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ENHANCE YOUR HOME WITHOUT A COMPLETE RENOVATION
ENHANCE YOUR HOME
WITHOUT A COMPLETE RENOVATION
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By Becky Smith
Are you planning to update your home this year and considering a complete renovation? The great news is a complete renovation isn’t always necessary. Don’t let lack of time or budget restrictions get in the way of adding sophistication to your home. A few strategic design choices can give your sanctuary a high-end feel without a full-on renovation. In fact, using the right textiles and accents can give your home a luxurious look in just a few weeks.
WONDERFUL WINDOW TREATMENTS
Investing in high-quality, well-crafted treatments can make a tremendous difference in any space. To determine the right curtain length, measure the end of the panel to where it is just tapping the floor. If you want more of a formal look, add about an inch and a half to the length. Make sure not to go too short; short drapes never achieve the customized look. If you intend to close your drapes, a specific width may be needed. A good rule of thumb is to measure 12-24 inches past the window on each side. Semicustom drapes come in many different styles and there are thousands of fabric selections available to customize window treatments according to your style preference and needs.
PRETTY PILLOWS & BEAUTIFUL BLANKETS
Statement pillows create a huge impact — consider 24" pillows seem to provide that statement. Smaller pillows can be layered or used for benches and nooks. A favorite pillow combination for a sofa is a 24" followed by a 22" or 20". Using down or artificial down fill is highly recommended; poly inserts are too stiff and say Big Box store. Don’t forget to add a throw to add some color and texture on the sofa or bed.
UPDATED UPHOLSTERY
Upholstery selection plays a crucial role in elevating your space. Worn out or well-loved furnishings can make a room look shabby and outdated. If you have bought quality furnishings, you might consider reupholstering, but updating the lines of your sofa and chairs is usually a good idea as well. Think about using fabrics to achieve a certain look such as linen slipcovers that just kiss the floor for a casual yet sophisticated feel, throw pillows to add pops of color and interesting textures, and velvets or nail-heads to create drama.
ATTRACTIVE AREA RUGS
The rug should complement the style of the room. A traditional room with a contemporary rug won’t work, just as a transitional or contemporary space would clash with a rug in a traditional floral pattern. Opting for patterns over solids can add dimension and color to the room.
When selecting a rug, its pile, size, and fiber should all be carefully considered. Choose a rug that adds to your room’s décor. A patterned or colorful rug will complement rooms with a muted color palette where colorful rooms will benefit from the visual contrast a neutral rug provides. It’s also important to get a rug in the correct size. This could spell the difference between a space that looks haphazardly put together and a thoughtfully decorated one.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Achieving sophisticated home interiors lies in the details. In often overlooked spaces like hallways, mudrooms, and powder rooms, attention to detail can create a unique vibe and stylish functionality. Accents like wallpaper, special hardware, storage bins, and greenery can transform a “nice” space into a showstopper and textured art, tapestries, or wall sconces will breathe life into those blank walls. These subtle details will enhance and elevate your home without having to invest in a large-scale renovation. n
BECKY SMITH is an interior designer and founder of The Linen Duck, a retail boutique in downtown Columbia. The retail boutique and design center carry a selection of found objects, current trends in upholstery, beautiful bedding, unique lighting and accessories, special gift items, as well as ladies’ apparel and jewelry.
