Redecorating a Room

This is a guest post.

House_with_a_Lot_of_Windows

 

 

There are many ways to alter your home’s style to positively impact the mood and function of the space. For example, switching a traditionally-styled room to a more modern and contemporary space can brighten and lighten the room, giving it an energizing feel while also providing more light for tasks and utility purposes. Try to re-purpose items that may already be in the home, and use them in new ways to expand the life of the piece while complimenting the new style theme for the room.

 

Some of the basic style themes to consider when redecorating include the following:

 

Traditional Style

Traditional home interior design encompasses many different themes and eras, but in general, this style utilizes conventional wood furnishings and primary colors, typically found in older, traditional homes. For instance, some benchmarks of this type of home interior design include crown moldings, high-ceilings, scrolled woodwork, and rich, jewel-tone color palettes.

 

Homes that have inherent characteristics such as built-in cabinetry, ornate scroll-work, and antique brass fixtures or hardware, might fit this category. Windows are typically dressed in elaborate window treatments, and fabrics are rich and sumptuous. Textural components such as velvet, brocades, and patterned floor coverings add to the allure of a traditional styled room.

 

It is easy to accent a traditional styled room by visiting area thrift stores and second-hand furniture stores. These venues may offer replicated pieces that echo the same lines, shapes, and styles of antique furnishings, which might be found in a true traditional home. These homes are designed for comfort, family engagement, and function.

 

Modern Style

There is a minimalist element to a modern- or contemporary-styled home. These spaces typically are free from a lot of clutter or visual distractions, and focus more on streamlining the furnishings and bringing ease and effortless convenience to the room.

 

When redecorating a room with a modern flair, try keeping the color palette neutral and add bursts of color through the accents and accessories. Taupe, white, black, or beige are good starting points for the space, which can then be accented with unique patterns, prints, and vibrant hues to give it a modern flavor. Stainless steel, chrome, and enamel are commonly found in these rooms and some might want to explore an industrial-style option to give the room distinction. Much of the furniture that implements metal and enamel finishes could include retro pieces, found in second-hand retail venues, or that are replicated for use in smaller spaces, such as dorm rooms and home offices. These pieces are lean and linear, which is perfect for a modern space.

 

Another feature of these rooms is the use of natural light. Light will make a space seem larger than it really is, and to achieve this, it may be necessary to minimize the window dressings used. Track lighting is another option that works particularly well in those rooms that lack sufficient windows.

 

Country Style

There are few hard, fast rules when it comes to creating a country-styled space in the home. The beauty of country interior design is that they are usually eclectic spaces that utilize many different styles, features, and types of pieces to comprise a warm and welcoming country space.

 

The color palette for a country style space may utilize a wide range of colors, including blue, red, green, yellow, and white. Prints and patterns need not match, yet can be tied together through the clever use of accessories to bring in different shades or textures that compliment one-another.

 

A country-style space is a great area to show off collectibles and belongings, as well. These items, objects, and accents create a bit of visual interest that adds to the completed project. Use big, full window treatments, but be sure to allow for as much natural light as possible. Country style homes are typically bright and cheery, and this also serves as a way of conveying the warmth and hospitality of the space.

 

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to refurbish and redecorate spaces in the home. With some re-purposed furnishings, new colors, and re-configured layouts, it is possible to recreate spaces in the home simply and inexpensively. Changing a room in the home can improve how those living there feel when they enter and use the space, which may include the ripple effects of increasing productivity, enhancing mood, and adding convenience to the home.

 

 

Anne

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

More Posts

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring….

20140802_133723

My daughter had a great time playing in the rain yesterday…

20140802_133721

20140802_133711

Anne

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

More Posts

Why Buy It – When You Can Win It!

Link up your giveaways!


Anne

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

More Posts

How to save 67 lbs of trash a year?

121

Q: How to save 67 lbs of trash a year?

A: Send you child to school with a reusable lunch kit!

•A child generates about 67 lbs of lunchtime trash/school year
•By using a reusable lunch sack and other storage items, a parent can save over $200/year not only in disposable bags but also by purchasing larger quantities of food and only packing what your child will eat
•Packaging accounts for nearly 1/3 of all household waste

 

Unfortunately my 13 year old son will no longer take a lunch box to school. I guess it’s not cool? He will only take a brown bag, I don’t want to him to uncool, but those bags and baggies add up!

 

                  Does your son or daughter refuse to take a lunch box to school? At what age did that start?
Anne

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

More Posts

Light and Alive — Making a Difference to Your Home With Lampshades

This is a guest post.

Living-Room_Blue

 

Many people see choosing lamp shades as somewhat of an afterthought when it comes to decorating — a finishing touch that’s not really planned until the paint or wallpaper is long dry. In fact, to maximize the benefits of light in your new scheme, you should think about lamp shades right at the outset.

The size of your lamp shade is the starting point. If you’re starting your scheme from scratch, you might be buying lamp and shade together, but if you’re simply updating the shade to complement a new scheme, you must consider the size. Too big, and the shade will not only cover a lot of the lamp but also limit the distribution of light. Too small, and the lamp will dominate making the shade look out of place.

When it comes to choosing the style, look to the rest of the scheme in your room. A traditional pleated design might not fit with the ultramodern trends that are popular at the moment. Equally, a contemporary chrome design won’t sit well with a country cottage inspired room. Materials will make a big difference and there are products made in everything from leather or metal to cotton or even silk.

 

If you’re just decorating, make the light dimmer than the other sources in the room so that it doesn’t upset the balance. If the lamp is primarily used for lighting the room, it will need to be as bright as other sources of light — perhaps a pair (or more) of matching lights. Think, too, about the heights of your light sources. Task lighting must also be bright, but the shade will have to focus the beam more specifically, often as a down-light or on an angle-poise lamp.

 

 

The type of shade you choose will directly affect the way the beam of light shines. Up lighters, down lighters, or up and down lighters, refer to where the holes are in the shades. Where down-lighters are usually used for tasks, and light “spills” out of the bottom, up-lighters are more usually designed to light a room. There are also shades that diffuse light rather than direct a beam. They’re translucent, so light surrounds the bulb and also pushes ambient light in all directions.

 

 

You’ll find that the lighting in your room really does make a difference to the overall look and feel, so do make sure to give it due thought when planning the redecoration.

 

It’s important to consider the look of the lamp when it’s not switched on, effectively just as a piece of furniture, and also how it will look when it’s plugged in, which might be very different. Think about what the lamp will be used for — decorating the room, illuminating it, or for task lighting such as for reading.

 

 

Photo credits: Designer: Courtney Lake / Photography: Photo by Adza

Anne

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

More Posts