coffee table for $20 at a local Goodwill store. “I look for furniture you can feel comfortable in. You can put your feet up on that table like it’s no big deal,” she says. Mixing thrift store finds with newer modern pieces like the shimmering Serena & Lily globe pendant keeps this Alabama cabin feeling fresh.
Harmonize High and Low Style
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Matthew Gleason
This unpretentious living room seamlessly blends one-of-a-kind finds with discount-store purchases. Luxe custom upholstery and antique-auction furnishings mingle well with bargain buys such as a modern flower chandelier from Ikea. Interior designer Virginia Mary Brown sought to create a woodsy vibe with the tree-adorned Arbre de Matisse Reverse Brown on Tint fabric by China Seas (quadrillefabrics.com) on two bold club chairs, along with other nature-inspired accent pieces in the space. To ensure the room’s look didn’t skew too rustic, Brown layered in sleek pieces like the lacquer-and-acrylic plastic coffee table.
Keep the Charm
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Built around 1890, this beautiful Tennessee mountain cottage is a study in simplicity, mixing natural materials including stone and timber to create a warm, inviting, and welcoming space. A neutral color palette and beaded board ceilings throughout the home allow historic features to shine. “There’s not one thing that feels contrived about this house. It’s relaxed and natural,” says homeowner Terry Banta.
Celebrate the View
Photo: Laurey W. Glenn
Stunning views of the marshland drove the design of this Palmetto Bluff living room. The floor-to-ceiling clerestory bay window is more than just a grand gesture to the landscape; it also ensures that the wraparound porch won’t steal a sliver of light from this ethereal space. To balance the towering white walls, the dark, richly colored floors and hearth draw the eye downward.
Make a Strong Impression
Laurey W. Glenn
Bold, geometric prints reign supreme in the artwork, fabrics, and floor covering of this living room. The soft neutral upholstery and wall color allow each piece to pop. At the same time, the limited color palette of the prints prevents the room from being overwhelmed.
Open the Floor Plan
Hector Manuel Sanchez
These days most every homebuyer—or home remodeler—wants an open plan house. A multi-purpose room lets people in the kitchen keep an eye on the goings-on in the living room and vice versa. Being able to see what is happening in every room is both inclusive for hosts wanting to be included in the party or parents with busy toddlers. That’s why this practical layout is undoubtedly here to stay.
Small bathrooms present a unique set of design challenges because there are several essentials – your sink, toilet, shower or bath and storage – that you need to fit in regardless of the space available to you. The layout and flow of the room must be considered before you can think about the more enjoyable parts of renovating like choosing your dream roll-top bath, picking wallpaper or settling on fixtures and finishes.
Executing a successful design scheme in a small bathroom is often contingent upon clever storage solutions, some visual trickery to make your room appear airy and more expansive, and some smart compromises.
“Be clever and think about which bathroom features you can combine into one fixture to free up floor space,” says Rikki Fothergill, style expert at Big Bathroom Shop. “For example, choose a vanity with a fixed basin and shelving or cupboard underneath where you can stack towels and toilet rolls or hide away cleaning products. There you have three key bathroom fittings rolled into one efficient unit that uses a lot less space.”
Here we look at some clever small bathroom layouts, great colour and pattern choices, and where smart compromises can be made.
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Small bathroom ideas: Miniaturised bathroom furniture
Compromises do have to be made in small spaces, but it is possible to contain all of the necessary bathroom features – your sink, mirror, storage etc. – if you’re willing to miniaturise. This clever shelving unit started life as an apple crate, whilst the tiny mirror hides some modest shelves.
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Small bathroom ideas: Neutrals
“Neutral décor in the bathroom has always been popular, and even more so in smaller spaces,” says Ruth Foster, interior designer at Victoria Plum. “Adopting light shades like taupe, cream and white will create a lighter and brighter bathroom, making it appear larger than it really is. If you keep this in mind when choosing the colour of your wall and floor tiles, you can create a warm and harmonious design with timeless elegance.”
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Small bathroom ideas: Under-sink storage
In small bathrooms, hidden storage will be your best friend. This blocky sink offers cupboard space below, with a weathered and worn door for a bit of character.
