The impeccable style of rooms featured on Houzz and elsewhere can
seem unattainable even for those of us with lovely, well-organized
homes. But many stylist tricks don’t require much effort or money. Try
these nine simple ideas to make your home ready for its close-up.
1. Conduct a color inventory. When
a particular room is feeling blah, start by looking at the colors in
it. Does one hue dominate? (Yes, brown counts.) Is every color a
neutral? If so, liven things up by pulling in one or two bold colors
through accent pieces.
There’s no need to break out your
paintbrush and drop cloth to bring in color; get creative with things
you already have. Place a bowl of bright red apples on the kitchen
counter and a squeaky clean red pot on the stove, as in the kitchen
here. Or set a beautiful bouquet of blue hydrangeas on a side table to
echo an azure coffee table book.
Learn more about using bold colors at home
Learn more about using bold colors at home
2. Create a comfy tableau with throw pillows. A medley of throw pillows in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures and patterns adds casual polish to sofas and chairs.
“Pillows are a great tool for that because they can be relatively inexpensive to change out and freshen up a space,” says Niki Papadopoulos, an interior designer with Mark Williams Design Associates who designed the living spaces in this photo and the next one.
“Pillows are a great tool for that because they can be relatively inexpensive to change out and freshen up a space,” says Niki Papadopoulos, an interior designer with Mark Williams Design Associates who designed the living spaces in this photo and the next one.
“I love mixing sizes [of
pillows], but 20 inches is usually my standard,” says Papadopoulos, “and
then sometimes I’ll layer an 18-inch in front. I save the big ones, 22
to 26 inches, for beds or daybeds. I also love lumbar pillows for
chairs.”
3. Use greenery to create height. Branches
and tall blooms are elegant ways to create dimension in small spaces or
enhance a heigh ceiling. Set your cuttings in a clear vase and allow
them to spread wide to fill the space.
Learn to create a polished floral arrangement
Learn to create a polished floral arrangement
4. Corral bathroom clutter. Store
countertop essentials in decorative trays to keep clutter under
control. It’s an easy way to keep go-tos at your fingertips without
their spreading messily all over your countertop.
5. Add a sheepskin throw. A
cozy sheepskin draped on a sofa, chair or bed corner instantly adds
warmth and texture. Don’t be afraid to play with placement; folding a
throw is totally OK.
See more ideas for sheepskin throws
See more ideas for sheepskin throws
6. Mix up your trios. By
now you probably know that accents look best when grouped in odd
numbers, but identical objects can appear boring. Vary the size and
color of pieces in a group for interest.
7. Use firewood as decor. Stock
up on firewood early in the season and stack it neatly in an empty
alcove. It’s an inexpensive way to add rustic warmth while ensuring that
your wood will be seasoned when it’s time to use it.
8. Add a chalkboard. A
chalkboard is a great way to infuse your kitchen with personality,
whether you write inspirational quotes or grocery lists on it.
The same goes for bathroom towels. Choose towels in interesting textures to add interest in an all-white or neutral space.
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