10 INSIDER TIPS FOR TRANSFORMING YOUR HOME LIKE A PRO
10 INSIDER TIPS FOR TRANSFORMING YOUR HOME LIKE A PRO
Are you ready to elevate your home from basic to beautiful? With a little guidance and the right approach, you can create a space that feels fresh, cohesive, and uniquely you. That’s why I’ve put together these 10 insider style tips to help you channel your inner designer and make your home shine. Let’s dive in!
A sleek modern kitchen with glossy cabinets, stainless steel double ovens, and a glass range hood above a minimalist induction cooktop. The bright countertop is styled with fresh bread, olive oil bottles, a modern vase with calla lilies, and a decorative bowl, showcasing a polished, professional-level kitchen transformation ideal for home renovation and interior design inspiration.
DEFINE YOUR STYLE
A minimalist modern corner with a wooden rattan chair, a round side table, and built-in open shelves styled with books, ceramics, framed art, and glass décor. A felt hat rests on the chair, while a vase with dried flowers adds a natural touch, capturing cozy, Scandinavian-inspired home styling and interior design aesthetics.
The key to a beautifully designed home starts with knowing your aesthetic.
Whether you’re drawn to the timeless elegance of Modern Hamptons or the bold textures of Boho chic, understanding your style will give you a clear direction for all your design decisions.
Pro Tip: Create a Pinterest board or mood board to collect inspiration. Seeing your favourite images side by side can reveal patterns and preferences you may not have noticed.
START WITH A MOOD BOARD
A modern interior design mood board featuring neutral and earthy tones. The collage showcases beige and tan living rooms, rattan chairs, wooden furniture, minimalist shelving, and cozy seating areas. Central color swatches highlight a palette of cream, sand, taupe, black, and sage green, perfect for Scandinavian, Japandi, and minimalist home styling inspiration.
Flat lay of an interior design material palette featuring wood samples, textured fabrics, stone finishes, brass hardware, and eucalyptus greenery. A hand holds a brass knob, highlighting how different materials and finishes combine to create a cohesive minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired home design concept.
A mood board isn’t just for designers, it’s a practical tool for anyone decorating their home. Combine fabric swatches, colour samples, and inspiration images to map out your vision.
Pro Tip: Make it tactile. If possible, use physical samples of materials you’re considering for a more hands-on approach.
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WORK WITH A COLOUR PALETTE
Choosing a cohesive colour palette is one of the easiest ways to bring harmony to a space. Stick to 2–3 primary colours and a few complementary accent shades to tie everything together.
Pro Tip: Neutrals like white, beige, or soft grey make a great base and let bold accent colours pop.
Minimalist bedroom design featuring a wooden bed frame with green and neutral bedding, styled with layered pillows for a cozy look. A black side table with a decorative white bust sculpture adds contrast, while the simple backdrop highlights clean lines and modern Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics.
Neutral and earthy interior design color palette featuring five circular swatches. The tones include charcoal gray, deep olive, sage green, muted blush, and warm beige, perfect for Scandinavian, Japandi, and minimalist home decor inspiration.
FOCUS ON FUNCTIONALITY
Your space should work for you. Think about how you use each room and ensure the layout and furniture choices support your lifestyle.
Pro Tip: Multifunctional furniture, like ottomans with hidden storage or extendable dining tables, can be a lifesaver in smaller spaces.
Cozy nursery storage ottoman with plush teddy bears and a bunny toy tucked inside a boucle-style seat. The soft neutral tones and multifunctional furniture highlight modern family-friendly interior design.
Minimalist wooden bench with a clean-lined silhouette and natural finish, styled against a white background. A versatile furniture piece for Scandinavian, Japandi, and contemporary interior spaces.
Modern entryway console with fluted cabinet doors, styled with sculptural décor, a round mirror, and neutral tones. A perfect example of contemporary minimalist interior design for stylish and functional home storage.
LAYER TEXTURES
Adding layers of texture creates depth and interest. Combine materials like linen, wool, wood, and metal for a dynamic and inviting look.
Pro Tip: Scatter cushions, floor rugs, and throws are inexpensive ways to experiment with textures.
