Interior Designers Share How to Keep Your Home Interesting

Stick with neutral furniture.

Interior designer Tom Lawrence-Levy of Natural Asthetik told Insider that sticking with off-white pieces can allow for design flexibility in the future. 

“Using mainly neutral furniture means you can keep things interesting by varying accent pillows or throws when you want a different look,” said Lawrence-Levy.

Opt for one or two smaller accessories rather than furnishing an entire room in bold, unique pieces. 

Paint all the walls in a room the same color.

Use the same color on every wall of a room to avoid future regrets. 

“Though accent walls can be fun, I find that clients usually grow bored or sick of the color relatively quickly,” said Lawrence-Levy. 

If you’re determined to do an accent wall, he suggested using a neutral color or textured wallpaper to keep things interesting but not overwhelming.

You can also pick an accent wall in a shade or two lighter or darker than the remaining panels so that the space still feels cohesive. 

Decorate for the season.

Sharleen Pyarali, interior designer and co-owner of Clickable Curations, told Insider that decorating for the season is a quick and easy way to keep your space feeling fresh. 

“Bring in florals for the spring or add some gourds and pine cones for the winter,” said Pyarali. “Designate a few areas of your space where you can arrange seasonal decor.”

A console, dining, or coffee table are great areas for displaying swappable ornaments.

Bring out what you have in storage.

Interior designer Christina Simon of Mark Ashby Design told Insider that raiding your storage bins and closets can help you find a new look for your space at no cost.

“You can decorate with items that you normally like to hide away when not in use, like spare vases, bowls, or small dishes,” said Simon. 

She also suggested decorating with extra books, ceramics, or figurines.

Swap pillows between rooms.

A free and easy way to change up your place is to swap your pillows between rooms. 

“Collect the pillows that you have on your sofa and switch them with the pillows in your bedroom,” said Simon. “This trick can really help you think differently about your space.”

You can also switch out accessories like throws, blankets, and lamps. 

Add a new rug.

Introducing a new rug to your space is a low-commitment way of mixing up your decor.

“Nothing can change the energy of a room like adding or changing out an existing rug,” said Simon. 

Consider adding in a fresh, new color or buying a vintage one instead. Adding a runner to a hallway can also give your home a connected, layered feel. 

Change the lighting.

Change your lighting to transform your space’s mood and atmosphere.

“Aside from the visual look and style, different lamps also give off different light quality based on their shade and shape that can completely transform a room,” said Simon. 

Not ready to commit? Try swapping your existing bulbs for warmer or cooler ones. 

Rearrange your furniture.

“When you start getting bored of a room, a little rearranging can completely change the look of a space,” said Pyarali. 

Consider using multifunctional pieces, such as ottomans and benches. 

Add aromatherapy or scented candles.

Lighting a scented candle or diffusing essential oils can dramatically shift the atmosphere of your space.

“Changing the scent in your home can become a regular and inexpensive ritual to help your space come to life again,” said Pyarali. 

If you don’t want to invest in a diffuser or use artificial fragrances, try adding a vase of fresh flowers.

Refresh your linens.

“Switch your bedsheets, kitchen towels, or shower curtains for a quick and budget-friendly way to elevate your space and keep it feeling fresh,” said Pyarali.

You can pick up affordable and fun linens at your local thrift shop. You can also splurge on fancier threads to add a touch of luxury to your home.

Use art that is meaningful to you.

“Never go with art that is too trendy,” said Lawrence-Levy. “Focus on pieces that you connect with to give your home character.”

Buying from a local gallery or online artisan rather than a department store can help you find pieces that speak to you. 

Vary materials and textures within a color scheme.

Varying textures and materials can keep each room in your home unique. 

“Even if one color scheme runs through your home, make sure your furniture and accessories are made from different materials,” said Lawrence-Levy. 

For example, pair a brown fabric-covered chair with a leather one or adorn a green table with jade-colored accessories. 

Restyle your kitchen shelves.

Kitchen shelves are often static, but restyling them can add interest to your cooking space. 

“Add some greenery or flowers, pull out all your cutting boards, and display your prettier oils and bottles of vinegar,” said Simon.