Miami Herald (Sunday)

How to refresh older homes, update decor

- BY CATHY HOBBS Tribune News Service Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info

KITCHEN ISLANDS

Kitchen islands help to enhance a kitchen in a number of ways. Not only do kitchen islands help define a kitchen space, they also serve as additional work and dining surfaces.

For many families, the desire is to create numerous dining experience­s, from casual to seated and formal dining. Kitchen islands allow you to

add bar

Whether an item is inherited, vintage or purchased

EAT-IN KITCHENS

For many in the market for a new home, eat-in kitchens often have wide appeal, especially for families with young children. Eat-in kitchens tend to be more casual but need to be highly functional. When creating the ideal eat-in experience, ask yourself whether the table be round or rectangle, or if the table should be expandable. Materials are also

important. decades ago, how do you refresh an outdated look? Whether a property is showing signs of age or home decor feels tired and outdated, refreshing furni

Glass tables create a sense of lightness, while solid services such as wood provide weight. Have an odd-shaped space? Consider a round table, as they tend to allow for increased visual flow. Depending on your space, benches or banquettes may also work as well. ture and furnishing­s is similar to shining an old penny. In essence, it’s bringing out the best qualities of a space. When looking to refresh an older home or decor, here are some tips to keep in mind. 1. Highlight hardwood Wall-to-wall carpeting is instantly an outdated look. These days people simply prefer hardwood flooring to carpeting. If needed, pull up/remove wall-to-wall carpeting to reveal what is often unused, beautiful hardwood.

2. Paint

From dirt to fading, nothing will help refresh a space like a fresh coat of paint. 3. Lightly renovate

A light renovation can include everything from replacing faucets and door

LIGHTING (CHANDELIER­S)

Chandelier­s and lighting is an important part of any dining experience. A beautiful chandelier can define the dining area while also adding an aesthetica­lly appealing design element handles to new doors and lighting.

4. Refresh primary furnishing­s

Primary pieces such as sofas, chairs and beds can help set the tone for the rest of the decor in a space. 5. Go neutral

Looking for a modern look? Colors such a black and taupe will help give a space an edge.

COLOR SCHEMES

Looking for a timeless color scheme in your kitchen or dining space? White, taupe and gray are great selections. Want more color? Yellow, red, orange and even green help to perk up a space in a warm and welcoming way. 6. Declutter

Rooms often feel outdated when they are overstuffe­d with too much furniture. Go minimal when possible for a more modern look.

7. Add mirrors

Mirrors help reflect light and go a long way to help make a space feel bright. 8. Swap out older lighting A modern light fixture can help refresh and elevate a space.

9. Infuse brass accents Brass remains modern and refresh. From accent pieces to accessorie­s, it remains on trend.

10. Cut out the crystal Crystal decor elements automatica­lly say “stuffy.” Instead, opt for smoky or clear glass, ceramics and metals.

 ?? Photos by Design Recipes/TNS ?? A bar is used as a casual yet highly usable dining area.
A dining area infuses a sense of glam through the addition of artwork and chandelier.
An oversized dining table adequately seats eight.
A dining area is created through the use of midcentury furnishing­s.
Photos by Design Recipes/TNS A bar is used as a casual yet highly usable dining area. A dining area infuses a sense of glam through the addition of artwork and chandelier. An oversized dining table adequately seats eight. A dining area is created through the use of midcentury furnishing­s.
 ?? HANDOUT TNS ?? A master bedroom with a more neutral color palette and more modern furnishing­s.
HANDOUT TNS A master bedroom with a more neutral color palette and more modern furnishing­s.
 ?? HANDOUT TNS ?? Room refreshed with more modern furnishing­s and more minimalist layout.
HANDOUT TNS Room refreshed with more modern furnishing­s and more minimalist layout.

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