Every now and then it becomes necessary to shake up your home decor a little. With just a few simple tricks and tips, you can make your home an eye-popping showpiece in which you and your friends and family will feel right at home.
Start with the windows
Your windows are the most important architectural detail in your home, providing light and a view outside. If your windows are covered by old draperies, consider a dressing like plantation shutters, which you can find in a variety of colors and materials. Shutters like these are understated, and will complement any decor, from modern to antique chic. Whatever you put on your windows, make sure it lets light in easily. A bright home improves your mood, helps keep your home warm in the winter and allows your house plants to grow full and green.
Arrange your furniture
A new furniture arrangement can make your whole home feel new. Start by thinking about how you use your rooms and arrange accordingly. If your family spends a lot of time in the living room reading or playing, make sure you have plenty of sitting space and floor space. Find the easiest and most natural walking path through your rooms and work around that path.
Repurpose your old furniture
If you have had the same couch for 10 years and it's too comfortable to get rid of, cover it with a slipcover. It's an inexpensive fix, and you can find one that fits virtually any couch or chair and any decor style. Consider refinishing an old dresser to use near the front door as a place to set keys, purses and mail. Find a large oval mirror and paint the frame with gloss paint, then hang it over the dresser. Accessorize with a houseplant, baskets for holding things, framed photographs or a vase for seasonal flowers.
Paint your walls
It's impossible to underestimate the power of paint to transform a room. Purchase paint samples at your local home improvement store and paint several selections on your wall. Watch what the colors do in different lights. Consider painting three walls the same color and using a complementary color on a fourth wall that has a focal point, such as a large window, built-in shelves or a fireplace. Leave your trim natural wood or paint it a crisp white for a pleasant contrast.
Get inspired!
Look around the internet for inspiration. Pay attention to the way color is used, furniture is placed and how windows look with plantation shutters or curtains. Get to know the styles and colors you like, and then try to replicate them in your own home.
Lauren Biddle
Start with the windows
Your windows are the most important architectural detail in your home, providing light and a view outside. If your windows are covered by old draperies, consider a dressing like plantation shutters, which you can find in a variety of colors and materials. Shutters like these are understated, and will complement any decor, from modern to antique chic. Whatever you put on your windows, make sure it lets light in easily. A bright home improves your mood, helps keep your home warm in the winter and allows your house plants to grow full and green.
Arrange your furniture
A new furniture arrangement can make your whole home feel new. Start by thinking about how you use your rooms and arrange accordingly. If your family spends a lot of time in the living room reading or playing, make sure you have plenty of sitting space and floor space. Find the easiest and most natural walking path through your rooms and work around that path.
Repurpose your old furniture
If you have had the same couch for 10 years and it's too comfortable to get rid of, cover it with a slipcover. It's an inexpensive fix, and you can find one that fits virtually any couch or chair and any decor style. Consider refinishing an old dresser to use near the front door as a place to set keys, purses and mail. Find a large oval mirror and paint the frame with gloss paint, then hang it over the dresser. Accessorize with a houseplant, baskets for holding things, framed photographs or a vase for seasonal flowers.
Paint your walls
It's impossible to underestimate the power of paint to transform a room. Purchase paint samples at your local home improvement store and paint several selections on your wall. Watch what the colors do in different lights. Consider painting three walls the same color and using a complementary color on a fourth wall that has a focal point, such as a large window, built-in shelves or a fireplace. Leave your trim natural wood or paint it a crisp white for a pleasant contrast.
Get inspired!
Look around the internet for inspiration. Pay attention to the way color is used, furniture is placed and how windows look with plantation shutters or curtains. Get to know the styles and colors you like, and then try to replicate them in your own home.
- License: Creative Commons 1/2 image source
Lauren Biddle
About the Author:
Lauren Biddle is a writer who has contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. You can also follow him on twitter to see what else he has to say!
Lauren Biddle is a writer who has contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. You can also follow him on twitter to see what else he has to say!
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