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30 Simple Home Decor Ideas to Elevate Your Interior


30 Simple Home Decor Ideas to Elevate Your Interior

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Are you searching for home decor ideas and interior inspiration to turn your space into your ultimate dream home, or ready to revamp or update your design style?

Do your room interiors not represent your taste or a decor style that you would like them to have? If so, here are my 30 simple and actionable ideas to help you with your home decor, without the need to employ an expensive interior designer!

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1. Use Curtains to Divide a Room

bathroom-curtain-divider

Image credit: Homedit.com

Some rooms, for obvious reasons, are better kept behind closed doors, like the bathroom or downstairs toilet! However, using the simple addition of curtains to divide up open-plan rooms or a single-room layout, can be a chic and budget-friendly way to enhance your favourite living space, dining room or entrance hall.

In addition, if you live alone or with your partner, it can also be a nice way to separate your bedroom space from the rest of the house. It will also add a touch of privacy, but not completely cut out the light.

There are many different styles and materials that can be purchased to cover doorways or separate a living area, so what you choose very much depends on whether you want a soft or tactile finish or one that will let the natural light through that you require.

If you require a specific size or material for your curtains, you may benefit from going directly to a manufacturer such as Direct Fabrics, who will be able to cater for all your custom needs.

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More Room Divider Ideas

2. Paint a Mural on the Wall

grey-painted-wall-mural

Image credit: Fixr.com

Painting wall murals can turn your entire room into an art exhibition and your whole wall into art. If done well they can be a stunning way to enhance any house decor interiors and create visual interest. If, like me, you consider yourself to have a little creativity as an artist or just fancy giving it a go, this DIY room decor idea could be the perfect option for you to try in your living room.

By painting the mural yourself on a bare wall, you are not only showcasing your skills but also adding a much more personal touch to your walls. If you're not confident in your painting skills, get the help of an interior designer to assist in creating the perfect mural for your home.

Painted wall murals are without doubt limitless in design and you can choose to paint whatever your heart desires, but bear in mind that you will have to live with the creative decisions you make! Bathroom wall murals are among some of the most popular use of this medium as they are the perfect tranquil space for creating beautiful nature-inspired designs.

3. Consider Wall Panelling

consider-wall-panelling-in-bedroom

Image credit: allydoors.co.uk

Wall panelling is a wall decoration that is typically made from varying types of wood, and when used can create natural warm tones, while also adding visual interest and a modern aesthetic.

The natural materials of the wood base are often coated using different stains and colours and are used as an alternative, or complement to, paint or wallpaper. Panelling will add a touch of elegance, texture and interest to any room.

Wall panels are generally easy to install and maintain and can be used to add personality and create a variety of different looks, for example traditional, rustic or more modern styles. It is also an excellent way to add extra insulation to your room and protect the walls from getting damaged.

I have written an article dedicated to bedroom wall panel ideas that may interest you.

4. Be Extravagant with Ceiling Lights

statement-ceiling-lights

Image credit: amazon.co.uk

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In today's world of social media and showing off your interior design and decor pieces, it's all about making a statement. And what better way to do that than with a show-stopping ceiling light fixture in your living room or dining area?

Whether you're looking to add some personal style and flair to your bedroom with a pendant light, fill the void of high ceilings, or want to make a bold statement in your large living room, there's no better way to do it than with an extravagant and unique ceiling light. You don't have to break the bank to achieve this either, with quirky and modern ceiling lights available for well under £100.00.

I have written an article on popular ceiling lighting ideas that is well worth taking a look at.

5. Bring the Outdoors Indoors

indoor-plant-selection

Image credit: Expertreviews.co.uk

Not only do house plants provide us with the oxygen we breathe, but house plants can also look stylish, decorative, and help to bring a touch of nature to our otherwise overwhelmingly man-made, artificial spaces.

Certain types of house plants make more of a style statement than others, such as Bonsai trees or Cactuses. You can also bring in some fresh flowers, as nothing brightens up a room and adds a beautiful aroma, like a gorgeous bouquet of flowers or floral arrangement.

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6. Add a Colourful Sofa

orange-sofa-scandi-design

Image credit: warmnordic.com

Instead of the obvious black, brown or cream sofa in your living room, use your furniture upholstery fabrics to make a bold statement with a vibrant, block colour couch, such as bright red.

Yellow, blue and orange sofas, in particular, are a brave but effective choice, and can really brighten your room. You must choose the colour which you think compliments or contrasts best with your other furniture, such as a coffee table, curtains and table lamps, so as not to look totally out of place and draw attention for all the wrong reasons.

