How to Make Your Home Feel Finished
From tackling that snag list to adding a few standout pieces, these tips will help you round off your unfinished rooms
Jennifer Spaeth
20 January 2018
Houzz UK Contributor. I'm a freelance writer and sub-editor with more than 15 years' experience in publishing, and have worked on a wide range of titles including Ideal Home, House Beautiful and Marie Claire. I'm obsessed with interiors and delighted to be part of the Houzz team.
Houzz UK Contributor. I'm a freelance writer and sub-editor with more than 15 years'... More
Hands up – who can relate to this scenario: you’ve lived in your home for a while, but somehow it still looks like you just moved in. Yes, you’ve painted your walls in painstakingly chosen colours and your windows have been looked after; you’ve even sorted the storage, but there’s just something missing. Not to worry – these ideas will get your home feeling lived-in and lovely in no time.
Start with the snags
Even if you haven’t taken on a major renovation project, which inevitably finishes with a snagging list for the builders, you probably still have a ‘To Do’ list consisting of all those niggly jobs that you never seem to have time to get round to but, if done, would lead to a more ‘finished’ home. Perhaps it’s putting up some pretty task lighting in the kitchen (just look at how the retro-look wall light in this cookspace completes the vignette of decorative pieces on the shelf) or refreshing the grout in the bathroom.
Feeling overwhelmed by the list? Don’t be. Everyone has different ways of dealing with an ever-growing workload, but the ‘divide and conquer’ method is definitely a good way to deal with it. Take a look at your list and divvy up the jobs. This involves making a column for the tasks you can do, another one for the work someone else in your household can accomplish and then one for the things you’ll need to call in the experts for. All of a sudden, it will all seem doable. And to make sure you get things done, create a timetable. Be realistic, though. Consider your budget and draw up the schedule around that.
Even if you haven’t taken on a major renovation project, which inevitably finishes with a snagging list for the builders, you probably still have a ‘To Do’ list consisting of all those niggly jobs that you never seem to have time to get round to but, if done, would lead to a more ‘finished’ home. Perhaps it’s putting up some pretty task lighting in the kitchen (just look at how the retro-look wall light in this cookspace completes the vignette of decorative pieces on the shelf) or refreshing the grout in the bathroom.
Feeling overwhelmed by the list? Don’t be. Everyone has different ways of dealing with an ever-growing workload, but the ‘divide and conquer’ method is definitely a good way to deal with it. Take a look at your list and divvy up the jobs. This involves making a column for the tasks you can do, another one for the work someone else in your household can accomplish and then one for the things you’ll need to call in the experts for. All of a sudden, it will all seem doable. And to make sure you get things done, create a timetable. Be realistic, though. Consider your budget and draw up the schedule around that.
Deal with eyesores
A beautifully decorated room can easily be let down by the smallest of things – a radiator that’s seen better days, for instance, or door handles that don’t fit in with a new scheme.
The aforesaid radiator is a big culprit in preventing a room/home from feeling finished. If your radiators have seen better days, or just don’t go with your new look, the easiest remedy is a cover. There are so many options out there – from painted MDF designs to covers made from mirrored glass that have a luxe Art Deco feel. Or you could paint a radiator that’s looking a little lacklustre. If none of the above will solve your problem and you have the budget to replace your worse-for-wear heater, a column radiator like the one in this room will work in both traditional and modern settings, and is a style star in its own right. You can search salvage yards or specialist retailers for the real deal, but you will need to make sure your Victorian piece has been restored and updated to work alongside modern heating systems. Or go for the very realistic contemporary versions of these Victorian classics.
The owners of this home deserve a shout-out for how they’ve dealt with the bay window area, which can be a tricky space to furnish. No matter how beautiful that radiator is, the room looks more ‘done’ with the armchair that fills what could be dead space and helps complete the cosy sitting area. Then there are the lights – a finished room is a room with layers of lighting to create atmosphere.
A beautifully decorated room can easily be let down by the smallest of things – a radiator that’s seen better days, for instance, or door handles that don’t fit in with a new scheme.
