Spring is in the air, and with it, the desire in many of us to freshen up our homes. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a gobs of money for a new look. Now, I love shopping for new things as much as the next gal (maybe more!)Â but ready for a secret? You can update your home without breaking the bank. First, try some of these simple ideas that will make a big difference fast! by Paula Gaull
Fresh Fix #1-Paint your walls
Painting is by far the quickest and easiest way to transform a room. Here are some ways to narrow down color choices:
- Use an inspiration piece that will stay in the room–like a painting, or rug–as a guide.
- Choose a color from nature that you love.
- Take a look in your closet. See all those blue shirts? Maybe they’re telling you something. Choose a paint color that looks good on you and you’ll always look good in that room.
One of the most important, but overlooked elements in decorating is lighting. Lighting can really affect the look and feel of a room.
- Arrange your lamps in a triangle pattern.
- For dramatic effect, layer 3 light sources: floor/table lamp, chandelier on dimmer, candlelight.
- Don’t overlook natural light. Pull back the drapes and let the light in.
Often when a room doesn’t feel “right”, the issue is furniture placement.
- Create a comfy conversation area.
- Tip: Get furniture placement cues from your last gathering–did your guests move chairs to be able to better chat with each other or comfortably reach food on the coffee table?
- Pull furniture off the walls for interesting feel.
Accessories are the most personal (and fun!) part of decorating and the key to making a room feel pulled together.
- Shop your own house for pieces with similar colors, textures and themes.
- Arrange pieces of varying heights.
- Use groupings in odd numbers: 3 and 5 are common.
Here’s the biggest secret of all: your room should be about what you love, not about rules or what someone else likes.
- Have at least one piece in your room that makes you smile every time you look at it. For example, I have a delightfully cheesy “Cat Pirate” painting.
- Make your room work for you and your family.
- If you’re hanging onto a piece of furniture you hate, don’t agonize, or worse, decorate around it. Just get rid of it!
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About Paula Gaull Stylist Paula Gaull, founder of New Leaf Redesign, is a Certified Interior Staging Specialist (CISS) and an award-winning redesigner. She combines a background in real estate sales, marketing and advertising to bring a unique set of skills to her staging and redesign projects. Her one-day room makeovers have earned her national recognition.