If you are feeling like your decor needs a change but are procrastinating for one reason or another, perhaps it's time to change your mindset. Maybe those reasons that are keeping you back need a closer look and a reality check. Here are my responses to some common excuses that might be holding you back.
I can't afford it
Nonsense. You might not be able to afford an entire room overhaul but you can make small changes that will give your space and spirit a lift. As I've stated before, paint is an inexpensive way to make dramatic changes to your home. Just look at the drama a little paint created in our feature photograph (courtesy of Dulux Australia). Two wide vertical bands of vibrant colour give this minimalist bedroom great character. Use leftover paint from prior projects, search for mis-tint deals at the paint store or ask a family member or friend if they've got leftover paint they want to get rid of.
Fabric can also help you make colour changes to your décor. Use colourful remnants to create artwork by stretching it over a stretcher canvas or even the frame of an old painting that is large enough in scale. (You can hot glue the fabric to the back of the frame so it can be removed in future without harming the original painting.) Recover existing toss cushions for the sofa or bed using fabric remnants. If you can't sew or don't have a sewing machine you can purchase iron-on seam tape that will do the trick. No excuses. If you don't have any fabric remnants lying around you can purchase inexpensive fabric remnants from a thrift store, a remnant bin of a fabric store or again, ask family or friends. At the thrift store look for remnants but also keep your eyes open for drapery panels or bedding that can be cut down to size for your craft project. Don't forget that clothing can also be used to create these changes; a crisp man's white dress shirt can be used to make interesting toss pillows for the bed, for instance.
Update what you already have. Paint your dated headboard with a fresh new colour. Give your wooden dining chairs a lift by painting them in an attractive colour. Recover the seats with fabric as mentioned above. Cover dated flooring with inexpensive wicker rugs. Paint them in an decorative design using craft or acrylic house paint. If your drapes have seen better days see if you can update them with fabric panels (create a bottom border with coordinating fabric for instance) or decorative trim, beads, lace and so on.
Upholstered furniture that has seen better days can be given somewhat of a facelift with colourful toss cushions and a decorative throw. You might also try dying or painting a white bed sheet to create your own furniture cover.
Dark or dated storage units (be they bookshelves or entertainment units) can be changed with paint, wallpaper and/or fabric. Use your imagination.
Stencil designs on old kitchen cabinets and/or remove the hardware and paint it in a different colour. Give the cabinets a two-tone finish by simply painting the insert panels with an attractive colour.
I don't have time
Most of the projects mentioned above can be done in the same amount of time it would take to watch a movie on television. You might not be able to get it all done in one sitting but it can be done. You could also try to set aside one free day for yourself to get more than one project completed.
I don't know how
Along with the ideas in this column, most of which are very doable, you can research projects on the internet or at the library. Sometimes it's just a trial and error process. You learn as you go along. Learning how to recover seat cushions, for instance, will be a talent you can use in future when you want to tackle larger projects like covering a headboard with fabric. Just jump in and see what happens.
I don't know where to begin
Sometimes looking at all of the 'to dos' at once can be so overwhelming that it stops you from starting anything. Prioritize. What is bugging you the most? Sometimes it's best to work on one room at a time. For instance, your living room needs a few updates. The draperies are boring, the bookcase is too dark and the room needs colour. Work on that one room until it's done then move on to the next room in need of change.
Depending upon your situation you may want to choose to work on one type of project at a time rather than one room at a time. For instance, you want to make toss cushions for the couch and your bed so you'd work on this individual project before you move on to the next.
Focus on one room or one project at a time to keep you from feeling overwhelmed. Begin with small projects that will keep you motivated. As each project is completed you'll feel like you've accomplished something and will have the confidence to move on to the next.
I'm confident that you can do what you set out to do. Ask for help if you get stuck and think outside of the box when making fun changes to your décor.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
