Transform Your Space with These 10 Home Decor Tricks

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Gentlemen, it’s time.

Time to stop pretending that a pile of magazines on the coffee table is a decorating choice. Time to decide if you’re an “accent wall guy.”

And yes, it’s time to have an opinion on sconces.

Now is your moment to step up your home’s interior design game and make your space look like an adult man lives there…and not one who’s in the witness protection program and at any moment may need to abscond in the cover of darkness.

Ready to start with leveling up your interiors but not sure how? No worries!

Team SG has 10 simple tricks for leveling up your space that even the most decorating-averse man can handle.

Get ready to put down your phone (after reading this, of course), and pick up some color swatches.

It’s time to transform your space from frat house to comfortably fashionable.

1. Keep your space organized and clutter-free

artfully arranged wood coffee table — @sebastianzuchowicki

First thing’s first. The quickest way to flush all the hard work you’ve done to make your home’s style shine? Letting your place get messy af.

Instead, leverage stylish storage solutions, like shelves, baskets, and decorative trays that looks good and wrangles all your stuff.

So long as they look good, these functional items will blend seamlessly into their surroundings, while ensuring you’ll never forget where you put your everyday carry essentials.

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2. Choose colors that suit your personality and taste

Just like your outfits looks better when you build a wardrobe around a few colors you love, the same goes for your home.

And look, this could include a bright color (or two! Or three!), but it doesn’t have to.

If you’re not sure you’re ready to live with a canary yellow couch or cerulean blue bathroom tiles, then a neutral color scheme is a perfectly good option for a simple and classic look that will never go out of style.

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3. Incorporate natural elements

This could mean plants or flowers. Or, it could be a leather chair with wood accents. Any item, really, that subtly evokes nature and the outdoors.

These small nods to bringing the outdoors in make for a smart way to bring warmth and texture to your space.

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4. Replace ugly lighting fixtures

No one needs to live with the dreaded “nipple lamp,” even in a rental.

Hit up affordable sources like IKEA and Target for lighting that can transform a room…even if it can’t stay that way forever. Hide the nipple lamps in a hall closet until it’s time to move.

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5. Add personality to your space with unique and interesting decor pieces in unexpected places

Think: wall art, sculptures, and vintage objects in areas of your home you regularly traipse through but don’t get much love.

Even a small landing on the stairs can be a design moment if you make it one.

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6. Make it durable

If you’re afraid of ruining a delicate duvet cover with dog hair, or spilling red wine on a white couch, those aren’t the right items for you.

When it comes to furniture and home decor ideas, choose items that are comfortable and durable, and that complement your overall decor.

We’ve seen too many guys hang onto not-so-great home goods because they’re not worried about ruing them. But you are a grownup! Maybe you don’t go for the white couch, but a nice grey in a performance fabric? You’ve got this. We believe in you.

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7 . Use candles to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere

Let’s get one thing straight: candles are not a women’s home decor item.

Candles are for everyone!

To start, skip the strongly-scented candle kiosk at the mall.

There are plenty of great brands out there with amazing scents, but when using candles to decorate? It’s best keep things simple. And unscented.

After all, you don’t want them competing with your cooking. Or cologne.

Instead, go with unscented, neutral-looking pillar candles or taper candles that look good with any decor.

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8. Add a rug

Rugs are like the topcoat of a room. They make everything else look that much more elevated.

Get ready for even a small throw rug to make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space.

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9. Invest in the big stuff

The answer to “How do I make my space look more expensive?” is not always “Buy something beautiful that makes you want to throw up a little when handing over your credit card at checkout,” but hey, sometimes it is!

A unique chair, a large piece of art, or a professionally-tiled bathroom that you’ll love forever can immediately add personality and character to your space.

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10. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things

Creating a home space you love is all about expressing your personal style and creating a space that feels like home. And just like with your outfit, you’ll be surprised at how changing one thing can make a big difference in the overall look.

Meaning?

You don’t have to redo your entire living room every time you get a little bored with it.

Try new throw pillows, or swap out your side tables. Shaking up your interiors could be just the mini-makeover you need to transform your space.