So I was looking around the house the other day and I realized that it really felt a bit drab. You know, like “darkish” or “cavey” dark. It just didn’t feel like the fresh and light house I wanted my kids to be growing up in.
So I figured why not brighten it up a bit and make it more inviting?
I mean it isn’t too hard to paint moldings and window surrounds in a contrasting color, or going whole hog and painting the entire walls and ceilings (nope, didn’t do that!).
But I did do a few things that although small, made a very big difference in the way the entire house “felt” much like your favorite sexy maternity dresses make you feel better.
So here are some really inexpensive ideas that I want to share with you…
You can try painting the inside of bookcases and cabinets with contrasting color or decorate with a pretty wallpaper.
Make a few new slip covers and covering sofa pillows in bright colors. You’ll be surprised at what a few changes will add to your decor.
Drape your most beautiful quilt over the end of your couch or a chair, if you don’t have a quilt then a colorful shawl will do. Cover pillows in a matching fabric. Make curtains if you sew.
You don’t have to have expensive fabric, you can usually find pretty fabric at the thrift store or Walmart.
Find a couple of bright colored posters to hang on the wall. I added a few that were just pictures of some wonderfully colored coral and fish I lifted from the internet and had printed in poster sizes.
Be sure the colors of your project either match or compliment each other.
Bring some green plants into the house. Nothing brightens up the atmosphere like greenery.
Stack some colorful books on an end table and set a small lamp on them.I got a beautiful blue Dar lighting lamp that goes with the blue painted insides of the bookcase on the opposite wall.
You can also throw a geometric patterned rug in the middle of the floor.This really breaks up a boring “tanish” floor color that I see all too often in everyone’s homes these days.
And remember furniture was not meant to take over a room so edit your items to make them fit the room.
Learn the pros and cons of how to make your home a well designed, functional and fabulous place to live.
Do give all your furniture a good cleaning and polishing so it looks it’s very best.
If you find you need items to carry out your plan to the best effect, and are short on cash, visit the thrift stores or neighborhood yard sales. You will be surprised at the wonderful things you will find at give away prices.
Well, there it is I hope I have given you some ideas about making your home more exciting and livable.
Enjoy your labor of love and happy decorating.
