Home Décor Ideas: Selecting Wall Décor And Room Decorations For Your Home.
- centsriikb
- Jul 22, 2023
- 12 min read
Table of Content...Click to go to section of interest
Introduction
Calling all creative souls, décor enthusiasts, and hands-on home magicians! Are you a celestial being with a paintbrush in one hand, a vintage photo frame in the other, and a vision of a space that's uniquely 'you'? If so, this guide is your golden ticket to transforming your universe that tells the story of your grandeur, imaginative spirit and sheer sense of style.
Well for sure even celestial beings needs to live somewhere and that wall will not decorate itself through a magic wand. Choosing the right wall décor can seem as daunting as finding the perfect outfit in a mall full of potential options that reveals self expression. But with a little guidance, it can become an exciting adventure, full of creativity and personal expression. Imagine your home as a blank canvas, and wall décor as the palette of colors at your fingertips. With each brush stroke, you're not just filling a space on a wall; you're creating an environment, setting a mood, and making your room an extension of yourself.
Whether you're a seasoned DIY expert or just dipping your toes into the world of home décor, this guide will help you navigate the diverse landscape of wall décor. It covers everything from understanding the role of each room in your home to the exciting range of wall décor options available, with a special focus on DIY possibilities that let your creativity shine.
Understanding Two Key Ideas of DIY Décor - Concept and Scale
Your home is your sanctuary, your personal gallery, your design statement to the world. Don't shy away from making bold choices, trying new ideas, or rolling up your sleeves to create your own masterpieces. Because nothing beats the sense of pride and joy that comes from stepping back and seeing your vision come to life. So, are you ready to pick up that paintbrush and make your mark, celestial one? Let's dive in!
When I am venturing into yet another DIY décor project I focus on two ideas which I have evolved over the years. The two key ideas are "concept" and "scale". Concept reveals your style, passion, self expression, color preferences and any attributes you wish to reveal. Scale captures the intended function, and features of the physical space - the size, shape, natural lighting, etc. Decorating any room is really about how you combine these two ideas. Décor types are expressions of "concept" which when combined within a space gives rise to a mood; expresses style, passion and recurring feelings. In the sections below we illustrate how various décor types are adaptable and suitable within various spaces i.e. rooms. In other words how various décor types is adapted to various scales.
Understanding the Role of Each Room
Living Room
Living Room
The living room is the heart of your home - it's where you entertain guests, host parties, and spend quality time with family. Therefore, the décor should create a warm, inviting atmosphere that caters to comfort as well as aesthetics. Wall décor plays a significant role in setting the mood.
1. Gallery Walls: A gallery wall offers a great way to showcase your personality and tastes. It can include family photos, art pieces, mirrors, or even wall sculptures. Think about using a mix of sizes, shapes, and textures for a dynamic effect.
2. Large-Scale Art: An oversized painting or wall hanging can serve as a dramatic focal point in a living room. It draws the eye and can set the color palette for the entire room.
See gallery below for a variety of styles and approaches for Large Scale Art and Gallery Walls.
3. Mirrors: Large mirrors can help to make the room feel larger and brighter, reflecting light and adding a touch of elegance to your rooms. The size of mirror is also a key factor. In general, small mirrors function better in large spaces and larger/bigger mirrors for smaller spaces. This does not always hold but it is a useful tip if you are stuck!
Bedrooms
These spaces are personal sanctuaries. The wall décor should create a soothing atmosphere that aids in relaxation. You might opt for serene landscapes, abstract art in calming colors, or personal photos. For children's rooms, consider bright, playful wall decals.
Bedrooms are places for relaxation and rejuvenation. The décor should invigorate tranquil and calm. Here are a few décor ideas that might work.
1. Soothing Artwork: Art pieces with serene landscapes or abstracts in calming colors can create a peaceful environment. Choose art that resonates with you and contributes to a restful ambience.
2. Photographs: Personal photos or a small gallery wall of memories can add a touch of intimacy to the bedroom, making the space feel truly yours.
