Fun Houzz: 11 Beauty Tricks to Adapt to Your Décor
Steal these handy tricks from your own beauty regime when sprucing up your home
Natasha Saroca
19 September 2016
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career working across a number of home design and lifestyle magazines, including BuildHOME and Kitchens & Bathrooms Quarterly. She enjoys writing about design and colour trends, decorating ideas (particularly how to transform rooms with colour and patterns), organisation tips, entertaining ideas and easy updates for the home.
When she’s not creating Ideabooks for Houzz, Natasha can be found writing about all things fashion for Missy Confidential, working on her soon-to-be-launched website – www.asmartsequin.com – or shopping online for new quilt covers, cushions and fashion illustrations (her three current obsessions).
Houzz Australia Contributor. Natasha is a freelance journalist who began her career... More
Interior inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places. While some home decorators take design cues from nature or trips they’ve taken abroad, others find that films, fashion and other creative arts spark new ideas. But another surprising source of inspiration can be found much closer to home: your own beauty and grooming regime. After all, it’s all about enhancing your features and ensuring you look well presented, so it makes sense that the tricks of the trade can be used to improve the look of your house, too.
Contour, contour, contour
This sneaky make-up trick is all about accentuating and minimising features using different-coloured foundations – and it’s a technique that not only belongs in your bag of beauty tricks, but in your little black book of decorating ideas, too. Unlike facial contouring, which requires you to blend light and dark shades seamlessly together, strong contrast is key when using this technique in interiors. The variations in tone creates visual interest and helps define, enhance or downplay the shape, size of architectural features in a room.
This living area reveals how the beauty trick can be adapted for the home using different shades of grey. Notice how the dark, moody wall colour adds depth and anchors the scheme, while the light-grey rug, beige sofa and white ceiling and accent wall make the room appear brighter and create the illusion of spaciousness.
This sneaky make-up trick is all about accentuating and minimising features using different-coloured foundations – and it’s a technique that not only belongs in your bag of beauty tricks, but in your little black book of decorating ideas, too. Unlike facial contouring, which requires you to blend light and dark shades seamlessly together, strong contrast is key when using this technique in interiors. The variations in tone creates visual interest and helps define, enhance or downplay the shape, size of architectural features in a room.
This living area reveals how the beauty trick can be adapted for the home using different shades of grey. Notice how the dark, moody wall colour adds depth and anchors the scheme, while the light-grey rug, beige sofa and white ceiling and accent wall make the room appear brighter and create the illusion of spaciousness.
Try a single slick of red
A dash of red lipstick will instantly lift and add stop-and-stare appeal to any look, and so too will a single hit of red when introduced to an interior. For the best results, keep the rest of your scheme simple in colour and style like the space above. This will allow the bold block of colour to shine and remain the hero(ine) of the room. If you feel like your space doesn’t look complete, introduce a few lashings of black to anchor the scheme and create high-contrast drama. After all, a bold red lip’s best friend is a black mascara.
Discover how to use red in your home
A dash of red lipstick will instantly lift and add stop-and-stare appeal to any look, and so too will a single hit of red when introduced to an interior. For the best results, keep the rest of your scheme simple in colour and style like the space above. This will allow the bold block of colour to shine and remain the hero(ine) of the room. If you feel like your space doesn’t look complete, introduce a few lashings of black to anchor the scheme and create high-contrast drama. After all, a bold red lip’s best friend is a black mascara.
Discover how to use red in your home
Adopt a nightly grooming routine
You give your skin some TLC every night, so it’s only fair that you afford your home the same treatment, too. Doing a quick clean and tidy up before you go to bed will help you stay on top of your chores so they don’t get out of control (and your house become tricky and time-consuming to clean) come the weekend.
You give your skin some TLC every night, so it’s only fair that you afford your home the same treatment, too. Doing a quick clean and tidy up before you go to bed will help you stay on top of your chores so they don’t get out of control (and your house become tricky and time-consuming to clean) come the weekend.
