Do you flip longingly through interior design magazines and wish your home could look as beautiful and put together as those photos? Don’t fret. Adding elegance to your home is not as hard as it looks. The devil is in the details, and it’s often the little things that make the difference between class and crass. Read on to discover four small ways to give your home an elegant touch.
Add Accent Pillows
Pillows aren’t just for your bed. The right accent pillows can add both comfort and style to your couches and chairs, but don’t just pick up any old throw pillows from the discount store. Choose pillows carefully to complement your decor, and don’t be afraid to splurge on just two or three high-quality pillows instead of stocking up on cheaper ones. Go for large and fluffy overstuffed pillows over small or flat ones.
Upgrade Window Treatments
Those bargain basement window treatments might be ruining your home’s interior design. Windows are one of your home’s most prominent features, so splurge on dressing them to make your interior look like a million bucks. Trade your old granny curtains for a set of shutters or beautiful wooden blinds. If you must use curtains and valances, keep them minimal with solid colors and sheers.
Install Unique Hardware Finishes
You probably don’t give much thought to knobs and drawer pulls, but you should. These small pieces of hardware can take your cabinets from flat to fabulous with only a few dollars and a few hours of your time. To find truly unique pieces, consider looking at flea markets, antique stores and yard sales. Online retailers like eBay and Amazon are also great sources, but you’ll pay a little more for the convenience.
Accessorize Wisely
Nothing detracts from elegant decor like too many mismatched knickknacks or, even worse, no accessories at all. Choose figurines, candlesticks, bookends and other accessories wisely. Only display a few quality pieces and make sure they complement the rest of your design. If you have a lot of pieces, consider rotating them out to change up your look for different seasons while minimizing clutter.
Remember, an elegant, well-designed home is also one that suits your personality and needs. Never sacrifice your individual style to match what you see in magazines. The best interior designs are often the most personal ones, so be sure to add items like photos and souvenirs to put your own stamp on your home’s decor.