Refresh your rooms!

Spring refresh 

1. Start with your bookcase. Rather than jamming shelves full of books, intersperse collectibles and objects d'art. You achieve balance when some books stand upright and some lay horizontally. I use vases, plants and interesting items as 'bookends' and arrange everything at varying heights. Adding color gives a bookcase personality and you can do it by rearranging book jackets or add accessories. For a cohesive or monochromatic look, cover your books in the same material - I use wallpaper, wrapping paper, rice paper and even maps and music. 

2. Move to the floor. Change a space with an area rug to both define seating groups and create functional areas. You can make spaces feel larger by using larger rugs and even join two or more together. With all of the products at home discount stores and chains, you can do it for about $200.

3. Next look at art and accessories. Groupings of 3 are pleasing whether your space is formal or casual.  I recommend using fewer, larger items to make a statement. Besides it's less to dust!  For a big wall, a triptych (trio of framed artwork) creates drama and cohesiveness all at the same time. You can purchase art or make your own creatively from fabrics, posters, and frame them inexpensively as well. Swapping accessories room to room is a no-cost way to refresh. Creating a gallery wall of family photos is a beautiful way to refresh and it's likely you have lots of frames and lots of photos!

4. Change or add a focal point.  If you don't already have one, create a focal point using eye-catching wall art. Most people can accomplish this by rearranging what they have. Moving a large piece of furniture to 'center stage' can be a fabulous focal point.  A change of color or placing wallpaper on one wall will do it as well. My client did have a fabulous freestanding mantle and we made a fabulous bio ethanol fireplace!

5. Add some drama. Do you love to DIY? Whether you covers a single wall or an old piece of furniture, paint or wall coverings are something that's changeable overtime. Grasscloth is one of my favorites since texture adds drama; a wall of reclaimed wood is fabulous.  A bold coat of paint on an old piece of furniture will do the trick instantly. Milk paint is forgiving to use, and even if you make a "mistake", the result will look great.   If paint and wall coverings are too much, then add drama with accessories. Metallic objects create it easily; try some mercury glass candlesticks, round metal or glass orbs - now popular at the import and big-box retail stores –or even brush on Rub-n-Buff on existing dark lamps or frames. 

6. Go for "unexpected touches” which will create a custom, artistic and personal look.  The most interesting way to achieve that is to add something that is an opposite to the overall style of your room. For example, a sleek mirrored or acrylic table in a traditional home is fabulous and eye-catching.  A rustic dresser in a minimalist home is interesting and dramatic. 

7. Don't forget the windows! You can dress up blinds with side panels or a top treatment – even one as simple as decorative napkins hung from a café rod. Add tiebacks! How about simply changing the pull ends on all of your blinds to something interesting like jewelry, seashells, or interesting wooden pieces (often found a craft stores).  

8. Be eclectic. Mix  and match styles and pieces. Most of you can get a simple refresh by moving things from room to room. It's easy and adds interest and personality. Bring that old dresser from the guestroom to the living room. Take the end table from the living room upstairs to the bedroom.