Everyone wants to redecorate at one time or another. But time and budget constraints often have us putting redecorating on the bottom of our to-do list. If you can't wait another minute to add new life to your home, check out our 10 quick fixes that you can put into action right now.
Toss, toss, toss
Nothing revives a space more than digging it out from under a pile of junk. "Donate old books and magazines to a hospital, send clothing you haven't worn to a charity or a women's shelter, have a garage sale and toss things that are broken," says Carole Cohn, a Montreal-based designer and home fluffer.
Bring in new life
Plant life, that is. "We don't use plants as much as we used to and it's a shame. They really bring a room to life," says Carol Thomas, owner of Carriage Way Interiors in Lake Echo, NS. Collect plants from other rooms in your house and group them together in varying heights - one on a chest, one on side table and one on the floor, for example. Add unlit candles or beautiful blue and white china between them to add interest.
Colour your world
Strip old wallpaper, then go all out with a new colour scheme. Cohn likes metallic paints and suggests applying them with contrasting colours for walls, doors and moldings; for example, a silver door with black molding and lime or aqua walls if you like to experiment with colour; or a copper door with taupe molding and ivory walls. "Once you're going to change it, get a little crazy - it's only paint," she says.
Out with the old
If you have remnants of fabric lying around, put them to good use: cover cushions (just fold and tuck, no need to sew) or drape them over a sofa arm. You can also use fabric to embellish cabinets or bookcases, says Thomas. Cut fabric to size, wrap and staple around a thin piece of board, then place it at the back of the cabinet. Add a small lamp to spotlight the fabric's colour and sheen.
Bedeck the bathroom
Update your bathroom by removing the medicine cabinet and replacing it with a large mirror in a gilt picture frame, suggests Cohn. Add matching towel bars and even new taps for your sink. Drape fluffy towels in wonderful colour combinations like aqua and chocolate. Most importantly, if you don't have an exhaust fan, get one. It will eliminate the possibility of mold and mildew.
Warm up the room
Place an ottoman by the fireplace and top it with a short stack of books or magazines, an English teapot and a teacup, says Thomas. "It looks like you were just cozying up by the fire."
Ideas For Making Over Your Home In A Flash
Welcome to Home Decor and Design
Welcome home decor enthusiasts. Whether you are new to decorating or are an old hat, Home Decor and Design strives to bring you the information you need to create a beautiful home. Here you will find articles on proper interior design and home decor, ideas to spark your imagination, special DIY projects and much more.
When thinking about decorating your home have you ever asked yourself any of the following questions?
Where do I begin the process?
What colors should I use in my home decor?
What is my style?
Where can I find great products to make my interior design dreams a reality?
The answer to these and many other questions will be answered in the pages of The Creative Home.
Home Decor Basics
What keeps many people from creating the beautiful home decor they desire is a lack of confidence. We worry "Is this the right color?", "Does this match?", "Is that sofa the right size?" and so on. One of the things I hope to accomplish is to give you the interior decorating basics you need so that you know you are making good interior design decisions.
Decorating with Color
Many people find color to be intimidating and are afraid to experiment with it when decorating. But color is one of the most important tools a decorator has at their disposal. Learn the basics of decorating with color and you will be well on your way to creating pleasing rooms and interesting home decor.
Step by Step Decorating
Designing a room is much easier if you take it step by step. I will go over the best way to start your home decorating project and how to finish on target with rooms that will wow your friends and neighbors.
Room Ideas
Go to room decorating ideas to get specific advice for each room in your home.
Articles
Do you need another home decorating idea? Check here often for articles on everything from different styles to what to do when remodeling a small kitchen.
While the process can seem daunting with so much to consider please remember that decorating is about creating a beautiful environment with the things YOU enjoy, your favorite colors, furnishings, collections and art. Consider decorating to be a journey to be enjoyed not a task to be accomplished. Your home decor is always a work in progress evolving as your family and lifestyle goes through changes.
I hope that you find this site informational as well as inspiring and stop back often. I will consistently be updating as I discover more great ways for you to create the home decor of your dreams.
Likeable Living Rooms
More often used for family relaxation than formal entertainment, today’s living rooms reflect comfortable, stylish spaces. An ideal location to highlight a unique decorating "persona", color choices for living rooms can be as bold or relaxing as the individual preferences of the homeowner.
Decorative paint techniques utilized in living room spaces demonstrate a homeowner’s preference for added texture, color and style. Utilizing a "Combing" or "Dragging" technique, for instance on one representative accent wall that is within in a small, square living room area can lend the illusion of added length and space. Consider decorative techniques that provide fabric like appearances such as leather, suede and silk to impart an elegant appearance for living rooms that portray a formal air. Denim, chambray and chenille fabrications can also be achieved through the use of decorative paint techniques for the more casually styled living room space.
Neutral color selections provide a soothing effect and blend graciously with furnishings and fabrics that contain bold patterns, as well as featured collections within the living room space. Neutral color schemes also conform quite easily to living room interiors that feature seasonal changes in décor.
Consult the Paint Quality Institute’s Color Wheel for assistance with color schemes that feature bold complementary color choices. By introducing one or more bold hues to the living room space, it is possible to create an environment that stimulates energy and excitement.
Eggshell paints are particularly desirable when living room spaces are used for family relaxation, as they contain low angle sheen combined with durability. Depending upon the look you desire for your living room, matte paints are also available which possess good wash ability and stain resistance.
Consider adding distinctive flair to the living room space by incorporating color by means of painted picture frames used as decorative accents, painted "faux" fireplaces add ambiance and charm, or contrasting painted moldings and trim within the living room space.
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