Simple Design Tricks to Revamp Your Home

Whether you've just moved into a home or you've lived there for years, it might be time for a design tune-up. While many may think tackling their home décor takes a bundle of time, money and expertise, it doesn't have to be so frightening. You don't need to spend a fortune or go to design school to breathe a little life into your home. "It's all about simplicity," says Susan Yoder, interior design expert for Clayton Homes. "A little goes a long way when it comes to home décor and living spaces. Only a few simple changes can make a big difference and allow you to create a room you'll be itching to show off to friends and family." Yoder offers a few of her design tips that will help any homeowner revamp their space: Pops of color. "Nothing livens up a room like a bright pop of color," Yoder says. If you have neutral-toned furniture, try sprucing up the room with lamps, curtains and accessories in bold hues. If you're up for a painting challenge, an accent wall is a great way to incorporate color into a space. Choose your favorite color from a throw pillow or wall-art piece in the room to pull the look together. Varying textures. A room tends to get boring when it focuses on only one texture, so it's important to create a sense of balance. Try varying the fabric types on your sofa and curtains. Add in some metal or wooden accents to draw the eye around the room. You can even play with lighting to reflect off certain objects and create visual interest. Antique feature. Choose an antique or unique piece of décor to be the inspiration for the room. This could be a rug, lamp, chair or even a chandelier - anything that gets you energized and motivated. Get creative and run with the theme it creates. Or if your style is more on the modern side, an antique object will stand out among your contemporary décor. Symmetrical yet functional. The furniture collection in a room should form a restful, symmetrical layout. It's all about balance. There should be between three and 10 feet between each seat. Additionally, instead of pushing each piece up against the wall to create more space, give your furniture a bit of breathing room a few inches from the wall. This makes the room appear open and airy. Clutter-free organization. Getting rid of clutter is a grand challenge for most homeowners. When you decide to take on the mess, drawers and cabinets are your best friends. Take some time to go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate or throw away. Store any leftover items that can cause clutter in an organized, out-of-sight area. Use these tips to revitalize your space and you'll be ready to confidently host gatherings and enjoy your home instead of shying away from your living space.