Decorating
Simple Ways to Bring Boring Pockets of Your Home to Life
Breathe brilliance into areas of your home that just don't work with these low-effort, high-impact ideas
We’ve all been stumped by those areas in the house that seem devoid of purpose; the awkward nooks, boring cubbies and corners that simply don’t seem quite right, appear to be missing something and that leave you baffled and not sure where to begin. Breathe some life into those dull areas with these simple tips – it will soon be an area you are proud of and one you will actually enjoy.
2. Be bold
Use artwork to add drama to a lifeless corner of the room. It becomes the focal point and draws your eye into the space, adding vibrancy and interest. Designing and styling with purpose is always a good idea and the inclusion of artwork helps refine the area.
You can also use the artwork as colour inspiration for the space – so choose a few colours and express them through cushions, furniture and accessories, just like this example using a pop of red.
TOP TIP: Go full scale with your artwork. This gives added focus and demands attention, helping to zone the space.
Use artwork to add drama to a lifeless corner of the room. It becomes the focal point and draws your eye into the space, adding vibrancy and interest. Designing and styling with purpose is always a good idea and the inclusion of artwork helps refine the area.
You can also use the artwork as colour inspiration for the space – so choose a few colours and express them through cushions, furniture and accessories, just like this example using a pop of red.
TOP TIP: Go full scale with your artwork. This gives added focus and demands attention, helping to zone the space.
3. Maximise space
If you have awkward little recesses and wasted space, try creating a study nook with a simple built-in desk and shelving. Make every square centimetre of your home work to your advantage. By styling the area thoughtfully you can create a functional space that serves multiple purposes and includes extra storage potential.
TOP TIP: Function always needs to be considered and whether you’re planning a new build, renovating or rearranging your space, always think of how you use and interact with the space first. This is a great starting point and will inspire new ideas.
If you have awkward little recesses and wasted space, try creating a study nook with a simple built-in desk and shelving. Make every square centimetre of your home work to your advantage. By styling the area thoughtfully you can create a functional space that serves multiple purposes and includes extra storage potential.
TOP TIP: Function always needs to be considered and whether you’re planning a new build, renovating or rearranging your space, always think of how you use and interact with the space first. This is a great starting point and will inspire new ideas.
4. Don’t ignore the spare room
The dreaded spare room; that room in the house that is neglected and dumped with laundry and clutter. Instead of just shutting the door on this boring eye-sore, make it inviting. If you don’t know where to start, first try creating a multi-functional space that can act as your study and a place to rest and relax or accommodate guests. A day bed with added storage or a bed that allows for storage underneath is a good idea so you can keep clutter out of sight. Opt for a slimline desk or glass-top desk to give the illusion of extra room.
TOP TIP: Within a few months of interacting with the space you will know how you are actually using it – this will help determine where to go next with the interior styling. Remember nothing has to be final – experiment and change rooms around to best work for you and your situation.
The dreaded spare room; that room in the house that is neglected and dumped with laundry and clutter. Instead of just shutting the door on this boring eye-sore, make it inviting. If you don’t know where to start, first try creating a multi-functional space that can act as your study and a place to rest and relax or accommodate guests. A day bed with added storage or a bed that allows for storage underneath is a good idea so you can keep clutter out of sight. Opt for a slimline desk or glass-top desk to give the illusion of extra room.
TOP TIP: Within a few months of interacting with the space you will know how you are actually using it – this will help determine where to go next with the interior styling. Remember nothing has to be final – experiment and change rooms around to best work for you and your situation.
5. Add some life
Indoor plants are one of my favourite things to suggest for sprucing up an area because they are versatile, budget friendly and come in a wide range of varieties. The simplest tip is to go for height and fullness – either select a mature plant or a cheaper option is to use a smaller plant but prop it up on a bar stool, side table, plant stand or upcycled wine crate.
TOP TIP: Succulents and mother-in-law tongues do well indoors and withstand difficult conditions, such as lack of sun and water. Obviously common sense prevails; try not to neglect them as they will be a rewarding feature in your boring pocket and one that you can move around the house!
Indoor plants are one of my favourite things to suggest for sprucing up an area because they are versatile, budget friendly and come in a wide range of varieties. The simplest tip is to go for height and fullness – either select a mature plant or a cheaper option is to use a smaller plant but prop it up on a bar stool, side table, plant stand or upcycled wine crate.
TOP TIP: Succulents and mother-in-law tongues do well indoors and withstand difficult conditions, such as lack of sun and water. Obviously common sense prevails; try not to neglect them as they will be a rewarding feature in your boring pocket and one that you can move around the house!
6. Create a breakfast nook
By being clever with your use of space in a small area such as a kitchen, you can still achieve big things. If you have the floor area but an awkward space in your kitchen, why not consider creating a breakfast nook? Custom joinery and banquette seating can create a purposeful and functional area where table and chairs would otherwise get lost in the setting.
TOP TIP: Try adding wallpaper or painting the breakfast nook area a contrasting colour to emphasise the space; it’s likely to create a fun and refreshing feature.
By being clever with your use of space in a small area such as a kitchen, you can still achieve big things. If you have the floor area but an awkward space in your kitchen, why not consider creating a breakfast nook? Custom joinery and banquette seating can create a purposeful and functional area where table and chairs would otherwise get lost in the setting.
TOP TIP: Try adding wallpaper or painting the breakfast nook area a contrasting colour to emphasise the space; it’s likely to create a fun and refreshing feature.
7. Make that white wall function
Lack of storage is a common concern for most of us, so consider transforming that plain white wall into a functional feature. You can either opt for built-in joinery or freestanding shelving, depending upon your space limitations and budget. Instead of having ‘just another plain white wall’ you can have your very own library or shelves to display your treasured and collected possessions.
BONUS TRICK: Incorporate tips 1, 2, 3 and 5 to personalise the area and add drama. Include space for a study nook within the joinery, style the area with furniture and a vignette and turn that once lifeless wall into a multi-functional zone.
YOUR SAY
Are you having a hard time fixing a troublesome spot at your house? Share an image and your dilemma in the comments section and let your fellow Houzzers solve it for you!
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Lack of storage is a common concern for most of us, so consider transforming that plain white wall into a functional feature. You can either opt for built-in joinery or freestanding shelving, depending upon your space limitations and budget. Instead of having ‘just another plain white wall’ you can have your very own library or shelves to display your treasured and collected possessions.
BONUS TRICK: Incorporate tips 1, 2, 3 and 5 to personalise the area and add drama. Include space for a study nook within the joinery, style the area with furniture and a vignette and turn that once lifeless wall into a multi-functional zone.
YOUR SAY
Are you having a hard time fixing a troublesome spot at your house? Share an image and your dilemma in the comments section and let your fellow Houzzers solve it for you!
MORE
17 Inventive Ways to Decorate an Empty Corner
8 Popular Decorating Styles and How to Bring Them Home
Bring Light and Breathing Space Into Small Interiors
5 Fashion Trends That Translate Into Decor
A great way of making a space less boring is to have it serve a purpose. This is a really simple tip to try in your home just by rearranging a few key pieces of furniture. Take an armchair, a lamp and a rug and footstool and arrange these in that corner that is becoming an eye-sore. Try sitting in the chair and taking the space in, rearrange the furniture accordingly and concentrate on designing a space you would actually use.
STYLIST TIP: Try different combinations – instead of a footstool, use a side table or a magazine rack or perhaps a large indoor plant. Create a mini-vignette and have fun styling it up with a throw cushion and rug.