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1) Update your furniture colors. You can bring about dramatic or subtle color changes by replacing or adding toss cushions on your upholstered furniture, or even a throw draped over a couch. If your furniture seems just “too neutral”, a pop of color in some pillows may be just what you are looking for. Look at colors in your favorite artwork to give ideas, or even favorite clothing fabrics. Design magazines can be a great source of color inspiration. Remember to take a cushion with you to the store, and be open to try something different- you just might surprise yourself.
2) Paint and glaze your cabinets for an instant improvement. Kitchen and bathroom cabinets of a decade or two ago can be a source of despair for many, but this is an easy area to recharge without the expense of starting from scratch. The heavily distressed and chipped painted furniture looks of the past have segued into a cleaner and simpler paint and glaze look, often with the center island being a different color. Whether you are covering up yellow oak, or another dated finish, painting and a subtle glaze will work with any décor.
3) Consider changing your wall color. Wall and decorating colors are evolving, becoming brighter, clearer and well, generally more colorful. Many of the looks of the past can now look dull or muddy, which contributes to a feeling of “blah”. The newer colors don’t have to hit you over the head with their strength, but there is a cleaner and fresher look about them, which translates to a similar improvement in the overall look of your home. And it can be fun!
4) Take a look at any existing faux painting and ask yourself –is it outdated? It probably is. Like the changes in color, decorative painting is evolving as well. The more textured, heavier, and often muddier glazes of the past are moving into lighter and brighter looks as well, adding character and working with all design styles.
5) Explore adding “shimmer”. A bit of shimmery metallic can bring in a more contemporary element and can be brought in in a myriad of ways, through
gently metallic plasters, a bit of foil in a wall pattern, new lamps or frames, some metallic paint. The key is shimmer vs blingy shine (unless, of course blingy shine is exactly what you wanted!)
6) Remember the importance of texture. Wall plasters have come a long way, allowing for both a color and a texture change, and work with many home styles, from industrial loft, to warm contemporary (“transitional”) to old-world. Some are shimmery, some are like a tinted drywall plaster which can omit the priming and painting layers, some are gritty like cement. Polished plasters such as venetian plaster have become very current, with technological improvements allowing for easier application (thereby making them more cost effective).
7) Change or create a focal point by adding an accent wall. Painting one wall a different color, for example the wall surrounding the fireplace, can draw the eye and automatically create more interest. On a more dramatic note, consider that one wall (you know the one that you are always thinking you should “do something with”) and try something fabulous with color or texture or patterning. Instant “ahhh…………”
8) Don’t be afraid to take a risk and make a change to make your home be more fun and enjoyable. Now is the perfect time for an update. It will leave you feeling energized!
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