Round white table with documents and a laptop, wooden sideboard against a plain wall, abstract green artwork above, framed pictures arranged on the sideboard, tall indoor plant in the corner, modern floor lamp nearby, clean and minimal home office or study area

15 Ways to Make Your Home Look Like a Magazine

Making your home look like it belongs in a magazine is easier than you might think. With the right touches, you can create a space that feels stylish and inviting without a complete overhaul.

This article will show you 15 simple ways to elevate your home’s appearance, making it look polished and thoughtfully designed. These tips focus on practical updates you can apply to your existing space.

Group decor items by color for a cohesive look

Modern dining area, white table with six white chairs, minimalist wall shelves, beige accent wall, vase with green and white flowers as centerpiece, bright natural lighting
Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels.

Grouping decor items by color helps create an organized and intentional feel in your space. When you choose a consistent color palette, your room naturally feels more balanced and polished.

Try arranging vases, books, or picture frames in matching shades on shelves or tables. This simple step can make your decor look thoughtfully curated without much effort. It also ties different areas of a room together for a harmonious look.

Add a statement lighting fixture like a sculptural chandelier

Ornate crystal chandelier, multiple candle-style bulbs, gold detailing, suspended from a decorated ceiling, surrounded by intricate crown molding, red and gold patterned wallpaper background
Image Credit: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons.

You can instantly elevate your space by adding a sculptural chandelier. It serves as both a light source and an artistic focal point.

Choose a design that complements your room’s style, whether modern, classic, or eclectic. A unique fixture draws the eye and adds personality without overwhelming the space.

Make sure it’s proportionate to your room size to create balance. This simple upgrade makes your home feel thoughtfully styled.

Incorporate tall branches in a glass vase for height and movement

White ceramic vase, delicate embossed floral pattern, holding dried flowers, placed on light surface, strong diagonal shadow cast on wall, minimalistic and serene setting
Image Credit: Pembegül Dal/Pexels.

Add tall branches to a clear glass vase to give your space instant height and a natural vibe. Choose branches with interesting shapes to create subtle movement and texture.

Place them in a narrow-neck vase to keep the branches upright and neatly arranged. Step back and adjust the branches one by one until the look feels balanced and airy. This simple touch can make your room feel fresh and thoughtfully styled.

Use monochromatic paint on shelves and moldings for a moody vibe

Modern living room, blue-gray walls, hardwood floors, large windows with natural light, mid-century furniture, built-in bookshelf with books and decor, cozy rug with geometric pattern, neutral-toned seating
Image Credit: Curtis Adams/Pexels.

You can create a calm, unified look by painting shelves and moldings in shades of the same color. This monochromatic approach adds depth without overwhelming your space.

Choosing darker tones for these details helps build a moody, sophisticated atmosphere. It’s a subtle way to make your home feel polished and intentional.

Try different shades of a color you love to add interest while keeping everything cohesive and stylish.

Display a curated selection of books and objects on open shelves

family photo frame on book shelves
Image credit: Sevda Afshar / Unsplash

You can make your shelves look inviting by choosing a mix of books and decorative items. Group books by color or size to create a neat, intentional look.

Add a few personal objects like small plants, framed photos, or unique art pieces. Keep the arrangement balanced but not overly perfect to avoid a showroom feel.

Try stacking some books horizontally and others upright to add visual interest. Let your shelves tell a story that feels true to you.

Hang personal artwork and thrifted finds in matching wood frames

Framed artwork on a white mantel, modern minimalist decor, abstract paintings in black frames, stylish home interior, artistic arrangement, contemporary aesthetic
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

You can create a cohesive look by framing personal art and thrifted pieces in matching wood frames. Choose simple wood tones to keep everything unified without feeling too formal.

Using the same frame style lets your unique finds stand out while making the whole display feel intentional. Mixing thrifted art with personal touches adds character that’s easy to update over time.

Install under-cabinet LED strip lighting in the kitchen

Modern kitchen interior, sleek grey cabinets, built-in oven and microwave, wooden countertops and backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, potted green plant on counter, minimalist design
Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn /Pexels.

You can brighten your kitchen by installing LED strip lights under the cabinets. Start by measuring the length of your cabinets to know how much lighting you need.

Next, find a nearby power source to connect your LED strips safely. Peel the backing and carefully stick the strips along the bottom edges of your cabinets.

This simple upgrade adds functional task lighting and gives your kitchen a clean, modern look. The light makes countertops easier to work on and brings a cozy vibe.

Layer rugs with different textures and patterns

Cozy wicker furniture on a striped rug, warm string lights draped above, decorative cushions on a tan sofa, festive ambiance, tables set for dining in the background, soft ambient lighting, relaxed and elegant atmosphere
Image Credit: Jonathan Borba/Pexels.

