Give Your Space a
Facelift
By Rising Women Magazine
There is nothing more satisfying than
updating the look within our homes. And the best news is not all home decorating ideas
require a heavy investment of time and money. A few small changes, such as a new coat of
paint, rearranging your furniture and adding a few new accents can transform any room into
a fresh new environment. Following are some design tips that will put you into a whole new
space:
1) Add Color:
Color is vital to our sense of comfort. Though neutrals are a safe
choice for paint applications, venturing into a more dominant shade, or creating a
‘feature’ wall with a distinctive highlight color will add a whole new dimension
to a room.
Feature walls are very popular today. One of the most common approaches
to creating this effect is to choose a color that is shared with several other feature
items in the room. For example, picking up a specific green tone from the pattern in your
couch. Likewise, your feature wall color should be reflected in accents around the room;
for example, throw pillows, lamp shades and ornaments. This will lead the eye and create
symmetry.
2) Add Dimension:
Rearranging your furniture is the quickest
‘facelift’ going. Be creative by placing the furniture to face a new view, or
try placing it at intriguing angles. You will be surprised by how a room looks once the
furniture is moved away from the walls. For example, a sofa arranged diagonally across a
narrow room will make the room look wider.
3) Add Life:
Greenery, whether natural or silks, can create a comfortable finished
appeal to any room. Choose a variety of plants, both in height and leaf, to add texture.
Grouping them together will create interesting focal points within the room.
To tie the plants into your theme or decor, put them in pots that pick
up ‘highlight’ colors already existing in your room. Another approach is to
anchor the whole look of the room by using all black pots. Pots are available in a variety
of colors and materials, from copper to ceramic. They are a one time expense and worth the
investment.
4) Add Texture:
Window treatments, throws, rugs, and accent pillows are important and
valuable decorating assets for your design project. They are an effective way to balance
color and pattern, plus they add personality to any room.
When it comes down to the choice of color for these elements keep in
mind that for the strongest impact use dominant colors in moderation - too much and they
will become features and overpower the room.
Have an old couch? Update it’s look inexpensively with a slip
cover. They are available in a variety of colors and fabrics.
5) Add Light:
Proper lighting provides illumination, creates interest and establishes
mood and ambiance. First and foremost, your lighting needs to be functional. The amount of
lighting needed will vary depending on the wall color, natural light available and
personal preferences.
Today, with so many choices on the market, lighting can address
decorative needs as well. When deciding on your choice of lighting fixtures, choose them
in a variety of sizes. They can become an important decorative accent within your space.
6) Add Personality:
However you choose to give your space a ‘facelift’ keep in
mind that no home is complete without hints of the people who reside there. Your space is
your is an extension of your personality, don’t be shy about visually expressing
yourself whether it be through color or accessories from art to family pictures!
Provided by Rising Women Magazine - www.risingwomen.com |
