The holidays are over and the Christmas decorations are, well, somewhat put away. If you are anything like me, I am slow about taking down my decorations because I love how they brighten my home and make me feel. They add warmth, color and give me a sense of peace that our homes should reflect.
So when all the decorations are finally put away and the rooms are not as warm or colorful as they used to be, do you find yourself like me and miss that feeling? Do you see your furnishings and color scheme with a different eye and think it may be time to update the old stuff and bring in something new? After all, it is a new year!
New Year’s is a time we usually resolve to make change in our lives or in the way we do things. Sometimes it can be a big change or sometimes the change can be small and subtle. Even the smallest change can make a world of difference in the way we feel or the way we perceive ourselves and our surroundings. It’s the same when it comes to decorating our homes: sometimes the smallest change can make a big impact.
Tackling your resolve to update your space shouldn’t be overwhelming, but fun. The first place to start is thinking about what colors you like and how you want to use your space. For example, is your main living area providing all the seating you need for your family? Is it comfortable and relaxing? If you want to add seating, but have limited space, consider using small scale ottomans that serve a dual purpose of not only a place to rest your feet but also as extra seating. Adding small scale accent chairs can provide for extra seating, too. These simple additions are a great way to add function to your rooms. Which brings me to the next consideration for creating that perfect room: color.
Beauty, color and warmth are the main features that draw people into a space. This is achieved by creative use of fabrics, textures and accessories like wood pieces, artwork, lighting and area rugs.
Using fabrics can be a very creative approach to update a space. The addition of a new accent chair upholstered in a fun print, using a new fabric on an existing piece of furniture, adding new drapery or simply adding colorful, textured pillows are simple and easy solutions to introduce beauty, warmth and color to your room. There are many textural fabrics such as a boucle, velvets and tweeds that can be used on chairs, ottomans or throw pillows to bring in new elements of design that add dimension to a room.
The advantage of using fabric is that it enhances and softens interiors like no other design element can. It can set a mood from soft, quiet and sophisticated to bold and beautiful. The number of fabrics to choose from are almost unlimited, with new collections being introduced every fall and spring, assuring the perfect color and pattern for each of our tastes and needs. The ability to apply this wide selection of colors, textures and prints gives each of us a unique opportunity to enjoy truly personalized surroundings.
Another often overlooked option to consider is lighting. The appropriate use of lighting is vitally important for creating or enhancing the beauty in your space.
Just as the design function in a room is important, so too is the function and purpose of lighting. There are three main categories of lighting: ambient or general, task or focal and accent. Ambient or general lighting is used to illuminate the entire room and create a warm and inviting look. Task or focal lighting is used for a specific purpose where you need brighter light such as cooking or reading. Accent lighting is used to illuminate and highlight architectural features or objects in a room such as artwork or a sculpture.
With a little thought and planning, the lighting in your space can be made more efficient and attractive. The right choice of fixture, the proper lamp, the placement and height all have major effect on the results, but you may find that the simplest change — such as changing the type of bulbs in your fixtures — can make a big difference. When it all comes together, beauty, comfort and convenience can be added to every area of your home.
Fabrics and lighting are just a couple of ways to make simple updates to your home. As with any updates to your interior spaces, remember the basic principles of design — balance, rhythm, harmony, emphasis, proportion and scale — and your space will have that “put-together” look. However, the most important thing to remember is that your space is just that — it’s your space. It should reflect who you are and what makes you comfortable!
Angelia Spraberry, owner of Oak Highland Design, LLC understands that decorating your home can be a little intimidating. As an interior designer, Angelia loves to guide clients through the process of determining the perfect design solutions for their homes, blending their personal tastes with emerging design trends and tailoring to their budget. Oak Highland Design is associated with Decorating Den Interiors, which is a network of suppliers and manufacturers allowing designers access to a significant number of quality companies.
