Home decorating is one of life’s simplest pleasures. The opportunity to create a space that’s so uniquely ours should spark joy, but having a vision and executing it well isn’t always as black-and-white as it may seem. But don’t fret, with a little bit of help from us, you’ll be ready to be your own interior decorator and transform your home into a stylish and personal haven.

Home decorating 101

Before you’re ready to don the painting overalls, you’ll need to understand the basics of home decorating. We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to get you going on your home decoration journey.

1. Measure, measure, measure

Knowing what you are working with is the first step in decorating any home. Measure both the size of your rooms and any furniture you may already have to create a floorplan and paper cut-outs. Taking the extra time now will help you experiment with furniture placement without having to ask your significant other to try the bed against every wall.

2. Look for inspiration

From Pinterest to interior design magazines to furniture stores, there are thousands of resources available that may help you to narrow down your ideas. Find a few images that you like and compile them into a vision board, and then carefully note any consistencies across them. 

3. Make some considerations

When living with others, compromise is essential, and there’s no exception when it comes to decorating. Whether you’ve got a limited budget or strict landlords to factor in, knowing what you can’t do right off the bat will avoid any disappointments down the track. If you’ve got a baby on the way, consider how some decor accents may be a hazard when that baby grows into a curious toddler. 

4. Work from big to small

When it comes to picking out decor, you’ll want to start with interior renovations first. Large furniture comes next, chosen to compliment the wall and floor colours. Once you’ve got your essentials in place, you’ll be in a better position to find decor items such as lamps that match what you’ve already got.

20 chic home decor ideas by room

When you’ve got a big task ahead of you, it’s best to break it up into smaller, more digestible tasks. That’s why we’ve broken down our home decor ideas into the many spaces that make up your home. From your home office to your bathroom, we’ve got you covered with decoration inspiration for any style.

Living room decor ideas

1. Decorate the coffee table

If all that’s sitting on your coffee table is a remote and old mug, it’s time for that to change. Books, small indoor plants, decor bowls and paperweights all look great piled up, and won’t restrict the view of your favourite TV show.

2. Introduce pops of colour

Grey couches may be all the rage, but without a textured sage green cushion or terracotta throw, they run the risk of looking a bit sterile. Use the neutral baseboard to have some fun with colour, textures and patterns in your living room.

3. Bring the room to life

Since you’ll be spending a good portion of your time in your living room, you’ll want it to feel uniquely you. What better way to add some personal style to your room than with greenery, vases, floor lamps and sculptures that you’ll enjoy looking at every day.

Bedroom decor ideas

4. Mix and match bedroom textiles

Your bed linen should first and foremost be soft and comfortable, but on the other hand, there’s no harm in having some fun with it. Match a patterned duvet cover with neutral pillowcases and a textured blanket.

5. Make the room relaxing

Your place of rest should feel restful. Opt for mood lighting with some bedside table lamps, and choose soft-coloured linens to create a peaceful atmosphere.

6. Add an interesting headboard

While you should probably avoid neon colours and overstated wallpaper in your bedroom, feel free to really express your style through your headboard. 

Bathroom decor ideas

7. Introduce indoor plants

Many varieties of indoor plants, such as ivy’s, ferns and peace lilies, thrive in humid environments and look great against white bathroom walls.  

8. Add matte or brass accents

Swap out old bathroom accents such as taps or cabinet knobs with modern and chic brass or matte black hardware. It’s an easy way to modernise an old bathroom.

9. Consider closed storage

If you’re introducing extra storage into your bathroom, make sure your cabinet or drawers have doors. Face, body and hair care products and tools can easily look cluttered when left in the open.

Kitchen decor ideas

10. Embrace quirks

No two kitchens are the same, but no matter what you’re dealing with, lean into the quirks of your space. If you’ve got an unfortunately-coloured countertop, choose kitchen accessories that will complement it, rather than trying to detract attention away (it never works).

11. Choose neutral storage

Whether it’s a pot rack or rolling kitchen island, you’ll need to make considerations for not only space, but also style. Neutral colours will make your space appear more tidy and chic.

12. Upgrade old cabinets

The simplest way to upgrade your kitchen is by giving the cabinets a paint of coat and some new hardware. Matte hardware looks really clean and comes in a range of colours to suit any style.

Home office decor ideas

13. Think practically

Functionality is paramount in a home office. Think about how big of a desk you’ll need, the type of chair and how much storage you’ll require.

14. Warm up the room

Your home office needs to be functional, but given you’ll be spending most of your day in there, it should also feel warm and homely. Picture frames, a bookshelf and even an armchair to unwind in are great additions to this space.

15. Avoid facing walls

Contrary to what most of us are inclined to do, if you have the option, try to avoid facing your desk against a wall. Instead, face your desk toward a window or in the middle of the room to create visual interest.

Hallway decor ideas

16. Double the functionality

If you’re considering adding a console table to your hallway, consider it another opportunity for storage. Choose a model with built-in drawers to store your odds and ends in.

17. Keep it light

By nature, hallways are dark, so when furnishing them, you’ll want to avoid heavy, dark colours. A hall table in a light colour, or even a large mirror, will help to open up the space.

18. Create a gallery

Your hallway is the perfect place for prints, paintings and other wall art. It will encourage you and your guests to slow down and appreciate an area of the house that is often rushed through.

Home entrance decor ideas

19. Make a statement

Make a lasting impression on your friends and family with a portrait of your family, relatives or even your pet pooch directly in the entryway. If portraits aren’t your style, a wall sculpture would also look stylish.

20. Get practical

From shoe cabinets to hooks to benches, there are a number of things that can make your life easier when entering and leaving your home. Mirror your living room decor style for consistency.

Remember to enjoy it

Decorating or redecorating your home shouldn’t be stressful. When deciding on furniture, decor accents and lighting, keep in mind that you’re creating a space that feels comfortable and good for you, not anyone else. We hope that our guide can help you feel inspired and confident in your choices every step of the way on your home decor journey.