Whether you’re trying to sell a house or just purchased a new one, setting up your decor is an important part of that process. Since interior design can be a bit mind-boggling, we’d like to offer some tips and tricks to make your home’s interior shine. These will range from smaller things to larger, from simpler to more complex. Pick the ones that best suite your needs!

Tips and Tricks to Make your Home’s Interior Shine

Pick Your Color Palette

First things first, pick a color palette. Choose complementary and contrasting colors. If you want to use a few shades of the same color, use the 50/150 rule – mix one batch of paint at 50 percent lighter than the base and one batch at 150 percent darker. This will create coordinating shades that don’t clash!

Hang Curtains Correctly

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to hang curtains incorrectly. Hang them high and wide to give the illusion of larger windows, especially if you have lower ceilings. Opt for ones that touch the floor – even if it means buying the larger size and hemming them. Instead of outdated, heavy, tapestry-style drapes, consider using a sheer panel with a heavier light-blocking one if needed. Otherwise, fabrics like linen, cotton and silk hang well without blocking too much light.

Use Mirrors to Create More Space

Mirrors give the illusion of more space, as well as working to reflect light and brighten up a room. Use varying sizes, hang large ones as a centerpiece instead of artwork or mount two full-length ones next to closet doors to give them a shot of pizzaz.

Hang Artwork At the Right Height

Incorrectly-hung artwork is another huge interior design mistake that homeowners make. Remember to keep your artwork scaled to your room – don’t use a massive piece in a low-ceiling, darker room. Plus, bear in mind the height you hang them at. Galleries and museums hang their artwork so that the center of it is 57 to 60 inches from the floor, which is the average eye-level for adults. Use this to help you pick where to hang your pieces.

Pick the Right Size Rug

This is partly up to your personal preference. Some people like an oversized rug, while others want one that is smaller. For the best effect, learn how to situate your living room furniture on the rug. The rule of thumb is that it should all fit, but at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs should. Use a rug to set apart a space in the room – especially helpful for homes with an open floor plan.

Use Textures

Textures are all the rage right now – and a great way to add depth and personality to your home without more colors. Use faux fur, woven textiles, chunky knit blankets and more to add layers to the feel of your home’s design. Incorporate velvet, a woven straw rug or linen towel! There are even options to texture your paint.

Don’t Be Afraid to Go Bold

Are you the kind of person who loves a statement piece? Let that shine through in your design! Give each room a focal point – typically a piece of artwork or furniture. This can be a pop of color, a fantastic print or anything else you like! However, if you want it to keep its status as an eye-catcher, make sure not to clutter the room with other distracting features.

Less is More

Overall, a good motto for home decor is that less is more. Don’t risk cluttering or overdoing it. When in doubt, opt for fewer, nicer items – especially on shelving or on the walls – over a lot of lesser things.

Make Use of Flowers & Plants

Bring in some freshness to your home. Houseplants, bouquets of flowers, succulents and other green things are great not only for the air quality of your home but also for the general mood. Here is a list of low-maintenance houseplants to check out!

Opt for Neutrals

Neutrals are very popular right now, and with good reason. They’re timeless, mix-and-match well and give the home a clean, calm feeling. Avoid bright white (except as an accent, perhaps) and go with a warmer cream, off-white, gray or beige. Natural textiles and textures, coupled with a fresh plant or two leave your home feeling happy and bright.

We hope you enjoyed these tips! Have any others that you have implemented in your own home? Share them with us, we’d love to hear them.

If you are in the Indianapolis area and curious about the possibility of selling your house to a cash buyer, contact Ben Buys Indy Houses today. We buy houses and other real estate in Indianapolis in as-is condition – for cash!