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Small bathroom ideas: Maximalist wallpaper
The upside of a small bathroom is that you can experiment with big ideas without them being overwhelming. Blousy florals work well in small spaces – and don’t be afraid of wallpaper in a bathroom, it’s more resilient than you think.
Clutter is just a reality of small bathrooms, and can only be mitigated so much with clever storage and stringent organisation. This bathroom embraces a bit of charming messiness with mismatched mirrors, piles of towels and lots of well-loved accessories.
“Shelves are a great way of storing luxury products that you want to show off,” says Rikki. “Instead of wasting cupboard space intended for uglier bathroom paraphernalia, create a spa-like display with a mix of candles, body lotions, reed diffusers and plants, just ensure that everything is fit for purpose and keep on top of this. Hooks on the back of a door can come in handy for towels and robes too but remember to place too much on them as this well make the room look crowded.”
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Small bathroom ideas: Use every corner
Planning your space carefully is so important in a small bathroom. Consider a corner basin – you can buy some that are just 35cm in width, or if a wet room isn’t feasible, corner showers can be as little as 70cm in depth.
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Small bathroom ideas: Feature items
One or two feature items is perfectly sufficient in small spaces, so make the most of them. They can in fact become the inspiration or base for the rest of the room – like the fabulous powder blue on this Burlington basin.
The sweetest solution to small bathrooms. The diminutive Tubby Tub bath from The Albion Bath Co. measures just 120cm in length, offering a small dose of luxury in even the tiniest of spaces.
Using colour can alter your perception of small spaces – a cheerful and uplifting yellow or sunny sky blue for instance can open up even the most cramped or claustrophobic of rooms. “Consider painting a wall a bright and happy shade – this can open up the space really well, especially in small bathrooms,” says Rhiannon Johns, interior designer and head of brand at Piglet in Bed. “If you have a favourite colour, your bathroom might be the best place to use it (particularly if it’s a bit extravagant) and doing so will create a lovely backdrop for your morning routine.”
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Small bathroom ideas: Mirrored cabinets
“A mirror cupboard is a popular choice for smaller washrooms as it’s another way of combining storage with a key bathroom feature to use space efficiently,” says Rikki. “Here you can store sink essentials like toothbrushes, paste, floss and soap, consequently freeing your sink space up completely and making everything look much neater. An added bonus of a mirror cupboard is that it will help to open up the space and create the illusion of a larger bathroom.”
If your bathroom has a pitched or slanted ceiling cutting into your space, a clever design trick is to choose pieces that are narrow but as tall as the room will allow – the slim kit kat tiles, long stripes on the sink curtain and tall shower pain are great examples – this will create the allusion of height where it is lacking.
There is a case for leaning into the cosiness of small spaces and replacing glaring overhead lights with softer ambient lighting. “Bathrooms are often fitted with fluorescent, bright lighting,” says Rhiannon. “If you’re not a fan of stark white light in your home, swap out the fitted bulbs for some warm-toned bulbs. Alternatively, set the scene in the evening with candles. Bathing or undertaking your self-care routine in candlelight can feel particularly therapeutic.”
The worst thing you can do in a small bathroom is strip away all character. Some framed artwork, an antique chair to hold towels, pretty bath curtains – any decorative detailing will go a long way in making a cramped space more welcoming.
Decorating with plates may at first sound a bit… stuffy. A fussy approach to wall decor favored by grandmothers the world over. But as the long-lasting grandmillennial trend has proven, there’s a lot to be learned from grannies when it comes to style and interior design. Frills and fuss have been at the heart of so many interior design trends over the last few months, so it’s hardly surprising we are seeing a surge in taking the best china out of the cupboards and onto the walls.
And we are here for this unexpected interior design trend. There are ways of doing it that can make it look really chic, modern even. And when done right it can add a ton of cool character and interesting texture to any style of space (not just kitchens and dining rooms). Plus, ceramics are far cheaper than an art collection but can be just of much of a focal point and fill a blank wall space with personality.
How to decorate with plates
We spoke we some of our favorite designers who are longstanding believers in decorating with plates, getting their advice on the best ways, and best spaces to experiment with your dishes.