Children's Bedrooms
For children's rooms, consider playful wall decals, colorful murals, or posters of their favorite characters to make the space vibrant and fun.
Kitchen and Dining Areas
These areas are often bustling, so your wall décor should complement this lively energy. For kitchens, consider practical and decorative items like vintage kitchenware, chalkboards for notes, or framed recipes. In dining areas, a large piece of artwork or a mirror can create a focal point. These areas are the heart of the home, where meals are prepared, and families gather.
1. Kitchen: Consider incorporating practical yet stylish elements like a chalkboard for meal planning or grocery lists, a hanging rack for pots and pans, or framed vintage kitchenware or recipes for a rustic touch.
2. Dining Room: A large piece of artwork or an oversized mirror can serve as an impressive focal point. Mirrors also help reflect light around the room, making it feel more spacious and inviting.
Bathrooms
Even though they're often smaller spaces, bathrooms can benefit from thoughtful wall décor. Consider artwork that complements the color scheme, or use mirrors to help the space feel larger. Plants can also thrive in bathrooms thanks to the humidity.
1. Artwork and Mirrors: Framed artwork that complements the bathroom's color scheme or theme can add a touch of personality. Mirrors, apart from being functional, can also make the space feel larger.
2. Plants: Many plants thrive in the humid environment of a bathroom. Consider hanging or potted plants to add a touch of freshness and color.
Home Office
The décor in this space should encourage productivity and creativity. Consider a pinboard for important notes, a calendar, or inspiring prints. Gallery walls can work well here too, featuring a mix of personal photos, inspiring quotes, and artwork. The home office should be a space that fosters productivity and creativity.
1. Pinboards or Whiteboards: These can be practical additions for jotting down notes, to-do lists, or planning projects.
2. Artwork and Quotes: Incorporate inspiring prints, quotes, or artwork that stimulates creativity and motivation. A gallery wall could include a mix of these elements, along with personal photos or keepsakes.
3. Shelving: Wall-mounted shelves can be a stylish way to store and display books, awards, or decorative items, making the space feel organized and conducive to focused work.
Types of Wall Décor - Adapting Concept to Scale
Gallery Walls
These arrangements work well in almost any room. They can showcase your family photos in the living room, inspirational artwork in the home office, or a combination of both. A gallery wall is a versatile option that can be customized to suit any room and style. It's an arrangement of various elements such as framed art, photographs, prints, or even decorative objects. Here are a few ideas that can help adapt gallery walls to each of the following spaces.
1. Living Room: Showcase your cherished family photos, an assortment of your favorite art pieces, or a mix of both. The gallery wall can serve as a conversation starter and gives a personal touch to the space.
2. Home Office: A gallery wall in the home office can include inspiring artwork, favorite quotes, or awards and achievements. This does not only personalizes your workspace but can also help boost your mood and productivity.
3. Other Spaces: Gallery walls aren't limited to these rooms. They can add character to a long hallway, a staircase, or even a bedroom. The key is to curate pieces that reflect your personal taste and the room's function, i.e. concept and scale.
Large-Scale Art
Works best in spacious rooms where it won't overwhelm the space, such as the living room or dining area. Choose a piece that complements the room's color scheme and style or you can choose to select the piece and then add paint colors to complement its presence with the room.
1. Living Room: A large painting or wall sculpture can act as a focal point, drawing the eye and setting the tone for the room.
2. Dining Area: In dining rooms, a large piece can create an impressive backdrop for meals.
3. Color Scheme: The artwork should complement the room's color scheme and style. Conversely, if you have a particularly striking piece, you can build your room’s color scheme around it, selecting paint and accessories that highlight and complement the artwork.
Wallpapers
These can dramatically transform any room. Bold patterns may work best in smaller spaces like bathrooms, while subtle patterns can add interest to larger rooms without overwhelming the senses. Wallpapers can dramatically transform any room, adding color, pattern, and texture.
1. Bold Patterns: Bold, dramatic wallpaper patterns can add a significant impact in smaller spaces like powder rooms, foyers, or accent walls, creating an intimate, striking look.