The aforesaid radiator is a big culprit in preventing a room/home from feeling finished. If your radiators have seen better days, or just don’t go with your new look, the easiest remedy is a cover. There are so many options out there – from painted MDF designs to covers made from mirrored glass that have a luxe Art Deco feel. Or you could paint a radiator that’s looking a little lacklustre. If none of the above will solve your problem and you have the budget to replace your worse-for-wear heater, a column radiator like the one in this room will work in both traditional and modern settings, and is a style star in its own right. You can search salvage yards or specialist retailers for the real deal, but you will need to make sure your Victorian piece has been restored and updated to work alongside modern heating systems. Or go for the very realistic contemporary versions of these Victorian classics.
The owners of this home deserve a shout-out for how they’ve dealt with the bay window area, which can be a tricky space to furnish. No matter how beautiful that radiator is, the room looks more ‘done’ with the armchair that fills what could be dead space and helps complete the cosy sitting area. Then there are the lights – a finished room is a room with layers of lighting to create atmosphere.
Give in to the power of pictures
Interiors have really embraced mini wall galleries, whether they’re above the sofa (or the bath) or in alcoves or anywhere really. And this decorating choice ranks high in the ‘how to make your home feel finished’ stakes.
To take full advantage of the way pictures, paintings or photos bring instant character to a room, don’t limit them to a gallery. Be inspired by this space, which has pictures positioned throughout – on shelving and even behind the plant on the side table.
Do you rent and are worried about drilling or hammering in nails? As long as you pick lightweight frames (think plastic or acrylic designs), you can use the adhesive strips that are available online or at most DIY stores.
10 ways to make a statement with framed wall art
Interiors have really embraced mini wall galleries, whether they’re above the sofa (or the bath) or in alcoves or anywhere really. And this decorating choice ranks high in the ‘how to make your home feel finished’ stakes.
To take full advantage of the way pictures, paintings or photos bring instant character to a room, don’t limit them to a gallery. Be inspired by this space, which has pictures positioned throughout – on shelving and even behind the plant on the side table.
Do you rent and are worried about drilling or hammering in nails? As long as you pick lightweight frames (think plastic or acrylic designs), you can use the adhesive strips that are available online or at most DIY stores.
10 ways to make a statement with framed wall art
Get arty
Another way to elevate the look of your home – and also prevent it from feeling ‘undone’ – is by being creative with accessories. This approach will also fast track you to a home that’s unique – as this gorgeous living room proves. The vignette on the chest of drawers is a lovely alternative to, say, a single painting on the wall and just a lamp on the chest. And the vignette here gets top marks for using a colour – black – to unite the majority of the elements in the grouping.
Another way to elevate the look of your home – and also prevent it from feeling ‘undone’ – is by being creative with accessories. This approach will also fast track you to a home that’s unique – as this gorgeous living room proves. The vignette on the chest of drawers is a lovely alternative to, say, a single painting on the wall and just a lamp on the chest. And the vignette here gets top marks for using a colour – black – to unite the majority of the elements in the grouping.
Look at every surface…
Take a moment to think how this display cabinet would look without the tasteful arrangement on top. A little bit incomplete? OK, if you’re a minimalist you might say ‘no’, but even someone who likes the pared-back look can see how opting for all-white vases, a picture frame that ties in with the cabinet and foliage that matches the painting equals a display that’s nonintrusive. If you think the top of the cabinet should serve as storage, even opting for two pretty boxes to hide away paperwork would help to finish this section of the room.
More ideas for creating vignettes in the living room
Take a moment to think how this display cabinet would look without the tasteful arrangement on top. A little bit incomplete? OK, if you’re a minimalist you might say ‘no’, but even someone who likes the pared-back look can see how opting for all-white vases, a picture frame that ties in with the cabinet and foliage that matches the painting equals a display that’s nonintrusive. If you think the top of the cabinet should serve as storage, even opting for two pretty boxes to hide away paperwork would help to finish this section of the room.
More ideas for creating vignettes in the living room
…and corner
In a similar vein to the previous point, we’re all probably guilty of neglecting certain corners around the house that might look more beautiful with some simple decoration. Case in point is this corner, where a single ornate mirror turns it into an eye-catching feature of the living room.
