Weekend design - 5 quick tips

Want to make some long-term changes but only have one weekend? Try one of these ideas:

Colorful flowers and a set table warm up a bare corner.

1) Add plants:  Warm up a bare corner with a tall potted plant. Create drama with an orchid on your coffee table. Place flowers in a pitcher for a colorful centerpiece. By placing plants in your room you add more than just their green color and the scale of the plant. Your choice of planter - whether it is a wicker basket, a ceramic planter or even an old tin bucket - will add interest and color to your space. Buy an inexpensive up-light for large plants and place the light behind it to create a dramatic effect.




2) Store it: Instead of displaying all of your nick-nacks at once, sort through and select your favorite few or even seasonally appropriate, and store the rest. Switch them quarterly or even annually for a fresh look.  If toys, office materials, or other items are cluttering your space, build or buy a storage solution. A cleaner space will look larger. If you can re-purpose an old dresser, add a coat of paint and bring it into the family room as a chest for games, books and small toys.

New pillows and a cleared table give a different look.

3) Swap pillows: A simple change of pillow color and texture can give a whole new look to a sofa or bed. Go from floral to plain, from plain square to round...you get the picture.



4) Cover it: This applies to old tables as well as seating. For tables, use a tablecloth or placemats to give a new look. On sofas and chairs, change the fabric and color with a slipcover.

A painted wainscot is fast and very dramatic.

5) Paint it:  A quick update for any sized room, re-painting a piece of furniture, creating an accent wall and even painting a faux effect, can give that room a completely different appearance.