Now that the decorations are put away, and the busyness of the holiday season has slowed a bit, is your home looking a little bereft? Does that family room feel a little empty or really cluttered? It’s a brand new year, why not have some fun and shake things up by giving one or two rooms a makeover?
Rearrange: What better time to rearrange your furniture then after removing that Christmas tree? But don’t just put the furniture back the way it was. Try angling your larger furniture pieces. Or moving an unused piece from one room to another. Maybe you really do need a new accent table or chair for that empty corner of your living room.
De-clutter: Clearing your rooms of excessive clutter can give you a huge emotional lift. Even consider downsizing your collections. View your rooms with a critical eye. Sometimes the clutter just becomes part of the landscape and it takes some careful observation to realize how bad it really is. A new piece of furniture with storage space can provide a place for everything and keep your room in order.
Change your palette: Wasn’t it colorful with those decorations? If you’re living in an all white or beige world, nothing will wake up your room faster than color. Perhaps it’s just one simple accent wall painted a dramatic and exciting color. Or a new piece of art will find a home over your fireplace mantle adding a splash of color. Replacing a worn area rug that’s seen better days with a colorful and interestingly patterned one can bring your new color palette together or provide the inspiration. Add a few accent pillows in bright colors and new patterns for a quick and inexpensive palette update. Nothing adds more instantaneous drama and pizzazz to you room’s entire décor more than color.
Lighting: Improper and inadequate room lighting is very common. Few things can rekindle our spirits on a gray and rainy day like a home’s interior bathed in warm light. In fact, good artificial lighting is known to have such a positive effect on one’s moods, that some consider it preventive medicine. Consider a new lamp to brighten up that dark corner or a new chandelier over your dining room table.
Refresh your accessories: Add a few accent pillows and a cozy throw to complement your new palette. Perhaps a new piece of art or the addition of an exciting piece of sculpture might just set the tone for a wonderful fresh room makeover. Lamps, which add light and style, are available in an endless variety of colors and textures.
As you review those New Year’s Resolutions, why not consider breathing a little new life into your tired interior with some fun and easy changes. You and your updated spaces will be invigorated and ready for the New
Pamela Ryalls-Boyd is an interior decorator who lives in Morgan Hill. She is a Decorating Den Interiors business owner and enjoys working together with Janet Cunningham. Reach Pamela at (408) 776-1412, [email protected] or visit www.decdens.com/decdenmh.