Close-up of a cozy sofa styled with neutral cushions, a vintage-patterned pillow, and a soft white faux fur throw. Perfect for rustic, farmhouse, and hygge-inspired interior design.
Detail view of a modern sofa styled with a beige cushion, a textured knitted throw, and a woven seagrass basket. The layered fabrics and natural materials create a warm, inviting look that complements Scandinavian and minimalist interior design styles.
MIX OLD AND NEW
I’m a huge believer in blending vintage finds with modern pieces to give your home personality and charm. The contrast between old and new adds character and tells a story.
Pro Tip: A vintage mirror or antique dresser can become a stunning focal point in a modern room, I’m a sucker for a Mid Century Walnut Sideboard or Dresser. Or mix your favourite vintage decor finds with contemporary books & candles.
Styled marble coffee table with a bronze vase of dried florals, a lit candle, and decorative accessories layered over books. The warm neutral tones create a cozy and elegant look, ideal for modern and minimalist home decor.
Contemporary wooden sideboard with fluted arch panel design, styled with a green glass vase and ceramic bowl. Placed against a large window, this piece highlights modern craftsmanship and functional interior design.
SCALE MATTERS
Getting the proportions right is essential to a polished look. Ensure furniture and decor are scaled appropriately to your space.
Pro Tip: Use painters tape or cardboard to outline furniture dimensions on the floor or walls before making big purchases.
DON’T OVERLOOK LIGHTING
Lighting is a big part of any cohesive interior space and can completely transform a room’s ambiance. Combine regular downlighting with task lighting & accent lighting like pendants, chandeliers, or wall lights to create a balanced and versatile set up.
Pro Tip: Dimmable bulbs are a must to let you adjust the mood as needed. If you’re in a rental and can’t install lighting, use floor lights or table lamps with warm white globes to introduce the feeling of ambience.
Modern wall sconce with a brass fixture and two frosted glass globes, mounted beside a minimalist bedside table. A sleek and elegant lighting design perfect for contemporary bedrooms and modern interiors.
Pair of modern pendant lights with layered frosted glass shades and brass accents, suspended against a neutral wall. A stylish lighting option for dining rooms, kitchens, or Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Contemporary cluster of black wireframe pendant lights suspended from a round ceiling mount. The geometric cage design creates a bold statement piece for industrial and modern interiors.
YOUR HOME IS YOUR CANVAS, DESIGN IT IN A WAY THAT TELLS YOUR STORY, NOT SOMEONE ELSE’S.
STATEMENT PIECES
Invest in statement pieces. A standout piece can anchor a room and set the tone for the entire design. Whether it’s an oversized artwork, a dramatic chandelier, or a bold rug, invest in items that make an impact, start a conversation and tell a story.
Pro Tip: Balance statement pieces with understated decor to avoid overwhelming the space.
Colorful modern rug with abstract geometric patterns in coral pink, blue, and gray tones. A bold statement piece that adds texture and personality to contemporary interior design.
White shelving niche styled with potted plants, a bright tropical wall art painting, and minimalist ceramic decor. A fresh and vibrant setup ideal for eclectic, modern, and bohemian-inspired interiors.
Elegant chandelier with brass frame and four round blush-pink glass globes, hanging against a cream paneled wall. A chic lighting fixture perfect for modern, Art Deco, and contemporary interiors.
PERSONALISE YOUR SPACE
The final and most important touch? Making your home uniquely yours. Display family photos, travel souvenirs, or personal artwork to infuse your personality into the design.
Pro Tip: Rotate your decor seasonally to keep things fresh & relevant. If you want to do a family photo gallery wall, stick to the hallway, stairwell or less obvious rooms in the home. We love seeing your beautiful family on display, but a lot of faces staring back at guests can be intimidating!
Creating a stylish home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With these 10 insider tips, you’re well on your way to transforming your space into a sanctuary that feels both comfortable and chic.
Ready to dive deeper? Download my free eBook “10 Insider Style Tips” here and get more detailed guidance to kickstart your design journey!
Ready for fresh start?
Let’s chat about how I can help you design a space you’ll love!