Could your home use a little freshening up? If the answer is yes and you’re not sure where to start, a few guidelines can simplify the process and get you decorating like a pro in no time.
Color is key
The mood you want to create in a room guides its color palette. You can almost feel the energy radiating off sunny yellow, red and orange shades, ideal for kitchens or kids’ playrooms. Conversely, cool hues like blues and greens may be more appropriate for bedrooms and bathrooms — anywhere you want to promote a soothing, peaceful vibe. White, cream, black, gray and beige offer a neutral background that allows accessories, art and pops of brighter colors to shine in a living room or home office.
Mirror, mirror
In small spaces or dark rooms, mirrors magically multiply light to instantly evoke a more expansive feel. Play around with shapes, sizes and frames, and remember — mirrors aren’t just limited to walls. An antique mirror laid flat on top of a dresser makes an interesting foundation to display jewelry and perfume bottles, or place mirrored tiles under candles to reflect a romantic glow.
Size is everything
Area rugs add an extra layer of interest and act as an anchor for your furniture. You’ll want a piece that complements without clashing, not too big and not too small. For the best fit, plan to position area rugs between 6 inches and 2 feet away from the wall, and make sure the edges completely extend beyond coffee tables and under the first set of legs on chairs and sofas at minimum. “Pair a small-scale pattern on an area rug with larger-scale patterns on the furniture pieces in the room,” said Nancy Smith, owner of Saratoga Signature Interiors.
Let there be light
Rethinking your lighting scheme is a quick and effective way to change the feel of a room. Overhead lights, floor and table lamps, night lights, battery-operated candles — the options are virtually limitless and don’t have to be pricey. Experiment with different options to see what you like. “Chandeliers should hang between 30 and 36 inches above a dining table,” Smith said.
Choose quality
When it comes to furniture, purchase the best quality you can afford. Not only will it look nicer, it’ll last longer, giving you more value for your money. “Generally speaking, a quality sofa can last upwards of 10 years,” Smith said. “These things are an investment. Buying poorly made furniture means you’re probably going to have to buy it again in the not-so-distant future.”
Try on a new coat
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest — and least expensive — ways to quickly transform the look of any space. For something bold, consider an accent wall in a vibrant color or a dramatic wallpaper instead.
Little accessories, big impact
Accessories give you a chance to showcase your personal style, whether it’s modern, eclectic, rustic or country. Choose themes and items accordingly. “My mom always recommended thinking about ‘heaven, man and earth’ when decorating,” Smith said. “What she meant was, group similar objects of varying heights, shapes and textures — heaven is high, earth is low, and man is in between. The goal is to make sure everything isn’t uniform and boring.”
For more information, call 518.581.0023 or visit saratogasignature.com.
