12 Martha Stewart Home Decor Tips You Should Take Seriously

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Martha Stewart is someone you expect to be wrapped in warm, charming blanket of perfection. Of course, she is the woman who has turned so many ordinary homes into sanctuaries of style and inspired millions through her so keen eye for detail or knack of making any space feel inviting. Her magic isn’t about buying expensive things for your house—it’s about the thoughtful touches that actually make a house home.

Had you been dreaming of a refresh but found yourself lost looking at empty walls or texture that doesn’t quite match, you’ve come to the right place. Practical, approachable and, dare I say, downright genius are these Martha Stewart inspired tips. So, let’s go into her world of wisdom.

Neutral Palettes Are a Great Choice for a Base That Will Never Go Out of Style

She is all about building a foundation that you can build on. Warm whites, soft grays and muted beiges are neutral palettes that make for the best backdrop to any decor style. You can play with color in accessories like pillows, rugs, artwork, without dominating the room. And if trends change or you want to change it up, it’s a much simpler task when your base is calm and malleable.

Bring the Outdoors In

Martha likes one of her go to moves, which is incorporating elements of nature into your home. Everything from potted plants to fresh flowers or even a simple bowl of pinecones on the coffee table brings natural elements to your space giving it life. Introducing greenery indoors can improve mood and alleviate stress levels, says a University of Exeter study. So, grab that fiddle leaf fig or bouquet of your favourite blooms, it’s good for your well being and your aesthetic.

Mix High and Low Pieces

You don’t need a fortune to make your home look like it stepped out of a magazine. She is a big believer in mixing and matching budget finds with more expensive pieces. A designer lamp combined with a hand me down coffee table can offer a layered, lived in aesthetic, which feels real. She believes a home should tell the story of who you are, and the best ones do so with a blend of old and new.

Pay Attention to Texture

Texture is the unsung hero of good design and if one thing is true, Martha’s spaces are never lacking in it. Soft throw blankets, nubby rugs, even a piece of reclaimed wood as a centerpiece. Textures help your space feel more dimensional and cozy versus flat. Slightly overlooked, but it’s the secret ingredient that makes all the difference.

Make Focal Points in Every Room

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In each room, there needs to be a star of the show, a feature that catches your eye and that your space revolves around. This can be a statement chandelier above the dining room, or a bold piece of art above the sofa, or a nice and beautiful bookshelf that is nicely styled. It turns the room into a purposeful one and balances things out.

Invest in Quality Bedding

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To Martha though, the bedroom is not a waiting room between adventures and alcohol, but a sanctuary. A high quality bedding—soft cotton sheets, a soft duvet and a blend of pillows—can turn your sleep space into a posh retreat. In fact, according to a survey by the Better Sleep Council, Americans are intently shopping for comfortable beddings, as it makes a big difference in their sleep quality. Therefore, if you’re going to splurge anywhere, it should be here.

Light Matters

Neglecting Lighting — Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels

One thing Martha excels at using is lighting, and lighting can make or break a room. Lighting under the overweight fixtures, on task lights and accent lighting creates a warm, inviting glow. She’s also a fan of dimmers, which let you change the ambiance to fit any occasion.

Keep It Organized

Clutter Culprits Hiding in Your Living Room — Image Credit: Pixabay

Martha knows that clutter is the enemy of good design better than anyone. Super simple solutions like labeled bins, drawer dividers, or stylish baskets can make a huge difference in keeping chaos under control, and help add some decor to the space. She believes that an organized home is a happy home. Who can argue with that, though?

Personalize With Art and Photos

Blank walls? No, thank you. Homeowners should add personality to their spaces with art and family photos, Martha says. From a gallery wall of vintage frames to a single large statement piece, the art you choose should be yours and it should make you happy every time you see it.

Embrace Seasonal Decor

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Martha’s a big believer in changing things around to reflect the seasons, which is one of her signature moves. You don’t have to do a whole overhaul; something as simple as switching out throw pillows, putting up a wreath, or displaying seasonal candles can give your home a fresh and festive feel all year long.

Use Mirrors Wisely

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One of Martha’s favorite space making tricks involves mirrors. Mirrors well placed can reflect light and have the effect of additional space. Pro tip: To maximize natural light and to bring the outdoors inside, hang a mirror across from a window.

Focus on the Details

And finally, it’s the little things that add up to a home. It could be something as simple as scented candles, fresh towels, or even a coffee table you’ve spent 10 minutes making sure it’s all neat and nice. Details are what make your home feel like it’s yours.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.