Whether you're moving into a new home or reinventing your current digs, freshening up your interior design can be, well, refreshing. So, how do you make your space look tasteful, showcase your personal style and wow your guests while maintaining a comfy, welcoming vibe?
Believe it or not, nailing your design aesthetic isn't as hard as it sounds. All you need is a little inspiration to get your wheels turning and some expert guidance to set things in motion.
If you appreciate pared-down, casually elegant design as much as the housewares aficionados at Parachute, you're in good hands. Founder Ariel Kaye literally wrote the book on How to Make a House a Home, and it's safe to say she knows a thing or two about interior decorating. From color palettes and materials selection to furniture and organization, the book is full of actional home decor ideas and inspiration.
When redesigning an entire home, your best bet is a room-by-room approach. That way, the full scope of the project will be less intimidating, plus it'll help ensure the finished look is cohesive. Each area doesn't have to embrace the same theme or feature the exact same colors, but the designs should complement one another.
This guide will walk you through each room, starting with your bedroom, followed by the bathroom, shared living spaces and the laundry room. You'll find practical advice, insightful tips and product recommendations, along with links to learn more about each topic. And if you're ever stuck on how to implement a house decor idea, you can always reach out to a Parachute stylist for a free consultation.
Home Decor Ideas for the Bedroom
Of course, there's no right or wrong way to decorate your bedroom. However, certain design elements, fabric choices and colors will lend to a more relaxing ambiance and ultimately help you wind down at the end of the day.
Choosing a Bedroom Aesthetic
Home Decor Ideas for the Bedroom
Of course, there's no right or wrong way to decorate your bedroom. However, certain design elements, fabric choices and colors will lend to a more relaxing ambiance and ultimately help you wind down at the end of the day.
Choosing a Bedroom Aesthetic
What's your bedroom style? Do you appreciate the clean lines of minimalism, the repurposed appeal of industrial design or the contemporary charm of a modern farmhouse theme? Lean into the aesthetic that speaks to you, or mix and match if you prefer transitional design.
In any case, you'll want to call back at least a couple of elements when decorating other rooms throughout your home, so consider the versatility of your chosen style.
Check out these articles for specific guidance for each bedroom aesthetic:
How to Design a Minimalist Bedroom
How to Create a Modern-Industrial Look for Your Home
How to Create a Tasteful Modern Farmhouse Bedroom
Choosing a Bedroom Color Scheme
Once you've landed on a style, it's time to choose your bedroom colors. If you want the design to hold up for years, neutrals are best. We're talking white, off-white, ivory, grey, beige, taupe, charcoal and black. For something a little warmer, go with earth tones like sage, clay, sand, olive, terra cotta or brown.
If you're worried about a bland bedroom, don't sweat it because neutral definitely doesn't have to be boring. A crisp white sleeping quarters is tranquil and fresh. A grey space is undeniably cozy, calming and chic. A black theme is moody and masculine. And even a monochrome bedroom is anything but monotonous if you choose varying shades and textures.
These articles offer detailed home decor ideas for different bedroom color schemes:
How to Design and Style a White Bedroom
How to Design and Style a Grey Bedroom
How to Design a Black Bedroom Beyond Monochrome
Choosing Bedroom Furniture and Essentials
With your aesthetic nailed down and your colors picked out, you're ready to think about bedroom furniture and other essentials.
Bedroom Furniture
A bedroom is nothing if not a space for a bed. You know you need a bed frame and mattress, but what size should you get? Generally speaking, it's usually best to get the largest bed you can fit while still being able to walk around it and open drawers and doors.
You'll also want to consider a headboard, nightstands, a dresser (whether for inside or outside your closet), a storage bench or ottoman and potentially a vanity.
For more inspiration on choosing your bedroom furniture, read on here:
The Bed Frame Collection: Behind the Design
A Decision-Making Guide for Buying the Right Mattress
The Eco Mattress: Everything You Need to Know
What Size Mattress Should I Pick?
Bedroom Window Coverings
If you like the soft, flowy appeal of curtains, then by all means, hang them over your bedroom windows. However, if the panels don't have a blackout lining, you may want to install a room-darkening shade behind them. When outdoor light is blocked, you can expect to fall asleep faster with fewer wakeups throughout the night.
