PRACTICAL MAGIC

Update interior spaces this season

ven in the season of snowfall, perfect for sunny ski conditions, early winter sunsets lead many residents to spend more time indoors. When cold winter evenings keep people inside, they might find their surroundings uninspiring. Waiting for the spring to bring warmer temperatures can be an opportunity to give indoor spaces a fresh feel without breaking the bank. Even with a tight budget, homeowners can make small changes that update and transform a room. Consider these ideas for your own space. n Showcase your style with a new color scheme. Rather than replacing every piece of furniture or painting the home, which can be costly and time consuming, focus on finding smaller accessory pieces such as lamps, pillows and other decorative items.

Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors. n Bring the outdoors inside.

Indoor plants enrich a room with lush leaves and natural hues. However, adding a few house plants to a living space can also improve air quality and increase levels of oxygen. Plants are known to have a positive effect on concentration, energy and mood, too. Visit local nurseries and garden supplies for expert advice on plants that thrive indoors. n Introduce new accent furniture. Smaller and less cost-prohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the look of a room. You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on-hand to create a look that’s all your own.

En Transform a room by rearranging items instead of buying new. Adjusting the layout of decorations and the orientation of your furniture can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective. Studies show that rearranging a room can calm anxiety and encourage creativity. It’s also a great way to clear out clutter.

n Adding new artwork can not only help add color and style to a space, it can also make it more personal, too. Regional galleries and retailers offer an abundance of beautiful artwork from local artists, but who knows your tastes better than you do? Whether crafting a painting or piece of furniture, a DIY-touch could be the missing piece of your home’s character.

A new look for your favorite room can go a long way toward chasing away those winter blues, so find ways to update your space for a cozy retreat that you can enjoy despite the cold weather raging outdoors. n