You may have decided to stay in your home and not move, but that doesn’t mean you should stay with the same old tired look.  When you move, you are forced to make changes, but let’s look around your home and see what simple modifications you can make to create a new updated look. 

1)     New paint is always a good option and a relatively inexpensive one.  Get some magazines and see what the designers are using for paint colors. 

2)     Add valances over those old blinds.  Blinds and shades are very functional but they could use some pizzazz.  Simple or elaborate top treatments could make your room look entirely different.

3)     Change the throw pillows.  Most pillows in the family room are used and get tired-looking and limp. Get new filling and new fabrics to update your color scheme. 

4)     Take EVERYTHING out of the room except the heaviest pieces and only put back in the room what you need.  Take away those gifts that were given to you that didn’t really match but you didn’t want to throw away either.  Put everything you don’t need or use in a box in the basement and if after six months you haven’t missed it, then sell the items at a garage sale or give to a local charity. Here in Lawrence that could be Penn House or St. John’s garage sale house. 

5)     And lastly, call a professional.  I perform a lot of one hour consultations that give advice the homeowner can implement.  We can talk about what colors you would paint your rooms based upon the existing furnishings you have, how to arrange your furniture and what additional pieces you might need, or what colors/styles you might use for kitchen counters, flooring, or cabinets.  And after you have painted, I can help arrange and re-hang those pictures. It might be time to move Aunt Martha’s painting to a back room and hang that new painting you saw at the local art show.

Don’t let your home get tired just because you aren’t moving.  Spring is a good time to throw open the windows and move into high gear.  Enjoy!

Related posts:

1. Arranging Tips