Bedroom Rug
Most interior designers will tell you to get a rug even if your bedroom is carpeted. Rugs provide insulation and softness underfoot while adding texture and tying in the rest of the decor. Look for an area rug to place partially underneath your bed, extending one or two feet outward on either side as well as the foot. Jute rugs are famously well-suited to place below the bed.
For more in-depth rug decor ideas, explore the Rug Styling guide.
Choosing Bedding
Your chosen color scheme will help you choose bedding colors, but what pieces do you need, and what materials should you get? Read on to find out.
Bed Sheets
Sheets are a given. Having said that, some people sleep with a top and bottom sheet, while others prefer only a fitted sheet. Parachute carries sets that come with one or two pillowcases and your choice of just a fitted sheet or both. You can also buy each item individually.
The following guides dive into different sizes, fabrics and how often sheets need to be replaced.
Guide to Bed Sheets: Choose the Right Fabric and Style for Your Bed
How Often to Replace Sheets, Pillows and Other Bed Linens
Duvet and Duvet Cover
Up next is your duvet (aka comforter), which keeps you warm and cozy as you doze. In addition to a duvet insert, you'll want to get a duvet cover. The best fabrics include breathable and ultra-strong linen, cool-to-the-touch percale, gauzy cloud cotton, buttery brushed cotton and sumptuous long-staple sateen.
Get more details in our Guide to Duvets and Duvet Covers: Everything You Need to Know.
Quilts and Blankets
Some people forgo the duvet and use a quilt as their primary bed cover, whereas others fold a quilt on top or use one only seasonally. Then there are throws, which are both functional and decorative, offering the finishing touch to a made bed.
For more on bed covers and throws, see our Guide to Quilts, Blankets and Coverlets.
Bed Pillows
Pillows are personal. They can make or break a good night's sleep and dictate whether you have a sore neck in the morning. With that said, some are better for back-sleepers and side-sleepers, while others are more suitable for snoozing on your stomach.
Not sure what size, density or fill to get? Check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Pillow.
Pillowcases and Shams
Every pillow needs a case. Sheet sets typically come with one or two pillowcases, and duvet sets often include shams. But if you prefer a specific material against your face at night or like to change your pillowcase multiple times a week, you can buy them individually.
See our Pillowcase and Sham Guide for details about how they differ, and guidance on choosing the right fabric.
Bedroom Styling Tips
You've decided on an aesthetic, you have your colors picked out, and you chose your perfect bedding. Now you're ready to style your room — but where to start? Find bedroom layout tips and decor ideas below.
Bedroom Layout
As noted above, you should generally choose the largest bed size that can reasonably fit in your room. To that end, you may only have one or two options in terms of where to place it. And since your bed is essentially the centerpiece of your sleeping chamber, it's best to start there and build your layout around it.
For a deeper dive into furniture placement and bedroom layout, see our article, Easy Tips for Rearranging the Layout of Your Bedroom.
Layering Your Bed
Making your bed is one thing. Styling it is another. To nail a Pinterest-worthy look, it's all about layering. In addition to a duvet and bed pillows, a few decorative pillows and throws will create dimension, texture and interest.
Want specific tips on folding, fluffing and placing each piece? Our guide on How to Layer Your Bed Like a Stylist has you covered.
Baby Bedroom Decor
Depending on your child’s age, they’ll either need a baby crib or a toddler bed. Ensure your newborn has a great night sleep with crib sheets, a quilt or blanket, and if they’re old enough, a baby pillow.
After you’ve settled on some baby bedding materials, consider how you’d like their room to look. Lighter hues like blue or white have always been a baby bedroom staple, but consider your child’s personality and the look of the rest of your house before you decide on their bedroom look.
Follow along to ensure your baby gets the best night sleep possible:
When Should Your Baby Make the Transition From Crib to Baby Bed?
Baby Pillow and Blanket Guide: When Can Newborns Sleep With a Pillow or Blanket
Bedroom Plants
Every home can benefit from a bit of foliage, but houseplants are often overlooked in the bedroom. If your space is all white, monochrome or otherwise neutral, a few plants might add the pop of color you need.
