Great Decor is in the Details
Photo: © M. Eric Honeycutt - iStockphoto
Sometimes the grandest design changes are in the small details—a re-covered lampshade, painted knobs for old cabinetry, a new valence above a window. Plus, small changes are manageable because they don't cause household upheaval. Transform your home decor style by paying attention to little design details.
Replace dated hardware for a shiny new look.
Simply replacing wooden doorknobs, for instance, with gorgeous crystal knobs can add dramatic vintage appeal to bedrooms or closets. Switch nondescript drawer pulls with something sleekly modern or decidedly retro for a new look. You can find vintage hardware online; or buy stylish reproductions of old hardware in many home improvement and home decor stores.
Paint small accents for a big design statement.
Painting can be a big project, but a few strategically painted accents are enough to make a huge design statement. For a surprising pop of color, paint a medallion around a ceiling fixture, or paint an old hutch a bold color and use it to brighten a dark corner. Painting furniture not only breathes new life into old, shabby pieces, but it also ties mismatched pieces together.
Swap out weary fabrics to revive a room.
If you are tired of staring at the same prints in a room, consider swapping them for pieces of tapestry. Change out picture frames too. Matching black frames might indicate a more contemporary look, while vintage frames will add charm. For inexpensive updates that add visual appeal to any room, consider a new tablecloth for a dining room table, new curtains for windows, re-covered throw pillows for sofas, and new seat cushions for chairs.
Add the unexpected.
Move a dining room chandelier to the bedroom or bring in an interesting piece of furniture to break the monotony of a matchy-match set. Make a treasured family heirloom the focal point of a room.
Show off a collection.
Don't hide beautiful china in a cupboard. Instead, place it out on a buffet or on top of a shelf where it can be seen and enjoyed. Frame your collection of vintage postcards to hang in a hallway; show off antique quilts or chenille spreads in an armoire or make a pottery collection stand out by displaying the pieces together. Collections that are part of a home's design style are easier to enjoy than collections that are haphazardly displayed.
Memorable style is all about attention to details. Visit a local bookstore and browse through the decorating books. Bring a notebook and write down the design elements that catch your eye. All the small changes you make around the home will add up to some big design changes you'll love.
