50 Times People Got Clever And Creative With Home Decor And It Totally Paid Off (New Pics)
Having a home is great, but most folks spend the majority of their time inside it, not just admiring the building’s walls. So it stands to reason that interior design is a pretty important part of having a living space. This is considerably easier said than done, so it can always be helpful to explore other folks’ ideas.
We’ve gathered some of the most unique and interesting home decor ideas that people have shared online. So get ready to get inspired, make yourself comfortable, upvote your favorites and be sure to add your own thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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This Is My Downstairs Powder Room
Since it's only 3' x 5', I thought the remodeling job would be easy. Nope. Took me about 8 weeks to complete. My home is from the Victorian-Era (circa 1900). I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea but I like it.
Before And After Of Our Ugly Bathroom
Usually A Demo And Exterior Guy. Don't Crush My Pantry. Before And Afters
Turning a house into a home need not cost an arm and a leg or require expert interior design skills, some basic, sound decisions can help one make a house a cozy, inviting, and comfortable home. With an understanding of some simple interior design principles, one can make their house a homelike space where people are inclined to be, unwind, and connect.
Lighting is perhaps the most powerful tool to make a room feel cozy. Good lighting sets the mood of the room and dictates how we feel within it. Instead of overhead lighting alone, work to layer light across your house. Combine ceiling lights with floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, and even string lights or candles. Choose warm-toned soft bulbs that produce a cozy warm light rather than harsh, white light. The atmosphere must be welcoming no matter the time of day.
Gave Our Small Bathroom A Budget Makeover - Thoughts? (After/Before Pics)
Before And After: Kitty Room!
Under Stairs Reading Nook
My husband and I built this reading nook and I couldn’t be more in love! (Will be adding a cabinet door to that empty space under the little fireplace and eventually making the fireplace look built in but that can wait)
Warm colors are also essential in warm interior design. Neutrals such as beige, taupe, pale gray, and creamy white form a relaxing base that's easy to work from. The addition of accent colors, like muted blues, forest greens, terracotta, or mustard yellow, provides depth and warmth without overwhelming the room. These colors work well in various cushions, rugs, curtains, artworks, or painted furniture. Choosing a unifying color scheme throughout the home can also foster flow and calm.
Nursery Makeover Before And After
We wanted a gender-neutral nursery with nature elements and a warm, sunny and cozy vibe. Missing a rug and a side table but it's pretty much ready 💛
I Would Be Chuffed Too
Just Finished Our Front Room And We’re In Love! Ceiling Tiles Are From Amazon
Texture is crucial in making coziness. A space is warmer when it is layered with different materials and surfaces. Think of a plush rug on a hardwood floor, a chunky knit afghan draped over a velvet armchair, linen drapes billowing in front of an open window, or wicker baskets overflowing with magazines and throw blankets. Nature-derived materials like wood, wool, leather, and cotton are grounding and textured. Swapping out throw pillows every season or adding a new table runner can even add warmth and personality.
My Husband Built Floating Shelves With Grow Lights For Some Of My Plants, And I Painted A Mural Behind Them
Before And After Office Remodel
I Saved And Reupholstered My Chairs. Results Are Better Than Expected
Old furniture is so much better made than a lot of modern furniture. Dowels and dovetails versus glue and staples. This furniture looks fabulous now, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the results of your efforts for many years to come.
Don’t forget to think about how furniture is laid out. Arrange space so that it feels open and accessible, yet still encourages closeness and intimacy. Place furniture in groupings to encourage conversation, put sofas and chairs facing one another rather than all facing a TV. Include plenty of comfy seating with cushions and throws in close distance. If you have a large window or fireplace, consider featuring it as a focal point to extend the sense of warmth or feeling of being close to nature.
Stained Glass Nightstand Lamp Made By Me
Our First Room Renovation In Our First Home. How’d We Do?
The Thing We Love The Most About Our Home: Having A Private Library
Personal touches turn a house into a home. Having pictures of family members, artwork you love, books you've read, and vacation souvenirs gives the space the feeling of being lived-in and meaningful. Don't fret about mixing styles, warmth comes more from authenticity and charm than from coordinating furnishings. A vintage lamp, a handmade bowl, or a worn leather chair can each carry a story and give your home soul.
Friend Left Town And I Decided To Paint Her Door! (Don’t Worry She Had Mentioned Before She Wanted It Painted, I’m Crazy But Not That Crazy LOL)
Bathroom In 1931 Spanish Revival House In San Marino
Was scared to scroll thought this was before being destroyed. I like it a lot.
Closet Door Makeover!