You can add depth to your space by layering rugs with different textures. Try placing a soft, plush rug over a flatter, woven one to create contrast and interest.

Mix patterns carefully. Combining a subtle geometric rug with a bold, colorful one keeps the look balanced without overwhelming the room.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with shapes too. A round rug layered on a rectangular base can bring a dynamic feel to your floor design.

Add greenery with plants and dried flowers for freshness

Indoor scene with potted plants, small table with succulents and decor items, vintage suitcase planter in background, light gray wall
Image Credit: Cottonbro Studio/ Pexels.

You can brighten your space by adding green plants or dried flowers. Greenery like moss terrariums or potted plants instantly makes a room feel fresher and more inviting.

Dried flowers, such as celosia, offer long-lasting beauty and texture. They work well in arrangements that match your color scheme, giving your home a natural, styled look without much maintenance.

Use throw pillows in varied sizes and textures on sofas

Collection of colorful throw pillows with tribal and geometric patterns, stacked closely, rich earthy tones, textured fabrics
Image Credit: Gül Işık/ Pexels.

You can instantly refresh your sofa by mixing throw pillows of different sizes. Try pairing larger pillows in the back with smaller ones in front to create depth.

Textures add interest, so use materials like velvet, knit, or linen. This variety keeps your sofa from looking flat and makes it feel more inviting.

Choosing pillows that contrast your sofa’s fabric works well. This simple change pulls the whole look together without much effort.

Remove countertop appliances for a cleaner, spacious look

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, black appliances, gray backsplash, pendant lighting, wood flooring, and sliding glass doors to deck
Image Credit: Curtis Adams/Pexels.

You can instantly make your kitchen feel larger by clearing off countertop appliances. Keeping only essentials visible reduces visual clutter.

Try storing gadgets like mixers or slow cookers inside cabinets. Adjust shelves if needed to fit them easily and keep counters open.

A tidy countertop draws attention to your kitchen’s design instead of busy appliances. It also makes cleaning faster and your space more inviting.

Arrange baskets and decorative bowls for organized style

Ceramic pots with plants, patterned containers, decorative jars, cozy pillow with pom-poms in the background, warm indoor lighting, arranged on a wooden surface
Image Credit: SAIF SIDDIQUE/Wiki Commons.

You can use baskets to keep your home tidy while adding texture. Group them on shelves or in corners to create cozy, organized spots.

Decorative bowls work well as catch-alls for small items like keys or jewelry. Mixing materials, like jute baskets with ceramic bowls, adds variety without clutter.

Try placing baskets inside cupboards to maximize storage and keep surfaces clear. It’s a simple way to balance function and style in your space.

Wake up walls with bold, large-scale artwork

Modern living room interior, beige and white color scheme, soft gray rug, peach-colored sofa with cushions and throw blanket, black coffee table with vase and decor, white side table with candles and plant, abstract wall art, large window with sheer gray curtains
Image Credit: Pixabay/Pexels.

You can instantly transform a room by adding bold, large-scale artwork to your walls. A big, eye-catching piece creates a strong focal point and brings personality to your space.

Choose colors and themes that complement your existing decor. This makes your room feel curated and stylish without much effort.

If you’re working with a tall wall, stacking tall frames or choosing vertical pieces can make the space feel more expansive and modern.

Choose statement mirrors to reflect light and add depth

Modern bathroom with wooden vanity, round mirror, vertical lights, blue-tiled shower area, and a heated towel rail on the left
Image Credit: Max Vakhtbovycn/Pexels.

Pick mirrors with bold frames or unique shapes to make a stylish impact in your space. These statement pieces can draw attention while also reflecting natural or artificial light.

Position your mirror across from a window or light source. This setup helps brighten the room and creates the illusion of more space.

Using a large mirror adds depth and openness to smaller rooms. It’s a simple way to refresh your walls and elevate your home’s overall look.

Mix patterns and textures on furniture upholstery

Modern living room, large windows with natural light, two beige sofas with red cushions, wooden coffee tables, plush brown rug, decorative curtains in gold and maroon, cozy and stylish interior
Image Credit: Zak Chapman/ Pexels.

You can create visual interest by combining different patterns on your furniture. Start with larger furniture pieces in solid colors to balance the look.

Add patterned pillows or an upholstered chair with a contrasting texture like linen or velvet. Mixing subtle patterns with bold ones keeps the style balanced and inviting.

Textures like natural fibers or soft fabrics also add depth. Try layering a patterned throw over a textured sofa to keep your space cozy and stylish.

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