Tommy's five simple tips to add interest to the background of your video calls

If you’ve been spending most of your time on video calls, we can relate! From Zoom to Facetime, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with your colleagues, friends and family members during this period of physical distancing. While many of us are adapting to relying on technology for daily communication, we thought it would be fitting to chat with Tommy Smythe about how you can jazz up your backdrop for your video calls!

UTILIZE FLAT SURFACES

Having a flat surface is essentially your canvas to create something wonderful and impactful. Whether it’s your fireplace mantle or a windowsill, try and find an area of your home that you feel comfortable restyling. If you’re able to, relocate your desk or coffee table in front of the flat surface that you hope to repurpose.

CREATE AN INTERESTING BACKDROP

Do you prefer sitting in front of a wall rather than a window, fireplace or other areas of your home? If so, this tip is for you! Getting bored and uninspired from seeing your plain wall on video conferences is definitely relatable, but there are numerous ways you can jazz up your background without going overboard. If you have spare paint cans sitting in your garage or basement, now is a great time to experiment with them and create up an accent wall in your home! Don’t want to do anything permanent? There are other solutions you can try out, such as using a textured throw blanket or quilt as your new backdrop.

GATHER ITEMS FROM AROUND YOUR HOME

Think of your flat surface as an opportunity to create an “inspirational vignette,” as Tommy likes to call his cleverly-curated backdrop. Collect knick-knacks and meaningful items from around your home that you can place on your surface. From candles to art prints, you can place a few of your favourite things in one place.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Maybe you have a standing monogram letter or a decorative vase that you bought on vacation. Making your backdrop as personal as possible is a great conversation starter! If you’re on a call and the conversation lulls, you can incorporate your decorative pieces by explaining the story behind them. Not only is this a great way to distract your friends and family from the stresses of this pandemic, but it’s also an interesting way to get to know each other on a new level.

USE DECORATIONS THAT YOU HAVE FROM PREVIOUS CELEBRATIONS

Who says you can’t make use of your twinkly indoor Christmas lights during Spring? Many people have a box of decorative items that they use throughout the year for different occasions. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonal decorations by making use of what you have and incorporating them in new ways.