1. Use ceramics to bring texture to a display
(Image credit: Lindsay Brown)
What we love about decorating with plates is that they are such an affordable way to add some color, pattern, and texture into your home. Far cheaper than starting an art collection, plates can be picked up at antique shops, thrift stores, or online marketplaces like eBay often for very little.
This quirky dining room space was designed by Avery Cox (opens in new tab), a fellow advocate in ceramic decor. And her style just proves how paired with the right vivid colors and interesting shapes, a display of plates (even in something as trad as a Welsh dresser) needn’t feel old-fashioned.
‘We love to decorate with ceramics because it adds another dimension and opportunity for material, color, and pattern to every room. My advice is to group like pieces of 3 or more so that you are getting good visual impact. We like to hang them on a wall stacked, above a doorway, or in a diamond or circle formation above a buffet. For using them on flat surfaces, we love to use stands to prop them up if on shelves, or place on top of a stack of books as a place to drop keys, store matches, etc,’ suggests Avery.
2. Hang plates somewhere unexpected
(Image credit: Elizabeth Hay)
Plates as bathroom wall decor is something we are seeing a lot of. And it makes sense, right? Unlike prints, plates cope with the potentially damp and humid conditions of a bathroom. Plus, the unexpectedness of a plate in a bathroom adds a charming quirk that again feels decidedly modern, rather than twee.
Designer Elizabeth Hay (opens in new tab) often uses plates in her deliciously detail-rich spaces, using them to add even more pattern and tactility into rooms. ‘Plates are a great decorative item to hang in a bathroom because they don’t get damaged by steam rising up from a hot bath. I found these in an auction and bought them specifically to fit with the tiles,’ explains Elizabeth.
3. Take a more modern rustic approach
(Image credit: Laura Pankonien)
Plates come in all shapes and sizes, and for a less… grannyish approach decorate with woven plates instead of traditional ceramic. You’ll instantly add a boho edge that’s always around in some form in interior design trends. Plus, they are great for adding real texture to more practical rooms that have a lot of clean lines and hard surfaces, like kitchens and dining rooms. They look fabulous as an alternative headboard idea too.
In this space, designer Laura Pankonien (opens in new tab) used woven baskets to soften the contemporary style. ‘I love to hang plates on a wall in place of art in a kitchen or dining space. An eclectic mix of Spode china or the bold texture of woven baskets will bring new life to the space!’ she explains. ‘And in a bookshelf, we love to layer in an antique plate on a wooden stand, it adds a different texture to a wall full of books.’
4. Bring plates into a gallery wall
(Image credit: Neptune)
Gallery walls are always on trend, they just take different forms. We are definitely over the print-only approach, and more about bringing in more 3D pieces or bulkier frames that are going to add way more interest.
‘The simple fact that plates are, generally, round makes them the perfect partner for frames prints and artwork. Gallery walls are very popular as a way to display a large and eclectic collection of art and plates can add a sense of freedom from all those straight lines,’ says Simon Temprell, Interior Designer at Neptune (opens in new tab).
‘The most ‘accidental’ gallery walls are often very carefully considered, as there is an art to arranging art and accessories. Try covering a wall with lots of different plates in a monochromatic color palette. The different shapes, sizes, and decoration unified by the fact they are all in similar tones. Depending on the formality of your room, you could follow a more symmetrical pattern, especially if you have a vintage set.’
‘And for a more contemporary approach you might consider arranging plates in color blocks or an ombre progression so that your colors go from dark to light. The most characterful plate displays are made up of mismatched pieces that were picked up at different times and tell of places you have visited, people you have known. There’s always room for just one more!’ adds Simon.
5. Fake the look with wallpaper
(Image credit: Mary Neumann Photography)
If a wall of plates is not a realistic option for your space (they can be high-maintenance in terms of dusting and cleaning and dominate in terms of what else you can add to a wall), consider recreating the look with wallpaper to add that interest and vintage-chic vibes.
