Decorating? Every Room Needs These 9 Things

Feature Image: This beautiful design is by Timothy Godbold (@timothy_godbold) The photo is by R. Brad Knipstein (@rbradleyphoto)

Great Lighting

Lighting can make or break the design in a space. Not only is it necessary for the room to function well, but it impacts the way a room looks and ultimately, the way we feel in it. Every room needs at least two layers of lighting: overhead lighting and ambient lighting (like table lamps, floor lamps and sconces.) Many high-function rooms like the kitchen, office or bathroom also benefit from a third layer, task lighting, which is brighter and more concentrated than the other layers.

In most situations, ambient lighting is the layer we should rely on most. It is easier on the eyes (literally and figuratively) and it’s the most comforting. Make sure you have enough ambient light sources for an even distribution around the room.

Area Rug

Area rugs are one of the quickest ways to transform the way a room feels and functions. Aside from the obvious comfort factor, rugs also help absorb noise and are especially important in areas with lots of hard flooring. Of course, they help visually too! Rooms with lots of neutral furnishings can benefit from a darker rug which will help add depth to the space and keep things from feeling “floaty.” Darker furnishings, on the other hand, can benefit from lighter colored rugs to keep things from feeling too heavy.

Mirrors

Mirrors aren’t just for seeing our own reflections. As a decor tool, mirrors are great for maximizing light and giving the illusion of depth to a room. They are great for narrow hallways, cozy dining rooms and empty corners where there would otherwise be dead space.

Fragrance

Decor isn’t all about the visual. Fragrance has the ability to impact the way we feel and we make strong associations between scent and our physical space. Choose something that fits your personality as well as your design aesthetic, whether it’s warm, breezy, energizing etc. I tend to change mine with the seasons but right now I’m really loving this breezy one in a diffuser and sprinkled on my dried florals.

Texture

It doesn’t matter how much color you add to a space, it can still fall flat without the right variety of texture. Creamy linens, chunky knits, weathered woods – a variety of textures that contrast nicely with one another creates tons of visual interest and can make a space come to life.

Art

This one might be obvious, but art adds tons of visual interest, personality and even a little sophistication to a space. And lucky for us, beautiful art is more affordable than ever. Choose something that speaks to you and purchase it in the most substantial size you can afford. You only need one or two good pieces to complete a room.

Something “You”

Don’t forget to add in a special memento, a family photo or something else that is uniquely you. Not all of us have the budget for bespoke decor, so make sure your life and personality shine through in small accents throughout the space.

Something Quirky

I love a room that has a conversation starter! A crazy piece of art, a thrifted end table, a fancy tic-tac-toe board on the coffee table – these are all things that get guests talking and create connection to and in a space.

Empty Space

Whether you’re a minimalist, maximalist or somewhere in between, every room benefits from a bit of breathing room. We often feel that we need to fill every blank wall and every empty corner but that can throw off the balance of a space and be visually overwhelming. If a space truly feels empty, try rearranging your furniture or adding architectural details (like beefed up moulding) first. These are great ways to amp up visual interest without adding more “stuff” to the room.

Let’s be neighbors! Follow me on Instagram @goldcoastcanvas for more home decor conversations.