interior decorating Archives | Cardinal Financial https://www.cardinalfinancial.com/blog/tag/interior-decorating/ Mortgage. The right way. Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:06:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Ten 2023 Interior Design Trends to Try in Your Home https://www.cardinalfinancial.com/blog/2023-interior-design-trends/ Fri, 20 Jan 2023 17:44:28 +0000 https://www.cardinalfinancial.com/?p=32725 Homeownership is known for its long-term benefits, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace changing trends and mix up your decor anytime you feel like it. If you’re looking for home decor […]

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Homeownership is known for its long-term benefits, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace changing trends and mix up your decor anytime you feel like it. If you’re looking for home decor inspo for a fresh start this year, we’ve got you covered. Without further ado, here are our favorite 2023 interior design trends.

  • Accent walls
  • Asymmetry
  • Bold kitchens
  • Colors replacing neutrals
  • Gold finishes
  • Soft florals
  • Statement rugs
  • Stone accents
  • Stylish laundry rooms
  • Vintage furniture

Aesthetic utility spaces, art deco finishes, and warm purple tones are all making their way into the trendiest homes of 2023.

1. Accent walls

Accent walls are going strong in 2023. Wallpaper can be an easy way to try out new styles if you’re not sure what you want. But, if you’re ready to commit, consider bold paint colors (more on color later) and textures like exposed brick, concrete, and natural stone.

2. Asymmetry

No need for complete sets here—asymmetry is in. From mismatched bedside tables to uniquely-shaped lamps, there are endless ways to incorporate this trend into your decor. If you prefer a more balanced look, you can opt for more subtle methods like different pieces of wall art in matching frames.

Pro Tip: Asymmetry is a very thrift-friendly decor trend! Your local antique and thrift stores are a great place to find one-of-a-kind pieces at reasonable prices.

3. Bold kitchens

Kitchens are where you cook up coziness, so it makes sense that one of the top 2023 interior design trends is devoting more focus to the aesthetic of your cooking space. While it does still need to be functional, don’t be afraid to play with bold cabinet colors, open shelves, and detail-rich finishes like wood, marble, and patterned tiling.

4. Colors replacing neutrals

Colors are back, but not in the pastels and bright colors that dominated previous years. Warm, muted tones in purples, blues, and yellows are gaining popularity. It’s not a complete departure from the biophilic design craze of 2022, though. The key when selecting colors is to choose shades that could be found in nature, giving your decor a more timeless feel. Luckily, nature has quite the selection of colors to choose from.

Pro Tip: Not sure what hue to start with? The Pantone Color of the Year 2023 is Viva Magenta.

5. Gold finishes

Brushed nickel is out, gold is in. After all, it wouldn’t be the ‘20s without art deco. While Gatsby-level extravagance is not in the average homeowner’s budget, gold-toned finishes on light fixtures, knobs, and more small details can elevate and infuse warmth into your space. 

6. Soft florals

If you’re opting for patterns this year, stay on trend by channeling French countryside cottages with florals in muted colors. From wallpaper to throw pillows to window dressings, soft florals are easy to incorporate throughout your home in tasteful (and budget-friendly) amounts.

7. Statement rugs

To drastically change a room with minimal actual changes, swapping a simple rug for a statement rug packs the most punch. A good rug will last for years, though, so avoid going too trendy with your rug choices. Muted colors, traditional patterns, and cozy textures are all timeless elements to look for.

8. Stone accents

Nothing is written in stone, except maybe our eighth 2023 home decor trend. Stone accent walls are gaining popularity, but they’re also a big commitment. The good news is there are plenty of less labor-intensive ways to bring this natural texture indoors. Agate accent tables, concrete lamps, and marble kitchen backsplashes are all popular methods for incorporating stone into your 2023 home decor.

9. Stylish laundry rooms

2020 changed how we interact with our homes, and the past few years of interior design have reflected this. From a growing focus on outdoor spaces in 2021 to enclosed layouts in 2022, the trend continues in 2023 with a focus on combining aesthetics and utility—particularly in laundry rooms. Glossy wood finishes, vintage-inspired floor tiles, and subtle luxe touches on cabinets and light fixtures can help turn your laundry room into a space you actually want to spend time in.

10. Vintage furniture

In 2023, we’re embracing multiple eras of style. That means vintage furniture is maintaining its popularity, if in less kitsch forms than we saw in 2022. Always support local/independently owned thrift and antique stores when you can. But, if you’re striking out in your area, there are plenty of great online options as well.

Are there any 2023 interior design trends to avoid?