‘This client loves historic patterns, chinoiserie, porcelain blue willow plates, and everything navy and white! Her powder room is no exception. We used this absolutely fabulous Libertine for Schumacher wallpaper to really make a visual impact in this often-utilized hall bathroom. The client’s husband had installed the wainscoting himself, so that was off limits, but we really went for it with the wallpaper and lacquered the ceiling navy. The result is classic elegance, and the walls and ceiling are always a conversation piece!’ explains Jennifer Walter, founder of Folding Chair Design (opens in new tab).
6. Give a traditional display a modern twist
(Image credit: Paul Massey)
Dresser shelves are the traditional way to display plates, however, that doesn’t mean it can’t work in a more contemporary setting. This was the home of designer Susie Atkinson (opens in new tab)the whole place is a lesson in mixing old and new, an hommage to her eclectic collections and the kitchen/dining room is the perfect example of this coming together of so many different styles.
The antique shelving gives a traditional feel, but the plates themselves are a real mix of styles, shapes and eras. And this same mix is going on throughout the room – the bold striped rug, rattan pendant, and clean lines of the dining chairs balance the antique pieces.
‘We all seem to have a few inherited plates hidden in a drawer knocking around. We use them to bring color to a room as it saves on having to buy expensive art as they can be displayed in a decorative way. I either display them hung on a chimney breast, in an arc or pattern. Or otherwise on a plate stand. It makes a nice change from artwork. We sometimes frame plates in a Perspex box or simple painted frame to give them a more contemporary feel and a new lease of life,’ explains designer Susie Atkinson.
7. Preserve your plates in Perspex
(Image credit: Simon Brown/Firmdale Hotels)
As Susie mentioned, displaying plates in Perspex does give a decidedly contemporary feel. It sounds a bit museum-esque until you see it in situ – the dining space of The Whitby Hotel, designed by Kit Kemp (opens in new tab) demonstrates how it can work.
‘A way we would suggest you use the plates would be to create a plate feature wall. This can be done by hanging a group of plates on one wall to create a focal point in a room. The starting point could be the color palette, shape, style, or Century. At The Whitby Hotel, we created a collection of plates acquired on eBay – a great source – each displayed in a Perspex box. The Perspex box contains the shape in a balanced manner and makes the feature look contemporary,’ explains Kit.
‘When decorating with plates, it’s important to consider their position on the wall as this will affect how they are viewed and how they interact with other elements in the room. For example, hanging plates at eye-level will naturally draw attention to them and make them much more of a focal point. In contrast, hanging plates higher on the wall will make them a less prominent part of the scheme, allowing other items to take center stage,’ she adds.
8. Layer up patterns and prints
(Image credit: Elizabeth Hay)
Much like bathrooms, plates can add unexpected decor to a bedroom too. Ceramics add some solidness to all those soft slubby textures, and again just a nice alternative to a gallery wall. And plates are great for layering patterns, as can be seen in this bedroom designed by Elizabeth Hay. Often a way to make traditional patterns feel modern is to just go all out with them, layering them up and playing with different sizes and scales
‘These are pink luster ware,’ explains Elizabeth. ‘I always do the scheme with fabrics first and then at the end, I add in the decorative items. So the cushions were a part of the scheme and then I found the plates to go with them.’
9. Turn your bulkier serveware into a display
(Image credit: Jenn Verrier Photography)
‘The thoughtful process of displaying plates, serving dishes in a variety of shapes and sizes can be daunting. However, we love this process of mixing and matching. We gather all potential pieces on a table, and start to layer the dishes into a space, adding other accessories and textural pieces as needed. The result is satisfyingly organized and functional!’ explains Jennifer Walter.
‘This dining room is fully functional. The kitchen of the home does not provide ample space for the storage of serving dishes and seasonal place settings. We opted for open dark wood and leather shelving units from Four Hands for a handsome display of the overage items.’
10. Make a single plate standout
(Image credit: Elizabeth Hay)
We’ve seen a lot of plates in groups, however, a stand-alone plate can make just as much of a statement. A large dish above a stove or on a chimney breast in a dining room, or as seen here a small quirky plate used to create an unusual focal point around a bedside table.
‘This is a simple plate from Partnership Edition which I found to go with the blue bobbin bed and the contrast binding on the lampshade. Often a single plate can work just as well as a set,’ explains Elizabeth Hay.
