Decorating

Interior design trends to step up your style game

September 7, 2016

Design for social connection. Given the pace of today's technology driven life, more and more people are turning to their home as a haven, a place where they can unplug from screens and reconnect with family and friends. "An easy way to accomplish this is to design your home to encourage personal interaction," recommends interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn . "Group comfortable furniture in 'conversation zones' and banish TVs to smaller rooms, freeing up larger living spaces for screen-free

entertaining and relaxing."

Get outside. As lines are continually blurring between indoor and outdoor Living Room , it's just as important to consider your outdoor oasis as it is your standard living room. Adding an outdoor project like a wood deck or pergola can add resale value to your home. There are many options to accessorize your outdoor space with furniture, lighting and rugs. Build a comfortable spot that bridges the gap between inside and out, and you're certain to spend more time outside creating memorable experiences.

Foliage plants are no longer just accessories for your small space garden. You can create an entire display simply out of rich, colorful foliage plants. Fountain grass, papyrus, vinca and grassy rush are all great additions for adding vibrancy to your container garden. Mix and match with various textures to find a unique display that speaks to you.

Go natural. Many residential designers today are embracing a classic, modern style that is characterized by white, neutral tones and light wood in its natural state. This look is DIY-friendly, since the only skills required involve a light sanding and a quick coat of clear sealant. "What I like most about this trend is how tranquil unstained wood can feel when used in an all-white space," says Flynn. There's a reason for that tranquility — studies show people have reduced signs of stress and increased relaxation in rooms with natural elements like wood..

Less is more. If you own a home with strong architectural features, it often works best to decorate with practical pieces that keep the overall space comfortable and sparse, allowing the unique aspects of your home to shine through. If you have soaring ceilings or large windows that allow for an abundance of natural light, try incorporating low-slung, minimalistic furniture with comfortable upholstery. The best part? If you're purchasing fewer pieces, that means you're likely to save more money in the long run.

Don't play it safe. It can be tempting to stick with what you know, but when it comes to interior design, that's a recipe for lackluster beige walls. When it comes to paint, try new neutrals like grey-green, brown-grey, olive or muted blue-grey. Feel like a bigger project? It's easy to give a room its focal point with a wood feature wall. "I like playing with lines through wall and ceiling cladding," Flynn says. "While the look of horizontal shiplap continues to grow in popularity, I also like more of an unexpected look, such as installing planks vertically on walls.".

From adding an accent wall to rearranging furniture, these are just some of the easy changes you can make to give your home a whole new look.

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