If you are not feeling confident in being able to pull off these particular decorating ideas in your living room, you may want to involve an interior designer for support and advice.

7. Paint Your Floorboards

aqua-painted-floorboards

Image credit: Pinterest.com

If you have hardwood floors, or any other type of wooden plank flooring in your living room, consider painting the individual planks with neutral, pastel or (if you’re feeling brave) bolder colour combinations. You can even colour-coordinate the floor with your skirting boards or room furniture for a more cohesive overall look.

To take this idea one step further why not also incorporate your radiators into your house decor interiors design theme?

If you are not a fan of standard boring white radiators, that can often stand out like a sore thumb, simply add a fresh coat of paint to match or compliment the floor colouring that you have chosen. This will help to blend them more seamlessly into the room. However, just remember that painting radiators is not as easy as just slapping on any old paint!

8. Create a Modern TV Wall

floating-tv-wall-panel

Image credit: avinstalls.co.uk

A built-in modern TV wall is a sleek and stylish way to feature your television in a living room. It is often styled with clean lines and a clutter-free, minimalistic design.

There are many benefits to having a modern TV wall in your living room. First, it can help to create a more cohesive look in your space. If you have a traditional-style living room, for example, adding a modern TV wall can give it a more contemporary edge.

Second, mounting a TV on the wall can save on valuable floor space, which is great if you have a small living room or are limited to capacity for furniture.

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Modern TV wall design ideas

9. Use Wall Decals

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Image credit : Aspect Wall Art

Adding personalised wall stickers to your home decor is a very simple way to spruce up any room within your home. It can be an extremely cost-effective way to fill a blank space compared to other home decor ideas, including painting or adding wallpaper, and is also completely mess-free!

There are endless designs to choose from and if you can't find exactly what you are looking for, most companies will custom-create you a one-off personal design.

10. Embrace Industrial Design

industrial-loft-style-bedroom

Image credit: Therugseller.co.uk

While many people shy away from industrial interior design ideas, incorporating this unique look into your home can create an edgy and cool aesthetic. This can be achieved without the room feeling cold and depressing, as long as you get the balance right and make clever use of architectural details.

Whether you wish to add a few accent pieces, like the cool wood and metal floor lamp here, or go all out with an industrial theme such as leaving pipework exposed, using wire lampshades and having steel light fixtures or items of furniture, there are plenty of ways to infuse your home with this popular style.

Exposed brick, copper fixtures, and reclaimed wood are just a few more decorative elements that can be used to achieve an authentic industrial look of interior design.

11. Create Mood Lighting

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Image credit: Meethue.com

Using coloured light bulbs in living rooms can make all the difference to the mood and ambience of an entire space. Pink in particular makes a room feel calming and romantic.

Most people simply stick to the generic light bulb and light fixtures as that is the norm. The idea of purchasing a coloured bulb probably won’t have crossed most people’s minds, yet this is a very simple way to make your rooms feel even more unique.

Why not take it one step further and invest in the latest and best smart light bulbs, which can effortlessly set the perfect atmosphere in your living room, sitting room, or bedroom depending on what your mood dictates.

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12. Create a Beauty Area

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Image credit: twitter.com

A beauty area doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It can be as simple as a small table and chair in the corner of a small room, or a vanity set up on one side of the bed. All you need is a place to put your makeup and hair products, and somewhere to sit or stand while you use them.

If you have the space, you could even add a small couch or chaise lounge for relaxing on while you get ready for your day or night out. I have compiled a list my top 12 dressing tables that you may find helpful.

13. Use Cushions for Colour

colourful-sofa-cushions

Image credit: shopee.sg

Cushions, throw pillows and other soft furnishings are a great way to add a splash of colour and different patterns to your home decor. A colourful and fun pattern can brighten up any room and add an extra layer of comfort.

They are a particularly quick and easy way to update your living room decor and are relatively inexpensive compared to other decorations, so you can experiment with different looks without breaking the bank.

Another advantage to using cushions is that they are very easy to mix and match. You can layer or group them to create a cohesive display or keep them as separate pieces. An easy way to add a new look without having to redo the whole room.

14. Paint the Walls Dark

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Image credit: Behr.com

People often debate 'How dark should I paint my walls?'. My personal opinion is that in rooms with less natural light, you should try painting the walls a darker colour.

While this might seem counterproductive, and make your entire space feel darker and more dreary, it will better match the mood and feel of the room. This will turn the overall impression that it gives from, ‘lacking in light’ to ‘moody and romantic’.

A beautiful colour to use that is particularly on-trend, and often chosen by interior designers in particular, is teal. Check out our how to paint a room article for great tips on how best to achieve this.