We all hanker after a good-sized dining room, especially for those with families or if you love entertaining. But unfortunately, a large dining room space isn’t always on the cards. If your dining space falls into the small size category, there are several small dining room decorating mistakes you should aim to avoid if you want to create a beautiful fully functioning space.
Get your small dining room ideas right and the space will become an easy-on-the-eye room that’s practical and stylish. Colour is a big factor and one that can dramatically change the size of a room visually and paler shades can be a winning option.
Another area to research is small dining room lighting ideas – get the proportions right and the result will be a light room that has layers of lighting that will ensure your dining room is lit well from the rushed breakfast during the week to a relaxing dinner with friends.
Small dining room decorating mistakes to avoid
Dark, and cramped with oversized furniture is the opposite of what you want one of the most social spaces in your home to feel like. Knowing what small dining room decor ideas work is as important as knowing what doesn’t. Here are the small dining room decorating mistakes we’d recommend avoiding, and what you should do instead.
1. Opting for a tablecloth over a runner
(Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore)
‘The use of a tablecloth can be very useful if you want a softer look, or if you just want to cover up a badly scarred tabletop. However, be aware that a tablecloth adds visual bulk to the table and can make the room feel more hemmed-in,’ warns Simon Temprell, interior design manager, Neptune (opens in new tab).
If you’re decorating the table in a small dining room Simon instead recommends trying a table runner. ‘Table runners can offer you a compromise and will give you the opportunity to introduce some colour and texture.’
2. Not considering a circular table
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Circular tables tend to get bad press, but one big advantage is no more bumping into the corners of a square or rectangular design – always a win! They are generally more of a one-sized option but can look fabulous when teamed with chairs that have a curvy element, it all helps the eye to flow, which in the case of a small dining room space is paramount.
Another benefit is they have a smaller footprint than square or rectangular tables of a similar size so can trick the eye into thinking that the space is larger than it is as you can see more floor space. Some designs available utilise a central leg instead of four, solving any legroom issues.
They’re also more sociable as they’re easier to walk around, and everyone can see each other, enabling the conversation to flow more smoothly.
3. Playing it safe with a plain scheme
(Image credit: Future PLC)
A common small dining room decorating mistake to avoid can be defaulting to a plain scheme over one that’s vibrant and full of colour. We tend to think that kind of interior design only works in a spacious room but it can work successfully in smaller space.
Using patterned dining room wallpaper ideas and fabrics will create a scheme that’s bold, and it will help to distract the eye from the size of the dining room and brighten up a dark corner.
Start with a couple of colours that work well together like blue and green and consider a monochromatic element too. Pop in an accent like red or yellow, but do add balance with a plain floor or white table.
4. Scrimping on the storage
(Image credit: Shelved)
When space is tight in a small dining room it’s easy to believe that there’s no room for the usual storage furniture like a sideboard for example. Our brains tell us that it will take up too much room and look cluttered but if you pick wisely and opt for a slimline unit you’ll reap the benefits.
‘The dining room often has many functions, from hosting to casual dining and in some cases homeworking, therefore it’s important to ensure you have enough space to keep everything safely stored away. Not allowing for enough storage in the dining room can sometimes make a small space feel even smaller,’ says Jonathan Clark, creative director, Shelved (opens in new tab).
‘Shelving units are great for displaying your favourite glassware, serving dishes and accessories but cupboards have their uses too, providing the perfect place for the less aesthetic yet practical items often found in the dining room.’
5. Choosing a table that doesn’t fold
(Image credit: Future PLC)
When space is at a premium there is no smart solution that a table that has leaves that fold up and down as you need. Folding tables have been around for decades, and when we think of folding tables we generally think of heavy antique tables with the extra leaf in the middle, but you can get simpler designs (Wayfair has a lovely selection (opens in new tab)) where the leaves fold up rather than having to take pieces out.
These nifty designs enable you to keep the dining table small and neat for breakfast and then open up for evening meals and entertaining. Stools that fit underneath will keep them tidy and out of the way until needed too.
6. Going small with your lighting
(Image credit: BHS )
Good dining room lighting ideas will transform a small dining into a cosy and inviting space. Just because you are working with a small space doesn’t mean you need to go small, however, do choose the dimensions carefully.
