The flowers are blooming, the temperatures are rising, and old man winter can only be seen in the rearview mirror. As you open your home to the warm months of spring, it’s time to clean out the cobwebs and give your home a breath of fresh air. It’s time to bring in color and freshness – without breaking your budget. Here are ten easy, affordable ways to brighten your favorite rooms.
Transform your walls with paint. New paint color is a quick and easy way to alter the dynamic and personality of any room. Color can make your room warm and cozy or cool and breezy. Want to make your kitchen bright and sunny? Try a happy shade of yellow or gold. Tired of the dull taupe in your family room? Trade it for a deep red or a calm blue. With the vast array of color palettes, themes and faux finishes on the market today, it should be easy to find the perfect compliment to you and your style.
Warm up your floors with area rugs. Give a fresh look to your entry, kitchen or family room with an unusual rug. Fantastic rugs with colorful patterns will anchor and revolutionize your room. There are a multitude of styles and price ranges available. Be sure to measure your area before you shop. Try to find rugs that won’t slip on your flooring or purchase a non-slip rug pad to keep it securely in place.
Rearrange the furniture. It’s so refreshing to rearrange the furniture and give your room a whole new look! While moving a room’s content, it will provide the perfect opportunity to finally clean those dust bunnies that secretively flourish under the couch. Be sure to take it one step further and rearrange your wall art as well. Remove everything off the walls and put it all in a neutral area. Think outside the box and put each piece in a new spot. You just might be amazed at the fresh appearance of your room.
Pick up a few interesting lamps. I love cool lamps! When you find an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind table or floor lamp, it will become the focal point in your room. Or, find a used lamp that has a distinctive base and just add a clever shade to match. Look for lamps that are rare and unusual. Use low wattage bulbs to lend sexy ambiance to your room.
Freshen up your bedroom with new linens. Oftentimes it is impossible to rearrange your bedroom furniture, but you can turn your bedroom into a soothing spring slumber land by updating your linens. Affordable and colorful bed-in-a-bag sets can be found in some amazing patterns. Check out the T-shirt sheets in coordinating colors. They are super comfortable for a night of restful sleep.
Pop some new curtains on the windows. Window treatments add another layer of softness and interest to your room. Choose fabric with patterns and color so your window becomes the focal point. Are you crafty and like to do projects yourself? Here’s how to turn simple bath towels or pillow cases into curtains for a small window. First, find the perfect patterned towels or pillow cases to match your room. Next, purchase an inexpensive ball curtain rod, clip rings, and a holdback pair. Paint the hardware items a bright color, let dry, and fasten to your wall. Clip the towels or pillow cases to the rings. Your guests will be impressed with your creativity!
Soften your room with pillows. Every room is instantly made cozy and inviting with pillows in varying textures, shapes and colors. Watch for sales and scout store websites for coupons to use with your purchase. Toss in a coordinating throw to drape over your couch or on the end of your bed. Get creative with your selections and have fun!
Set the mood with candles. Candles are relaxing, sexy and perfect as a centerpiece on your coffee table or in your dining room. Find some neat pieces that fit your theme and style. I prefer to use candles in edible and spicy scents like vanilla icing or banana nut bread. You can also find clean, relaxing scents like ocean mist or calm waters. The ambiance of lighted candles will help you unwind and find a peaceful state of bliss after a long day.
Brighten your patio with new chairs in fun colors. The beauty that is an Adirondack chair. Not only are they comfortable, providing those large arm rest essential in holding your favorite beverage, but they now come in a host of vibrant colors, as well. This season, it is easy to find Adirondacks in lively shades of lime green, light blue, and burgundy. Or, pick up some spray paint in a few cheerful, bright colors and liven up your old faded green chairs. If you have the necessary tools and skills, try building your own Adirondack. It is a great way to save some extra dollars and craft your own timeless furniture.
Finish your masterpiece with fresh flowers. Some folks like to avoid cut flowers because they inevitably die, but I love flowers because they are very much alive. The trick to keeping flowers blooming longer is to trim an inch or two from the bottom of the stems every two or three days and keep the water fresh. Try testing your green thumb with gorgeous plants and hanging baskets from your local garden store. Plants and flowers are not only welcoming and eye-catching, but they help to balance your room and space. And it’s rewarding to watch them grow.
Now you can relax in your favorite chair, prop up your feet, and admire your redesigned space – with money left over in your checkbook!
April 2010 (9.2 MB)