2. Subtle Patterns: Subtle, light-colored patterns can add interest and depth to larger rooms like the living room or bedroom, without overwhelming the senses.
Visit our recent post to learn everything you need to know about how to install wallpaper, how to remove wallpaper, and how to select wall paper for textured walls.
Mirrors
Mirrors are ideal for rooms where scale is a limiting factor. They are not only functional but also can make a room seem larger and brighter and are excellent for hallways, bathrooms, and other small living spaces such as small living rooms. Ideal for:
1. Space Expansion: Ideal for small rooms or narrow hallways where you want to create the illusion of more space.
2. Light Reflection: If a room is dark and could benefit from extra light, a well-placed mirror can reflect natural and artificial light to brighten the area.
Wall-Mounted Shelves
Perfect for rooms where you need extra storage, like the living rooms, home office, bathrooms, or kitchen. They can also work well in living rooms to display décor items. Wall-mounted shelves offer a practical and decorative solution for storage and display.
1. Home Office: They can hold books, stationery, and decorative items, helping keep your workspace organized.
2. Kitchen: Shelves in the kitchen can house cookbooks, dishes, or a collection of vintage kitchenware, adding a personal touch.
3. Bathrooms and Living Room: In living rooms, shelves can display décor items, family photos, or a small indoor garden of potted plants.
Home Décor - DIY Wall Décor Ideas
Painted Murals
If you're artistically inclined, painting a mural can be a rewarding project. Consider the room's function - a playful scene for a child's room, a serene landscape for a bedroom, or a vibrant abstract for the living room.
1. Child's Room: Consider a playful scene like a fairytale landscape, a solar system, or their favorite cartoon characters. These designs can stimulate their imagination and make the room feel fun and personal.
2. Bedroom: A serene landscape, a dreamy sky, or a tranquil abstract pattern would work well in a bedroom, promoting relaxation and rest.
3. Living Room: A vibrant abstract mural or an oversized floral pattern can add a touch of modern elegance or a dramatic focal point in the living room.
Remember, if a whole-wall mural feels overwhelming, you can start with a smaller accent mural.
Planning Your Gallery Walls
This is a fun project that allows for personal expression. Collect a mix of framed photos, artwork, or other items you love. Plan the layout on the floor before hanging them. Gallery walls allow for personal expression and creativity. This project involves arranging a collection of your favorite items on the wall.
1. Collection: Gather a mix of framed photos, artwork, prints, and even small decorative items or mementos you love. They don't all have to match perfectly – an eclectic mix can add charm and personality to your space.
2. Layout: Before hammering any nails, plan the layout on the floor. Start with the largest piece and build around it. Ensure to keep spacing consistent for a cohesive look.
3. Hanging: Once you're satisfied with the layout, take a photo to use as a reference. Use proper wall anchors and hangers for the weight of each item. It's beneficial to have a level handy to make sure each piece is straight.
Crafty Décor
If you enjoy crafts, you can create your own wall hangings. Macrame or woven hangings can add a touch of bohemian flair, or try your hand at creating your own artwork. It adds a personal and unique touch to your home.
1. Macrame or Woven Hangings: These can add a touch of bohemian flair to any room. There are many online tutorials to guide you through the process. Choose yarn or cord in colors that complement your room.
2. DIY Artwork: Try your hand at painting or sketching your own artwork. This could be abstract designs, a painted quote, or even a collage from magazine cut-outs. Remember, the goal is to create something that you love and that complements your space.
3. Decorative Plates or Baskets: A collection of decorative plates or woven baskets can make a striking wall arrangement. Mix and match colors, patterns, and sizes for an eye-catching display.
Remember, DIY projects should be fun and a reflection of your style. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Navigating Wall Décor Options
Local vs. Online Shopping
Local shopping allows you to see and feel items, and support local businesses. Online shopping offers a wider variety and can be more convenient. Each of these shopping methods has its own set of advantages.