What species are best? See our guides to The Top 16 Indoor Plants for Clean Air in Your Home and The 14 Best Plants for the Bedroom.
Seasonal Bedroom Decor Ideas
Do you like to switch things up seasonally? These home decor ideas for the bedroom are easy to implement when you're in the mood for change.
Bedroom Winter Decor Ideas
During the chilly season, the best way to redecorate your bedroom is with new bedding. Opt for cozy fabrics like brushed cotton or sateen, and choose deeper, cool-toned shades such as charcoal or grey.
For more tips, see our article, Winter Home Decor Ideas: Room-by-Room Inspiration.
Bedroom Spring Decor Ideas
Brushed cotton bedding is breathable enough to transition from winter to spring, but percale is also an excellent choice. You might want to incorporate a few lively colors, like blush, clay, marigold or mint.
Bedroom Summer Decor Ideas
Easy-breezy and refreshingly casual linen is a top choice for the summer — and you can't go wrong with all-white bedding. Brighten up your bedroom further with a large mirror or flowering plants.
For more tips, see our article, Summer Home Decor Ideas: Room-by-Room Inspiration.
Bedroom Fall Decor Ideas
You don't have to switch out your white bedding after Labor Day, but it might be fun to. As things cool off, go with warm, earthy colors like sienna, surplus, terra cotta or ochre. And you can never have too many throw blankets in the fall.
For more tips, see our article, Fall Home Decor Ideas: Room-by-Room Inspiration.
Home Decor Ideas for the Bathroom
The bathroom may not be the very first thing people see when they walk inside. Still, the decor of this essential space makes a big difference in your guests' impression of your home. And besides its impact on visitors, the personal pleasure of a thoughtfully-designed bath can't be understated.
Choosing Bathroom Colors
Home Decor Ideas for the Bathroom
The bathroom may not be the very first thing people see when they walk inside. Still, the decor of this essential space makes a big difference in your guests' impression of your home. And besides its impact on visitors, the personal pleasure of a thoughtfully-designed bath can't be understated.
Choosing Bathroom Colors
Similar to your bedroom, you can't go wrong with neutrals in the bathroom. Think white, black, grey or taupe. If you want a little more color, opt for versatile hues like navy, olive, seafoam, blush or clay.
Bathroom decor isn’t just about color, though. Natural wood finishes, metal fixtures, braided rugs and woven baskets can add texture and dimension when you feel like something's missing.
For help picking your bathroom color, explore the Bathroom Interior Design guide.
Choosing Bath Linens
While bath sheets and hand towels are a necessity, they hold a lot of weight in terms of the overall appearance of a bathroom. You'll also want to think about a shower curtain, bath mat and potentially a rug.
Turkish Cotton Towels
You can't go wrong with Turkish cotton bath towels. Woven from long-staple cotton at 700 grams per square meter, the ultra-plush textile is classic and luxurious.
Waffle-Weave Towels
If you prefer something a bit lighter, you should definitely consider waffle bath towels. Woven from long-staple cotton with a honeycomb texture, they're quick-drying with a minimalist-modern appeal.
To learn more, read our guide on The Best Towel Materials and Sizes.
Selecting a Shower Curtain
Your shower curtain doesn't have to match the towels, though it should feature a complementing element. For instance, a charcoal waffle-weave curtain will pair well with white waffle towels. Or you could do a white linen shower curtain with white Turkish cotton towels.
Learn more about how to choose a shower curtain in the Guide to Shower Curtains: Get to Know Colors, Materials, & Sizes.
Bath Mat and Rug
Whether you have a freestanding clawfoot tub, a walk-in shower, or something in between, a bath mat is a must for protecting your floors from water damage. If you have space for it, you might want to get a bathroom rug as well.
Get details about these floor essentials in our guide to Bath Mats vs. Bath Rugs.
Bathrobe
Does your bathrobe need to match your towels? No, but if it hangs next to them, it might be wise to select a robe in the same color. At any rate, high-quality robes and loungewear can make your bathroom feel like a resort spa. Consider going with waffle-weave or cloud cotton for maximum comfort and breathability.