15. Pimp up Skirting and Architraves

painted-skirting-and-architrave

Image credit: homebuilding.co.uk

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to add some personality to your interior design and home decor, skirting boards and architraves are an often overlooked option. Here are a few simple ways to pimp them up:

1. Paint them in a bright colour. This is a great way to make a bold statement, add some vibrancy and make a feature in any room.

2. Add a pattern with stencils. An easy way to add interest to your woodwork without going overboard.

3. Decorate them with fairy lights or string lights. This will add subtle ambient lighting around the room, making the space feel super cosy.

I have written another article on the different types of skirting boards that are available, with some colour ideas and inspiration thrown in, so please be sure to take a look.

16. Decorate Your Bookshelves

bookshelf-storage

Image credit: Decoist.com

Gone are the days when old-fashioned style bookshelves were used strictly for storing books. Small houseplants, ornaments, framed photographs and other decorative pieces can help divide your books and turn your bookshelves into a statement piece. This is a particularly useful interior design trick if you don’t have quite enough books to fill your bookshelves.

There are many stylish modern bookshelves on the market to choose from, it's just a case of picking the correct style, colour and size to perfectly suit your room decor. Alternatively, you could employ a carpenter to build a one-off floor-to-ceiling shelving unit. This would not only serve a purpose but also be a piece of art in itself within your overall home decor theme.

17. Add a Statement Rug

add-a-statement-rug

Image credit: squarerooms.com

A statement rug performs an important double duty. It is not only perfect for giving visual impact to a living room but is an ideal home decor item which helps to define a space and make it feel more part of a cohesive interior design.

When shopping for statement area rugs, for me, the most important thing to keep in mind is the size of the room you're working with. Ideally, the rug should be proportional to the large or compact space that it is going into.

Once you've found the perfect size, you can then start playing with patterns and colour. If you're going for something bold, opt for a graphic print or a vivid hue. If you want something more subdued, look for something with subtle stripes, tonal colours or a monotone black-and-white design. No matter your taste, a large area rug is certain to make a statement, while making the living space feel inviting.

For help finding the perfect rug for your seating area, check out our article on living room rug ideas.

18. Soften Your Bedroom with Carpet

teal-and-grey-bedroom

Image credit: Tapi.co.uk

Wall-to-wall carpeting not only makes a bedroom space cosier by regulating room temperature, it also creates a more inviting and welcoming space. I love a soft and comfortable carpet underfoot, which is important when you're spending time in your bedroom relaxing or getting ready for bed.

The carpet also helps to insulate the room, keeping it warm in the winter and cooler in the summer. Another handy benefit is that it helps to reduce noise levels in a room, making it a more peaceful and quiet place to be.

Overall, carpets are a great choice for any bedroom floor because they are comfortable, durable, and can help to create a more peaceful environment. In contrast, wooden or laminate flooring allows dirt from the floor to easily stick to your feet, meaning you’re more likely to transfer this into your bed (unless you sweep your floor every single day).

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19. Incorporate Different Styles

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Image credit : Kikuchi

When it comes to house decor interiors using this particular idea, I wouldn’t go so far as to turn your dining room into a Japanese tea room. However, adding foreign features and objects from around the world can make your room particularly unique and original, and create a beautiful interior design aesthetic.

For example, Shoji screens and other room dividers like the ones here are a chic way of dividing up space to create different zones in any room.

20. Make Your Own Terrarium

seaside-terrarium

Image credit: Airplants.com

Terrariums bring nature inside, are great statement pieces, and happen to be incredibly fun to make. Terrariums are versatile ornaments, and they can pretty much mimic any terrain; you can even make them themed for the kids and include figurines from their favourite TV show or film.

I believe that it is often small details like this that make a room look finished, feel lived in and not just like walking into a show home.

21. Create a Reading Den or Home Office

cosy-reading-nook-space

Image credit : Pinkscharming.com

If you’re a bit of a bibliophile or work from home, a particularly useful one of our home interior ideas is to create a peaceful reading nook or practical home office space: a corner of your room which is dedicated solely to reading or working and in complete peace.

Depending on the purpose of this space, this could include comfy seating, a handy side table, cushions and a sumptuous soft rug. Simply heaven!

22. Consider Bespoke Custom Furniture

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Image credit: FHfever.com

Having some custom-made furniture in your home can help to make the house look more like you. Plus, you know your needs better than anyone. Are you someone who likes to read in their downtime? If so, for purely practical reasons, it would be a good idea to order a custom desk, with built-in bookshelves.

Do you have an unusually shaped area that you want to fit custom furniture into? No problem, just have a carpenter over to take measurements, fulfil your design brief and ultimately help your room reach its full potential.

