Often, the most dramatic transformations are by simply changing the wall color, moving furniture, getting rid of the clutter and accessorizing. Do one, two, or all of these things and see what a difference it will make.
Before you begin, ask yourself some questions. What is the main purpose of the room? What do you want the room to look like? What will be the focal point in the room? Does the room flow or connect with other rooms that may dictate style and color? Is there a piece of furniture or artwork that definitely will remain in the room once finished? How will it be impacted by the new décor? These questions will probably lead to others, so do not be surprised if when you start it is difficult to stop! One change leads to another and soon you will have redone your entire home.
Change your walls. Paint, wallpaper or better yet use both! After awhile, even the best loved wall color can get boring. Try something new. Wallpaper one wall as an accent – usually a smaller wall or one that stands alone. Take a sample of the chosen wallpaper to the paint store. They will match a color to it for the remaining walls and you have instant coordination. Wallpaper today is wonderful. With so many choices, from contemporary and textured to traditional and fun, it is easy to find a wallpaper to match your style and personality. Today's wallpaper is also easy to hang and, when the time comes, easy to remove.
Treat your windows. Often overlooked, many windows are begging for attention. Looking at a bare window is like looking at a bare light bulb. Your window treatments can be simple, extravagant or somewhere in-between, just do not ignore them. Replacing standard mini blinds with another type of treatment that is nicer, prettier or simply better for the room can make a dramatic difference. When choosing window treatments, make sure to think about privacy, heat loss and gain, and sun glare. All of these things can affect the feeling and function of the room.
Change your furniture / re-arrange your furniture. Is your furniture faded, tired or threadbare? Re-upholster your favorite chair or sofa with an unexpected pattern or color. Reposition furniture in the room and change the traffic patterns, if possible. Create a new focal point – bringing the focus from the view outside to the fireplace. Often, we see rooms where the walls look like they are holding their breath with all of the furniture up against four walls. Let your furniture float in the room by pulling pieces away from the walls and closer together. Do not be afraid to try something new.
Change out your collections. Pare them down. It is not necessary to display everything all at once. Rotate your collections and accessories by season or two to three times a year. Accessories such as wall art, mirrors and pictures are important, but be sure not to hang these items too high on the wall. Wall accessories should be at eye level in the room. If you have to crane you neck to see the pictures, they are hung too high. Empty wall space is not a bad thing, either – wall art that is similar and grouped together can make a larger visual impact than if it were spread out.
De-clutter. Nothing hides a great room better than clutter. When you put your new room back together after painting, wallpapering, hanging window treatments or wall art, try not to add to the clutter. Edit or weed out things that do not work with the new decor. Collectibles can show your personality and interests but too many can be overwhelming. Too many of the kid's toys lying around? Baskets or wooden boxes can be used for attractive storage and containment. Try leaving one or two things out of the room if you can, whether it be a piece of furniture, a plant or pictures, for a cleaner look.
Your home is meant to be a place where you are comfortable. It should be a place for you to relax and enjoy your family. With a little work, it can also look nice and be easy to maintain.
Cemaya Windows & Interiors, Inc., Narda Hughson – http://www.cemaya.com – hkln@charter.net
