7 minute read
Room to Grow
Room to Grow
Brighten your home with these easy decorating tips
By Emily Reily
Spring can feel invigorating: It’s officially ice-out (if we’re lucky), the birds have returned, and seed stores buzz with activity.
To celebrate the change of season, consider giving a well-loved room in your home a face lift.
Decluttering while reinventing a space? Hidden time-saver!
Local interior designers say after the holiday rush, redecorating is a natural next step.
“Pulling everything out of the attic and putting everything away kind of ignites this (need to redecorate),” says Amanda Arcone, owner and designer with New England Home & Interiors in Lincoln.
Hanna Schaffer, co-founder and principal designer at Forest + Ash Design Company in Exeter, says it’s almost a rite of passage in New England.
“We all crave a bit of color and lightness after the long stretch of dark, cold days,” she says.
Redecorating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Bring the outside in, explore color and reimagine what could be.
Check in with yourself
So, what are your goals?
Ask yourself, “How do I want to feel in this room?” or “How do I want this space to feel for the season that I’m in?” Arcone says.
Will it be a relaxing place, a game room or a social place? Whatever it is, be organized about it.
“Be thoughtful about how you’re using the space, so you can then develop a functional plan that fits within your aesthetic. Measure your space, measure everything you have in it and figure out what it is you want to accomplish,” Arcone says.
Jennifer Myers, a designer with Weekender House in Portsmouth, agrees. “Have a plan before you start buying furnishings. That way, you don’t make purchases that you wind up not using,” she says.
Mood for thought
For extra inspiration, view designers’ Instagram pages, flip through design magazines, or create a mood board by gathering up your favorite pics to see how it will all tie together, or to shop for similar pieces.
“Collect photos of interiors that resonate with you,” Myers suggests.
Color combinations
A fresh coat of paint can immediately brighten and rejuvenate a space. Darker, saturated paint colors, earth tones like browns and terra cottas, and warm, muted colors like greens or soft pinks are all excellent choices.
Myers says smoky blues and navy blues are popular picks for her seaside clients.
“We’ve seen a lot of deep dark greens, which I think will always be popular. Brown is coming in strong, along with light mauves and really soft pinks. Paint is magical,” Arcone says.
Schaffer agrees that warmer colors are taking center stage.
“We are stepping away from gray everything — it feels so cold and dated. Warmer tones are now desirable. We love incorporating greige and beige paint colors, real wood tones like oak and walnut,” Schaffer says.
Redecorate your walls
Consider wallpaper as another design element. Floral patterns are timeless; nautical designs reflect a seaside environment. Choices abound.
“There’s a paper for every style. A square room can really come alive with wallpaper that fits the aesthetic and mood that you’re after,” Arcone says.
Dozens of peel-and-stick, and even removable wallpaper options, make things even easier, especially for renters.
“It provides a way to make boring beige walls come to life,” Arcone says.
Textured walls, meanwhile, can add depth.
“Textured walls are coming back, especially in those painted, warm, earthy colors. It provides another layer of warmth and texture,” she says.
Start small
Freshening up minor details can make a big difference. For example, place a small table by your living room window to create a reading nook or mini-space. Nano changes can make larger projects seem doable.
“Let people dip their toes in ... let’s start with the powder room or small office. Once they do one room, they want to (re-decorate) everywhere,” Myers suggests.
Live-in style
Take design cues from what’s around you, whether it’s coastline, mountains, woodlands or lakes. Coastal styles often include myriad shades of blue. A classic navy blue can act as a neutral color, like black, Myers says.
“Blue is always going to be relevant when you live by the water. You want to reflect where you are,” Myers says. “If you live by the ocean or even a lake house, it’s never going to be weird to have blue in your house — it’s going to make perfect sense.”
Arcone, who has an office near several White Mountains ski resorts, also looks to her surroundings for ideas.
“I’m inspired quite a bit from nature. I start with a natural palette. A lot of our homes up here have really large windows,” Arcone says. “So, I really want to make the inside and outside come together. I love natural quartz and a lot of natural materials.”
Home Shopping Network
Reevaluate your furniture. Could a piece still make sense in a dining room nook or a corner of your bedroom? “For anyone who’s on a budget, moving your furniture is always a really good idea, and shopping your home. If you’re on a really tight budget, but you want to spruce things up, that’s a great way to do it,” Arcone says.
Better light, better living
Just like mixing patterns and design styles, how you light your new space can be transformative. Recessed lighting, wall sconces and library lights can set the mood, accent favorite mementos or a special dresser, and add coziness. Schaffer suggests LED bulbs with a temperature of anywhere from 2,700k to 3,000k to keep the light warm but bright.
Window treatments can enhance a room, too; Schaffer says they’re often hung too low and close to windows, blocking all that natural light.
“It is amazing what a drastic difference it can make when removing old window treatments. Rooms instantly feel brighter and updated,” Schaffer says.
Mix, match, layer
Furniture is a multipurpose element. Layering design styles with vintage and modern furniture adds interest, depth and a broader appeal. Feel free to mix it up. “Try mixing patterns and adding a punch of color. This makes your space unique,” Arcone says.
Lighten up
Lighter shades and fabrics can reflect the warmer temperatures and longer days.
“This is when we often switch out heavy velvet pillows and faux fur throws with fun patterned pillows and light cotton blankets,” Schaffer says.
It’s all in the details
Adding a pretty vase with flowers, new pillows or a vintage coffee table book can all garner attention.
“Even switching out small things like your dinner napkins with something a little springier can make such a difference,” Schaffer says.
“Fresh flowers. Plants are still huge. Pillows. I think pillows should change seasonally. It’s the easiest way to introduce a new color,” Myers says.
Add other pops of color or patterns using rugs, linens or artwork — anything you have a personal connection with.
“Don’t shy away from bringing out special items,” Arcone says. “Enjoy what you have.”
Online Inspirations
Jennifer Myers InteriorsWeekender House: weekenderhouse.com
Forest + Ash Design Company forestandashdesign.com
New England Home & Interiors newenglandhomeandinteriors.com
Christine Kohut Interiors @christinekohutinteriors
Kori, The Farmhouse Life @thefarmhouselife
Emily Rayna Interiors @emilyrayna
Jess McDevitt Interior Design @theeastcoasthome
Color Palette Generator Coolors coolors.co
High Point Market highpointmarket.org