As in all things homeownership, it’s important to stick to your budget. So, don’t commit a huge spend to a home decor trend you’re not sure you’ll love in the long term. Luckily, there are several ways your mortgage can actually help you pay for renovations, such as an FHA 203(k) loan. Bottom line, it’s your home, your vision, and your call. Have fun with it!

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Winter Decor Ideas for Christmas and Beyond https://www.cardinalfinancial.com/blog/winter-decor-ideas/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 13:53:33 +0000 https://www.cardinalfinancial.com/?p=32129 We love Christmas as much as the next mortgage lender, but there’s a lot more to the holiday season than just Santa’s big day. And even when the holidays end, you’ve still […]

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We love Christmas as much as the next mortgage lender, but there’s a lot more to the holiday season than just Santa’s big day. And even when the holidays end, you’ve still got months of winter to get through. Whether you’re staging your home for an open house or just trying to make spirits bright after the sun goes down at 4:30 in the afternoon, we rounded up five easy winter decor ideas to help keep you cozy.

5 evergreen winter decor ideas

  • Candles, candles, and more candles
  • Seasonal throws and pillows
  • Natural accents
  • Neutral color palettes
  • Stunning centerpieces

Ready to deck your halls with non-Christmas decorations? Let’s get into it.

1. Candles, candles, and more candles

There’s nothing quite like candlelight to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, especially if your home doesn’t have a fireplace (you can even put candles in the fireplace if you don’t want to go to the trouble of building a fire). But, before you fill your shopping cart with these wax wonders, there are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Fire hazards. Make sure your candles are in correctly-sized holders, and be mindful of where you place all those little open flames (especially if you have small children and/or curious pets)
  • Scents. One or two scented candles can set the perfect seasonal vibe, but if you light multiple scented candles at once, it’s going to be overwhelming (and possibly the cause of an allergic reaction for some of your more sensitive guests).
  • Upkeep. Did you know you’re supposed to trim your candle wicks before each use? This will help prevent tunneling, excessive smoke, and generally helps you get more mileage out of each candle.

If all that sounds like a lot, LED flameless candles are an easy-to-find alternative. You could even splurge on a set with a remote to save yourself the trouble of turning each one on individually.

2. Seasonal throws and pillows

Layers aren’t just for your winter wardrobe. Adding more texture to your space with chunky blankets and accent pillows is an easy winter decor idea to implement on a budget—and it doesn’t hurt that it makes your setup more comfortable, either. From faux fur to flannel, textile accents offer plenty of ways to express your style while visually (and literally) warming up your home.

3. Natural accents

Incorporating elements of nature in your decor can go a long way towards boosting your mental health and elevating your space. While winter isn’t exactly known for its lush plant life, there are still a few ways you can keep your natural accents seasonal. If a carefully arranged bowl of pinecones isn’t your thing, try some of these vibrant winter houseplants that can handle the changing temperatures.

  • Jade plant
  • Snake plant
  • Tradescantia
  • Aglaonema
  • Oxalis triangularis

4. Neutral color palettes

You might think that bright, bold colors would be the best way to stave off the dullness of winter, but a neutral color palette will give your decor more longevity, create a calming atmosphere, and imbue warmth into your home. Plus, if you’re showing your house, neutral decor can make potential buyers feel welcome while still being able to envision the space as their own. It’s all about hygge.

Hygge (pronounced hooga) is a Danish trend that’s grown in popularity over the past several years. Hygge is a lifestyle, but as decor, it manifests as minimalist palettes, layered textures, and warm-toned lights.

5. Stunning centerpieces

Cozy meals are a big part of what makes winter feel more manageable, so don’t forget to devote some extra energy to your table settings. There’s no wrong way to make a centerpiece, but some reliable seasonal elements include:

  • Fresh evergreen trimmings, like cypress, holly, and juniper
  • Winter fruits, like apples, pears, and oranges
  • Decorative accents, like fake snow, burlap, and string lights

Are there any winter decor ideas I should avoid?

While no winter decor ideas are off the table if they make you happy, you’ll generally want to avoid placing decorations on your windows. Why? The days are short, which means limited natural light. Anything you place in or on your windows reduces the amount of sunlight that makes it into your home, which can have negative effects on even the hardiest of houseplants and humans.

Of course, one of the biggest perks of homeownership is the freedom to decorate as you please. Don’t let one blog post sway you from what feels right—even if it was written by home experts who really know what they’re doing.

Try these tips for evergreen winter home decor to keep the cozy vibes going all season long.

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