I want to make it clear that I’m not an expert on interior design but I’ve always been fascinated by home decor. Ever since I was in school, I’d try to make small changes in my parent’s home that would make it look and feel better. Sometimes, I’d add a big vase to the center table, other times, I’d save up my allowance to buy a striking decor piece. Over time, little things added up and our living room was transformed. My parents even got the sofas reupholstered to give it a brand new feel. Sensing I was trying to make things look nicer, they also changed what they could. 

But home decor for me has always been an evolving process. It’s not something you do once and settle into. You have to constantly keep changing things, even if it’s something as simple as just moving things around to shake things up a bit. Many of my friends claim to be bored of their decor but say they don’t have the time or energy to make major upgrades. What they don’t realize is that a small change such as moving your couches in a different arrangement or changing some cushion covers can give your home a much-needed facelift.

Keep tweaking things

At home, even after our living and dining areas got the makeover I thought they needed, I’d always keep tweaking things. I’d add or move pictures or paintings, switch up the cushions, buy a throw for the sofa, or replace the trinkets on the dining table and do many other random things to ensure the space always had a fresh appeal. My parents didn’t always approve because just as they would get used to a certain thing, it would have been replaced. They disliked the bulky napkin holder I got for the dining table, but it got them so many compliments that they are still using it 10 years later, which is also something I believe you should do while decorating your space—find something that you love which works for a space and let it become the focal point of the area.

Decor affects you more than you think 

Many think home decor is for those who don’t have other pressing matters to attend to. I have a relative who always claims to be too busy to pay attention to her house. She’s good as long as it’s clean and functional. Aesthetics, she says, is the last thing on her mind. Chipping wall paint, dangling cords and wires, and a cluttered dining table makes her space unwelcoming. I want to tell her that a basic organization might help spruce things up but I hold back because who am I to judge her lifestyle choices? I just think she would benefit from a cleaner space. Studies have shown that a tidy, beautiful home makes you calmer and happier. A nice home has many psychological and physical benefits. From making you less anxious and increased productivity to better sleep and fewer allergies, a well kept home has many upsides. 

I always seem to think and feel better when my home is tidy and visually appealing. I tend to clean and decorate when I’m feeling down and it instantly makes me feel better. It’s something my mother does too.

Cost effective decorating

Unlike what most people tend to believe, redecorating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Initially, it might cost you an arm and a leg but once you have the basics in place, then it’s only a matter of switching out a few pieces every once in a while or adding or removing an item or two depending on your budget and requirements. You shouldn’t aim for a complete makeover. Instead, focus on little things to enhance your space. If you have an open plan area, wallpaper a certain section or create an accent wall to jazz it up. Use large mirrors, either mounted on walls or on stands, at the entryway to create an illusion of space. Use large plants in your living room to bring nature indoors and infuse life in an otherwise concrete setting. There are so many ideas that you can implement that don’t cost much but will go a long way in making your space seem vibrant and stylish. 

I love how a fresh coat of paint can make an old space seem new. You don’t even have to color the walls if that seems too ambitious. You can paint your furniture or ceramic decor pieces. It adds a nice pop of color with minimal money and effort. I also enjoy changing table runners and coffee table decor items. I have a stash of them that I keep rotating according to my mood. It costs nothing and takes but a few minutes but it makes my space come alive once again.

How to own your space

However, the one thing you need to keep in mind while decorating your space is to ensure it’s true to your personality and makes you feel comfortable. Oftentimes, I see people blindly copying trends and styles they see in other homes so much so that their homes become a replica of someone else’s. There has been an instance when my husband’s colleague has copied our style and everything in their home—from their curtains to furniture pieces—looks like ours. I remember this person looking around our home with keen interest, and now it makes sense why. 

While I should be flattered, I’m appalled by people’s lack of ideas. A home isn’t just a space you inhabit. It’s an extension of your personality. The things you bring into it should make you happy and joyful. If you copy someone else’s style, it will never feel like home.

And truth be told, there is no need to copy trends or styles. Reading decor magazines and blogs, watching content on design, and even listening to decor podcasts can arm you with lots of ideas on how to personalize your space. You also need to pay attention to your own likes and comforts. What colors make you happy? Do you like ambient lighting? Or is accent lighting more your thing? How do you feel about open plan spaces? Or do you prefer enclosed cozy rooms? Deciding what you like is the basis of designing a comfortable home that you will love and enjoy.