When it comes to decorating my home, like most of you I want to invest in pieces that will serve me long-term. I need pieces that are classic and timeless but allow me to change the look of my decor from time to time (which is the norm rather than the exception) without costing a lot of money.
Changing the look of your decor from season to season is easier than your think, if you start with a solid foundation and know what decorative accessories will give your look the biggest change impact.
THE FOUNDATION
SOLID COLORED SOFA–Investing in a solid colored sofa is one of the best furniture investments you can make. A neutral color gives you the ability to change your color palette without having to spend money on large ticket items.
GRAPHIC RUG–A graphic patterned rug will add depth to your living space and make it easy to incorporate other patterns and textures without the room becoming visually busy.
SIMPLE ACCENT TABLES–Table styles with classic lines and simple details will work with the a variety of decorative accent furniture pieces and decorative accessories.
CLASSIC PILLOW STYLES–Striped pillows will work with just about any other pattern you pair it with and is a great way to introduce an accent color into your decor.
LOOK ONE:
THE PERSONALITY PIECES
PILLOWS & CURTAINS–Beyond paint, pillows are one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room. Pair your classic striped pillow with floral, geometric and abstract designs. Pick several fun patterns that can be mixed and matched from season to season. To save money, I always buy pillows with zipper closures so that I can use the inserts with other pillow covers I find.
Switching out curtain panels is another inexpensive style change you can give a room. Invest in a custom set of solid drapes for a classic look and then buy an inexpensive patterned set from a big box store to use when you want a more casual and eclectic look.
LIGHTING–Changing out table lamps is another way to give your room a fresh feel. Neutral ceramic base lamps will work when you want a more classic feel and lamps in a bolder color will work when you want a more playful look. Also keep in mind that your can switch out lampshades as an easy way to give your lamp a new look.
WALL DECOR–While it may not be possible to change out the large pieces of artwork in a room, changing out a mirror can make a room look different. Metallic frames (gold or silver) will give your space a more formal feel while mirrors framed in natural materials or wood will add a more causal aesthetic. The gold mirror above creates a more polished and traditional feel because of its shape and finish, and the round mirror below has a more casual feel because of it softer, unstructured shape.
ACCESSORIES–Naturally changing out your decorative accessories is one of the easiest ways to change the look of your decor. Trays, candle holders and decorative boxes are a few of the accessories that will work in different rooms giving you more options when you want to change-up your decor.
LOOK TWO:
Using the foundation of the solid sofa, graphic rug, striped pillow and ceramic side table, the look of this room can change by changing out a few elements. The patterned drapes add a more causal feel but still keep the color palette of the room intact. The addition of colorful accent pillows and a bright lamp adds energy and whimsy to the decor and the new mirror reinforces the causal vibe of the space.
The next time you want to change the look of your decor, remember that all it takes is a few simple changes.
Such smart advice! I have all my basic neutral pieces and am now working on adding personality.
Happy Decorating Michelle.