When it comes to new homes, it’s fair to say that they don’t always feature the character and charm of their period predecessors. Having said that, at Chameleon, we don’t think this should mean that you have to live in a characterless white box, and so we’ve created some tips to inspire new home owners to make the most of their homes, and even add value!

Colour

Ban the beige and add some bright and bold colour to your home.  Watch out for choosing colours that are currently in style since anything in style will soon be out of style. Instead, choose a colour or colours that you love and go for it. We like orange but then I guess we might be biased!

Pattern

Don't be afraid to mix and match different patterns to create a unique mix that shows off your personal style.

The designer trick for mixing different patterns is to use one larger scale, one medium scale, and one small scale in similar colours.

Texture

Are all of the items in your room a similar texture? If so, consider adding items of contrasting texture. Add rough items and smooth items as well as shiny items and dull items. You can use rough burlap, soft velvet, shiny mirror, and sparkly crystal.

Nature

Adding a touch of nature to a room brings it to life. You can add a living tree, some fresh flowers, or a bowl of fruit to resuscitate your boring room. All rooms need something that is, was, or mimics something living (except maybe a closet).

Architectural Changes

If your room have little architectural detail, then add some. You can add intricate crown moulding, unique flooring, awesome light fixtures, special tile, or other changes that show your personality and design style. Wall paneling is really making a comeback and bold coloured MDF sheets can create the look for not a huge expense!

Good Lighting

Different lighting is needed for different activities, such as reading, cleaning, putting on makeup, or trying on clothes. Don't rely on one light source in the middle of the ceiling of your room.

Start by adding a dimmer switch to your overhead light, then add additional sources of light to make your room more interesting. You can add a table lamp, a wall sconce (or two), and/or an uplight to the corner of your room so you can have proper lighting.

Avoid being too trendy

Avoid accessories, artwork, furniture, and other materials that are overly popular right now or are all from the same shop. Try to keep an eclectic mix of home accessories that will keep your home feeling unique and personal to you.

Getting carried away in Ikea is easy and convenient but you might quickly get sick of seeing the same furniture in your friends houses in the years to come. Instead, create your own trend using one of a kind vintage or unique items that are not mass produced. Shop at vintage markets, salvage shops and online auctions to find truly unique one-of-a-kind pieces.

You can even take an older item or mass produced item and modify it to be special and unique adding something to it or taking something away from it. Consider painting it (metallic paint can work miracles), adding new knobs, shortening the legs, removing the fringe, changing the frame, or other modifications to give the item a new personality.

Not Everything Needs a "Wow"

Feel free to use a few plain items that are well made but do not make you say "wow". In order for something to be a focal point, other things must take a back seat.

Avoid Matching Furniture

Furniture sets are easy to purchase because you know they will work together in your home, however they are boring. Instead of going the easy route, select unique furniture to add personality to your boring room. Make sure to know the dimensions of your room before purchasing furniture because furniture that does not fit the room properly looks awkward and functions poorly.

If you currently have furniture sets, consider mixing them up by taking pieces from one room and changing them with pieces in a different room. Another option is to modify them in some way, such as painting or reupholstering a few pieces - there are loads of online upholsters that create unique cushion covers for mass produced furniture suppliers.

Mix old pieces with new pieces, formal items with informal items, and antiques with vintage items to make your room special.

You don't have to stick with one particular decor style - decorate your home with decor in your own special blended style of things you love.

Avoid Cheap

To avoid having to change furniture frequently, do not decorate your home with anything that is not expected to last at least 5 years. Cheap items can make your room look cheap.

There is a difference between buying high quality items that are on sale for an inexpensive price, compared with poor quality items that are not well constructed and can / will break easily!

Choose sturdy items that might not be as fashionable or trendy, and refinish them to compliment your decor style and taste level.

What Makes You Happy?

Decorate your home with what makes you happy in order to add your personality to your home. If you love dogs, then add quirky yet professional looking artwork that has dogs. If you love French antiques, then decorate with French antiques. If animal print is your thing, then add a bit of animal print. After-all, if you love it, then somebody else will love it too!

There are no rules - after-all it’s your New Home!

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