If you’re looking to remodel your home or just add a few new pieces to breathe life into your space, check out these tips for sprucing up your home. From incorporating new trends to doing your own DIY, we have everything you need to add a little style to your home.
Try On Trend Decor
Incorporate 2021’s home trends into your design for a modern and fresh look. Here are some tips for how to make them work for you:
- Add greenery to your space with real or artificial plants.
- Buy some “rustic vogue” furniture that incorporates classic design with modern comfort.
- Set up a home theater to bring the movies right to you.
- Invest in a weighted blanket to improve your health and relaxation.
- Use statement accents in lighting and doors to tie the room together.
- Embrace “Grandmillenial Grandeur” by picking up some pieces that remind you of your grandma’s house with pretty florals and elegant design choices.
Embrace DIY
If you don’t have the budget for a full renovation or simply want to get creative, try DIY. Get crafty with these tips from local experts.
Create a Gallery Wall – TIFFANY SKILLING, OWNER OF TIFFANY SKILLING INTERIORS
TIFFANYSKILLINGINTERIORS.COM, @TIFFANYSKILLINGINTERIORS
Step 1: Get out all the supplies—painter’s tape, nails, craft paper, poster putty, hammer, pencil, tape measure, level, and scissors.
Step 2: Make templates with craft paper of all of your art and cut them out with scissors.
Step 3: Locate where the nail holes will be on all of the pieces and mark with a pencil on each template.
Step 4: Tape templates on the wall based on the gallery design you would like to create.
Step 5: Nail over marked location on templates; remove template and hang each piece.
Step 6: Level and add poster putty to the base of each piece so it doesn’t move.
Step 7: Step back and admire your handiwork
Spray Paint a File Cabinet – SUSAN YOUNG, OWNER OF COLOR JOY INTERIORS, LLC
COLORJOYINTERIORS.COM, @COLORJOYINTERIORS
Step 1: To update a file cabinet yourself, start by placing the cabinet outside or in a very well ventilated area on layers of newspaper or a drop cloth. Remove the drawers so you can paint them separately from the cabinet. Tape off any areas you don’t want to be painted (like handles or hardware) with painter’s tape.
Step 2: Using a hand sander or sandpaper, lightly go over all of the metal to sand it—this makes the paint adhere better. Pro tip: In my experience, choosing a spray paint that is made for metal surfaces works best, but most spray paints will do the job.
Step 3: Using smooth, even strokes, from about six inches away, spray the paint on the cabinet and drawers, beginning at the top and working your way down. You may need to do two coats depending on the color you use. Allow the paint to dry between each coat, following the directions on the back of the spray paint. Also, let the paint dry before turning the cabinet and drawers over and painting the bottoms.
Step 4: Give the paint a few more hours to fully dry, preferably overnight, and then remove any tape. As long as it’s not sticky to the touch, you can place your new, painted piece in your room.
Step 5: If you want to get really creative, you can use stencils to transform the front of your filing cabinet. Or you could paint the drawers a different color from the sides. Don’t forget about the handles! Change that silver or gold handle into a matte black or something more dramatic if you want—if you don’t like it, you can always repaint it.
Step 6: Enjoy your new piece!
Redecorate a bookshelf – JUDY BATES, ALLIED ASID OWNER/INTERIOR DESIGNER OF JB DESIGNS, LLC
JUDYBATESDESIGNS.COM, @JUDY.BATES.DESIGNS
Step 1: Divide the bookcase to simplify the process. Then start with a backdrop such as a small piece of artwork, or it could be a grouping of family picture frames in different heights. Keep in mind the scale and size.
Step 2: Layer pieces on different shelves around the artwork in similar colors. At this point symmetry comes into play: Do you like things symmetrical, or does the fact that your bookcase is a bit asymmetrical make you happy?
Step 3: Look for items that have different shapes, textures and finishes. You could even add fresh flowers. The finished product is ideally a cohesive grouping that can be rearranged to create a whole different look.
Update your dinner table – REBEKAH PERRY CLARK, OWNER OF CLARK TEAM DESIGN/DECORATING DEN INTERIORS
RPERRYCLARK.DECORATINGDEN.COM, @CLARK_TEAM_DESIGNS
Step 1: First, decide on the color scheme: Something that compliments other elements in the room, such as the window treatments, wall color, artwork or simply an area rug. Then, find a simple table runner to bring out those colors. In this case, a deep cobalt blue runner with an embroidered decorative accent was chosen.
Step 2: Next, find a glass container that works with the scale of your table. You can do different sizes if you wish, just make sure you do an odd number of containers, as this is normally more visually pleasing. Once you have the containers, you can easily fill them with sand, pebbles or marbles from the garden section of a local home improvement store, or even rocks from around your garden.
Step 3: Finally, top off the look with candles, easily placed inside. Unscented are best for a dinner table, and you can use real candles or flameless. Pick colors that will stand out in the glass, or neutral to give a more natural, clean look.
RELATED: 10 EASY WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME MORE SUSTAINABLE
Incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year
Use “Illuminating” yellow and “Ultimate Gray” to add a chic touch to your home. Consider purchasing these products in 2021’s colors.
Lumbar pillow, $35.95, available at Rustedwindow.com.
Try using the colors in little places throughout your home with this comfortable and cute throw pillow.
Tea mug, $13.95 at Holdermattress.com
Sip in style with this tea cup with a built-in pocket for your tea bag.
Canister, $19.95, available at Rustedwindow.com.
This gray stoneware canister is perfect to liven up your kitchen.
“Pagi” chair, $700 at Pairdfurnishings.com
For more of a statement, choose this stylish chair to brighten your living space.
“Aster” sofa, $1800 at Pairdfurnishings.com
If you’re ready to really commit to Pantone’s colors, purchase this elegant sofa.
Ellie Allen is Indy Maven’s Editorial Intern.
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