Highlight your personality: It’s tempting to get caught up in trends but revolving your home around what’s ‘in’ at any given moment is bound to bring disappointment and make your home feel impersonal. Your space should be a representation of you. Whether you accomplish that through quirky art, a shelf full of your favourite books, or a display of vinyl records, a table full of photos, embrace what you love. Don’t be afraid to mix different styles or break the rules of traditional design if it means creating something that you like.

Incorporate statement pieces: Give yourself a challenge of incorporating a special statement piece into each room of your home. This may be a bold piece of art, a colourful piece of furniture, a punchy wall colour or mural—the possibilities are truly endless! This fun focal point will reflect your tastes while serving as a helpful conversation starter.

Use natural elements to add vibrancy: Bringing the outside in is a great way to enliven any space. You can easily do this with fresh flowers, potted plants, natural materials, or even something as simple as opening up the curtains and letting some sunshine in. Nature has a calming effect that helps you feel grounded. This tip will help create a space that feels lively but is still perfect for relaxing and unwinding within.

You can also pay homage to Mother Nature and create a feeling of tranquility through colour. Look no further than the world outside to give you inspiration for your walls. Blue shades are reminiscent of clear skies or deep ocean waters, green shades bring to mind long walks in the forest and rolling Irish hills, and neutral shades match sandy beaches, natural rocks, and soft earth.

Prioritise functionality throughout your space: Your home should reflect your style while serving your lifestyle. It must also be practical for how you live. When designing a space, think about how it’s going to be used. If you love to cook or bake, your kitchen should be a central focus. If you're an avid reader, your living room might benefit from a cosy nook. If you work from home, consider creating an inspiring and productive office space that is conducive to your tasks. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that your furniture and accessories are arranged in a way that complements how you move through the room. Make sure your décor supports how you live, not just how it looks.

Remember that decorating your home is a marathon, not a sprint: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your home won’t be finished for a nice long time (if it ever truly is ‘done’). It’s important not to rush things—this will lead to impulse purchases of things you may not actually need or like. Take your time with your decorating, and try to understand that your house will constantly be evolving and changing—and that’s part of the beauty of things!

Ready to get started on your next painting project? Your local Crown Paints Stockist has everything you need to make it truly special.