Functional Interior Design Hacks
*we may receive a small commission if you purchase from an affiliate link in our blog post.
As an interior designer, I'm always on the lookout for inventive solutions that enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a space. I am excited to share some of the top home hacks that anyone can implement. These are not only simple but they’ll have a big impact on a small budget.
We’ll explore some hands free helpers, electronic aids, and renter friendly aesthetic upgrades and share our favorite options. We promise, you’ll love these fun design hacks!
Peel and Stick Wallpaper
This might seem like a no brainer because it has been popular for some time but peel and stick wallpaper is a game changing home hack. It comes at a fraction of the price of regular wallpaper and is relatively easy to install yourself. Transform any room quickly and easily with peel and stick wallpaper. The variety available offers you endless possibilities for customization and creativity. Plus, it’s easily removed making it a practical and stylish addition to any home, even a rental!
Check out some of our favorite peel and stick wallpaper picks
Faux Greenery
Many people love to incorporate house plants into their interior design, but if you’re anything like me, you might struggle with keeping them alive! Thanks to some extremely realistic faux plants, now you don’t have to worry about dead plants spoiling your beautiful decor. So many faux plants look too fake, obviously plastic and bright green. We have found tried and tested (and relatively affordable!) options that look so real, your guests will never know the difference. Faux plants are usually adjustable to make them look more full or styled. The only maintenance tip to keep in mind is to make sure you dust them every once in a while to keep them looking their best! Faux greenery allows you can enjoy the look of greenery in your home decor without the legwork, ensuring that your plants always look perfect!
We love these realistic faux plants and trees
Automatic Curtain Openers
Bid farewell to the days of manually opening and closing your curtains. With automatic curtain openers, you can effortlessly control the natural light entering your home with the touch of a button. These motorized systems can be programmed to open and close at specific times of the day, allowing you to wake up to the gentle rays of the sun or enjoy a cozy movie night in complete darkness. Not only do they add a touch of luxury to your home, but they also offer practical benefits such as improved energy efficiency and privacy.
Here are some of our favorite automatic curtain openers
Smart Lighting Solutions
Lighting is pivotal in interior design. It sets the mood and ambiance of a room, creates warmth and literally sheds light on the things you want to highlight. With smart lighting solutions, you can take have more flexibility when it comes to illuminating your home. A few great options are rechargeable lightbulbs, wireless light switches, and even rechargeable picture lights! These gadgets allow you to adjust the brightness and hue of your lights to suit any occasion.
Rechargeable lightbulbs are convenient when you want to hang sconces without hard wiring or use a table lamp in the middle of a room. The main caveat is that they tend to be on the dimmer side and typically only last a couple of hours. However, they are a great short term solution and are especially helpful when you unexpectedly lose electricity!
If you want to add a wall light switch where you don’t have electricity, you can install a wireless light switch to easily solve that problem.
If you have a beautiful picture or piece of art that you want to highlight but you don’t want to hard wire it, there are rechargeable picture lights you can easily hang. Designer tip: these look especially beautiful over textured art pieces!
Shop smart lighting options
Outlet Extenders
Maximize your lighting options by using outlet extenders! These handy devices provide additional power outlets to locations where they may not be within reach. There are a few different varieties depending on your needs and they can easily be installed in any room, allowing you to plug in electronics and appliances where you need them most. Say goodbye to the frustration of not being able to plug in your electronics where you need them and say hello to function and convenience!
Here are some great, affordable outlet extender options
These hacks and gadgets are so helpful in making it easier to customize our living spaces. A huge part of interior design is combining form and function to create homes that are both stylish and practical. By incorporating these great, creative hacks into your own home, you can evolve your home and make it more convenient, comfortable, and beautiful, without blowing your budget!
