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After coming through a harrowing home remodeling experience, the last thing I wanted to do was spend as much time on decorating. Luckily changing up your home decor doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. Here are 7 easy and affordable home decor tips to transform any room into a new experience.
1. DON’T HIDE THE DECOR – GET ORGANIZED
Having a family of any size means a continuous snow fall of backpacks, shoes, toys, magazines, mail, bags and more that can take away from the natural look and flow of your rooms. It’s time to discover (or develop) new areas to store all your extra stuff. You can’t encorporate new decor and ideas until you have the free space to do it.
2. POINT OF INTEREST
If a room is devoid of a main point of interest which all your decor centers around – time to find one. Totally without inspiration? Create one. You can paint one wall a different, but complimentary, color. A contrasting wall can instantly draw attention to the goal for your room. Use vibrant art work or a decorative mirror to accent the area even more. If you do place a mirror, take advantage of the reflection by placing it opposite an accenting piece of furniture, flowering plant or other favorite item.
3. MOVE IT AROUND
No matter how big or small your room is, you can make a huge decorative difference by pulling the furniture away from the walls. Instead of creating a big box – angle your furniture toward your point of interest to create a subtle, visual movement. If possible, create your ‘conversation’ area at the end of the walking area so that no one walks through your guests during gatherings.
4. MOVE YOUR RUGS
Here in the North East where hardwood floors are the norm – most homes have area rugs. I love using them to create movement around and toward a room’s point of interest. Try turning it to match the angle of the furniture or, for a bold visual, turn it the opposite way. Either can create a beautiful effect. If you’re buying a new rug go with the accent color of your point of interest instead of the base color most used throughout. Area rugs aren’t limited to those with wood floors, however. Try using a contrasting color area rug on top of your wall to wall carpeting for a beautiful layered effect.
5. BRING THE OUTSIDE – IN
Nothing brings life into a room faster than lush, green plants. Because of the varied height and width of plant types you can create a beautiful design just with a few well placed potted selections. If you decide on flowering plants, choose plants who’s blooms will either accent or compliment your color scheme. If you have small children or pets – make sure to check that all your plants are non toxic.
6. LIGHTING
One of the easiest ways to ruin the decor scheme of a room is bad or outdated lighting. Does your living room still have that pendulum lamp from 1973? Replace it. Find a floor or table lamp that is unique and gives character to your room. Feeling daring? Make a grand statement with a lamp the same color as your accent wall – placed at the opposite end of the room. Using your accent color at opposite sides of your room creates balance.
7. ADD YOUR PERSONAL TOUCH
Now that you’ve given new life to the main areas of your room, it’s time to accessorize! Switch out your older, bland photo frames with colorful and funky styles. Jazz up your existing furniture with custom covers, accent pillows or light throws. Always remember – you can accessorize your furniture too – it’s easier and cheaper than replacing it. Group your favorite collectables, candles or souveniers in odd numbers and patterns on shelves of varied size. Think outside the box by using old books, rolled maps or stacks of decorative boxes in corners or in the unused space below end and coffee tables. Do you have a favorite location or hobby? If you love the beach, for example, set a pretty bowl of seashells on your coffee table. Do you have fond memories of your honeymoon to Paris? Use a classic French lamp or accent with a Florentine vase. If you have smaller children – ask them to draw the living room how they see it, then hang the drawings in hinged frames on the wall as a great way to showcase their talent.
Images: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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