25 Creative Ways to Liven Up Your Home
By MARILYN SOLTIS
As we wait for the economy to fully rebound, it’s okay to think small.
Subtle touches can make a world of difference and don’t have to break
the bank.
First, prepare your home so you can look at it
with a fresh perspective. Before you even begin to think about adding
one more thing to your décor, be sure to complete the following three
exercises. You’ll save just by being able to see what you have. You
might even have the perfect accessories right under your nose.
1
Declutter. One of the first recommendations made by professionals when
you are trying to sell a home is to clear out all unnecessary items. If
you don’t need or love that longtime possession, ditch it. Donate it to
charity or give it to a friend. Sometimes just creating the illusion of
more space is a good way to spruce up your environment.
2
Organize. There are so many different ways of organizing these days.
There’s even a National Association of Professional Organizers. If you
don’t have that kind of spatial talent, you can hire a professional to
get you started or get some ideas from a visit to the Container Store.
Design some new ways of organizing your necessities.
3
Clean. There’s nothing like a clean house to make you feel good. It’s
better than therapy. Invest in some organic cleaning products for your
health and well-being.
The Basics
4
Lighting. Indirect and layered lighting is important in every room. It
sets the mood. Another way to contemporize is to go green. Change over
to more energy-efficient lighting fixtures and replace your old bulbs.
You’ll save a lot in electricity and help the environment.
5
Painting. No other aspect of your home can affect your mood more than
color. It can convey fantasy, impulse and intuition or evoke memories.
Let your imagination run wild and really express yourself without
restriction. It’s your home. Don’t worry about making a
mistake—whatever you do can be easily covered up.
6
Easy to lay flooring. Many flooring products like new laminates and
vinyl can look great—even when installed by do-it-yourselfers. Try a
small room first and get comfortable with the process. Work up to more
difficult materials like tile for the bathroom and kitchen.
Instructional videos are available on the internet.
7
Window treatments. Organic is in. Bamboo and natural woven shades help
bring nature in from the outside. Silk window treatments are one of the
biggest design trends. Multi-colored shades can add a fresh look. Try
some bold patterns if you think the room can handle them.
8 Kitchen
Island. If you have the space, add an island in your kitchen. It will
become the central meeting place for your family and guests, as well as
offering additional storage and counter space, adding warmth and
intimacy to the environment. Higher tables and butcher blocks also make
for great instant islands.
9 Fans. Air
conditioning is a new invention. Many tropical paradise destinations
still use fans for air circulation and cooling. It’s a great way to
save on electricity, and fans come in many contemporary shapes and
styles. You can use them in any room to circulate stagnant air.
10
Mirrors. Even if you aren’t a narcissist, decorate with some
interesting mirrors. Mirrors can attract light and brighten up dark
corners. Use different shapes and frames for an eclectic look that can
create drama or whimsy. The reflection of candle light in a wall of
mirrors adds mystery and glamour.
11 Add a
fireplace. Fire has ignited the imagination since early civilization.
Now you can have multiple fireplaces or stoves in your home without
expensive construction costs. New electric and ethanol fireplaces come
in a variety of styles. They provide heat in cold weather and are
economical to run. Portable fireplaces can even be moved from room to
room.
Accessorize
12 Indoor plants. Get some dramatic indoor plants for your health. It’s been proven that plants improve air quality.
13
Clocks. Shop around. Have fun with different styles and shapes of
clocks. Think of wall, mantel, grandfather, retro, children’s, alarm
and kitchen clocks. Many shops carry kitschy designs that add an
element of fun to this practical workhorse.
14
Artwork. Cover your walls. Don’t be afraid to fill the walls and be
creative in spacing. It should look unstructured and random while
providing balance and interest. Even small leftover wall spaces can be
filled in.
15 Artifacts. Artifacts can cover
a wide array of items, but generally they represent cultures of a
bygone era and are made of naturally occurring materials. They can be
expensive or just decorative, but they provide a unique feel and
sophistication to any home. Place them strategically anywhere you want
to make a statement.
16 Rugs.
Bold-patterned rugs are in and are a great way to alter the dynamics of
your space. Ethnic rugs give an exotic influence without being too
pricey. Don’t be afraid of color. Persians go with just about any décor
and can add rich texture to all rooms.
17
Antiques. Integrate the old with the new. Add an interesting piece here
and there. Family heirlooms give a personal touch and provide an easy
conversation piece. Antiques can also incorporate the right amount of
eclecticism and add a designer touch to a boring room.
18
New dishes. Dinnerware collections are available in every style and
price these days. Get rid of chipped and worn dishes and treat yourself
to a new set of pottery or china with a chic design you enjoy. Basic
white can be easily accessorized. You can even mix and match different
dishes for an artsy table setting.
19 Bathroom
accessories. Don’t worry about the bathroom flat-screen. Buy some
luxurious items that you can use right away. Try a contemporary bath
mat and get some super-thick bath towels. Go for a Zen-like atmosphere
with muted natural colors. Accentuate with simple accessories and keep
the space as clear as possible.
20 Bedroom
linens. Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important
necessities for good physical and mental health. The area where you
spend a third of your life isn’t the place to scrimp. There are few
things that feel more luxurious than a high thread count. Treat
yourself to natural fibers like Egyptian cotton. Keep bed linens
organic to avoid allergic reactions, and simple to maintain a serene
environment.
21 Home office. Create a
comfortable work space. Convert a closet, find an empty corner or
utilize hidden space in the dining room, guest quarters or part of the
living room. If you live in cramped quarters, use a multi-purpose piece
of furniture and slide work materials out of the way when needed.
22
Candles. Create a mood with subtle candlelight and natural fragrance.
Use candles throughout the home to create a varied environment and
ambiance. The low-level lighting will cover up a multitude of flaws—not
to mention that everyone looks better in candlelight.
23
Books. One of the first places new visitors zero in on is the book
collection. They say a lot about us, whether we like it or not. Book
shelves and books strategically placed around the house provide a
rhythm, color and sense of intrigue. Sort through the books you have
and find new ways of categorizing them.
24
Flat-screen TV. Nothing dates your space like a boxy television. If
your budget allows, replace it with a flat-screen on a contemporary
stand or installed on the wall. Prices have been dropping over the past
few years and quality has improved. Not a bad investment.
25
Screens. Oddly enough, screens can give the illusion of more space even
when there isn’t any. Find a wall to adorn with a screen and it will
look like there is another room behind it. It’s another way to add
architectural interest to an otherwise plain..... interior.
Published: December 09, 2009
Issue: Winter 2009 - Annual Philanthropy Guide