Soft furnishings immediately make a space look and feel more warm and homey, so add a textured rug underfoot and replace old cushion covers. Curate your shelves without spending a fortune simply by rearranging books and bric-a-brac to create a whole new look, tossing old and unwanted items as you go. Accentuate natural light wherever possible, or rethink your current light fixtures – a bold and modern chandelier can instantly brighten up your interior in more ways than one.

Tip: For a trendy look, match rich jewel tones with textured furnishings and brass pieces that add a touch of luxury.

More than just a place where meals are eaten, your dining area should feel like an extension of your living room, where kith and kin come together to enjoy each other’s company. Take a leaf out of the Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hue-guh), which essentially describes the feeling of cosiness and the simplicity of life’s pleasures, with a bench which highlights that communal vibe and encourages people to linger. Build a tablescape with fresh fruits or flowers in a vessel, and then drape a fuzzy throw or add cushions for a warm, comfy setting.

Got a small balcony but not sure what to do with it? Besides decking it out with weather-proof seats, create a cosy space for drinks and elbows with space-saving foldable tables or a rail-hung counter. Optimise vertical space with a wall-mounted rack or plant stand, or hang a mirror up, which helps visually enhance the area. If you’re blessed with a larger outdoor space, you can extend your living or dining area into the balcony and increase privacy with some larger planters.

Tip: Low-maintenance astroturf is a great way to add lots of greenery to your home: And it lasts a long time, too!

Achieve a better night’s sleep by swapping out faded sheets for fresh ones with hotel-worthy bedlinen and throws, and reducing bedside clutter. Besides throwing things out, look out for a nightstand with drawers or compartments to hide charging cables and other knick-knacks that can be an eyesore. Greenery is still in, so bring the outside in with easy-to-maintain succulents, air-purifying plants such as peace lilies and golden pothos, or a terrarium that’s beautiful to look at.

Boost your child’s imagination and sense of wonder by giving their bedroom or play area an inspiring makeover, whether it’s painting a wall with colourful motifs or putting up practical yet unique wall shelves. Teach them to keep things tidy with stylish storage baskets, and install a cute nightlight to help young ones feel safe and create a soothing atmosphere when it’s time to sleep.

Tip: Inject a sense of fun and adventure into junior’s room with an accent wall. Dulux’s Far Away Places kit, $139.90, features easy-to-use stencils and individual mini roller paints, and comes in eight different designs, such as Treasure Island (featured above).

READ MORE:
20 Beautiful Ways To Revamp Your Bedroom For The New Year
This Is How Meghan Markle Decorates Her Living Space
7 Decor Ideas To Help Make Your Small Apartment Or HDB Flat Look Bigger

Text: Elizabeth Liew