Everyone wants their home to be an instant hit with guests but hitting the right balance is easier said than done. It is true what they say, the first impression is the last impression! Here are a few ways you can showcase your unique sense of style, the influences that have shaped your life, and put your best foot forward when it comes to someone’s first impression of your home and its interior design.
1. The Foyer Says It All
For obvious reasons, a home’s entrance provides the literal first impression to visitors and guests. If you have a foyer you can use the space to create a small nook with additional seating, a closet or two for coats and shoes, and a couple of tables with elaborate flower arrangements on them. If you have an apartment or are working with a smaller space that doesn’t have a foyer, you can still make your entryway appealing by making sure it is clean, has delicious aromas wafting through the air, and has an organization system in place for daily items. A welcome mat and some beautiful foliage can also up the ante and create a glorious first impression in the minds of guests.
2. The Walls Speak A Thousand Words
They say that a picture speaks a thousand words but the walls of one’s home are possibly the largest surface area to be viewed and they are usually under-utilized in terms of interior design. Use your wall space to express yourself and your passions by painting the walls with colors you love (refreshing, mood-enhancing shades of blue, green, and yellow are always a design favorite) or using designer wallpaper.
Wallpaper can also be purchased from local artists for a more unique and authentic feel. Using pieces that are sentimentally valuable to you like pet portraits can also make your walls a source of joy as you view them daily, not to mention customized pieces like that are always interesting to guests.
3. Classic White Always Inspires
White is an interior design treasure because it enlivens spaces, opens them out and makes them appear larger and more spacious, and imparts a clean vibe. Whether it is furniture like cabinets and tables, wall paint, or décor pieces, use white as your background color because it makes brighter colors like blue or pink pop. An interior design trick is to use classic white shades for most of the walls and then throw in an accent wall or two in order to give the space more depth.
Many people prefer their bedding for example to be totally white since it provides tranquility and clarity of mind. If you have guests staying over, they will definitely appreciate the use of white in the guest room and main living area. When framing wall art or enlarging photographs, a white background can make the print pop such as for a custom home painting.
4. Earthy Tones, Natural Textures & Foliage
Earthy tones such as taupe, grey, beige, brown, pale white, and so forth have been trendy for decades because they are effortlessly neutral and can be paired with the occasional brightly colored décor element for added glamor. Earthy tones and natural textures such as wicker, rattan, and unpolished wood are also rustic and promote a synergistic view such as being one with nature. With the global food market shifting toward prioritizing organic and sustainable food habits, the effect can also be seen in interior design and even event décor.
What better way to embrace natural beauty in your interior design than by incorporating some lush, green foliage as décor? You can use potted plants, bonsai trees, cacti, and succulents, or indoor climbing plants for extra oxygen and the visual appeal of green. Foliage is also a modern décor element as people with busier lifestyles enjoy the idea of having plants in their living area or at-home workspace.
5. Mirrors And Lighting Are Deciding Factors
Regardless of how much space you are working with, mirrors are an incredibly beautifying feature. You can frame them in different styles such as industrial or antique and they always provide both utility and the optical illusion that you are working with a lot more room than you really have. They can be placed parallel to windows where natural light comes streaming through and can be used by your bathroom remodelers to reflect some life into a smaller powder room. Along with mirrors use floor lamps and table lamps for a warm, homely ambiance, and opt for warmer but bright bulbs to lift your mood and that of any guests you have over.
