Home Decor

What is home decor?

Home decor are decorative items that make a space more stylish and aesthetically pleasing. In New Zealand, they include things such as candles, clocks, cushions, indoor planters, mirrors, sculptures, vases and more. 

Home decor is something everyone enjoys but not all know how to make it right. While it's largely a matter of personal taste and style, there is a bit of interior design theory to consider. Scale, juxtaposition, colours, textures and patterns, all play a vital role and all elements should work together when styling a room.

Home decor elements

Mirrors

A mirror is a powerful, multifunctional home decor feature. Apart from being a place to check your own reflection, it also amplifies light, adds visual depth and frames specific views. One large or a few smaller, strategically placed mirrors can completely transform a space.

Cushions & covers

Nothing creates welcoming, warm and cosy vibes as cushions and covers. As well as being incredibly comfortable they also act as visual features as stylistic complements or focal points in their own right. It’s a very popular way to use them in New Zealand right now.

Sculptures & ornaments

Decorating with eye-catching sculptures are a great way to add dynamism to an interior. The smart layering of framed artwork and other decorative elements will completely transform the mood of your room.

Photo frames

Photo frames and the photos within them are a great way to add a personal touch to a space. People in New Zealand love sharing their moments and memories for others to enjoy. While photo frames are not a structural element of interior design, they play a vital role in the final result. 

Indoor plants

Indoor plants are highly beneficial. Besides their obvious decorative function, their vibrant, lively green appearance will also freshen the air. It has been proven that indoor plants improve psychological well-being by helping us stay focused, productive and balanced. This alone makes it a great living or bedroom idea.

Vases

Vases have their own place in home decor, whether as small side table versions or as large artistic focal points. Tall floor vases are ideal for vacant corners or to draw attention away from some less presentable features. Table vases have a functional role in displaying floral decorations, but many look great on their own or as part of a vignette. 

Clocks

Technology advances such as cell phones and smartwatches have somewhat eliminated the functional need for clocks. However, traditional clocks feature a distinctive charm that still works great as a decor element. In fact, clocks are experiencing a design resurgence in New Zealand in a variety of styles, as a valuable design tool for a wide range of interiors. 

Coat racks

Modern coat stands have a lot of design appeal. They are a vital functional feature of almost any interior but are now seen as an opportunity to add an aesthetically pleasing decorative element. Designed coat racks are ideal for small bedrooms with no space for classic wardrobes. Placed at the house entrance, they add to the first impression and make the visitor feel welcome. 

Diffusers

Diffusers help to create a specific mood through scent, whether it's calm and relaxing or energising and vibrant. The right fragrance combination will enhance every feeling and occasion, from a casual gathering to a festive Christmas. Designed diffusers are also popular and attractive decorative items in New Zealand.

Candles & holders

Another way to add some fragrance into the room is to use scented candles. They will not only make the room smell great but provide a warm and comforting ambience with gentle illumination. Candles have the power to transform a living space and significantly change its vibes. Besides table plates, candleholders in unique, attractive designs can be mounted on walls and even ceilings to provide boho chic and an artistic appeal. 

Different interior decoration features

Bedroom decor 

Few rooms in a house are more important than the master bedroom in New Zealand. Bedroom decor can make a big difference to one's mood and should be personalised to that individual as an extension of themselves. It's also an opportunity to express one’s own style with personal items and features that are meaningful to them. Guest bedrooms can still be personal but a guest room should also be welcoming and considerate of others.

Kids room decor

Depending on little ones' age and taste, kids room decor can cover a broad range of decorating ideas and styles. Kids know what they want in their rooms with features from cartoons, superhero movies, or fairytales often seen. The key challenge is designing a space that will evolve with their tastes over several years. Finding the balance between cluttered and dull is also important. 

Living room decor 

A living area implies a cosiness and comfort that can be shared. The key living room decor elements include wall art, wall decor, lighting fixtures, rugs, cushions and throws, and various kinds of ornaments. Each feature should impart style and have a purpose be it visual or functional.

Kitchen decor 

Kitchen decor can be attractive and full of life. It's a place where important tasks take place and decor can complement these activities. Curtains, rugs, kitchen and table linen, accessories and a variety of small details can go a long way. Designed kitchenware also offers more than a plain utility and can be displayed in creative ways to add visual interest. 

Things to consider when choosing home decor

The feeling is essential. Home decor in the family home in New Zealand should reflect personal taste, from overall style to colours, patterns, and materials. At any shop of home decor or online store, you should ask if new items can follow the existing room style or not.

Some people are not sure what they like, but almost all know what they don't. Defining "no's" and dislikes can help to make an initial selection by elimination method. 

Space planning is essential, as well as proper scaling. Too much symmetry can be as tiring as an overly busy display. Features should help to distribute visual weight and achieve better balance, rather than disturbing it. Proportion is the key to a great design.

The best way to start is to define the main features and gradually build around them. This will also stop you from impulse buying which can be very tempting when it comes to home living products.