Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Four Small Decorating Ideas With Big Impact

These cold, gray days of winter just won’t seem to go away. Which means many of us are stuck at home more than we’d like to be. Truth time: Is this enforced confinement making you notice that certain corners of your home seem as dreary as the weather itself?


The good news is that the cold weather months are the perfect time for doing a little sprucing up around your house. But don’t worry - there are small, budget-friendly things you can do that will still have big impact.


1. Accent with Paint. It’s the instant brighten-upper for any home. And while you can certainly paint the whole room, you don’t necessarily have to. In this photo from HGTV, teal paint is used only on the bookcase and mantel. The refreshing color really pops against the white fireplace and neutral walls.



image source: HGTV


Tip: Before painting an entire wall in a new color, paint a poster board instead. Once it’s dry, hold it up to the wall to see if you’re going to like your new shade. This is much easier than painting a section of the wall and then having to paint over it if the color doesn’t have the effect you wanted.



2. Bring in New Pillows and Window Treatments. New fabric accents can liven up the look of an otherwise blah space. These whimsical window shades and bold-print pillows, along with a few inexpensive odds and ends that repeat the red color, give this bedroom from House Beautiful real designer charm. If you sew, you can probably make something like these yourself!



image source: House Beautiful


 

3. Switch Up Your Switch Plates. Sometimes, the truly small touches get the most notice. If your home still has the standard, white plastic switch plates, consider switching them out. Home improvement stores have some lovely ones in metals like nickel and aged bronze. Or, you can go the true DIY route by making your own. Martha Stewart gives you the step-by-step instructions for these pretty papered switch plates to light up any room.


image source: Martha Stewart



4. Create DIY Artwork. Do you have a bare wall that badly needs something, but you don’t have the budget for a new painting? Then get creative and turn everyday items into wall art! This image from Country Living shows how plates and picture frames can be transformed. A trip to your local flea market (or your own garage or basement) will get your imagination spinning.


image source: Country Living



If you’re searching for inexpensive new accents to finish your look - or you just have cabin fever and want to get out - be sure to visit your local DownEast Home store. We know lots about budget decorating and we have so many great items to choose from - rugs, candlesticks, centerpieces and much more - to help give new life to your rooms. You never know what you might find at our always great prices!

2 comments:

  1. Alex - Hi Dawn,Greetings from The Smile Train. Thank you for your incredible fusniarding efforts through this portrait event. Just like the smiling children in your studio, these donations help give children all over the world not just a new smile, but a second chance at life. The average cost of surgery for these children is as little as $250. Every dollar you raise will go to help poor children. We can say this because 100% of all administrative costs are paid for by our board of directors, 0% of your donation will go to overhead expenses. If you have any questions or need any promotional materials for your event, please feel free to contact me at or 877-KIDSMILE.We deeply appreciate your support of The Smile Train. Working together, we can make a difference in the future of children, we can empower communities, and we can change the world one smile at a time.Best of luck, your pictures speak for themselves!! Stay in touch, and we would love to know how the event goes.Alex JuddDonor Relations AssociateThe Smile Train877-KIDSMILE

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