Beautifully painted walls are one of the most powerful, yet widely overlooked, decorating tools. Is every room in your house, with the exception of the kitchen and baths, painted off-white with white trims and mouldings?
This is a classic look that goes with any decorating style. But with all the options at our fingertips today, why not add a splash of colour to a few rooms?
Try painting your foyer or hall a bright, cheery colour such as a pale green or yellow! Small areas such as these may look dull when painted white.
Try a dark colour for the dining room to add an air of romance!
Another great look is to paint a main room such as the living room in a faux finish. You can pick up many do-it-yourself kits. These kits are simple to work with and can make your walls look as if you invested a mint on professional painters.
Best of all, the inconsistent look that is the charm of faux finishes beautifully conceals many small flaws your walls may have! Trims and mouldings can also add a finished look to a room when painted in a colour other than the traditional "white". Beige or light taupe add a hint of colour without being overbearing. Try to keep many of the rooms consistent, however, so as to avoid a 'circus' effect.
Finally, finish the walls off with some artwork. Make sure to leave plenty of wall space between each piece. Hanging too many paintings or prints on one wall will only distract from each one.
If your prints are small enough, you may arrange them in a grouping. Just make sure the frames and styles are consistent. For instance, don't group modern black and white prints in sleek, black frames with an oil painting in an antique gold frame.
Area rugs can be used to divide large rooms into more intimate sections or to help define a space. Break up the monotony in a bookshelf by randomly placing a few stacks of books on their sides.
The remaining books, however, should look organized by keeping them grouped according to height. Also try filling up empty space in a bookshelf with a vase or picture frame.
Pillows are key in creating a comfortable, homely atmosphere when arranged on couches, chairs and beds. They can also be used to tie together the various colours and styles in a room.
Toss at least four on a couch and rotate one pair so they point up. It gives the couch some dimension. Use pairs to create balance.
Examples are: matching lamps on end tables, pairs of throw pillows, coordinating artwork or accent pieces flanking a piece of furniture.
