Simple Ways to Jazz Up Your Space
Needing a Lift?
Ever look around your home and think, “That space needs something?” Whole seasons may pass by and we’re too busy to stop and take inventory of our living spaces, checking on their function, their decor, and whether or not they are currently still reflecting our families and lifestyles. It’s so easy to live in your house without noticing what it looks like! Sometimes the room needs a declutter or a rearrangement, but sometimes it’s simply calling for something new. Sure, you could paint the walls or replace the furniture but there’s usually an easier, more economical route to re-curating your space. Taking a long good look at your room and taking a few notes on its aesthetic will help you get started on the process of jazzing up the space.
Interview Yourself
Asking yourself what you want in your room’s decor is the best first step. Are you looking to brighten things up or bring in more rich colors? What type of room do you want? Cozy? Beachy? Opulent? Down to earth? Are you looking for more comfort or more intentionality? What emotion do you want to invoke in the room?
Next, consider what you have that you must hang onto. Big furniture pieces may be non-negotiable. How do you use your gray couch or your brown recliner to work with your desired design theme? Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
What pieces can you easily replace? Art can usually be shuffled from room to room. Pillows and blankets are easy to switch out or replace completely and sometimes smaller pieces of furniture, knick-knacks, or bookshelves can be moved around or rearranged.
What pieces can you easily remove altogether? So often, we move around our living spaces without even considering what we need or want in them. You may consider going without a rug or taking out certain furniture pieces permanently if you’re hoping to go for a simpler design.
What is possible? Give yourself a budget and a deadline. You probably don’t want your room influx forever or wiping out your checking account. A concrete figure and date will help you stay on task.
Color & Prints
Don’t be afraid of color! Flip through some design magazines and collect a few of your favorite rooms. What colors attract you? A neutral palette will calm the senses while a brighter one will offer new life and energy. Choose your direction and stay committed. You may even want to pull some paint swatches to help you stay on task. Or simply refer back to the magazine photos you’ve chosen. Don’t be afraid to be profoundly influenced by someone else’s design. Some of us can design our own interiors from scratch but most of us need all the inspiration we can get! Here are some simple tips to choosing new colors and patterns you may have never worked with before:
Go for bright in small ways at first. A deep crimson pillow is easier to start with than a deep crimson couch.
Let the rug lead you. A great way to add saturated color (or a more neutral palette) is with a new rug. They’re also easy to replace if your style changes.
House plants can pack a punch. Looking for a bright, tropical vibe? Dozens of house plants offer hot pink leaves that will add some funky style without trying too hard.
Try an animal print on a new throw blanket. Leopard never goes out of style. Ever.
Stretch yourself by mixing prints on couch pillows. Do a floral here, a pattern there, and then do it all over again.
Need new art? Art supply shops often carry hand pressed paper in large pieces. Consider framing one (or several) to create a new vibe, blend patterns, and upgrade a wall.
Don’t underestimate lighting. New lamps can add warmth and color immediately.
Enjoying the process is key (along with keeping receipts for inevitable returns!). You’ll find out what you love, what challenges your innate design preferences, and what brings you joy in your upgraded space. Little changes can always make a big impact.