Tip 1 | Define and Declutter

We all have a little clutter – and most of us have more than a little. It's a natural part of life. And as our needs evolve, so do the items in our homes. But what do we do when we have too much clutter?

Define Your Space

One of the primary causes of clutter is definition – or lack thereof. Do you have a spare bedroom that has slowly transformed into the home equivalent of a junk drawer? Or a linen closet that doubles as a second or third wardrobe? If so, you may need to redefine your space and set clear boundaries. Don't get us wrong; there's nothing wrong with multifunctional spaces. But there's a massive difference between a thoughtful design and a cluttered mess. Take a step back and set clear intentions for your space. This should help you identify the pieces that add value to your home.

Create a System of Organization

Once you've clearly defined your space, it's time to get down to the nitty-gritty of it all and craft a system of organization. Slowly parse through each room, and decide what can stay and what can go. For smaller items, like clothes and knick-knacks, we recommend a box system – where you take two or three boxes and label them accordingly. For larger pieces, try implementing a sticky note system.

No matter how you choose to organize your home, one thing remains true: the act of decluttering can completely transform how you think and feel about your space.

Tip 2 | Freshen up with a Fresh Coat of Paint

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways of transforming a space is through paint. A fresh layer of paint can breathe new life into a room and drastically alter the shape and feel of a place. It can enhance and highlight existing architectural features or create new ones through its illusory power. A fresh layer of paint can do wonders to help you on your quest to reinvent your home.

Demarcate the sections of your home in need of a touch-up, and note the types of moods, feelings, and themes you'd like to elicit. Let those feelings and themes inspire you and guide you toward the perfect color scheme.

If you need help choosing the best color(s), try pulling inspiration from existing fixtures that are likely to stay the same, such as your furniture, floors, and window treatments. Working off the existing colors in your home will help to create a cohesive look brimming with purpose and intention.

For more color inspiration, check out our article on the 2023 colors of the year.

Tip 3 | Change Your Layout

Another simple and inexpensive way of transforming your home is through its layout. Furniture placement plays an enormous role in the function and feel of a home – and can influence everything from movement to motivation. So a poor layout can easily corrupt and transform a great space into a poor one. But what does a good layout look like?

The best layouts make the most of your space and intuitively work for you and your lifestyle. If you enjoy entertaining and frequently find yourself amongst a sea of guests, arrange your furniture to match your lifestyle. Rearrange your sofa and chairs so that they face each other. That way, you can naturally lean into conversation and navigate through social situations. However, if your home acts as more of a sanctuary from the outside world - and functions as a space for entertaining yourself, then you should arrange it so that your sources for entertainment are the focal point. In essence, the most successful layouts utilize your surroundings and are organized for how you'd like to live your life.

Ensure that all furniture is appropriately sized and that all walkways are clear. Doing so should leave you with a reenergized space that works for you.

Tip 4 | Play with Layering

Layering lies at the heart of most designs. Everything, from the colors you choose to the furniture you pick, could be considered a layer. However, for most people, the layering process ends there. Elevate your home and bring nuance and dimension to your space by playing with your floor and window coverings.

Floor Coverings

One of the most critical design elements of any home is the flooring. Whether you're more partial to wood, carpet, or tile, flooring can drastically alter the look and feel of a room. But our floors can only do so much. Rugs can help bring depth and structure to a space that couldn't be achieved with standard flooring. Define your space and craft finishing looks with the help of floor coverings. Choose an area of your home that needs structure and accent it with an appropriately sized rug or mat. For added depth, try layering your floor coverings. Highlight key features in a room, like your coffee table, by centering a wool mat over a large rug.

Notice how your eyes are instinctively drawn to this dining room setup? That, in part, is due to the use of floor coverings. Rugs can center a space and define the different living quarters of a space – especially in homes that utilize open floor plans.

Window Coverings

Another forgotten element in many homes is the window treatments. Many of us still live with the same box store blinds that have been there since day one. But that doesn't mean that we have to stay chained to them. Quality window treatments can do wonders for the shape and feel of your space and can influence everything from the perceived height of your windows to the amount of light that filters through your house.

Note the difference a hand-crafted window covering can make. These Manh Truc® shades instantly add pops of color and texture to a room, while decadent drapes bring depth and range.

Need help visualizing the perfect window treatment? Try MyVisualizer – Lafayette's very own tool for testing out window treatments. There, you can explore various looks, from insulating cellular shades to sleek roller shades. Discover the perfect colors, patterns, and textures for your home. 

Tip 5 | Mix Things up with Mixed Metal

Some things just don't mix - Oil and water, vinegar and baking soda, orange juice and toothpaste. But what about the metal finishes in our homes? In the world of interior design, it’s long been touted that you should never mix the metal accents in your home – but is this really the case?

The official answer? No. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to mixing metals. In fact, it's often better when the finishes in your home don't match. Mixing metal is an excellent way of achieving dimension while giving your space a lived-in look. When done right – playing with the finishes in your home can add depth and a level of sophistication that otherwise couldn't be achieved with a monochromatic look.

Choose a Defining Metal

Choose one metal as your primary finish. This metal will serve as the focal point of your look – and should act as an anchor for all accompanying fixtures. Aim for your primary metal to make up 70% of your look, while your secondary and third metals should make up the other 30%. When picking your accent pieces, be mindful of the undertones each finish gives off – and use that as a guide for determining which metals go together. But most importantly, have fun. Between your light fixtures, finials, and cabinet handles – there's a world of possibility and play at hand.

Final Food for Thought | Trust Yourself

At the end of the day, you're designing for you – and you alone, so the only opinion that should matter is yours. Be sure to pick combinations that make you happy and fit your design needs.

Lafayette Interior Fashions is a family-owned, to-the-trade manufacturer of blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and other custom crafted interior fashions products. To learn more about our products, Find a local dealer near you.