Stuck for decorating ideas?

If you are having a hard time deciding how to go about improving your home, or stuck for decorating ideas, we borrowed some inspiration that will help inspire you.

 

decoraid.com

These amazing before and after pictures by Decor Aid interior design offer plenty of ideas that will assist you with your home renovation of decorating project. Dark panelled rooms, small windows, and dated features have all been updated to create modern home interiors. 

Whether you are doing your own renovations, hiring a contractor, or making use of an architectural designer, the before and afters below show how even small, affordable details can have a vast impact on any room.

ABOVE: This dark, wood panelled dining room is definitely a room from the past. The dark wood on the floor and walls, combined with a pair of small wooden cottage doors make the generously proportioned space feel claustrophobic and cave-like. The after picture [top] reveals a bright and airy dining space filled with light.

ABOVE and BELOW: With some cosmetic touch-ups and new luxurious carpets, the previously drab bedroom is transformed into a wonderful, serene retreat. The original sash windows were removed and floor-to-ceiling windows installed to let in more natural light. A white palette on walls and ceiling are warmed with taupe curtains and a brown leather chair. To tie the look together the bed linen incorporates a lighter shade of taupe and warm grey.

We know that paint can make a big difference on updating any room in the home, but look at other details when wanting to bring the space into the 21st century. Scratched and worn laminate floors can easily be replaced with new flooring, or replaced with carpeting to add a touch of luxury underfoot.

ABOVE and BELOW: Here's another example of how a dark and dingy space can be revamped into a modern setting. The old wood veneer cabinets were ripped out and replaced with modern cabinetry. To tie the two sides together, a matching panel was fitted around the extended doorway. The dark wood floors were ripped out and new, lighter laminate wood floors installed to lighten up the room.

 

 

ABOVE and BELOW: Admittedly, many room transformations include the introduction of new furniture and accessories. However, don't think that you have to spend a fortune on new furniture.Once again secondhand, salvaged or hand-me-down furniture can easily be transformed with a coat or two of paint and some new hardware.

 

ABOVE and BELOW: This is a perfect example of how paint can transform a room. With the exception of modern window frames to replace the seventies steel frames, the light grey walls and white trim around the lower half of the wall bring together all the furniture in the room. Metallic accents add warmth to the cool colours in the space.

As the heart of the home, the kitchen should reflect personality and style. Don't let your kitchen be dated and drab when it's so easy to give it a makeover. Remember that even the smallest details can make a big difference.

ABOVE and BELOW: Cheap kitchen cabinets are replaced with modern cabinets with glass doors and caesarstone countertops. A subway tile backsplash and modern appliances complete the look.

Homeowners who invest in an older property have the option to restore a home to its original condition, or to renovate for a more modern approach.  

ABOVE and BELOW: A house stuck in the eighties is renovated into a modern 21st century home with the removal of old wood fixtures and fitting and new furniture and accessories. The first to go was the old fashioned fireplace, now an eye-catching feature. Lighter grey oak laminate floors replace the yellowed laminate planks. The addition of reclaimed wood cladding in grey hues to the diagonal ceiling section visually lowers the ceiling to create a cosy room setting.

 

ABOVE and BELOW: Grey hues continue to be a popular trend for interior decorating. This versatile colour is the perfect canvas for contemporary or modern furnishings. Keep it simple with a flat matt or satin paint for that smooth, velvet look.

Raw brick walls can be a feature in a room when combined with light furnishings and soft decor accessories.

ABOVE and BELOW: Many people prefer to whitewash or paint a raw, red brick wall because these can so easily make a room feel depressing. What turns a boring brick wall into a beautiful feature is dressing the room right. A boring brown bedroom morphs into a serene, modern bedroom simply by moving the furniture around and adding a few new essentials.

 

ABOVE and BELOW: Bathrooms, like kitchens, offer the best return on investment when it comes to renovations. Shop around for the best price on tiles that you want and select furniture that fits in with the design of the finished renovation. Keep costs down to a minimum by avoided moving or adding additional plumbing.