Pillows, plants can help give tired decor new life
Before holiday preparations overload already-busy lives, it’s a good time to freshen up our homes for our guests and ourselves — without breaking the bank.
Some simple switches and a few purchases can work magic.
Here are some ideas for how to breathe new life into your abode.
Add more pillows
Because gray has become such a standard color choice in recent years, many homeowners crave lively pops of color. One easy way to do it is to add vibrant pillows in bold, graphic patterns and rich textures, said Chicago designer Tom Segal of Kaufman Segal Design. He and others also favor bigger pillows that make a greater visual impact.
Chicago designer Summer Thornton likes pillows to be at least 24 inches by 24 inches, and she prefers to blend a mash-up of patterns in florals, animal prints and bold graphics. Look to CB2, Pier 1, All Modern and
Restoration Hardware for affordable options.
Create a focal wall
To get instant impact in a room, create a focal wall. Try arranging a collage of artwork, photos and mirrors on a single wall, which Chicago designer Rebecca Pogonitz of Gogo Design Group did in a master bedroom. To get the composition right, she suggests first mapping out the wall design on paper or the floor.
Scenic wallpaper also can transform a room, and it doesn’t have to be a major expense or commitment. Retailer Anthropologie has a wide selection of chic wallcoverings, such as their floral Ottoman, Endless Summer Palm or Deco-inspired Flapper designs.
Install an art ledge
Hanging art — and rehanging it — can leave lots of nail holes and chipped paint behind. Picture rails are a chic way to display artwork and create an architectural detail that allows art to easily be moved around for myriad fresh starts. Alice Zimet, owner of Arts and Business Partners in New York City, uses picture rails in her apartment and prefers those that are a deep 4½ inches to 6 inches. Look for them online at Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel and Restoration Hardware, where they are available in different widths and colors.
Add live plants
Once essential furnishings to fill in “holes” in any room, big plants and trees disappeared for years. Now they are back as more homeowners understand the value of viewing nature to perk up spirits and health as well as rooms.
Chicago designer Laura Tribbett, owner of Outline Interiors, considers fresh greenery the perfect indoor perennial accessory for any climate. “It adds an extra dramatic pop and helps complete a space,” she said.
To make sure the greenery survives, tap into your favorite garden guru’s expertise — the right plant for your room’s exposure, space, height and decor.