‘When hosting family and friends around the table, good lighting is a must! Create a focal point by hanging a decorative pendant light above the dining table – for a statement try a show-stopping chandelier. There is an increasing desire for lighting that looks as good switched off as it does on and this has led to more searches for bubble motif lighting, a trend set to grow as homeowners search for more playful and uplifting interior accents.
‘For smaller rooms, you also may want to choose a lampshade that is narrower, whereas in larger rooms you want a wider lampshade to fill the space better,’ says Julian Page, head of design, BHS (opens in new tab).
7. Trying to fit a large table into a small space
(Image credit: Neptune)
We’ve all done it – tried to get a favourite armchair or table into a room where it doesn’t fit because we love it so. But bulky furniture takes up space, physically and visually so it’s important to choose pieces that are the right size for the space.
‘Square tables are very handy for pushing into corners when not in use, but if you would like to sit chairs around your table every day then remember that you need a minimum of 150cms clearance to push back your chair to get in and out. Consider using a bench on one side of the table to save space,’ says Simon Temprell, interior design manager, Neptune (opens in new tab).
8. Not choosing a common theme
(Image credit: Homebarn)
Choosing furniture that matches – like a rustic theme for example, will give a sense of cohesion to a small dining room and ‘unifies’ a look. It has its place and can create a calming feel.
‘Adding a statement table into the dining room will also ensure that the size of the room is not nearly as defining as the table in the middle,’ says Sarah and Sally Wilkie, founders, Homebarn (opens in new tab). ‘Reclaimed wood is a strong favourite, thanks to its rustic appeal and environmentally friendly nature.’
9. Only using chairs
(Image credit: Future PLC)
When designing a small dining room it would be a big mistake to feel you are confined to the traditional dining room set up of a table and chairs. Bench seating can be a much smart solution to make the most of a small space.
Bench seating is underrated and so useful for small dining rooms – it means you can seat more people and use chairs on the opposite side. One top tip is to ask your joiner to create a long bench seat with a hinge so you can use it for storage too. You can also build your own bench seat yourself with space for storage baskets underneath.
For added decoration pop up a long but narrow open shelf for displaying small artwork and ornaments.
10. Contrasting colours in a narrow space
(Image credit: Fired Earth)
Small can mean a lot of different things in a dining room, if small to you is narrow then you will want to steer clear of too many contrasting colours.
‘Try and avoid too many contrasts in colour or if narrow almost verges on tunnel, paint the end wall a couple of shades darker than the other 3,’ recommends Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador, Farrow & Ball (opens in new tab).
‘This will help the former advance and ‘square’ up the space. You could also consider decorating with paper- something graphic will be visually distracting and even better if the design motif has a horizontal bias, this will help the illusion of width.’
How can I make a small dining room look good?
With a bit of clever planning and considering the size of your basics – table and chairs or bench combination, a small dining room can be both stylish and practical, but do incorporate storage into your design scheme.
‘Modular storage units and sideboards are perfectly suited to small dining rooms; by placing these along one wall and maximising all the available vertical space you can create a solution that not only looks good but functions well too.
By keeping storage units to one wall only, you are freeing up additional wall space for artwork, family photos or a decorative mirror – floor-to-ceiling units will also allow you to save valuable floor space by using vertical space instead,’ says Jonathan Clark, creative director, Shelved (opens in new tab).
How do you deal with a narrow dining room?
Narrow rooms can be tricky, but still have great potential as a dining space and can elevate the room from a walk-through space to one that’s functional and easy to spend time in.
‘Instead of buying a round table for a narrow dining room, a longer table would be much more beneficial. A long table will ensure that there is plenty of space to sit around as well as move around without awkwardly shimmying behind furniture to get to the other side of the room,’ say Sarah and Sally Wilkie, founders, Homebarn (opens in new tab).
‘For long narrow rooms, feature shelving can really help to zone the space, acting as a room divider to create an intimate dining setting. Not only does this offer a place to display photo frames, plants, and other prized possessions, but it will create a clear separation between spaces, helping to break up the room whilst also remaining functional,’ adds Jonathan.
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