It’s only normal that we get tired of our homes after a while. We spend so much time at home that looking at the same home décor over and over again is bound to have us need a change sooner than later. So, if you’re looking for new home décor solutions this season, look no further than the following eight smart ideas.
1. Use eco-friendly materials
For starters, there is nothing smarter than using sustainable materials when designing and decorating your home. So, if you’re starting from scratch, opt for some eco-friendly flooring solutions such as cork, bamboo, and recycled hardwood. Apart from being good for the environment, these options will also go easy on your wallet, which is always a big plus when building or renovating. On the other hand, if you’re looking for smaller updates, you’re not without options either.
For example, if you’re getting new rugs for your living room or bedroom, you want to go with some natural materials like wool, jute, and sisal. Then, you can replace your kitchen and bathroom towels with organic cotton ones. Lastly, another smart move you can make is to shop at antique stores and garage sales, as there are plenty of used goods that can be given a new life.
2. Opt for wall-mounted furniture pieces
If you’re working with a small space, decorating it can often be a challenge as you don’t want it to look too busy and overwhelming. Big windows, bright colours, and many mirrors can only go so far in creating an illusion of a bigger space. With that in mind, something else you can do to actually maximize your space is get floating pieces.
For example, a wall-mounted nightstand will keep the floor clear of obstacles and make your bedroom seem larger. Moreover, you will have some extra storage space underneath. Apply the same approach on lighting – instead of floor lamps, install wall lights and sconces. You can also use this to make a small bathroom appear bigger; get a wall-mounted toilet and vanity.
3. Get multipurpose items
Yet another hack that works for small spaces is purchasing multipurpose items. There are so many pieces of furniture that you can turn to if you need to improve the functionality of your home. For example, the simplest addition is an ottoman that will not only serve as a seating option but as a surface and storage as well.
Then, if you need a desk but don’t have plenty of space, you can get one of those folding ones. They act as a shelf when not in use and when you need to get some work done, you simply pull them down to have a fully functional desk. There are also coffee tables that can be transformed into desks.
4. Incorporate durable fabrics
Seeing as how smart home décor is all about functionality, you also want to look for durable pieces that you will not have to replace after a few months. So whether you’re looking for new furniture items or simply new slipcovers, you want to consider durable fabrics like cotton, leather, and microfiber. Cotton can withstand wear and tear and will not fade.
While it can stain, you can also apply a stain-resistant finish to have it last longer. Leather is a bit pricier so maybe consider it for some focal pieces. In case you have pets, you can also include microfiber as they can’t scratch it as easily as some other fabrics thanks to its tightly woven fibres.
5. Install smart lighting
In addition to opting for wall-mounted light fixtures instead of floor or table ones, there are some other considerations to keep in mind when it comes to lighting. For instance, you want to replace the incandescent bulbs you might have with smart alternatives. Besides saving some money on bills by using LED bulbs, you can also save money by installing motion-activated sensors that will ensure no lights are on in an empty room.
Moreover, you can also invest in voice-activated lights and timers. Something else to think about is light dimmers as they can help you set the right mood, whether it’s for studying, a romantic dinner, or watching a movie.
6. Look for motorized blinds
Although natural light has many health benefits such as improved mood, sometimes you simply want to sleep in or turn in a bit earlier than usual. This is where blackout blinds come in really handy as they don’t let sunlight or the annoying light from streetlamps disturb your sleep.
However, as we are talking about smart solutions here, you can take it up a notch and invest in motorized roller blinds that you can control with a touch of a button. Moreover, as these come in various fabrics and designs, you will not have any issues incorporating them into your home’s overall style.
7. Add a bidet to your bathroom
Even though many people are still baffled by bidets, they will certainly start taking off all around the world. The toilet paper shortage of 2020 scared everyone and investing in a bidet will certainly take this worry off our minds.
There are standalone bidets that you can add to your bathroom but if you’re working with limited space, getting a bidet seat might be more affordable and functional. By having a bidet, you will not only save money but will also improve your personal hygiene and be more environmentally friendly.
8. Start an edible garden
Finally, you probably have a few plants around your home already. However, have you considered starting an edible garden? While plants like monstera, snake plant, and fiddle-leaf figs look stunning, having a source of food right at home is a much smarter approach. Everything from arugula, kale, and lettuce to herbs like basil, dill, mint, and oregano can be grown indoors if you can provide them with the right conditions. You can still use cute pots and planters to display them, which will boost your décor even further.
When looking to change your home décor this season, you want to be smart about it. So, consider everything from relying on voice-automated lights and motorized blinds to adding a bidet and starting an indoor garden.
