10 Simple Home Decor Hacks for a Designer Look
I'm always looking for new, budget-friendly ways to refresh and elevate my home decor, so I was excited to come across this video by Kristen McGowan, one of my favorite home decor YouTubers.
In this video, she shares some insightful interior design and styling tricks that literally anyone can easily apply around their home. I will definitely be implementing some of these in my home imminently!
Below are some highlights of her design suggestions to help you transform your living areas into picture-perfect spaces:
Table of contents
- 1. Lighting Hack: DIY Pendant Lights
- 2. Adding Privacy with Cling Window Film
- 3. Styling Coffee Tables in Sections
- 4. Grouping Small Wall Art
- 5. Elevate Your Bathroom with Wall Hooks
- 6. Balancing Furniture with and without Legs
- 7. Transform Your TV into Art
- 8. Smart Lighting with Dimmer Kits
- 9. Shop Your Own Home for Fresh Decor
- 10. Group Furniture for Conversation Spaces
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1. Lighting Hack: DIY Pendant Lights
One of the easiest ways to update your lighting without calling an electrician is by using a pendant converter kit. If you have recessed can lights in your home, you can transform them into stylish pendant lights with minimal effort.
The converter screws right into your existing light fixture like a bulb, allowing you to add a shade of your choice to create a custom look.
This simple trick can bring both decorative flair and functional lighting to any space. Kristen also mentions that this kit is affordable and available on Amazon.
Ciata Lighting Recessed Can Light Conversion Kit to Pendant
2. Adding Privacy with Cling Window Film
For those seeking more privacy in certain areas of their home, such as bathrooms or front doors, cling window film is a great option. Kristen recommends using a fluted version, which mimics the look of modern fluted glass.
The film easily clings to your windows using just water and a squeegee, making it a convenient and removable solution. It’s perfect for adding privacy while still letting light in, and it can also be used on glass cabinets for a stylish update.
Coavas Reeded Glass Window Film
3. Styling Coffee Tables in Sections
When it comes to decorating coffee tables, Kristen suggests dividing the surface into sections for a more cohesive and balanced look.
Whether your table is rectangular or square, she recommends splitting it into three or four parts and styling each with a variety of items.
By using different heights, textures, and shapes, such as trays, books, or floral arrangements, you can create an intentional and designer-inspired aesthetic.
Distressed Oval Table Tray
Black Wood Tray
4. Grouping Small Wall Art
If you have small art pieces spread out around your home, Kristen advises bringing them together to form a larger, more impactful display.
Grouping artwork vertically or creating an abstract gallery wall helps to make the room feel more expansive. Mixing and matching frames and styles can result in an eclectic yet harmonious look that enhances the overall design of your space.
SONGMICS Picture Frames, Collage Picture Frames Set of 10
5. Elevate Your Bathroom with Wall Hooks
For a quick and easy bathroom update, replace your traditional towel bars with wall hooks. This small change not only adds functionality but also creates a more stylish, designer look.
Kristen recommends spacing the hooks evenly and hanging towels about 68 inches from the floor for the best visual effect.
Towel Hooks - Pack of 4 - Matte Black
6. Balancing Furniture with and without Legs
Achieving a balanced look in your living spaces involves a mix of furniture that sits directly on the floor and pieces with legs or feet.
According to Kristen, incorporating both heavy, grounded furniture and lighter, airier pieces with legs will prevent your room from feeling too weighed down or too floating. This balance creates a more comfortable and visually appealing layout.
4 inch Metal Furniture Legs, La Vane Set of 4
7. Transform Your TV into Art
Kristen loves the innovation of Frame TVs, which double as artwork when not in use.
However, if you don’t have one, she suggests a simple trick: search for art on YouTube and display it on your regular smart TV. This gives you a similar effect, allowing your TV to blend into your room's decor and serve as a piece of art.
INSIGNIA 43-inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
8. Smart Lighting with Dimmer Kits
For those who enjoy the warm glow of lamp lighting in the evenings, Kristen recommends investing in smart dimmer kits.
These kits allow you to control your lamps via an app or remote, and even set schedules so your lamps turn on and off automatically. This adds a cozy ambiance to your home without any extra effort.
Lutron Caseta Smart Lighting Kit w/ Hub
9. Shop Your Own Home for Fresh Decor
Kristen loves the idea of “house shopping,” or moving decor from one room to another for a fresh look. By maintaining a cohesive color palette throughout your home, it becomes easy to swap items between rooms without clashing.
She suggests choosing at least five complementary colors to ensure a flexible and harmonious design across your home.
10. Group Furniture for Conversation Spaces
To make your living room or family room more inviting, Kristen recommends grouping furniture in a way that encourages conversation rather than just facing the TV.
Adding accent chairs, swivel chairs, or ottomans can create a more social atmosphere, allowing friends and family to gather comfortably.
Conclusion
I think Kristen’s design tips offer simple yet effective ways to elevate the look of your home. What did you think of these hacks and do you have any of your own to add? Let me know in the comments below.
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