1. Local Shopping: Visiting local stores and art fairs allows you to physically see and touch the items, which can provide a better understanding of their quality and aesthetics. You can see the exact colors and textures, which can sometimes vary on screens. Local shopping also gives you the opportunity to support local artists and businesses, which can be a rewarding experience. You also have the advantage of bringing the piece home immediately without waiting for shipping.
2. Online Shopping: This provides you with an almost unlimited variety of items, many of which may not be available in your local area. It's also extremely convenient, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home at any time. Additionally, many online platforms provide customer reviews which can give you a better understanding of the product from people who have previously purchased it. However, remember to consider the reliability of the online store and always check their return policy before making a purchase.
Budgeting
Your budget will significantly influence your choices. However, remember that you don't have to purchase everything at once. It's better to slowly collect pieces that you truly love. Keep in mind that decorating your walls doesn't have to be an expensive undertaking. Many affordable options can still make a big impact, such as prints, DIY artwork, or thrifted items.
However, it's important to remember that you don't have to purchase everything at once. It's better to slowly collect pieces that you truly love and that will stand the test of time, rather than rushing to fill every empty wall. If a piece is more expensive but you know you will love it for years to come, it may be worth the investment otherwise experiment with other décor elements as described above.
Working with an Interior Designer
If the process of choosing wall décor feels overwhelming or if you're struggling to bring your vision to life, consider hiring a professional interior designer. An interior designer has the training and experience to help you pinpoint your style, choose items that fit within your budget, and create a cohesive design that ties your whole room (or home) together.
They will be able to recommend pieces that you might not have considered and they'll know how to arrange them in a way that is both attractive and functional. Working with a designer can also save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes. That said I would encourage you to seek to find expressions of yourself within your space as this can yield a feeling of deep satisfaction and set the mood every time you venture through a room you have conquered!
The important thing to remember when choosing wall décor is that your home is a reflection of you. Choose what you love, and your home will make you happy.
Plan Your DIY Décor Project
A simple approach is to define concepts and scales you would like to focus on for each room you intend to redecorate. Then based on the information provided in this blog post decide which décor element most aligns with that vision. You may find various options but don't be too hasty to discard. First visualize each item within the space and see what it does for your mood, senses, feelings - does it fill you with energy?! Then it's a keeper. Otherwise toss it!
Conclusion
Remember, your home should be a reflection of your personal style and the things that bring you joy. Don't feel pressured to adhere strictly to current trends or to fill your walls with items that don't resonate with you. Whether it's a piece of fine art, a collection of family photos, or a poster of your favorite band, if you choose what you love, your home will be a place that brings you happiness and comfort.
Choosing the right wall décor is a vital part of making your house feel like home. It's not merely about filling up the space on your walls; it's an expression of your personal taste, a reflection of your lifestyle, and a tool to enhance the atmosphere in each room.
Understanding the intended purpose and features of each room in your house will guide your choice of décor. Living rooms often require inviting and broad-appeal pieces, bedrooms benefit from calming and personal items, while functional spaces like kitchens or home offices can mix practicality with aesthetic appeal.
Remember that the variety of wall décor types offers multiple options to suit different spaces. Gallery walls offer a flexible and customizable approach, large-scale art can become a focal point of a room, while mirrors and wallpapers can significantly transform the space's perception and grandeur.
For those who enjoy hands-on creativity, DIY projects can add a personal and unique touch to your décor. Painted murals, DIY gallery walls, or homemade craft pieces are just a few possibilities to explore.
Finally, navigating the wide range of wall décor options, whether in local shops or online, doesn't have to feel daunting. With thoughtful budgeting and consideration of your personal style and the specific needs of each room, you can curate a collection of wall décor that feels uniquely 'you.' And, if the process feels overwhelming, professional interior designers can offer invaluable guidance to help align your vision with reality.
In the end, wall décor, whether a priceless piece of art or a cherished family photo, is about more than aesthetics. It's about creating a space that you're happy to call home.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and remember — there's no 'right' choice when it comes to creating a home that feels right for you.
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