To learn more, check out our article, The Best Loungewear and Bathrobes From Parachute.
Decorating a Guest Bath
When family or friends stay at your house, the bathroom is a vital component of their overall comfort. It should be not only visually pleasing but also functional with all the essentials they need during their visit.
Get more insight into this topic with our guide to Guest Bathroom Essentials: 10 Decor Ideas and Tips.
Baby Bath Items
If you’ve got a newborn in the house, you’ll want to make sure they’ve got their very own baby bath items that match nicely with your bathroom decor.
Remember to be choosy when selecting baby bath items. Babies are more susceptible to harmful chemicals and materials found in cheap towels and bath items, so you’ll want to splurge on some high-quality towels and washcloths to keep them safe and cozy. Consider a hooded toddler towel, a soft washcloth, or cover all your bases with a baby bath bundle.
To learn more about the best baby bath towels and items, follow along in our guide, What is a Baby Hooded Bath Towel?
Storing Bath Linens
How you store your towels is nearly as crucial as the color and material you choose. Whether you stash them behind a closed door or on an open shelf, there's something about perfectly folded bath linens that makes a home feel more put together.
Check out our guide on Linen Closet Organization for specific tips and design inspiration.
Home Decor Ideas for Shared Living Spaces
Some homes feature great rooms, while others have separate living, dining and cooking areas. In any case, you'll want to strive for a cohesive look that flows among the different zones for your home or apartment.
Design Elements for the Living Room
The design elements of your living room include two main categories, furniture and decorative pieces. Here's what to consider.
Living Room Furniture
Home Decor Ideas for Shared Living Spaces
Some homes feature great rooms, while others have separate living, dining and cooking areas. In any case, you'll want to strive for a cohesive look that flows among the different zones for your home or apartment.
Design Elements for the Living Room
The design elements of your living room include two main categories, furniture and decorative pieces. Here's what to consider.
Living Room Furniture
You know you need a sofa, an armchair and maybe a loveseat. But beyond comfy seating, you'll also want to get a coffee table, side tables and potentially some accent pieces, like a statement chair, an ottoman or a credenza.
Living Room Decor and Fixtures
The best home decor ideas are all about the details. From lamps, shelves and curtains to area rugs, baskets and decorative pillows, you can work wonders without getting new furniture.
Throw pillows are never a bad move to spruce up your couch. Learn more about how to decorate with throws in our guide, How to Style Throw Pillows Like a Designer.
Don’t Forget Fresh Home Fragrances
You want your home to smell good for your family and guests. Consider using an essential oil diffuser and scented candles so that your shared living spaces constantly smell fresh and clean. Choosing wisely also means that your house fresheners can look nice aesthetically too.
To keep the entire house smelling fresh, learn more in the Home Fragrance Guide: How to Make Your Home Smell Good.
Seasonal Living Room Decor Ideas
A new season is always a great opportunity to spruce up your home decor. Find tips for winter, spring, summer and fall below.
Living Room Winter Decor Ideas
When the weather gets cold, you want your space to be warm and cozy. Opt for deeper hues, cooler tones, heavier textiles and snuggly elements. If you're feeling festive, place a few minimalist holiday home decor items around your living room.
Living Room Spring Decor Ideas
Play up spring's theme of renewal with pops of fresh color — think marigold, forest green and bright blue. Sheer curtains and a large mirror will bring light into the space, and a few houseplants will add an organic element.
Living Room Summer Decor Ideas
Light colors, natural wood furnishings, woven baskets and jute or sisal rugs are excellent picks for summer. Add a hint of color with a large indoor tree, a few succulents or some new decorative pillows.
Living Room Fall Decor Ideas
When the leaves change color, switch up your living room decor with warm, rich tones like sienna, emerald or ochre. If you like cooler hues, grey can also be a nice change from summer. And in the fall, you can never have too many throw blankets or candles.
Design Elements for the Kitchen
If you want to change the look of your kitchen, a complete renovation isn't your only option. Find easy home decor ideas and guidance on hosting essentials below.
Kitchen Decor Ideas
You might be surprised how big of a difference small changes can make in a kitchen. From drawer pulls, faucets and light fixtures to window coverings, bar stools and fruit bowls, there are endless ways to freshen things up.
