When you
need it to be, your home should be your own private sanctuary. Moreover, when
you want it to be, it should also be the perfect place for entertaining.
Whether you're relaxing on your own or enjoying an afternoon drink with
friends, having a living area that's infused with your personality is
important. This is key for creating a safe space that puts your mind and soul
at ease. Decorating your home is also an excellent opportunity to show people
who you truly are and what you care about most. Following are a few quick tips
to get you started.
Add
an Accent Wall
If you
want to make your living space look a little less like everyone else's, the
best place to start is by creating an accent wall. This will add a daring dash
of color to rooms while eliminating the boring, all-white surroundings that are
found in nearly every apartment and home in the nation. When choosing an accent
color, think about how different shades and hues affect your mood. Bold colors will create a definite and
ultimately fixed ambiance. Softer tones can be more adaptable, but they may not
speak to who you are. Make sure that your color choice blends well with your
furnishings and floors.
Display
Your Favorite Collections
Nearly
everyone is a collector in one way or another. Some people like tiny figurines
and antique dishes, others like paintings of elephants and eye-catching tribal
masks. Whether your thing is toy trains or cuckoo
clocks, display your collection with pride. Don't keep it locked in
a backroom, stuffed away in boxes, or hidden in the attic. Clock collections
belong on the wall or on a prominent shelf or mantel, and delicate, fragile
items should be placed in corner shelves where they'll be visible, but away
from traffic. Putting these things out will ensure that you're always
surrounded by items that you enjoy and that those who visit your home are
well-aware of what intrigues you.
Line
Your Shelves With Books That You Love
What your
read offers deep insight into what drives you. Some of your favorite books
likely have worn covers and pages that have been lovingly dog-eared. If you've
gone through quite a few books, however, consider using the best-looking of
these as part of your decorating scheme. Not only do books look great in
displays, but they're also excellent conversation starters. In addition to
well-read titles, consider investing in several coffee table books to liven up
dinner parties and other social occasions.
Frame
Fun and Unique Photographs Rather Than Staged Portraits
Staged
portraits can be attractive and funny, and they can also hold tremendous
sentimental value. What these images rarely do, however, is capture the true
essence of their subjects. The best photos are the ones that are casually taken
when people are caught off-guard and simply being who they are. Consider
framing some of these pictures and hanging them throughout your home. Photos of
you laughing with your siblings or crying like a child after you dropped your
ice cream are guaranteed to garner far more attention than pictures of you
stiffly smiling at the camera.
Find
an Original Way To Showcase a Favorite Hobby
If you're
a music lover, consider framing a few sheets of your favorite composition. If
you've got an old guitar, saxophone, or flute that's no longer usable, hang it
on the wall. Writers can fill up space on empty desks and tables with antique
typewriters, and dancers can frame a pair of old toe shoes. The activities that
you invest in are art all by themselves. Anything that you approach with
passion and dedication is well-worth becoming a part of your decorating plan.
With this technique, you can create a fun, eclectic home where there's always
something new and exciting to take in.
Allocate
Your Space How You Deem Fit
Most
condos, homes, and apartments are sectioned off into areas with all of their
space clearly allocated for specific functions. Unless you live in a tiny
studio, where you sleep, cook, eat, entertain, and bathe has already been
determined for you. One of the best ways to create a truly unique and
needs-specific living environment is by reallocating space wherever it makes
sense. For instance, if you have a smaller than average bedroom but a large
closet with sliding doors, try taking the doors off the closet and using them
for a headboard. Positing the bed half-in the closet and half-out will give you
more room for storing crafts, setting up a ballet barre, or showing off your
massive book collection. A large balcony can be covered with a retractable
shade and turned into an adorable outdoor dining area. Turn your living room
into a personal gym and use your rec room or dining room for entertainment. As
long as you aren't breaking the rules of your lease agreement or infuriating
your homeowners' association, the sky's the limit.
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