Home Décor Tips To Make Your Home “Feel Like Home”

Have you ever lived in an apartment or house that just didn’t feel like home? Maybe it felt too cluttered or wasn’t reflective of your personal style. Whether you own or rent, your home should “feel like home” and be a place you love to spend your free time.

If the thought of home décor leaves you feeling more overwhelmed than inspired, we will help you find the best décor for you and offer some tips for making your living space feel more like home.

Which Décor Style Is The Best For You?

Walk the aisles of home décor stores or flip through the pages of any décor magazine and you’ll notice that there are a variety of styles to decorate your living space.

Although there always seems to be a small handful of styles that seem to be trending at any given time, there are several décor styles to consider when decorating your home.

Before we give you a brief overview of each décor style, it’s important to note that interior design styles and home decorating are more or less synonymous with home décor, as they share some of the same ideas.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common décor styles. Getting a better understanding of each can help you decide which type of décor is most reflective of your style.

Modern

Modern décor has clean and crisp lines and usually utilizes a basic color palette. Furniture and other elements are often made of metal, glass, and steel. Modern design is often minimal but can make a bold statement (especially with the furnishings or use of color).

This design works well in any size of space and is an uncluttered and uncomplicated style. Modern décor is often referred to as “mid-century.”

Contemporary

Modern and contemporary décor share many of the same elements and the two styles are often treated as the same. While modern décor is usually a little more “retro,” contemporary is more up-to-date and may even have some variance with design features (such as curved lines).

Minimalist

Minimalist décor is similar to modern and contemporary styles but it is often known as the “less is more” style. While this style can come across as unwelcoming or even make a living space look like no one lives there, with the right furnishings and decorations it can feel like home.

Minimalists (as the name suggests) don’t own a lot of home furnishings or decorations. It’s an attractive style for some but not a favorite of everyone.

Industrial

If you live in a loft or an apartment in an old warehouse, you’re probably already familiar with the industrial style. You don’t have to live in an urban loft to appreciate this style or even use some of the elements in your own décor.

Industrial décor often includes exposed brick, wood, and even ductwork. While some worry that it will appear to look too “unfinished,” industrial style is clean and somewhat minimal. Unlike modern, contemporary, or minimalist styles, industrial décor is a little more colorful and eclectic.

Traditional VS. Transitional

If you discuss home decorating ideas with someone who has experience with décor, they may ask if you’re style is more traditional or transitional.

Traditional design typically includes “classic” detailing, large pieces of furniture, many matching accessories, and other elements that reflect historical European décor. Dark color palettes and wood are also typical.

Transitional design is popular because it borrows elements from contemporary and traditional design, which often results in a living space that looks well-balanced and “just right.”

Rustic

If you’re drawn to rustic home décor, you appreciate elements of nature and might even be attracted to an “unfinished” look. Rustic décor isn’t messy but instead uses reclaimed wood or stone in furnishings throughout the home.

Eclectic

Eclectic décor, which is sometimes known as Bohemian, is often described as being a “carefree and no rules” kind of style. While there are few rules to eclectic décor, it can often look messy or cluttered.

If you have a vintage collection of lamps or textiles from your various travels, these are perfect examples of eclectic décor. Out of all the different design styles, eclectic showcases all the things you love the best and in an attractive and welcoming way.

There are other styles of design, such as Shabby Chic, Coastal, Cottage, Scandinavian, and French Country that have similar elements of some of the designs listed above.

While some design styles have more rules than others, one of the great things about home décor is that you can mix and match design elements to create a space that is reflective of your style.

Decorating Your Space On Your Own

Once you find a design style that “speaks to you” it’s time to transform your space. While interior designers can make any living space look like it should be in a magazine, they can be expensive and may not share the same design vision as you.

Consider these tips when executing your décor style:

Budget and Time

Transforming your living space into a place that you love may take a little time and money. If you have a limited budget, you may not be able to make drastic changes or afford that couch that’s on your “wish list.”

Even if you can’t execute your décor plan right way, don’t let a limited budget prevent you from getting started.

Start With Paint

Do you hate the color of your living room? Even changing the color of one wall in your apartment or house can make a room look completely different. Although lighter colors will often brighten up a space and make it look and feel bigger, don’t shy away from using color in a smaller room like a guest bedroom or home office.

When it comes to color, it’s all about how you want the room to feel. Want a calm and intimate space? Darker is typically better. Color should be based on personal preference rather than design “rules.”

Accessorize

Don’t want to paint or your lease won’t allow for you to change up the color on the walls? You can easily change the appearance of a room by accessorizing with color.

Plan on getting different furniture but can’t afford to replace it all at once? Colorful pillows or a patterned throw draped on your couch can disguise an outdated piece of furniture.

Showcase Your Design Inspiration

Many people have a piece of artwork or even an heirloom that they love but doesn’t work with the existing décor. Rather than storing away something you love, draw your design inspiration from the colors in the artwork or the design style of the heirloom.

The Right Light Makes A Difference

Regardless of the décor you prefer, having the right light is a “must.” Lamps can make a room feel cozier while overhead lighting works best in spaces with a minimalist or contemporary design.

While overhead lighting looks great and can be useful, natural lighting brings out some of the best elements of almost every design style.

If you can’t afford or don’t want to switch out your light fixtures, consider changing your window furnishings. Light and airy drapes can offer adequate light but still provide privacy. Basic window dressings, in neutral fabrics or colors, can work with a variety of décor styles without looking out of place or distracting.

Arrange Your Furniture

When people change the décor in their living space, such as in a living room, they often forget to consider the placement of furniture.

The way you arrange your furniture will depend on the size and shape of the room as well how you want the room to feel. If you want a room to feel more intimate and conversational, you’re more likely to arrange furniture closer together.

Regardless of how you arrange the furniture, it’s always important to consider the amount of space you leave for people to move around the room easily and comfortably.

Get Rid Of Clutter

Getting rid of things that have little meaning or don’t add to the aesthetics of your décor is an essential step to creating the perfect living space. While decluttering your living space can often feel overwhelming and time-consuming, it’s worth the work in the end.

While a stack of bills is a fact of life, most things that you own should have meaning in your life, make you feel good, and are reflective of your style.

Making your home feel more “like home” doesn’t happen instantly or without a little time and financial investment. Regardless if you’re more minimalist or eclectic, once you find a décor style you love, you can transform your living space into a place that’s not only welcoming but is reflective of you and everything you love.