QUICK and simple updates are my favourite kind of decor project.
Small changes can keep your decor feeling updated and your creative juices flowing. Most of these changes can be done in a few hours or, at the outside, over a weekend. Choose the projects that will suit your fancy, your budget and your available time and you'll be inspired to make more changes in future.
I've divided 25 ideas into three categories to help you decide which projects are best suited to your current needs.
Update what you have
Bored with your current space? Check out these 10 simple options for updating what you have.
-- Small paint projects can make all of the difference in the world and don't involve a lot of time or prep work. The right paint for your project will make all of the difference.
-- Paint dated tiles: Update kitchen or bathroom wall tiles with paint made for this specific project. Freshen up the grout lines with grout paint and you'll have a whole new outlook on things. Take this project up a notch by using two or three paint colours to create a whole new tile design.
-- Update kitchen or bathroom cabinets by adding a splash of colour. For cabinets with raised or recessed door panels you can either paint the panel or the trim for a quick update. You can also use two co-ordinating colours to add visual movement to the cabinet face. Cabinets with a flat surface can be painted solid, stencilled or painted with your own design. Practise on a scrap piece of plywood before you begin.
-- I saw a commercial for Duck Tape (brand name of duct tape) that now comes in vibrant colours and patterns like zebra stripe and leopard print. This handy tape can help you quickly change a myriad of accessories to give them a fresh, new look. Try it on lamp shades, picture frames, to frame mirrors or area rugs, or even cabinet doors or other flat surfaces. There are tons of great project ideas and photos on the website www.ducktape.com
-- Update accent furniture with a fresh coat of paint. A dated side chair might be refreshed by painting the wooden elements in a soft white tone, for instance.
-- Give your bathroom some style by adding a frosted stencil or design to the mirror.
-- Add fresh flowers to any room to add colour, pattern and texture. Go big. A large bunch of inexpensive flowers can have more impact than a few expensive flowers. Hit the grocery store on the way home and pick up a few mixed bouquets. One single flower in a small vase on a bathroom vanity will add a little charm to the powder room. Float a few flower heads in a decorative bowl filled with water. Get creative. When they start to dry out, hang them to completely dry to use in a dried arrangement down the road.
-- Recover the headboard or create a headboard with plywood and cover it to your liking. This project is a bit more involved but doesn't have to be costly. Check out the thrift stores for fabric remnants (don't forget you can use bed sheets, table cloths etc.), batting and trim to create your one-of-a-kind design. Hot glue and a staple gun will make short work of this project.
-- As was done in our feature photograph, paint one accent wall in a bold colour to add focus to your room. Accessorize around the room with like colours to give the look visual flow.
-- Use self-adhesive products to give old appliances a new lease on life. Products like the above-mentioned Duck Tape or peel and stick vinyl products will adhere to flat surfaces and come in a variety of colours and patterns. I covered my old deep freeze lid with the vinyl in a granite pattern and it looks great. Imagine a student residence with a zebra striped fridge. Fun.
Add to what you have
Use scale to create drama by adding one large decorative item to your room. An oversized floor vase, decorative charger plate on a coffee table or a large painted canvas will give the room a touch of grandeur.
Purchase area rugs with updated designs to help add colour and warmth to a room. An area rug can help define a seating arrangement as well.
How old are your drapes or curtains? An updated window treatment can transform a room. If the decor allows, opt for more contemporary (and affordable) window treatments versus custom draperies.
Give your bedroom a fresh appeal with new bedding. You can give the room new focus and introduce new patterns and colour via linens and curtains.
A tired-looking sofa can really bring your decor down. If you can't afford to buy new furniture, invest in a good quality slipcover(s) and new toss cushions.
Thin or faded bath towels will make your bathroom look stale. Start incorporating new bath linens in great new colours and weed out the old towels until your linen cupboard is full of new, fluffy linens. Don't forget to update the bath mats, shower curtain and window treatments if applicable. You don't need to buy a totally matching set to create a great look. Watch for sales on items you need and stick to a two- to three-colour palette to keep things co-ordinated.
Incorporate at least one new piece of art by a local artist. Find something you really love and treat your home to a touch of individuality. You don't have to be an art connoisseur, you just have to know what moves you.
Small items like switch plate covers can be replaced with ones that are decorative or at least current in style. Check your home for opportunities to switch the switch plates to something more fun.
Old floor and table lamps can really date your decor. Consider replacing at least one or two lamps for something more stylish, like the unique floor lamp shown in our feature photograph. If your lamps are current but a bit boring, look for ways to add a touch of colour or pattern to them by treating the lampshades to some embellishment.
Rearrange what you have
Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. Rearranging furniture might be all your decor needs to keep it feeling new. Incorporate items from other rooms when possible.
If your wall display has been the same for a few years you might want to look at updating or rearranging it. Again, add in new pieces to keep the room looking current.
Gather some friends together and have an accessory exchange party. Everyone brings a few accessories from their home that they no longer want and takes home the same number of accessories from the collective pile. While you're together you can share ideas and plan projects.
Rearrange your small accessories, like framed photographs, candles, etc., to create interesting vignettes on table tops and shelves.
Go through the attic and check for forgotten treasures like an old trunk or vintage wedding dress that might be able to be incorporated into your decor.
If your space is feeling a little cramped or cluttered, purge items you don't need to give yourself some breathing space.
Organize the clutter on the bathroom vanity, bedroom dresser or kitchen countertops by incorporating decorative containers to house small, daily use items.
Get to it. There has to be at least one project here that you can make short work of.
Connieoliver@shaw.ca
