What’s there not to love about an elegant home? It’s sleek, comfortable and looks great even if you didn’t spend a bomb on decorating. But more importantly, it isn’t as hard to achieve as most people put it to be.
Just check out these 7 easy design tips (that we got from actual Singapore homes) and you’ll see why.
1. Use a cool grey palette
View this project by IN-EXPAT
It’s not as bright as white, neither is it as dark as black, but grey certainly is a cooler hue than the two – which is also why it’s the neutral of choice for homes that are all about creating a calm atmosphere.
It doesn’t hurt that grey works well with bright and dull colours too: pair it with dark wood tones for an edgy, mysterious look, or simply use it as a backdrop for brighter colours to create contrast.
2. Mix things up with different layers
View this project by ARK-hitecture
Much like coordinating a personal outfit, designing a home is all about bringing in different decorative elements and making them work.
Otherwise known as layering, this technique plays around with interior elements – namely colour, patterns, materials, textures and size – to create vibrant, but visually cohesive spaces. Use layering to your advantage as it adds depth and character, which are two key elements of any praiseworthy home.
3. Don’t leave your walls blank
View this project by Escapade Studios
Unless you are taking the ultra-minimalist route or wish to make your home appear less cluttered, leaving your walls blank might not be a decorating choice that you’ll want to make.
Not only are empty walls full of potential like an empty canvas, they are also the best spots to dress up with paintings, coverings (e.g. tile and wallpaper), and just about any piece of hanging décor for that bit of extra flair.
4. Let in plenty of natural light
View this project by The Two Big Guys
There’s not much to say here, except that nothing says ‘inviting’ quite like a light-filled home. So open up those windows!
5. Have (at least one) standout feature
View this project by DSOD Interior
One thing that stylish homes share in common is the ability to create interest, or put differently, a wow factor that draws the attention of anyone who visits. There are many ways to accomplish this – you can either create a unique feature wall, lay out an eye-catching rug, or even put up a photo collage to pull the eye towards a particular part of your home.
6. Keep the surroundings clean
View this project by KDOT
They say that cleanliness is next to godliness, and it’s not hard to see why. Keeping things tidy is the key to achieving a minimalist home that looks great, and it’s also one of the reasons why you should consider investing in some stylish and efficient cabinetry. Aside from keeping any mess out of sight, they are also great for ensuring your belongings stay well-organised.
7. Be consistent
View this project by Third Avenue Studio
Last but not least, consistency matters. No, we aren’t saying that you can’t bring in different decorative elements into your home.
Rather, there should be a common thread (e.g. matching colour tones, furniture style) tying them together to create an ‘overall’ theme. Otherwise, you will end up with a messy-looking home that is more matchy-matchy than sophisticated.
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