Decorating a blank space in your home can seem daunting. Where do you even start? With so many options and directions you could take things, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, decor needn’t be difficult – a few key jumping-off points can help spark creativity and pull a room together. In this article, we’ll explore five foundational strategies for decorating any blank space. With some thoughtfulness and planning, you can transform dull empty areas into beautiful, inviting rooms that suit your unique style.
Define the Purpose and Function of the Space
Before picking up paint swatches or ordering furniture, take time to think about how you want to use the room. Consider the following:
- Will it be an active area for family time and entertaining or a quiet retreat for reading?
- Does it need to multitask and transition between different uses?
- What activities or hobbies might take place here?
- How many people need to comfortably fit in the space?
- What features like storage or seating does the room require to serve its function?
Having a clear vision for how the space will be occupied day-to-day and what purpose it will serve will guide many later choices. Prioritize essential functional elements first before layering in decorative items.
Create a Cohesive Color Palette
Color is one of the most impactful yet inexpensive ways to transform the feel of a room. When deciding on a color palette:
- Draw inspiration from items you already love like artwork, rugs, or even images from magazines.
- Pick one hue to dominate as a neutral, and use accent colors sparingly.
- Consider the mood you want to cultivate – warm tones are cozy and inviting while cool tones feel crisp and airy.
- Browse paint chips from the hardware store and order samples to view swatches on the actual wall before committing.
- Stick to a cohesive palette of 2-4 colors in varying shades and intensities. Vary textures instead for visual interest.
Many designers recommend selecting a neutral base color like a warm white or gray for large surfaces and furniture. Then weave in punches of color through changeable accents like throw pillows, plants, art and more.
Incorporate Your Personal Style
While keeping current design trends in mind, don’t be afraid to add unique touches that express your personality. If you love to entertain, include statement pieces like an ornate bar cart or eye-catching artwork to wow guests. Or if you treasure family memories, decorate with framed photos and handmade crafts from your children.
Here are some ideas for infusing your personal flair:
- Display collections or hobbies like framed stamps, sculptures, or musical instruments.
- Select meaningful artwork like family portraits or abstract pieces in your favorite vibrant hues.
- Mix in vintage or hand-me-down furniture with modern elements for an eclectic look.
- Add plants, flowers, and other organic elements to complement your decor.
The details that make a house feel like home often come from the small personal treasures that reflect our taste and stories. The space should resonate with who you are.
Select Statement Pieces and Punctuate with Texture
Every room needs a few eye-catching details to anchor the design. Search for statement pieces with bold shapes, intricate patterns or large silhouettes that immediately grab attention. Some ideas:
- An oversized mirror or colorful abstract painting over the couch
- A tufted bench or striped armchair in a sitting area
- An opulent chandelier hanging above a dining table
- Shelving with decorative brackets for displaying cherished items
Beyond focal points, think about materials that add diverse textures. Look at wood furniture, fluffy pillows, stone vases, woven rugs, velvet drapes and more. Mix and match matte, smooth, nubby, soft and reflective surfaces for depth. Vary patterns as well – pair stripes with solids or flower motifs with checks for visual interest.
Tie All the Elements Together
Once you’ve picked individual pieces like furniture and accents, make sure they cohere into one polished, pulled-together space. Strategies like the following can create harmony:
- Repeat colors, shapes, textures or motifs throughout the room. For example, mirror circular lamp bases in round wall mirrors.
- Transition smoothly from one area to the next. If the entryway is sleek and modern, the living room shouldn’t feel overly ornate or traditional.
- Use large area rugs to define functional zones like sitting and dining spaces while unifying the decor.
- Ensure consistent finishes on metals, wood types and other materials. Mixing stainless steel, black iron, brushed nickel and more can look disjointed.
The final step is arranging all the components – furniture, lighting, accessories – in a layout that makes visual sense. Some pieces may work better in alternative spots than originally planned. Be willing to experiment until the space feels cohesive.
Dress the Room for Success
Once your blank space is decorated with a balanced, harmonious look that matches your vision, it’s time to put on the finishing touches:
Fine-Tune the Lighting
Proper illumination transforms how your decor shines. Use lighting to create a mood – pendant lamps for drama or picture lights to spotlight artwork. Enable tasks like reading nooks with targeted light. Don’t forget about natural light – draw back drapes/blinds and trim foliage outside windows.
Add Personal Treasures
Fill bookshelves with favorite titles, hang meaningful art, display travel trinkets. Curate vignettes that share your story.
Incorporate Greenery
Plants bring life and freshness to any space. Place sturdy houseplants in high traffic areas and fragile flowers on accent tables.
Throw in Cozy Touches
Pillows, throws, slippers under coffee tables – those special touches that say “home”.
With a blank space, the possibilities may seem endless which is exciting yet daunting. By following this process – defining the purpose, choosing a cohesive color scheme, layering in personal treasures, and finally tying the whole room together – you can take those possibilities and shape them into a polished, inviting and functional room imbued with your unique style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decorating Blank Spaces
Decorating a blank space can be both exciting and potentially overwhelming. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help guide your approach.
Where’s the best place to start when decorating a blank space?
Begin by thinking about how you want to use the space and what activities will take place there. The intended function should guide all other decorating decisions. Prioritize essential furniture and features before layering in decorative elements.
How do I choose a cohesive color scheme?
Limit your palette to 2-4 colors. Select one dominant neutral hue like warm white or gray for large surfaces, then use accent colors sparingly for pops of color. Draw inspiration from items you love. Browse paint chips and order samples to view swatches on the wall before fully committing to a color.
How can I incorporate my personal style?
Don’t be afraid to infuse spaces with pieces that express your personality, hobbies, and memories. Frame meaningful art and family photos, display collections or special objects, mix in hand-me-down furniture, and add greenery to complement the decor.
What types of statement pieces can anchor a room?
Every space needs a few eye-catching details like oversized artwork, mirrors, chandeliers, benches, shelving, or conversation-starting furniture. Choose statement pieces with bold shapes, prints or silhouettes.
How do I make all the elements look cohesive?
Create unity through color repetition, complementary textures, consistent finishes, and smooth transitions between rooms. Use large area rugs to define functional zones while unifying furniture groupings. Experiment with layouts until the assorted components look like a polished, harmonious space.
What finishing touches help complete the room?
Fine-tune lighting, add personal treasures, incorporate greenery, and throw in cozy pillows, throws and other touches. These details add the final layer of personality.
In Conclusion
Decorating blank spaces may seem intimidating at first. By carefully defining how the room will function, choosing a cohesive color palette, layering in personal flair, adding statement pieces, and tying everything together with finishing accents, you can cultivate a space that looks polished yet uniquely you. With some pre-planning and creative choices, any empty area can become an inviting, stylish oasis. Let these five jumping-off points spark ideas and direction, reducing overwhelm. Then enjoy the fun process of trial and error as you bring character and purpose to unused spaces in your home.
