Get that classic RI look
Trends come and go, but you don’t want to be redecorating every time they do. Decorate in a sophisticated way that lasts longer and works better.
- Use the inherent character of your home to decorate! It adds authenticity to your designs. If you renovate, do so to bring out the unique flair of your home.
- Follow the rule of threes: Pair your decorations in threes to make them aesthetically appealing.
- Make rooms look bigger with white furniture, mirrors, and rugs.
- Stay under budget by focusing on whichever pieces of furniture are essential to a room—for example, a bed for the bedroom.
- Keep your curtains patternless so that they are always in fashion.
- Go colorful in your rooms! But don’t go crazy—a good way to keep yourself in check is to limit yourself to three main colors.
- Always choose comfortable furniture!
- Make centerpieces with fresh fruit or flowers; plants will always be great decorations that never go out of style.
- Always shop for a rug in person—you can’t feel fluff online!
- Design your child’s room for them; use chairs that make reading or working fun and keep their play area tidy with hidden toy storage.
- Keep bedroom fabrics simple—let people add the texture.
- Use outdoor fabrics indoors to protect your furniture from stains, especially if you have kids or pets.
- Combine design styles to figure out your favorites for your home.
- Let your home evolve with you as you add collected items from bargain finds and travels.
- Edit your rooms! Keep them polished.
Love the little things
Sometimes a small idea can spark big inspiration.
- Use a nice tray to organize clutter on a bathroom counter or coffee table.
- Frame last year’s calendar for wall art.
- Practice painting walls before you do it!
- To decorate bookshelves, use an interesting wallpaper or paint as a backdrop, then garnish the shelves with knickknacks.
- Use a little marble to accent and look expensive.
- Paint your ceiling a light color that draws the eye but isn’t too loud.
- Use a patterned feature wallpaper for only one wall.
- If you have the time and energy, go to multiple stores to buy your furniture.
Play it old-school
Vintage finds can become some of the most interesting pieces in your collection. A few tips will put you on the path to success:
- Re-purpose items in your home—there’s nothing your guests will love more than an ingenious invention.
- When vintage shopping, do some research to find out how similar items are priced to be sure you get a deal.
- Look for unique pieces. Estate sale furniture can surprise you.
- Use reclaimed wood taken from old barns or other structures and reformulated for modern homes. It looks nicer than regular wood and gives you a story to tell!
- Make bookshelves out of farm crates.
- Install a mirror in a vintage frame.
Mix and match these tips and tricks to find out what enhances your personal style. You can never go wrong if you take your home’s character and make it look authentically yours!