Keeping It Country

From millennials relocating for work to baby boomers downsizing, most Americans will move multiple times during their lifetimes. Although Joni and Ed Barnes have resided in their Level Green, Pennsylvania, home for 45 years, when it comes to decorating, they are a lesson in perpetual motion and love updating their country decor. Inspired by the changing seasons, they opt for rich jewel-toned textiles in the winter and switch to lighter colors in the summer. Here are some of their favorite tips for a quick room refresh:

Window Wares.

Switch out valances and decorative curtain rods to give rooms a new look. Purchase ready-made window treatments at home decor stores or via the internet, or make your own from decorator fabric.

Wall Wake-Ups.

Shift framed artwork, sconces, shelves and wreaths from room to room to create new eye-catching vignettes, mixing in a recent acquisition or a piece that’s been in storage.

Add-On Accents.

Bring in a small chair or stool from elsewhere in the house, or purchase something new at a thrift store or tag sale. Be creative. Set an antique chair in a bathroom as a towel holder or use a footstool as part of a tabletop display.

Textile Trade-Ins.

Swap out the accent pillows in bedrooms and sitting rooms every few months. If you don’t have room to store a stash of pillows, look for premade pillow covers or sew your own from new or vintage fabric or linens. Once you’ve selected accent pillows, pull in coordinating throws and blankets to complement the setting.

Floral Flourishes.

Rotate your country collectibles, such as ironstone, redware and wooden bowls, to contain seasonal and holiday arrangements of fresh or faux blooms.