Bringing plants into your home is a simple method of adding warmth and health. Houseplants bring color and freshness to the room and will purify the air. Even a single or twin plant, a potted fern, peace lily, or hanging ivy, will moderate a room and make it more lively. Should you lack a green thumb yourself, dried flowers or high-quality artificial plants will still provide visual warmth.
I Wallpapered My Built In Shelves And I’m In Love
Posted here for some advice on refreshing this room a few months ago and got some good advice that the shelves weren’t working as a focal point in the room with all the clear glass items (swipe for before photo). I didn’t want to get rid of the wineglasses etc since this a useful place for them so I added wallpaper to give it some pop and I love how it turned out.
Still working on making some small changes to the room but I’m thrilled with what a difference the wallpaper has made.
Kitchen Remodel Done Entirely By My Husband And I For $3k
We Love This Triangle Bookshelf
Lastly, balance neatness with coziness. A cozy house is not immaculate, it’s relaxed and lived-in. Instead of attempting to create a showplace, think about how the room works in your life. Create tiny spaces where people tend to gather or pause, a reading nook with a light and a chair, a breakfast table by the window, a soft rug where children play. These small, intentional gaps introduce character and coziness into a house.
Guest Bathroom Glow-Up, From Shed To Sea
Front Porch Before And After
Final Library Reveal!
Ultimately, coziness is more about sensation than appearance. By paying attention to light, color, texture, order, and individuality, you can create a space that's warm, functional, and full of personality. Irrespective of whether you have a small apartment or a large house, thoughtful design can turn any room into a sanctuary of comfort.
Gave My Front Door Some New Life Today!
Before & After (Well, During)
Emerald Green Bathroom (Finally Finished)
Bathroom DIY Reno. So Happy!
Kitchen Reno - Reused And Reconfigured Existing Cabinets
After/Before Living Room
Pantry Reno Before & After
Slowly but surely turning this builder grade house into a home one project at a time! My goal was to have a neutral space with increased storage and functionality. We also took the opportunity to open up the wall to put in power outlets and run a water line to the wall where the stovetop is so we could drill through and install a pot filler.
The pantry was full to brim before the cabinets went up since the shelves were so narrow (they were also bowing from the lack of supports on the long side, why builder?!?) and now I have tons of empty space. A local company installed the cabinets and butcher block counter and then we did the tile backsplash. I’m considering some more fun/unique cabinet hardware but the current hardware matches what is in the kitchen and mudroom so I’m going to live with it a while and reconsider later
My Primary Closet Had Lots Of Wasted Space. I Designed/Created A Dedicated Office In There, Still Keeping Enough Room For A Closet. Thought?
Lean Into Your Pink Tiles
We bought our house in 2017. When we moved in, I hated our 1952 pink tiles. I almost painted them. But my dad said, "wait a few years. They will be back in style" now I'm so glad we didn't.
I really leaned into the vintage vibes and added gold accents and stenciling to look like wallpaper. I'm so happy w how it turned out. These tiles were handmade in Italy and done so well. I wouldn't be able to replace them w anything of real quality and it would gut me to break them all up.
So embrace your old house and really lean into what makes it unique instead of fighting it.
It’s Simple, But I’m Happy With This Shelf I Built
Moody Blues 💙 Seattle, Wa Bathroom Remodel
Wanted A Dark And Moody Office
We Turned Our Tiny Box Room Into A Bedroom For Our Baby Daughter
Finally Finished My Living Room In The New Apartment
Daughter's Nursery
I love that it is so colorful, very important for babies.
Just Upgraded Our Dining Room
We don’t have a pantry or enough storage in the kitchen for all my gadgets. This gives me extra space and gets all the bottles off the kitchen counter! Eventually we will hang a wine rack to the left and turn part of the butcher block to a coffee station as well.
Recovering Gray Millennial - How Am I Doing?
Moved Into My Own Apartment
How can it be your own when I see the real owner clearly on the carpet in front of the couch? /jk Looks very nice. How d'yall have that much money for nice/ new furniture? I moved out with 30 year old chairs, no couch, and a book shelf made from the boards of my parents' bed from 20 years ago. :D
I See Your Poop 2.0 Tp Holders And Raise You My Tp Sheep
Taupy Kitchen Reno
Kitchen Remodel…. All Work Done Myself… Very Happy With The Results! (Scroll For The Befores)
Before/After Picture Of Our Hallway
Before And After Of Our Scary Basement Bathroom. Before Baby #2 Came !