In a similar vein to the previous point, we’re all probably guilty of neglecting certain corners around the house that might look more beautiful with some simple decoration. Case in point is this corner, where a single ornate mirror turns it into an eye-catching feature of the living room.
And this corner space is certainly better off with a writing desk and chair, which create a mini home office. The gallery of prints is the icing on the cake.
Fitting work spots in small spaces
Fitting work spots in small spaces
Say goodbye to the corridor effect
Sometimes it’s extra seating that’s needed to make a space look finalised. Long rectangular rooms (and even square rooms) can get a ‘corridor’ feeling if you position furniture only along the two main walls. Here, the owners solved the problem by placing a compact sofa in the bay window area, and an armchair and side table at the other end. Simple, but effective.
Sometimes it’s extra seating that’s needed to make a space look finalised. Long rectangular rooms (and even square rooms) can get a ‘corridor’ feeling if you position furniture only along the two main walls. Here, the owners solved the problem by placing a compact sofa in the bay window area, and an armchair and side table at the other end. Simple, but effective.
Introduce a look-at-me piece…
Every room in your home should have a pièce de resistance to take it from standard to standout. Vintage furniture, like this love seat, has a way of sticking out from the crowd…
Every room in your home should have a pièce de resistance to take it from standard to standout. Vintage furniture, like this love seat, has a way of sticking out from the crowd…
…or go for something like this modern beaded chandelier, which turns this country kitchen into something really special.
The painting above the lamp needs a mention, too. It’s quirky design decisions like this that help give a home character. When the lamp is on, the artwork will be illuminated –smart and stylish. And what about the potted plant hanging from the shelf? It’s the type of finishing touch that completes a room by adding a little flourish that enhances the overall scheme.
Shop statement pieces to add some wow factor
The painting above the lamp needs a mention, too. It’s quirky design decisions like this that help give a home character. When the lamp is on, the artwork will be illuminated –smart and stylish. And what about the potted plant hanging from the shelf? It’s the type of finishing touch that completes a room by adding a little flourish that enhances the overall scheme.
Shop statement pieces to add some wow factor
Play with pattern
It’s amazing how a hit (or two) of pattern can lift a space, whether it’s a bold blind or vibrant upholstery. But it’s not just about adding oomph to a room – pattern can help finish a scheme in many other ways. For instance, it can tie together a colour scheme or even bring focus to a space like this rug is doing.
How to decorate confidently with pattern
It’s amazing how a hit (or two) of pattern can lift a space, whether it’s a bold blind or vibrant upholstery. But it’s not just about adding oomph to a room – pattern can help finish a scheme in many other ways. For instance, it can tie together a colour scheme or even bring focus to a space like this rug is doing.
How to decorate confidently with pattern
Throw in some texture
One characteristic that most ‘finished’ spaces share is texture. Why? It’s because texture adds instant visual interest to a room/home and ensures it doesn’t look one-dimensional. You can take the simple route and just add throws and cushions in different materials, or you could up your texture game by going a bit further. Think furnishings in different finishes. Here, the industrial-style metal coffee table, velvet sofa and ribbed leather chair all step in to do the job, but it’s also the curvy lamp base, woven basket and wood platter that help, too.
What tactics have you used to ‘finish’ your home? Share your tips – and show photos – in the Comments section.
One characteristic that most ‘finished’ spaces share is texture. Why? It’s because texture adds instant visual interest to a room/home and ensures it doesn’t look one-dimensional. You can take the simple route and just add throws and cushions in different materials, or you could up your texture game by going a bit further. Think furnishings in different finishes. Here, the industrial-style metal coffee table, velvet sofa and ribbed leather chair all step in to do the job, but it’s also the curvy lamp base, woven basket and wood platter that help, too.
What tactics have you used to ‘finish’ your home? Share your tips – and show photos – in the Comments section.
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my snag list is usually carpets and painting, not putting mirrors in corners. But Ive only had the house for 3 yeas so I suppose I will change priorities.
Lol Darren!
I love this article. So many great ideas, I’m starting my snagging list. Seriously ugly beaded chandelier in picture 10 though.