Maybe you just want a one-off piece of new furniture making, like a console table, sideboard, or coffee table, to create the perfect focal point for the room.

23. Use Wallpaper as Art

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Image credit: Etsy

While some people believe that wallpaper is an old-fashioned concept in interior design, it doesn’t mean that it has to look old-fashioned.

Modern patterned wallpaper designs can have anything from geometric prints to a giant comic strip, and even make your bedroom walls look like a giant window, overlooking a forest. It is even possible to design your print from scratch and have it digitally printed as a repeating pattern. This makes the possibilities truly endless.

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24. Add Colour to Your Kitchen

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Image credit: Splashbackshop.co.uk

If you have a predominantly plain white kitchen, like myself, or a kitchen diner design with neutral tones, you might consider adding a pop of colour across the backsplash area. This will brighten the overall feel of the room and prevent it from feeling stylistically monotonous.

We have written another article related to kitchen wall decor ideas for adding, not only colour but personality and interest to your kitchen walls.

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25. Install Under Cabinet Lighting

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Image credit: sinhvienthienan.net

If you want to brighten the area around your kitchen surfaces and allow your kitchen to transform into a party room at night, install some under-cabinet lighting. This is a pretty cheap and simple way to spruce up your kitchen and kitchen cabinets and can be done for under £100.

Another idea is to use this lighting method around bedroom headboards and living room cabinets, to either highlight your furniture or just give the area a soft and subtle lighting effect.

26. Fill Bare Empty Wall Space

canvas-artwork-display

Image credit: Galleryoffthewall.com

Whilst it’s easy to focus on the rest of your home decor space, wall art is very important for the ambience of your room and it is crucial to add art to give the room colour, texture and personality. Displaying art on your walls can make or break a room, so be sure to consider all of the alternative cool and warm tones of colour and design elements. But most importantly, don't leave them completely bare.

Hang framed photos of family or artistic scenes, or use paintings and canvases to create a gallery wall with lots to look at. (On the other hand, know when to stop, and don’t overcrowd your walls to the point of being too cluttered)

27. Go For a Minimalist Design

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Image credit : Housemethod.com

While the recent rise of Marie Kondo has inspired many to embrace a more minimalistic way of living with her ‘spark joy’ method, minimalism applies to more than just the stuff in our cupboards or wardrobes.

Reducing the amount of furniture you have in your rooms can make spaces appear, and feel, larger and airier. Moreover, in rooms which have lots of furniture, it’s easy for the space to start to look messy, even when only a few items of litter are visible; minimalist rooms don’t suffer from this problem.

28. Create a Mini Room

clever-bedroom-space

Image credit: Decoist.com

This minimalist space can be created by putting down a large rug, and ensuring that all the furniture you want in your ‘mini room’ lies on top of that rug. Then, use something to divide the space from the rest of the room, such as a Shoji screen.

Another way to achieve this is to either utilise wasted space and turn it into a snug or build a mini room within your room! Decoist has some great ways to create a mini-room within another room ideas to give you some inspiration.

29. Switch Placement of Ornaments

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Image credit: Made2style.com

Have you ever wondered how to freshen up your room without breaking the bank? Well, with these decor ideas, you won't have to. Do you have a vase or a bowl of fake fruit that’s been on your coffee table, end table or console table forever? If so, why not switch things like your ornaments, from room to room?

If you want to be ultra-efficient, you can even put them on a rota system to keep your spaces from becoming monotonous and stale (okay maybe a step too far!) This decorating idea can also be used for a dining table display, items on shelves or side tables.

30. Hang Some Custom-framed Maps

personalised-framed-map

Image credit: Qalbi.co.uk

Finally, the last one of my home interior ideas is a truly unique and personalised way to spruce up your walls, aside from hanging photographs and paintings. In particular hanging maps, which represent places that are important to you can be a great way to add a personal touch to your walls and house decor interiors.

For example, if you live in a different city from where you grew up, you could frame and hang a map to remind you of your childhood home. You can even frame fictional maps from the stories that you love, it's all about being creative.

My Final Thoughts

Well, that's your lot! I hope you have found plenty of inspiration from my home decor ideas and feel ready to take on some of these decorating ideas for yourself. For further assistance with your home design, you may want to consider the expert advice and design tricks of a professional interior designer.

Author: Matthew Chiappini

Author Bio: Matthew studied art and design at Stamford college, including interior design and colour theory. He still has a great love for art, home decor and interior design and is a keen DIYer, having worked as a carpenter after leaving school. Matthew has been writing home and home decor articles since 2020.

Find him on: LinkedIn or Facebook