Saturday, March 01, 2008

10 Ways to Refresh Your Living Room

When it comes to decorating many of us are guilty of finding something that works and stopping there. However, rooms are not static things. They are living spaces that need to be updated from time to time. And what better time to do that than spring? 

This spring when you get out your supplies and clean the whole house, think about redecorating. You'd be surprised what a little rearranging can do for a space. Here are some helpful ideas to get started. 

  1. Rearrange the furniture. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is lining furniture against the wall. This is a decorating disaster. Instead, try angling your sofa or putting it in the middle of the room. 
  2. Paint. There is nothing that livens up a new room like fresh paint. Paint one wall to make it a focal point for an art gallery, or paint the whole room. 
  3. Add plants. Greenery is a good way to bring the outdoors in as well as add some texture and life to your space. 
  4. Lay an area rug. Area rugs are not just for hard floors. You can layer an area rug on top of your carpet to add color to your space. Lay it at an angle beneath your coffee table to define the space and create interest. 
  5. Change pictures. Try swapping out your artwork for something new or reframing your artwork in a more decorative frame. Group pictures with similar themes and colors together to create a more gallery feel. 
  6. Group collectibles. Collections are nice as long as they don't get out of control. Try grouping objects in threes or fives. Think about shape and scale when arranging items. 
  7. Add decorative pillows. If you have some already, think about swapping them out for newer ones. Don't be afraid of bright colors, such as, red or orange, or pillows that have texture or pattern such as argyle. 
  8. Replace lamps. If you still have the same lamps that you had when you got married 25 years ago, it's time to replace. There are so many different options now. Think about the kind of space you are creating. Pick out lamps that match your style. 
  9. Add a throw, afghan or slipcover. Couches can be easily updated by adding a simple slipcover. Check out your local home store for a style that suits you. Another thing you can do is layer a throw or afghan that complements your style and adds color and warmth. 
  10. Eliminate clutter. Clutter is the enemy. It must be eliminated. Unique storage solutions can help, such as window seats, or ottomans with hidden storage. 

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