Anyone who’s ever walked into a cool apartment can share the slightly jealous sentiment of wanting to get the same look and vibe in their own home. But when the time finally comes to remodel, those dreams can soon start to feel impossible. Contractor bills and neverending choices can be overwhelming to say the least.
So how do you get that cool look in your own home without breaking the bank? Mariam Esfahani, realtor and design and development expert, is often referred to as the “queen of chic,” and she says the key to a stylish and cool home is to give the house lots of personality. “Your home should have a lot of your own personality and only then can it be interesting to others,” Esfahani tells Style Salute. In other words, your home should be a vessel of your personality, creativity and lifestyle.
If you feel your home is no longer reflecting you, what should you do? A micro-remodel, of course.
Though you can’t change your home overnight, a micro remodel is always possible, and lucky for us, Esfahani was kind enough to share some helpful hacks on how to style a chic, sophisticated, and polished home. Scroll through to hear it all.
Find a style that works with your home
Be practical when choosing how you’ll decorate your home or a particular room in your house. “Your home should fit with the type of lifestyle you live,” says Esfahani. “Don’t go for ultra-clean and modern if you have kids running around. You want to create an environment that everyone can enjoy.”
Reflect your personal style
Design is a beautiful way to tell a story. “I think it’s important to have your home reflect your own personal style,” says Esfahani. “What do you want your guests to know about you?”
Know what decor style you want
Different décor styles have different feels. Some are simple, while others have unconventional structures. Knowing your décor style allows you to make a home that is designed cohesively. Esfahani tells us that there are many styles to choose from like minimalist, eclectic, transitional, mid-century and coastal. “Right now, I’ve been seeing a lot more minimalist design as well as coastal,” says Esfahani.
Chic + affordable = possible
Remodeling does have the potential to get expensive, but you don’t necessarily have to go the distance to have a stylish home. “Some great resources for design on a budget are Ballard Designs, Joss & Main and Wayfair for furniture and occasional pieces,” says Esfahani. “The Demolition Depot and Etsy are also great for vintage finds and World Market, Z Gallerie and Home Goods are good for affordable accent pieces. I’m also loving a lot of items available at H&M Home!”
Small spaces can transform into bigger spaces
Don’t let a small space get you down. There are creative ways you can open it up to avoid feeling cramped or cluttered. “White ceilings and high hung curtains can really create the illusion of a higher ceiling while layering lighting creates dimension,” says Esfahani. Also, if you have a small space, Esfahani advises to avoid large furniture and to keep it away from the walls as it almost always makes a space feel smaller.
Mix it up
“Don’t be afraid to mix pieces together,” says Esfahani. “Not everything has to have a set or be the exact same color. For example, placing significant antique pieces in a minimal contemporary space mixes classic with modern. Just don’t overdo it. A home can go from charming to cluttered very fast.”
Looking for more decor inspiration? Check out @esfahani_estates on Instagram. Mariam Esfahani is realtor and design and development specialist at the luxury real estate brand Sotheby’s International Realty.
