|
 Painting, changing furniture styles, opening
rooms, adding new trim, installing dramatic lighting and adding
personalized decor are easy ways to provide a fresh look.
Want to update a living room space because you are bored with it?
Fortunately, a few changes can help refresh this space.
Accents are what people first notice. Adding throw pillows or
changing pillowcases can give personality to the room. Consider
using different patterns and textures like a fuzzy pillow.
To put some life into your home, consider adding botanicals. If you
do not have time to care for real plants, use artificial plants.
Greenery is nice because it can work with any aesthetic.
Adding or changing rugs can help tie a room together. When throw
pillows are patterned, a “plain” rug may work better and the
reverse.
When rearranging furniture, leaving at least three feet of walking
space will prevent people from bumping into furniture. Place
furniture like couches twelve inches from walls to help make the
space cozy and inviting.
Changing wall décor and shelves will enhance a new look.
New décor on a center table can refresh the look.
See these ideas on “Tips &
Tricks: Seven easy updates for your living room.”
Opening areas between rooms can make spaces look and feel bigger.
HGTV’s “Property Brothers,” Drew and Jonathan Scott, offer tips for
designing a warm and inviting open space. The more you can open
sight lines, the better. You get more light coming through also
offering better opportunities for family interaction.
The Property Brothers show how creating one big living area can be
family friendly, and also let the outdoors in.
If you do not have an open concept, you can take down walls, but be
alert for load bearing walls or hidden surprises like plumbing, HVAC
or electrical wires. These surprises do not have to stop you but
will mean calling in a professional to tell you if the wall is load
bearing or if pipes will need to be moved.
Doing work right means doing it safely and bringing in professionals
who know what they are doing.
After construction is finished, the next challenge is to design
around the open area. You want to define the spaces without closing
them off. One trick for defining spaces is to use area rugs. To add
color and drama to a space, they can ground all the furniture pieces
and define the purpose of that space.
When designing a space, think about lighting in
advance. A chandelier over a dining room table or pendant lights
over an island can make statements. One key is balance. Light
fixtures should not obstruct open sight lines but can add warmth and
visual interest.
[to top of second column] |
Designing an
Open-Concept Space| Brother vs. Brother | HGTV - YouTube
Lou Manfredi, an Ace Hardware home expert, says
painting a small bedroom can help make it look bigger. First, paint
the ceiling using a paint roller to help cover the most space. Start
with two dark colors on the ceiling then use a lighter color on the
walls. Adding a darker color on the ceiling draws your eyesight up
and makes the ceiling look taller.
“How to paint a small bedroom
to look bigger”
Adding window trim is a way to give a space a finished look. The
Home Depot makes it an easy do-it-yourself project providing
step-by-step instructions. First, gather the tools and materials
needed. Then, measure and mark your reveal, or windowsill lines.
These lines should be 3/16 of an inch from the inside edge of the
jamb. Do that on all sides so you have a reference mark for
positioning each piece.
To install the top piece, cut a 45-degree angle in the left side of
the trim. Hold in position at the reveal line then mark where the
opposite angle will be. After changing the direction of the saw
blade, cut the right end to size. Once the joint has been checked
for a good fit, secure trim to the jamb, using one-inch brad nails
in six -inch increments.
To install both vertical trim boards, repeat the process, but apply
wood glue at corner joints before nailing pieces into place. Use the
same method for the bottom, keeping the board a bit longer to test
fit the angle.
Secure the trim with brad nails and wood glue when the perfect fit
is achieved. Caulk, spackle and paint trim as needed.
See how to install window trim at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V56ebwZL6Vs
Your home is usually your biggest investment. Letting your
creativity work with these practical suggestions will enhance
enjoyment and save money.
|
