Whether you’ve just moved into a new home or are thinking about selling a property soon, you may have already started thinking about different ways to liven up the living space. However depending on the size of the property, it can be intimidating to know where to start.

The good thing is you don’t always need to do a massive overhaul of a living space to start seeing a big difference. There are several practical interior design tips you can follow to start completely transforming your home.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

You may not even realize it, but the older appliances in your home could be contributing significantly to higher-than-necessary monthly energy bills. By upgrading your home with Energy Star models, you’ll not only lower your bills but also do your part to reduce your carbon footprint.

Another benefit of upgrading to newer appliances is that they often come with a variety of new features. For example, new fridges are much more efficient at cooling, helping to keep your food fresher longer. New dishwashers are also significantly more efficient in their water usage, helping you save even more on your monthly utility bills.

Refresh Your Kitchen

Unlike other areas of your home, your kitchen typically gets a lot of use and traffic. Because of this, you should consider different ways to enhance both its form and function. 

The first place to look is at the lighting in your kitchen. Utilizing skylights and windows can enhance the space's appeal and reduce your reliance on artificial lighting. You can also consider renovating the kitchen with new countertops, cabinetry, or appliances. All of these changes can help you maximize the functionality of your kitchen and can be an appealing feature for potential buyers.

Invest in New Flooring

Having worn-out floors can reduce the value of other interior design elements you incorporate into different spaces. Depending on the age of your home, you may want to consider replacing the flooring with more modern options. This could include hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl plank (LVP).

While new flooring can help improve the look and feel of different rooms throughout your home, it can also help reduce maintenance on your home, especially when replacing older carpeting or linoleum flooring that is prone to water damage.

Build More Storage Space

One of the most challenging aspects of home life is dealing with excess clutter. Unfortunately, not all homes have sufficient storage space. This is where your interior design choices can really shine, both for yourself and if you ever decide to sell your property in the future.

Everybody loves more storage, especially when you can find unique places for it that blend well with your current layout. The good news is you don’t necessarily need to make expensive renovations to add additional storage. You could repurpose an outdated utility closet, install pull-out drawers below your bed frame, or invest in new furniture pieces that have built-in storage solutions.

All of these minor changes can add up significantly, providing you with more storage options to help prevent clutter from accumulating. 

Choose the Right Colors

Color choices can make all the difference when applying new interior design concepts. The great thing is that adding a fresh coat of paint throughout your home can make a significant impact while still being budget-friendly.

But before you pick up your paint roller, it’s important to think carefully about your color choices. The color combinations you use can mean the difference between creating a bright and cheerful room or something that contrasts too harshly with the rest of your home. 

As a general rule of thumb, softer neutral colors are the way to go if you plan on trying to list and sell the property in the near future. These colors tend to appeal to a broader audience, making it easier for potential buyers to envision their furniture or other design elements in the home.

However, if you want to make the space your own, you can try incorporating various shades of the same colors to help certain rooms pop. Painting all walls one color and using a separate color as an accent can be a great way to add more character and personality to different rooms throughout the home.

Create a More Functional Laundry Room

Because they are designed to be highly functional, laundry rooms often don’t receive a lot of attention from an interior design perspective. However, these rooms offer a great opportunity to add some extra flair to your home and help improve its resale value.

Having a tidy and well-organized laundry room can make a great impression on potential homebuyers, especially those with families. Even though you might be limited to a smaller layout with few options for renovation, you can still incorporate some practical changes to maximize the space's potential.

For example, you could install some simple wall cabinets for storing clean clothes or laundry supplies. You might also be able to hang additional shelves, install door-hanging ironing boards, or upgrade your appliances to more energy- and water-efficient options.

Blend Multiple Design Styles Together

The great thing about modern design styles is that you don’t need to stick with only one specific concept or look. You can also blend different styles to create a custom home decor aesthetic that highlights your own unique personality.

When blending multiple interior design styles together, the key to success is balance. Try to use neutral tones for your walls or primary furniture pieces, and then incorporate brighter, more eye-catching accents, such as cushions, lamps, or other smaller features. Your primary goal is to bring everything together without any specific style overpowering the other.

Get More From Your Design Spaces

It doesn’t matter whether you’re creating a space just for yourself or looking to increase the value of your home for resale—by following the tips mentioned, you can elevate your living space to something highly functional and worth talking about.

Author: Rebecca Denis
Bio: Rebecca Denis, Head of Design at Revive Real Estate, is an accomplished and highly creative interior designer with over ten years of experience in the industry. With a passion for transforming spaces and a keen eye for detail, she has successfully completed numerous projects ranging from commercial spaces to custom show homes.