2021 Spring Home and Garden

Page 26 2021 Spring Home & Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 22, 2021 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. CONTINUED u