Not to bring up 2020, but we’d contend that the pandemic (and quarantine) had a profound impact on interior design. Cool, white-walled minimalism, wide-open floor plans, and the once-ubiquitous “millennial beige” aesthetic is still around, but its polar opposite is slowly stealing the spotlight: traditional touches, color and pattern, warm wood tones, and ornate silhouettes (more on that here).
“While a crisp coat of white paint will absolutely never go out of style, I do feel like the all-neutral-everything, millennial beige look is a bit past its prime,” says Havenly lead designer Heather Goerzen. “Even in neutral spaces, people are adding in pattern, wallpaper, color, and more for a touch of character and warmth.”
Ahead, Heather details the many ways to add character, charm, and warmth to your home, from the weekend project (wall moulding and bold paint) to the quick refresh (pops of pattern and layered textiles). Keep scrolling for her time-honored ideas:
1. Install wall moulding
From intricate picture moulding to classic wainscoting (bonus points for painting it French blue), wall moulding is a mainstay in older homes and historic sites alike. To add character, visual interest, and eye-catching dimension to your home, experiment with wall moulding and check off every box.
2. Play with wallpaper
ICYMI: wallpaper is making a comeback and we’re absolutely here for it — there’s simply no better way to add a touch of charm and personality to a space. We love adding to small spaces for a pop of pattern, like half baths, entryways, and dining nooks.
3. Add custom touches
This is an especially important tip if you’re working with a cookie-cutter, builder grade home! Replace cabinet and door hardware, upgrade your light fixtures, and try your hand at a creative DIY (like this wall-to-wall headboard) if that’s your thing. Even something as simple as framed family photographs or vintage finds will lend a personalized touch.
4. Don’t forget artwork
Speaking of personalized touches, artwork is one of the easiest ways to express your personality at home. Select pieces that complement your aesthetic and speak to you on a personal level (in other words, don’t get too hung up on what will look good on Instagram). We love hanging a single oversized piece to really make a statement!
5. Embrace earth tones
There’s something innately warm and relaxing about earth-toned color palettes (plus, they pair beautifully with neutrals). From olive and sage green to warm terra cotta, ochre, and sienna, earth tones add warm and character without veering maximalist (though we’re into that look, too!).
6. Consider colorful upholstery
White, grey, and beige upholstery definitely has a timeless quality about it, but we’re noticing a trend towards more colorful and even patterned fabrics as of late. From classic stripes and soft florals to colorful performance velvet, embracing more eye-catching upholstery will add a unique, unexpected touch to your space.
7. Play with vintage finds & heirlooms
From a rustic desk scouted at a vintage store to antique glassware picked up at Salvation Army, vintage gems are quite literally one of a kind. Put your beloved vintage finds, family heirlooms, and heartfelt mementos on display for an individual touch.
8. Go for a bold bed
Back to upholstery, we love the idea of embracing a bold print on a statement piece of furniture, like a king bed or a sofa. Floral print upholstery no longer screams “grandma’s house” or “1970s gone wrong” — it simply adds a bit of charm and personality to a space.
9. Layer colors & patterns
There’s no better space to play up the cozy factor than a TV room. Top your plush, lounge-worthy sectional with layered throw pillows and blankets in assorted colors and patterns for a truly charming, lived-in look. Not sure where to start on the pattern play front? A classic stripe paired with a soft floral is a classic look.
10. Curate a heartfelt gallery wall
We love a beautiful, aesthetic gallery wall on the brink of Pinterest fame, but there’s something to be said for its opposite: a collected look filled with family photos, kids artwork, and collected treasures. Simply stick to a loose color palette and let your heart lead the way!
11. Play with paint
If colorful throw pillows and blankets aren’t cutting it for you, it’s time to bring out the paint brushes. Go ultra-moody with a bold black or dark grey, or embrace a more vibrant look with yellows, blues, greens, or pinks. Finally, we’d contend that embracing the monochrome paint look is the easiest way to create a cozy, cocooned atmosphere.
12. Add traditional touches
From a floral upholstery and pattern play to classic silhouettes, like rolled arms and ornate finials, traditional details are a great way to channel grandma’s warmth, character, and comfort in a modern way. Don’t forget to mix in new, modern pieces for a touch of contrast — a little marble with a rolled-arm sofa is *chef’s kiss*
13. Bring the outdoors in
From mid-century modern and Scandinavian minimalism to layered, traditional homes, live plants truly complement any design style. Breathe new life into your space (literally) with a statement corner plant, a few hanging beauties, or simply fresh blooms, and enjoy your new hobby!
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