Six quick design solutions for a weekend

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

(1) Re-arrange a room. You can change the look and feel of your space by moving the furniture to different positions. Have the sofa face into the room rather than the fireplace and group chairs around it.  Re-purpose pieces that are unused in one room. The dresser in this space was from a guest room and now serves as a corner piece for books, lighting and to store candles, placements and other items.  Don't forget that function is more important than style.










(2) Paint ONE wall in your largest room. Use a color from your furniture or accessories to complement the existing decor. Choose wisely - an accent wall should not be broken up by windows or doorways or the impact will be less. Can't do a full wall? Try a stencil around the perimeter or around the canopy of your light fixture.







(3) Update the flooring with an area rug. It's OK to place a decorative rug on carpet (especially worn and dated carpet). Swap area rugs from one room to another for a new look. My client has a larger rug in the living room and a smaller one in the dining room. The swap was better for proportion and gave each room a fresh color palette.

(4) Change your art. Add a mirror, create a 'pair' of pieces, re-arrange one wall with a vignette of photos or art rather than one or two large ones. Buy some new art and frames at www.art.com. 




(5) Add a backsplash. If you have drywall behind your sinks in the bath and kitchen, try adding some decorative tile to dress it up. The cost for an 18" x 4' space can be as low as $30 in materials. Many big box hardware store have 12 x 12 stone and glass mosaic tiles and offer classes on installation. Check out our YouTube tile installation video.

(6) Hang new window coverings. If you have blinds, try adding side panels for softness.www.ikea.com has great pairs for under $40. Already have panels? Change them out, add trim, add tassels, re-paint the rods, change the finials...a small change can provide a big difference in appearance. Going from heavy drapes to sheers will make a big difference in the space. Need blinds? The big box stores sell ready-to-hang and cut-to-fit blinds. Here a scarf has been added over the blind for a great summer look.