There are many different things that you can use for a table top centerpiece. You can use some of your favorite pieces and just add flowers to them; pick something that helps give that wow factor to your table. One thing that will help bring a cohesive flow to your table is using the same color in different aspects of your table. For example your dishes and flowers can have a common color while your table cloth and napkins have a different but complimenting color.
Many people don’t like the look of a TV in the room. They can be distracting and become an unintended focal point. There are many different things you can use in your decorating to detract from the focus of the TV but still have it in the room for when it is wanted. Try an attractive TV cabinet or even hide it in plain sight by having be a part of a wall collage. You could also use this neat wall mount where you can easily flip to view your TV or conceal it with a piece of art.
A great piece of furniture can become the focal point of your bedroom. If you have busy or colorful room you can do something as simple as an all white bed. Or you may need that wow piece to have as the focal point!
Lighting directs the eye and should be layered. Overhead lighting should be dimmed. Then add lamp light or task lighting for an inviting balance. If it is dark outside, the only objects anyone will notice are the ones that are lit, so an entirely different ambience is achieved with control of what is accentuated.
I have lots of lighting examples on my Pinterest boards.
Closets and Pantries
Many homes have a walk-in pantry and walk-in closets in the master, if not two, and additional smaller scale walk-ins in secondary bedrooms. All of these eat up the standing space that could be part of the open space in the room if it wasn’t in the pantry or closet. A dream closet idea would be to have several closets facing into the room with mirrored doors and voila! Open your winter closet complete with wools and boots (maybe cedar lining). Then an all white summer closet. A third transitional closet would hold the remainder! If more pantry or closet space is needed, look for an entire bedroom wall that could be build out 2 feet for a wall of closets. You can add shelving, drawers and dividers to make a kitchen area into a pantry. Storage for can goods, cereal and other boxes can be shallow. It is easier to see what is in the space and rotate it.
Some great examples are available on my Pinterest boards.
Area Rugs
An area rug that covers most of the area will make the room look bigger. An additional benefit is that covering wood or stone floors with area rugs is a must for sound moderation and visual warmth.
Draperies
Surprisingly, draperies to the ceiling will give the room height.
Large Furniture
Fewer pieces of large furniture or accessories will also expand the space.
Get rid of the junk and make the space look orderly. Remember useful, beautiful, meaningful or it has to go! Proper storage will allow both a great look and easy access to the items you need.
What would you buy if you won the lottery? Think about it and you will probably discover that you don’t need to win in order to dream and make your plan for an improved look! It does help to be creative and use your time and energy wisely! The same applies for all phases of pleasing interiors. A competent interior designer can save you money by not making mistakes and making it happen!
Another game is “Would I move it?” Between the two questions, you can begin to edit your personal belongings and have a more attractive interior. Remember – useful, beautiful, meaningful or it goes! If you wouldn’t move it why keep it? Think big picture.This is what I would want if cost were no object! Early on in my career it was important for my home to look like it was well put together on a small budget. I did custom built ins, just like they do now on HGTV. They look best, fill the space perfectly and give you the best storage. Paint is the least expensive way to add color but for resale neutral is best with bright accents.
In order to save, you have to look for the parts and put them together yourself. You can find a bigger table top that may have repairable damage, glass that is slightly scratched and separate bases. Painting and repairing is part of extending your budget as much as possible.
Appliances may be from a showroom changing to new offerings. Antique stores offer a variety of options that are affordable.
The difference between your home looking great and like left overs is knowing when to spend money on the items that elevate the entire home to a higher level. Ever add up all of the small purchases and garage sale items and know that for that amount you could have purchased one great item that you would keep and love? Look to award winning designers and their portfolios – a consultation will pay for itself! (And you can still say you did it yourself!)
Visit my Pinterest board – Favorite Rooms to see a few of my favorite dreams!
With the rapid changes in technology the key is to keep spaces as flexible as possible! Some design trends to watch for:
Tablets, SmartPhones, Phablets have made the home office moveable to any room of the house.
