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5 Underrated Ways to Bring a Fresh Look to Your House

Author: Julian Parsons/Monday, September 23, 2024/Categories: Feature Writer Julian Parsons

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A modern home interior with unique lighting fixtures and a minimalist aesthetic, offering ideas for creating a fresh look in residential spaces.

Ever walk into a room and feel like something’s missing? That subtle itch to update, refresh, or bring life to your home often lingers in the back of our minds. 

According to a recent survey, over 70% of homeowners feel the need to periodically revamp their living spaces to keep up with trends or simply to breathe new energy into their environment. 

As Coco Chanel once said, "An interior is the natural projection of the soul." Your home reflects who you are, and just like our personal styles evolve, so should the spaces we live in.

Let’s dive into these transformative ideas and discover how to bring new life to your living space.

Method 1: Strategic Color Pops

Adding splashes of colour is one of the most affordable yet impactful ways to transform a space. Think accent walls, bold throw pillows, vibrant rugs, or even a piece of statement art. 

These pops of colour can draw attention to key areas and bring energy into a room that may otherwise feel stagnant or dull.

When choosing colours, consider the orientation of the room and how natural light interacts with it. For instance, rooms facing north tend to have cooler light, so warmer hues like yellows and oranges can create balance.

On the other hand, south-facing rooms benefit from cooler tones, like blues and greens, to counteract the warmth of the light. 

Pro tip: Experiment with colour using small items first, such as a bold-coloured vase or cushions, before committing to larger areas like walls or furniture. You can also explore colour palette inspirations from design sites like Pinterest or Houzz to spark ideas.

Method 2: Mix and Match Textures

While colour brings life to a room, texture creates depth. 

Combine plush rugs with sleek leather, or cosy wool throws against stark wooden backdrops for a tactile narrative. 

Elevate the tactile allure of your benchtops—a swap to polished granite or industrial-chic concrete can transform not just surfaces but the entire sensory experience of a room. Should these chic surfaces scuff, a quick call to a skilled benchtop repairman can polish away any imperfections.

Embrace contrast for a modern spin: mesh glass with velvet or metal with linen for a play of sheen against matte. 

Opting for rustic? Harmonise rough-hewn wood and stone with supple fabrics to soften the edges of tradition. 

Feeling experimental? Start small with a mood board or visit a décor haven to touch and visualise before you commit. 

In textures, find the balance that speaks to your style—bold but not overwhelming, subtle yet significant.

Method 3: Innovative Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is more than just functional—it can dramatically alter the mood and perceived size of a room. 

Innovative lighting solutions can create ambiance, highlight architectural details, and even make small spaces feel larger.

Here are three DIY lighting ideas that are simple yet striking, perfect for adding a personal touch to your décor:

  • Mason Jar Lights: Transform mason jars into charming light fixtures for a rustic look. Mount them on a reclaimed wood plank for a wall sconce or hang them from the ceiling for a DIY chandelier.

  • Industrial Pipe Lamp: Create a custom lamp using metal pipes and fittings. Combine with Edison bulbs for an industrial chic feel.

  • Basket Pendant: Use a wire basket as a shade for a DIY pendant light. This adds texture and interest to any room, especially with the shadows it casts.

Method 4: Nature Integration

Indoor plants serve functional roles that contribute significantly to a healthier living environment. 

These natural air purifiers help reduce levels of certain pollutants, such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide. They also increase indoor humidity levels which can help decrease the incidence of respiratory disorders, dry skin, and static electricity. 

Choosing the right plants for your space depends on several factors including the specific conditions of your home and the level of care you can commit to.

  • Assess Light Conditions:

    • Low Light: Opt for ferns or snake plants which thrive in dimmer settings.

    • Abundant Light: Fiddle leaf figs and other sunlight-loving plants will prosper in these environments.

  • Consider Care Levels:

    • Low Maintenance: Succulents and cacti require minimal watering and care, perfect for those new to plant care or frequently away from home.

    • Higher Maintenance: Plants like orchids or gardenias need more focused attention, but reward with beautiful blooms.

Method 5: Artistic Flooring

Artistic flooring is a canvas for creativity. Whether you're renovating or just sprucing up your space, the floor offers a unique opportunity to inject personality and style into any room.

Here’s a detailed breakdown to clearly outline the types, their advantages, and disadvantages:

Flooring Type

Pros

Cons

Ceramic

Durable; withstands wear and tear, ideal for high-traffic areas. Can be designed in unique patterns and colours.

Installation can be complex and requires professional handling. Maintenance like grout cleaning is necessary.

Stone

Extremely durable and adds significant resale value to the home. Natural aesthetic that serves as a unique focal point.

Higher cost, particularly for premium stones. Requires regular sealing and is prone to chipping.

Hardwood

Timeless appeal, can be refinished multiple times. Available in various types of timber flooring, each with its unique characteristics.

Susceptible to scratches and water damage. Requires periodic refinishing. Higher upfront cost.

Laminate

Mimics the look of hardwood at a lower cost. Easy to install and maintain.

Not as durable as hardwood; can't be refinished. Poor resistance to moisture.

Vinyl

Water-resistant, durable, and very affordable. Available in various designs and patterns.

Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lower resale impact compared to harder materials.

Concrete

Incredibly durable and versatile in terms of finish and colour. Ideal for modern aesthetics.

Can be hard and cold underfoot. Requires sealing and can be expensive to modify or repair.

Refresh and Revitalise Your Space

Dare to think differently about your home decor. Experiment with these suggestions, mix and match them to suit your style, and create a space that truly feels like your own.

Try these ideas and don't forget to let us know how it goes!

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