Creating a warm, inviting interior doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. In fact, sometimes the best designs are brought to life by revamping spaces with existing furniture and decor. This doesn’t have to be an intimidating or expensive process either- there are many simple, easy changes you can make to update your home’s interior design without breaking the bank. And the benefits can be felt immediately; improving the home decor of a room will bring a fresh perspective to your everyday life, like you’re living in a brand new space. If you want to refresh your space, we urge you to read on.
Additionally, be sure to check out the recent story that talks about how PROJECT AZ founder Ahmad AbouZanat applied these concepts in his recent move across Manhattan.
#1 Gather Your Design Inspo
Whether you prefer curating a neat, digital mood board via pinterest, or want to go the old school way of cutting & collaging images out of magazines, the first step of a room redesign should be to gather inspiration. This will give you a visual reference to help you make key decisions along the way, and can help guide you in creating a space you love.
#2 Declutter and Take Stock
Out with the old, in with the new! Before you start changing and introducing new decor elements into a room, it pays to take a minute to declutter first. You need to make space for the things that will bring you joy. Organizing and decluttering lets you take stock of the furniture and decor you already own that could be reused. It will also reveal whether you need to take into account any practical considerations, like storage.
This idea also extends to sustainability, where you can give a second life to existing pieces without throwing them away. Say goodbye to “fast” furniture—cheaply made, self-assembled furniture that you’re forced to throw away after a single use. By taking stock of what you have existing and what’s working, you can help cut down on the 9.8 million tons of furniture that ends up in a landfill each year.
#3 Update Colors and Accents Pieces
Is a current design trend catching your eye? Or are you determined to incorporate your favorite color throughout your room? Whether you think your room is lacking a pattern or print, or you just need more blue in your life- incorporating new colors into your space can work wonders to transform it. For inspiration, check out some interior design websites and catalogs for current color trends. Or simply go with what you love. Then start by replacing smaller, more inexpensive items, like pillows, throws, area rugs, plant pots, etc. to reflect your chosen palette.
If you aren’t feeling particularly creative and would rather get the involvement of a professional, consider hiring an interior designer for a limited scope of work. They will be able to advise you on how to incorporate your existing furniture & pieces in a way that results in a more lasting, timeless interior, rather than something that’s quickly outdated. You can schedule a consultation service to learn more.
#4 Add Visual Interest with Textures and Art
There are many ways to add visual interest to a space, but one of our favorite ways to add a personal touch to a space is to create a fun, cozy nook for the owner. Start by finding a wall or small corner that you can transform to make your own and add a comfortable seat, pillows, a plant, or art that you love. Consider how you can layer textures in a space to create depth and diversity. This may include patterns that are unexpected, or used in very select ways.
You can also add an oversized element or artwork to reimagine the feeling and experience of a space. It’s best to do this with one or two individual elements so that it doesn’t make a room feel overwhelming. If you’re an avid art collector, consider creating a gallery wall with a curated set of your favorite pieces that complements the color palate you are incorporating.
There’s no need to face the prospect of decorating a blank room when you can utilize your existing furniture and decor to enhance the atmosphere of your home. A space that is well decorated, personalized, and beautiful is one that you will be happy to spend time in. With so many people spending increasing amounts of time at home, it’s more important now than ever to create a space that feels like home.
If you’re curious about redesigning your home, but don’t want to take on the whole project yourself, consider hiring a designer like PROJECT AZ’s Ahmad AbouZanat. Ahmad runs a new york based residential design studio and has delivered fresh design takes on a range of projects- from manhattan lofts to cozy chelsea townhomes. Check out some of his work here and if you want professional, high quality design services, reach out today.