5 Home Decor Inspiration From the Pros

Many homeowners are embracing maximalist style, a perked-up traditional look that combines vintage pieces with lots of upbeat pattern and wall coverings. It’s a way to create a custom design that looks intentional rather than thrown together. Pros say it’s also important to highlight preexisting architectural details like crown molding, hardwood floors and built-in bookcases.

1. Minimalism

When people think of minimalism, they often envision stark white walls and empty spaces. But minimalism is much more than that, and it can be a style that’s very appealing in home decor.

Minimalism can help reduce clutter and create a clean, organized environment. It can also be a great way to save money and be environmentally friendly. Many minimalists choose to donate items they no longer use or buy secondhand to minimize waste and support local economies. In addition, minimalists typically spend less time shopping, which means they can be more mindful of the items they do purchase and how they’re sourced.

If you’re looking to simplify your space, start with clearing off surfaces. Don’t let flyers pile up on your kitchen counter or kids’ toys occupy the living room floor. Instead, organize them into categories: needs, storage, donation, and sell. This process can also be a good opportunity to get rid of items that no longer serve you, like those you never wear or read.

Once you’ve removed cluttered items from your space, you can showcase a few carefully chosen pieces of furniture and accents. Keep in mind that minimalism can be done in a variety of ways, so it’s important to find the version that works best for you and your family.

If you’re unsure of how to incorporate minimalist design into your space, start with neutral paint colors. White, blush, beige, and tan hues are great choices for creating clean, simple designs. You can also add texture to your neutral palette with woven rugs and wood accents. If you’re still looking for ways to add color, consider adding some greenery. Display a plant on a coffee table or hang a potted fern in your bedroom for easy decor.

2. Maximalism

The antithesis to minimalism, maximalism is ideal for people who love a layered aesthetic and like to express their unique personality through the things they surround themselves with. Rather than the bare bones, unadorned look of minimalism, maximalism is all about filling every nook and cranny with colorful decor and personal touches. A perfect example of this would be a bee themed nursery.

Maximalism can be difficult to pull off, so it’s best to start small. Choose a color palette and use that as the foundation for your space, then add in furniture, fabrics, wall art, and other accessories that work with your chosen color scheme. You’ll want to mix colors and patterns, too, so don’t be afraid to go bold and play with contrasting hues.

Texture is also a key aspect of maximalism, so think about adding in a few textured accessories and accent pieces. Throw pillows in varying textures and pattern sizes, plush rugs, and even a textured wallpaper are all great choices. Also don’t be afraid to bring out the knick-knacks and souvenirs you keep hidden away in your home — displaying them on a shelf or mantle is a great way to channel your maximalist style.

As a bonus, maximalism is a great design option for smaller spaces because it can actually make rooms feel bigger, according to Megan Zietz, interior designer and blogger at The Everygirl. If you are working with a smaller footprint, consider pairing your maximalism with mid-century modern furniture for balance and a grounded look. And don’t forget to decorate the outside of your home, too — as shown in this Instagram post from @thehomedepot, you can use a variety of outdoor accessories to elevate your patio.

3. Texture

Texture is a crucial tool for interior designers because it prevents spaces from feeling flat and one-dimensional. It’s also a great way to bring a sense of depth and style to any room, even in the most minimalistic of design styles. A few textured pieces of decor (think nubby wool accent pillows, chunky knit throws or macrame wall hangings) can add a subtle pop of personality to any space.

Textural elements can be found in all sorts of different materials and finishes—even paint has texture! For example, a glossy finish will have a very different feel than a matte finish. And textures can range from smooth to rough to everything in between.

The key is to mix a variety of textures in your home decor—think rough with smooth, soft with hard and everything in between. When done well, the end result is a symphony of contrast and visual interest that will make your home feel more finished and sophisticated.

Another important aspect of incorporating texture into your home decor is to be mindful of how visual weight affects the overall look. For instance, a large red sofa will have more visual weight than a small neutral-colored sofa in the same room.

In addition to a variety of textures, mixing up your color palette and using one-of-a-kind decor items is an easy way to add some visual weight to any room. For example, a pair of framed botanical prints could be used as an alternative to traditional artwork in your living room, or you can create a textured gallery wall with woven baskets, vintage signs or old chippy mirrors.

4. Texture + Pattern

When it comes to home decor, there are some key elements that you should never neglect. Texture and pattern are two of them, helping you create a warm and welcoming space. While you may be concentrating on what style of decor you want to incorporate (either preppy and traditional or coastal and casual), what colors you’d like to use, and the furniture pieces you need to buy, don’t forget about texture.

Using textures throughout a room is a great way to add balance and depth, says Houston designer Meg Lonergan. “If you have a hard-edged room, like a granite kitchen counter and island or metal bar stools, soften it with some plush chairs or a layered rug,” she says. “Or if you have a contemporary or modern room with concrete floors and slick surfaces, balance it with wood furniture, hand-woven textile wall hangings, or metallic accents.”

Incorporating patterns into your home can be as easy as adding a few accent pillows to a lounge chair or a small throw in the corner of a bedroom, notes Houston interior design firm Inspired Spaces. Patterns, such as stripes or polka dots, can be used in various sizes and even colors to create a visually stimulating space. A solid-color wallpaper with a subtle print can also serve as a good alternative to an overly-busy patterned fabric, and works especially well in smaller rooms where the pattern will feel less overwhelming.

Patterns can also be found in items such as ceramic tiles, cedar shingles, a brick wall, mosaic tile, and strip wood flooring—all of which become textures when reduced to a scale where they’re visible to the eye. Keep in mind that light affects texture as it reflects or absorbs it, so make sure your room gets plenty of natural light and don’t overdo the glossy, reflective textures, which can be a bit too stark.

5. Texture + Texture + Pattern

Many people overlook texture when creating a home decor, but it is a crucial design element that elevates and brings a room together. Texture creates a sense of visual interest and is especially important when used with other design elements such as color, pattern, scale and proportion.

One of the easiest ways to add texture to your home is through fabrics such as rugs, throw pillows, blankets and bedding. Experiment with mixing and matching different textiles like linen, cotton, silk, chenille and wool depending on your desired aesthetic. This is a great way to incorporate texture into your home without overwhelming a space.

Another easy way to add texture is through the use of wallpaper. Choose a subtle textured wallpaper to elevate your bedroom or living room without being too overbearing. You can also use a creative textured paint to give your walls a unique finish. Another way to incorporate texture is by using unique accent pieces. For example, a macrame wall hanging, woven trays or old chippy signs can add texture and bring personality to your space. Another great source of texture is through natural materials and plants. A creative tile flower mosaic, a hanging green plant or even a simple cactus can add texture and a touch of nature to your home.

Incorporating texture into your home can seem like a daunting task but once you know the basics and understand how to layer textures and patterns, you can achieve any look that you desire. Just remember to keep it simple and have fun experimenting!