Home envy
[Noun]
A lust and desire towards the interior or decor of someone’s home.
We’ve all experienced it.
We’ve all spent hours scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram, staring with adoration at clean, cosy, comfortable living spaces which make you think “I wish my house looked like that.”
Whilst some of these renovations take years of planning and bottomless budgets, there are plenty of affordable alternatives which can be just as effective.
You won’t need any help from the Fixer Upper’s or Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen to make these changes either, as one of the UK’s largest housebuilders, Barratt Developments, is sharing its five top tips on how to transform your living space into an Insta-worthy home.
Play with textures
Minimalistic colour schemes have been reigning supreme for a while.
Bold wallpapers and coloured paints have stepped aside to make way for a simple, stripped back approach of white washed walls and neutral furnishings, which can be modified season to season with accessories in a range of textures.
Much like colour, textures such as leather, suede, velvet, metal and faux fur can impact the warmth or coolness of a room and can subconsciously ignite your senses – something you’re bound to have experienced when eyeing up an image of a Chesterfield sofa draped in a faux fur throw.
Cushions, throws, rugs and even light fixtures in a variety of textures can bring a room to life, so don’t be daunted to mix them up!
Hang it up
With minimalistic colour schemes comes an opportunity to dress your walls.
Wall art can be the finishing touch that brings all of the components of a room together. We all appreciate art differently, so it’s important to take the time to browse the variety of vintage posters, citiscapes, typography and illustrations before choosing the right ones for you.
If wall art isn’t your thing, neon signs, tapestries, mirrors and wall shelving can really draw the eye in and break up a blank wall.
Get leafy
We’re all familiar with the benefits of bringing the outdoors in. Studies have shown that indoor plants have the ability to boost your mood, productivity, concentration and creativity, helping to create a more positive and breathable living space.
There are plenty of ways to bring some wildlife into your property, whether it be in the form of herb gardens, succulents, pampas grass or spider plants.
If the kitchen is the heart of your home, or if you just love to entertain, herb gardens can be the perfect addition. Herb gardens have a lot of curb appeal from enhancing your meals and helping you find a passion for cooking, to aiding your health, educating children on the benefits of ‘growing your own’ and even helping you to save a bit of money in the process.
If a miniature garden seems a bit too high maintenance, consider making succulents your plant of choice. As well as adding a pop of colour to your home, the independence of succulents means that they will forgive you if your schedule leaves them to fend for themselves.
If making a statement is more to your liking, pampas grass is making a big impression across Insta feeds. The feathery stemmed plant is already a popular choice in venues to make celebrations even more glamorous. This delicate addition can enhance the theme of any room whether it be coastal, hygge, rustic or industrial.
Keep it simple
The Danish, cosy trend of Hygge may have made its first appearance a few years ago, but it’s simplistic approach to decor has left a lasting effect.
One element introduced by the trend that continues to stand the test of time is exposed lightbulbs. A key staple in industrial decor, exposed lighting can create an edgy but warm space suitable for every room, from the snug to the bathroom. Used individually or in clusters, exposed lighting can work incredibly well with rough textures to create a standout, unfinished look.
Finishing touches
Finally, the small accessories of a room are what truly bring it together.
Home fragrances like candles and diffusers, coffee table books, clocks, sculptures and ornaments can help reflect the mood and further enhance the centrepieces and focal points of your home.
The key to each of these tips is to get creative and not be afraid to take it too far. We each have our own interior style, and our home is our home. Therefore, by taking each of these tips into account, you will be able to create a space that you are comfortable living in, making you breathe a sigh of relief as soon as you walk through the door.