Don’t forget to deodorise
If there’s one thing that’s worse than body odour, it’s stomach-churning household smells. A simple way to prevent it is to take cues from your grooming routine and regularly deodorise your home. Get in the habit of spritzing room mist, essential oils or an odour-neutralising spray around your house every second day or so. Scattering reed diffusers, incense or scented candles around your home will also mask funky smells. Finally, throw open the windows and let in the fresh air.
If there’s one thing that’s worse than body odour, it’s stomach-churning household smells. A simple way to prevent it is to take cues from your grooming routine and regularly deodorise your home. Get in the habit of spritzing room mist, essential oils or an odour-neutralising spray around your house every second day or so. Scattering reed diffusers, incense or scented candles around your home will also mask funky smells. Finally, throw open the windows and let in the fresh air.
Prime your surfaces
You’ll find primer in any make-up artist’s and design professional’s toolkit. Both make-up and paint primers are used as a base to help fill, smooth and prep the surface you’re painting on, whether it’s your skin or a wall. They also conceal blemishes and give make-up and paint something to hold onto so that the finished surface, like this blackboard paint, lasts longer.
You’ll find primer in any make-up artist’s and design professional’s toolkit. Both make-up and paint primers are used as a base to help fill, smooth and prep the surface you’re painting on, whether it’s your skin or a wall. They also conceal blemishes and give make-up and paint something to hold onto so that the finished surface, like this blackboard paint, lasts longer.
Use bronzer to warm up your look
Applying bronzer to your face and body will give your skin a sun-kissed, shimmering glow, so it follows that introducing this rich iridescent shade to your home will maker it feel warmer, more welcoming and full of life, too. When choosing what hues to pair with bronze, you can’t go wrong if you opt for a classic monochrome palette or natural wood. Jewel tones like sapphire, amethyst, emerald and ruby also work nicely with this metallic shade.
See how to weave bronze, copper and gold into your kitchen
Applying bronzer to your face and body will give your skin a sun-kissed, shimmering glow, so it follows that introducing this rich iridescent shade to your home will maker it feel warmer, more welcoming and full of life, too. When choosing what hues to pair with bronze, you can’t go wrong if you opt for a classic monochrome palette or natural wood. Jewel tones like sapphire, amethyst, emerald and ruby also work nicely with this metallic shade.
See how to weave bronze, copper and gold into your kitchen
Make your products multi-task
I recently downsized my make-up collection, and now all that’s left (bar a few essentials) are products that I’ve discovered can work double time, like cream blush (which can moonlight as lip and eye colour) and translucent powder (it also thickens lashes, mattifies glossy lipstick and works as dry shampoo). Try a similar approach at home and research ways you can make common household items work harder. For example, while lemons make food and beverages more flavoursome, they can also be used as a natural deodoriser, cleaner and stain remover.
I recently downsized my make-up collection, and now all that’s left (bar a few essentials) are products that I’ve discovered can work double time, like cream blush (which can moonlight as lip and eye colour) and translucent powder (it also thickens lashes, mattifies glossy lipstick and works as dry shampoo). Try a similar approach at home and research ways you can make common household items work harder. For example, while lemons make food and beverages more flavoursome, they can also be used as a natural deodoriser, cleaner and stain remover.
Energise your home with temporary treatments
An easy way to update your look, without making major cosmetic changes, is to experiment with easy (and inexpensive) beauty fixes, like changing your hair colour or painting your nails an unexpected shade. Adopt this trick in your home by swapping accessories when you feel like a change. Replace your cushion covers or curtains, create a feature wall using removable wallpaper and make art to display on your walls - these are just a few ways you can transform your interior quickly and on the cheap.
An easy way to update your look, without making major cosmetic changes, is to experiment with easy (and inexpensive) beauty fixes, like changing your hair colour or painting your nails an unexpected shade. Adopt this trick in your home by swapping accessories when you feel like a change. Replace your cushion covers or curtains, create a feature wall using removable wallpaper and make art to display on your walls - these are just a few ways you can transform your interior quickly and on the cheap.