Before And After Of My First Baby (Now Toddler) Room
Primary Bath Before & After
The stone before was making me so dizzy - lived with it for over a year and had to create a more spa-like bathroom retreat. Shifted the shower so we had a his & hers.
There is a marking on a tile in my bathroom which looks like small tear off of toilet paper. I have at least twice while sitting bent to try to pick it up
Psa: If You're Considering Painting Old 70s Paneling, Just Do It
I know people tend to love wood in this sub but... i do not. At least not this wood. It was cheap feeling and sooo orange and just not my vibe. My husband and I primed and painted with Sherwin-Williams Retreat in satin, and I'm so pleased with the results. Also happy we kept the baseboards, window casings, and shelf unpainted - i think the green helps de-orange the wood and make it look more modern.
Before And After: How Do You Like My New Terrace?
My Cozy, Imperfect, Small Kitchen
Turned A Coat Closet Into A Coffee Bar
Took over a useless coat closet for my coffee addiction. I live in SE Florida so no need to find a place for non existent coats. The cabinets were special order as they have 3 inches less depth than usual.
Moody Office - Before & After
An Antique Pew For The Breakfast Nook In Our Sunroom
Fully Remodeled Kitchen I Recently Built
I love that the base cabinets are all drawers. Much more functional.
Bathroom Refresh!
My partner and I just bought our first home. We know we want to do a full bathroom renovation down the line but we wanted to make it feel less gross in the meantime.
We love it very “mush.” 😏🍄🟫
Bathroom Reno
My Bathroom Is Teeny Tiny... But It's My Favourite Room
I live in a one bedroom mobile home and the bathroom is truly little, but I'm so happy with how I've painted it and the shelves I made. I only wish the shower tiles were in a better colour family.
I Painted A Tree For My Daughter
Finally Took Some Updated Pics Of My Studio Apt In NYC
Custom Laundry Room Cabinets I Built
Our Log Home Is Cottage Meets Midcentury Meets Peachy Postmodern
My Mother In Law And Father In Laws Doing For My Daughters Nursery!
My First Apartment
I Sincerely Want To Know What You Think About The Final Result
Hubby Thought The Tissue Paper Was Silly. It Worked So Well Though!
I spent the afternoon tracing out our artwork to try different layouts. My husband thought I was crazy until it came time to hang everything and it was sooo much easier. I highly recommend.
Did I Get This Right?
Bathroom Reno (What Do You Think?)
I Painted My Tiny Bathroom Green Against All Advice
I wanted to redo my toilette, that was so boring. I hated the floors there are this really ugly Green but I didn’t want to change them it’s too involved … I’m OK with the sink and the toilet too.
And I didn’t wanna spend a lot of money
And so I bought a can of paint for $30 , a new mirror at T.J. Maxx for 24 bucks, hooks from Anthropologie of real brass for total $120.
and I’m done. Actually I’m gonna install floating shelves above the toilet but other than that I’m done… what do you think?
[update] Does Anyone Have Any Ideas On How I Can Make My Room Look Better?
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!! I updated my room this weekend and I’m so pleased with how it turned out, it already feels so much better.
I do have some other curtains ordered, but the grey look ok for now so I may keep them up.
6 Months In And It’s Coming Together
We’ve been in our new place for 6 months and are starting to feel a little more settled. We’ll want to do some larger projects later, but for now, here are some of my favorite spots in our little house. Might not be everyone’s cup of tea but we are always so excited to come home ◡̈
Wanted A Dark And Moody Powder Room
Gave The Office A Nice Little Moody Makeover
Update Post! All Blue
Posted here quite a few months ago and received some great advice. Decided to step out of my comfort zone and attempt a moody bathroom. I think it’s come together quite well. Just need a window treatment. I was thinking just a bamboo Roman blind? Colour is Blue Accolade by Dulux.
Bathroom Before And After
Parents Said This Was Childish, I Find It Hilarious
Two-Toned Kitchen Reno
Wallpaper Done!
Curating Cozy Vibes In The Pacific Northwest
I Added A “Mural” To This Huge Blank Wall
This took about 2 days and a lot of trusting the process. I originally planned on more geometric shapes (more bauhaus circles, less squiggly eggs), but quickly realized I wasn’t going to be able to draw those lines with my human hand. I used a level to draw the square lines that the shapes butt up against, but everything else is freehand.
I spent a lot of time looking at example/inspo photos of murals to figure out general layout and proportions. I used a pencil to draw the shapes, then hand painted without taping.