Hosting Essentials
If you strive to be the hostess with the mostest (or host with the most), high-quality tabletop essentials are a must. This includes premium napkins, tablecloths and runners, along with elegant dinnerware in colors that align with the rest of your home decor.
Seasonal Decorating Tips for the Kitchen
If you like switching things up as often as the seasons change, you'll appreciate these thoughtful kitchen decoration ideas.
Kitchen Winter Decor Ideas
In other areas of the home, white is often used for spring and summer decor. But in the kitchen, it offers a tastefully cheery wintertime vibe — and is a perfect blank slate for sprigs of holly, garland, indoor wreaths and other holiday accents.
Kitchen Spring Decor Ideas
Something as simple as bright kitchen towels or a new soap dispenser can make a significant difference. To emphasize the spring season, keep a vase of fresh flowers on the counter or island.
Kitchen Summer Decor Ideas
In the summer, consider decorating with a bowl of lemons and a few small cactuses or succulents. Natural wood or jute-woven trays and baskets are gorgeous options too.
Kitchen Fall Decor Ideas
Fill a bowl with seasonally ripe apples or place a few gourds on a wooden tray. You might also consider getting new kitchen towels in a rich color and changing your light bulbs for a warmer, golden illumination.
Home Decor Ideas for the Laundry Room
Home Decor Ideas for the Laundry Room
Like the bathroom, your laundry room isn't front-and-center in your home. But it's still a critical component of maintaining a clean, functional household. Find design inspiration and product recommendations below.
Laundry Room Design
The best laundry room decor ideas offer function and style. Whether it's water-resistant floor tiles, floating shelves, labeled bins or a clothes-drying rack, each piece should be practical while also enhancing the appearance of the space.
Laundry Room Essentials
With the health of your loved ones and the state of the environment in mind, natural laundry detergent is ideal. It's made from earth-sourced ingredients, gentle on your fabrics, typically biodegradable and impressively good at cleaning.
Want to make your linens extra fluffy, cut down on drying time and reduce your energy bill? Wool dryer balls are your new best friend. Lastly, it's always nice to have a natural linen spray on hand to freshen up your fabrics.
Read these articles for more information about these laundry essentials:
Laundry Room Accessories 101: Laundry Essentials You Need for Clean Living
Why Use Natural Laundry Detergent? Your Questions Answered
Do Dryer Balls Really Work? Everything You Need to Know About Wool Dryer Balls
Tasteful Home and Decor Essentials from Parachute
Parachute has well-designed textiles, home decor and living essentials for every room and season. When you browse the selection, you'll find luxury bedding at reasonable price points, kids' bedroom items, baby basics, tabletop essentials, rugs, baskets, curtains, decorative pillows, throws, laundry products and even loungewear.
Learn more about cultivating your own interior design style with Ariel Kaye's book, How to Make a House a Home. For expert guidance on finishing your space, schedule a complimentary phone or video consultation with a Parachute stylist.
Read next:
What Is Oeko-Tex? Learn About This Textile Certification Standard
Feng Shui Interior Design Ideas
How to Style a Guest Bedroom Your Visitors Will Love
Percale: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Linen: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Brushed Cotton: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Sateen: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Sateen vs. Satin vs. Silk: What's the Difference?
Tasteful Home and Decor Essentials from Parachute
Parachute has well-designed textiles, home decor and living essentials for every room and season. When you browse the selection, you'll find luxury bedding at reasonable price points, kids' bedroom items, baby basics, tabletop essentials, rugs, baskets, curtains, decorative pillows, throws, laundry products and even loungewear.
Learn more about cultivating your own interior design style with Ariel Kaye's book, How to Make a House a Home. For expert guidance on finishing your space, schedule a complimentary phone or video consultation with a Parachute stylist.
Read next:
What Is Oeko-Tex? Learn About This Textile Certification Standard
Feng Shui Interior Design Ideas
How to Style a Guest Bedroom Your Visitors Will Love
Percale: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Linen: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Brushed Cotton: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Sateen: Know Your Bedding Like a Designer
Sateen vs. Satin vs. Silk: What's the Difference?