11 Ways To Make Your Home Gorgeous

Ideally, our homes are our oasis. They're the place we go to unwind and decompress, and hopefully find some inner balance at the end of the day. It's why knowing some simple ways to make rooms in your house prettier can actually make a huge difference to your sense of inner peace.

And it's not just a matter of self-indulgence. In a piece for TinyBuddha, author and spiritual coach Omar Elbaga discussed the way spaces can affect our moods and sense of well-being. Elbaga noted how the use of certain colors, the arrangement of furniture, the placement of photos, and even the light of a space can affect how we feel when we're in it. He even recalled a time when he didn't like coming home at the end of the day because his physical space was so unsettling.

The good news is there are a ton of small and inexpensive things you can do to your space to give it a reboot and make it soothing to your senses. It's often just about keeping things clean and adding a few key pieces and accents. If you're feeling like your home has gotten drab and is in need of some brightening, here are 11 simple tips to make your home prettier.

1. Flowers

In a piece for Houzz.com, celebrity designer Yanic Simard emphasized the importance of fresh plants or flowers in your home space. He noted it instantly makes the space feel more special and keeps it from feeling static.

2. Curtains

According to Homify.com, curtains are one of the most important elements when it comes to creating an overall feel of a space. They noted that curtains choice can help make a room look anything from chic, to romantic, to totally cozy, and they're definitely something you should think about when attempting to reenergize a space.

3. Opt For Softer Lighting

A compilation piece for Apartment Therapy recommended switching out any harsh overhead light for softer, warmer bulbs. This will instantly soften the feel of a space and can even help you to relax.

4. Arrange A Vignette

The same Apartment Therapy piece reminded us to never forget the power of a well-placed tabletop vignette (AKA a few interesting pieces arranged together in one place). It can instantly elevate the look of a space in your home, as well as show case your creativity. Plus, they're super changeable if you ever get sick of it.

5. Paint

A House Beautiful piece reminded us of the power of paint to completely transform a space. And my personal advice is to always opt for colors that just make you happy. That way you'll always feel a little better whenever you enter the room.

6. Don't Be Afraid To Go Bold

The same House Beautiful piece also recommended going bold, whether it be an unexpected accent wall or a brightly-colored carpet or chair. It will instantly brighten a space and give it a ton of character, no matter if the room is big or small.

7. Invest In Some Decals

Cherry Blossom Branch Wall Decal, $10.99, Target.com

Decals are an amazing and inexpensive way to beautify a space and to give it that little extra something. You can decal an entire wall, or just opt for some well-placed accents. My personal favorites are flower details and little hints of nature here and there — it really helps brighten a space.

8. Use Mirrors Strategically

Bamboo Silver Gilt Wall Mirror, $299, Potterybarn.com

SFGate's Home Guide section suggested using mirrors to maximize the natural light in your home. They specifically recommended using one large mirror near a light source, or several small mirrors arranged together to help reflect more light into the room.

9. DeClutter

Freshome.com stressed the importance of keeping things clean and decluttered when it comes to a pretty living space. No matter how pretty your color-scheme or how carefully-selected your furniture, none of it matters if you can't see anything but stacks of shoes, piles of mail, or random objects that haven't been put away.

10. Love Your Bedspread

Tile Floral Duvet Cover, $126, Amara.com

That same Freshome.com piece also noted the importance of loving your bedspread. The right duvet not only has the power to tie your whole bedroom together, but also just makes you feel good when you come home to it each day. I highly recommend putting some thought into your bedspread and choosing one that you absolutely love, as opposed to one that just "does the job."

11. Never Underestimate The Carpet

Sherwood Collection Melrose Adobe Olefin Area Rug, $101.99, Overstock.com

This final one is a personal tip. Never underestimate the power of a simple rug change. It can completely re-energize a space and give it an entirely different feel. I even have both a "summer" and "winter" rug for my living room that I like to change out between seasons.

Revamping our homes and making them pretty doesn't have to entail thousands of dollars and a design squad. It's often just about small creative touches that reframe how we see the space.

Images: Pexels (7)