Decorating & Design
August 28, 2017
How To Decorate In Your 20s, 30s, 40s And Beyond!
Passing a milestone birthday doesn’t dictate how you decorate, but over the years we’ve noticed some definite decorating do’s associated with different life stages. Take a look and see if they fit the place you’re in.
After years of dorm rooms or other shared spaces, this decade marks an opportunity to express creativity. Small spaces (pretty much de riguer in your 20s) can really benefit from the grandeur of a bold print. (In a rental, opt for peel-and-stick wallpapers that won’t damage walls.)
A lovely clawfoot tub might not be standard issue in every twentysomething’s bathroom, but colorful shower drapes and accessories can liven up a bland space, or spruce up an older bathroom.
Smart storage steals make the most of small bedrooms. In this space, a budget-friendly lift-up bed from Ikea conceals out-of-season clothes and suitcases. Savings on the bed were channeled towards punchy upholstery on the headboard and skirt to amp up the room’s personality.
Thrifty finds like these vintage chairs (in the original velvet upholstery) add loads of charm and are budget-friendly for those intent on saving for their first home.
Kids’ toys, sports equipment, collectibles and electronics all eat up major real estate in a home, so consider built-ins, or ready-made storage solutions that can handle the ‘stuff of life.’
Lighting has major impact on a room, and there are so many budget options available now that look high end. Feel like splurging? A statement light is relatively easy to take from one home to another.
Dining tables often become the center of family life, not just during meals and celebrations, but also as homework and crafting hubs for kids. Invest in one that’s up to the task with a generous surface and easy-care finish.
Pieces of furniture that may have been bought or inherited in your 20s may be showing signs of wear. Well-made furnishings can gain a second life with new upholstery (generally more cost effective than buying a new piece). This family friendly flip-up bench looks sharp with custom-upholstered cushions and garners extra points for the durable fabric that helps disguise spills.
If the days of rentals with spotty ovens and iffy burners are over, indulging in some great appliances makes cooking for a crowd easier and more efficient.
Comfortable underfoot, rugs are a practical luxury that pack a hefty decor punch. A high-quality rug can last a lifetime, so see it for what it is: an investment that can be enjoyed every day.
Fortysomethings may still be putting in their fair share of work well after office hours are done, so it makes sense to create a comfortable home office to ease the chore. Opt for a good quality chair (these accents pieces can easily segue into the living room) and the desk can be conveniently tucked away, yet remains in the heart of the home.
A well-organized closet eases the morning rush, especially if a homeowner is at the stage that dovetails school drop offs with morning meetings. If a walk-in closet is still a pipe dream, keep things organized with attractive storage solutions.
In your 40s, you may be getting pulled in a million directions, but at the end of the day a good night’s sleep is necessary to keep functioning at full throttle. Splurge on quality linens and make the bed the focal point of the room with a standout headboard.
Dreaming of a spot where everyone can stretch out (including growing teens)? A generous sofa is a social place to catch up and relax all in one, so choose an inviting version that’s not too precious for popcorn spills.
Book lovers know how easy it can be to amass treasures that become like old friends, and they can be equally hard to part with. Creating a library is a spot to honor favorite reads and discover new ones.
Whether an avid collector, or the recipient of a family heirloom, there’s a pride that comes with the stewardship of a fine antique. Keep the look modern by mixing in contemporary pieces, such as authentic Platner chairs.
Open display isn’t for every homeowner, particularly those with curious children or rambunctious pets, but it’s often ideal for empty nesters who have amassed a well-loved collection and want to show it off.
Artwork is portable and can represent a great investment that can be handed down through generations. In the era of downsizing for many fiftysomethings, art doesn’t take up a huge footprint and confers personal tastes, interests, or even memories of travel in an instant.