I chose paint colors in the store based on the little paper color cards. It seemed like I was choosing very muted colors, but they look much stronger on the wall. The whole time I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but I told myself “if i don’t like it, I’ll just paint over it.” I regret starting with red, as it was my least favorite color of the bunch. As the red paint went on, I just thought “abstract geometric period stain!” but I kept going. It looked better with each color added. I love it!
Completed Our Bathroom Reno. Friends And Family Seem To Love It Or Hate It. What Do You Think?
Update On Dark Wall Paint. I Did It!
I Decided To Finally Decorate An Unused Room
My husband passed away last October. He had been sick with a rare disease and then also Lewy Body dementia. This was his room. Mine was next door, he spent most of his time in the den or living room. At night this is where I would settle him for the night. He passed away in hospital after a fall. It’s been a horrible, sad time. My grown up children were very close to their stepdad and hated seeing the room with the special care stuff in it. I decided it was time for a change as we need the room. My husband used to joke about how I would decorate the room, he was a wonderful, kind human and I miss him every day.
My Pink Heart Door
You Guys Loved Our Entry Way Table, So I Wanted To Show Off More Of Our Little House!
Before & After: Powder Room Update
I Designed My Bathroom From Scratch In My New 100 Year Old Home, But Feel It Lacks The Charm I Wanted. What Should I Do?
First Time Painting A Ceiling Not White
DIY- Had No Idea What I Was Doing Just Had A Vision In My Head. First Time Renovating. Zero Experience
What Do You Guys Think??
I Took Your Staging Advice For My Guest Room, And I Love It. Thanks Guys!
Is My Kitchen Tacky?
I need an honest opinion. Is it ugly? Tacky? Too much? I’ve heard people say it’s “unusual”. Maybe I’m delusional thinking it’s a beautiful kitchen…or just have bad taste.
Why would they think this is ugly? Everything works so nicely together.
Norwegian Tilt Globe Pendants Over My Kitchen Center Island. I Went With 3 Different Colors
After Six Years, I Could Finally Afford Wood Flooring. I'm So Happy!
I Love Being Ridiculous
So my mother gave me my grandmother farm and it included a 1972 trailer on the property which she told me I could do whatever I wanted with or rip it down so I painted the inside of in every color and made my boyfriend hate my silly color choices but it was just funny to me and basically my art studio.
I named the kitchen the pepto bismol pink room. 🤣 I built the Murphy table on the wall and chose the color scheme based on the microwave color. I painted the fridge and stove to match the microwave.
Before vs. After
Before > After
My Amazing Floral Mural
Before/After In A Little Corner Outside Of Our Previously Neglected Old House. Feels So Good Even If It's Just A A Drop In The Sea
It’s Over The Top, But It Makes Me So Happy
Fans Of Dark Ceilings Rejoice
Before And After My Son Room ! Proud Of It, Kinda. It’s Relaxing
Newest Addition
Changed The Vibe Of Our Bedroom Just With New Sheets And Pillows
Before And After
Wife went away and I was going to surprise her with a kitchen revamp. Although after a lot of backlash from this sub, I bottled it and told her I was doing it. Anyway, this is what I ended up on. I’m really happy with it, she ‘actually really loves it’ and turns out she would have been fine with the surprise!
Before & After - Fireplace
(Update!!) Something Seems Off Here, But What?
Hi everyone! I took some of the advice here into account and tried again on this long a** hallway in my new rental home.
Thank you to everyone who gave great advice!! It's always a challenge figuring out how to set up a new home and a lot of people were friendly and helpful. Changes made: Swapped the two blue hall runners for one wider, more neutral-colored one and left the blue one at the end; hung art and interest items from my existing collection of decor. I also removed the rug from the kitchen, TBD on what I decide to go with in there!
Still to come - doing something about the super bright doctor's office lighting, changing out the art at the end of the hall for something with blue tones (and less generic), and putting together a gallery wall for the right-hand side that also includes blue accents!
So much use of color I love it. I also don't like the plain walls.
I have a very small apartment and there's a limit to what I can do. I've been here for 5 years now and am reaching the "cottage cozy" look I've been aiming for. I live in a senior citizen building and the first thing you see when you walk into almost every apartment is a huge tv. I had a tv in my living room but when it died I couldn't afford to replace it - I do have a tv in the bedroom - and the room looks so much more inviting.
So much use of color I love it. I also don't like the plain walls.
I have a very small apartment and there's a limit to what I can do. I've been here for 5 years now and am reaching the "cottage cozy" look I've been aiming for. I live in a senior citizen building and the first thing you see when you walk into almost every apartment is a huge tv. I had a tv in my living room but when it died I couldn't afford to replace it - I do have a tv in the bedroom - and the room looks so much more inviting.