Enjoy regular pamper sessions
Just as deep-conditioning and luxury treatments help revitalise your hair and skin, setting aside me-time each week will work wonders for your health and wellbeing. I love the idea of transforming a corner of your bedroom, living area, bathroom or outdoor space into a dedicated relaxation and pamper zone. Take cues from the chic chill-out space here and dress the area in soothing colours. Complete the peaceful scene with a cosy armchair, scented candle, relaxing music and a good book to read.
Discover 10 Zen spots for relaxation
Just as deep-conditioning and luxury treatments help revitalise your hair and skin, setting aside me-time each week will work wonders for your health and wellbeing. I love the idea of transforming a corner of your bedroom, living area, bathroom or outdoor space into a dedicated relaxation and pamper zone. Take cues from the chic chill-out space here and dress the area in soothing colours. Complete the peaceful scene with a cosy armchair, scented candle, relaxing music and a good book to read.
Discover 10 Zen spots for relaxation
Go glam with metallics
If you want to inject your home with a hint of drama and glam sophistication, take a leaf out of your beauty book and make over your space with brilliant metallic finishes and accents. Another rule to take from your bag of beauty tricks is to use shimmer and sparkle in moderation. This will ensure your space dazzles but doesn’t resemble a disco ball.
If you want to inject your home with a hint of drama and glam sophistication, take a leaf out of your beauty book and make over your space with brilliant metallic finishes and accents. Another rule to take from your bag of beauty tricks is to use shimmer and sparkle in moderation. This will ensure your space dazzles but doesn’t resemble a disco ball.
Splurge on good-quality products and tools
While you can often find great beauty products and tools at budget prices, sometimes it’s worth prioritising quality over cost. The same goes when you’re designing and decorating your home. Fine workmanship is one area where you can’t afford to cut costs. You should also invest in good-quality flooring, appliances, and furniture that will be heavily used, such as sofas, mattresses and kitchen worktops.
TELL US…
What other creative ideas have you adapted to your décor? Share your tips in the Comments below.
While you can often find great beauty products and tools at budget prices, sometimes it’s worth prioritising quality over cost. The same goes when you’re designing and decorating your home. Fine workmanship is one area where you can’t afford to cut costs. You should also invest in good-quality flooring, appliances, and furniture that will be heavily used, such as sofas, mattresses and kitchen worktops.
TELL US…
What other creative ideas have you adapted to your décor? Share your tips in the Comments below.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: How Eco-Friendly Is your Lifestyle?
By Helle Sindal
Are your habits good for the planet, or do you produce a huge amount of CO2? Take this quiz to find out
Full Story
Dining Rooms
Room Tour: This Dining Room's Centrepiece was Inspired by Toys
Fun-with-function is the name of the game for this small space, with its custom-designed display and storage feature
Full Story
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: What's Your Interior Design Personality Type?
By A
Answer these questions for a surprising insight into your own style!
Full Story
Lifestyle
How Fastidious Are You at Home?
If you fuss over details in each room, making your home picture perfect, this one's for you.
Full Story
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: What Type of Bathroom Should You Have?
In an ideal world, the bathroom (or any room) we have is based on our personality and lifestyle
Full Story
Interior Design
Spotted! Fun and Stylish Bunnies in the House
'Tis the season for the Easter Bunny – but it doesn't mean we can only have the furry creature once a year in our homes
Full Story
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: How Singaporean is Your Home?
You call Singapore your home but how Singaporean is your home?
Full Story
Quizzes
Houzz Quiz: What His Bachelor Pad Says About Him
Find out how much (or how little) you know about that guy you're dating via his decorating and entertaining style
Full Story
Fun Houzz
Check Your Design Angst With 'Design! The Board Game'
By Jody Brown
Gather some friends and print out these pages for old-fashioned design-friendly fun
Full Story
Fun Houzz
Fun Houzz: 10 Facts About Singapore Homeowners
Which room are we Singaporeans happiest in? What decor style do we like? Read on to find out!
Full Story
@JoDP you can ask the designer about the lamp by clicking at the bottom of the photo on the 'Ask a question about this photo' button!
Have given the chairs away and bought two cheaper sofas that I can get rid of in a few years and update..
On wh- I have to keep some items which I inherited- through sheer sentimental value, but all of them have been reupholstered