If you’re interested in interior design trends but aren’t too handy when it comes to DIY, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest craze. But thankfully some trends are easy to follow and simple to do - requiring little technical skill and just a small dose of creativity. Whether you’re giving your basement a revamp or a complete overhaul, here are 5 simple design trends for 2014.

Trend #1 - A Touch of Vintage

The vintage trend has been gathering speed for a while now, and shows no sign of slowing in 2014. Incorporating furniture, soft furnishing, artwork and general homewares, vintage injects personality into the home with one-off items from across the decades. The trick with the vintage trend is to add it sparingly - perhaps an antique chair, a retro lampshade and a few 70s scatter cushions. If you have the time, why not ‘upcycle’ your own piece of vintage furniture - adding a lick of paint or some new upholstery to transform it.

Trend #2 - Layering

Taken literally, layering is all about putting one material on top of another - whether that’s fabrics of different colour and texture, or even wood or metallics. When it comes to interiors, the meaning is a little more flexible - referring to a mish-mash of decorative touches to create interest and depth. If your style is more eclectic than ‘put together’, this will be a simple trend to achieve!

Trend #3 - Blue, Blue Everywhere

Soft pastel hues, deep navy, vibrant turquoise - this year is all about the color blue. It’s an incredibly versatile trend; so take your pick and incorporate your favorite blue tone into wall hangings, upholstery and rugs. If block color isn’t your thing, try blue florals - another big trend for 2014. But if you’re bold, go for multiple shades for maximum effect.

Trend #4 - Bringing the Outside In

While interior designers are taking this trend to the extreme (think indoor ‘trees’, moss and naturally-sourced rocks), there is a more approachable way to incorporate the outdoors into your home. Pot plants, leafy foliage and colorful blooms will brighten the home - adding a touch of sunshine to your interior - something that is especially important in a basement space!

Trend #5 - Metallics

From the runway to the home, metallics have true fashion staying-power. In 2014, it’s all about mixing and matching, incorporating brass, gold and silver colors in startling combinations. By far the forerunner in the metallics stake is brass; which can be woven into the design of your basement kitchen or bathroom with sinks, faucets and bathtubs.

Before you start picking and choosing trends for your basement space, remember that it’s important not to forget your own taste and style. After all, you’re the one that has to live with it - in 2014 and beyond!