No. 1 Add Character
One of my favorite ways to add some character to a dull space is to add texture. Texture on the walls can be simple, easy, and inexpensive!
No. 2 Paint Matters
BEFORE
AFTER
Paint is my favorite way to spruce up a room. Is it feeling dark? Paint it a light color. Too cold? Put some dark paint on the wall! The best part? If you don’t love it, you can always repaint it.
No. 3 Channel Your Inner Joanna Gaines
BEFORE
AFTER
Joanna is a genius and has so many great ideas. Like this open pipe shelving. This project took just a few hours of planning and executing and made a HUGE difference in the space.
No. 4 Splurge on Lighting
Most people forget that lighting can make all the difference in a room. It’s like adding a statement piece of jewelry to your space and it is often the first thing people see in your home. There are SO many great light fixtures out there that can make so why not splurge a little and add some eye candy?!
No. 5 Add a Focal Wall
BEFORE
AFTER
Gallery walls make great focal points in a room. You can make them symmetrical, or asymmetrical. Either way, start with your favorite mirror, photo, or art and start building your gallery wall from there.
No. 6 Don’t Skip the Window Treatments
The most asked question I get from clients is if window treatments make a difference. Yes, yes they do. They can add texture, pattern, warmth, and interest to a space. If you are worried about blocking a view, hang your window treatments higher than the trim, and to the exterior of the window frame so they frame your view rather than block it.
No. 7 Add an Unexpected Pattern
Patterns can add interest and playfulness to your space. Stencil a pattern on the ceiling, add decals to your walls, or paint stripes on a accent wall and have fun with your rooms!
No. 8 Don’t Be Afraid of Going Dark
Dark walls = Cozy Spaces. One tip for making even small rooms work with dark paint colors is to make sure there is plenty of overhead light or some natural light in the space. If you are afraid of using it on an entire room, why not try one wall?
No. 9 Don’t Forget to Accessorize
BEFORE
AFTER
This room went from dark and blah to retreat like by adding some simple updates: Lighter paint, new window treatments, bedding, pillows, and a bench at the end of the bed.
No. 10 Add Greenery
Quite literally, the easiest and most economical way (besides paint) to soften up a look to a room is by adding touches of greenery. Succulents are the hardest plants to kill, and thankfully faux plants have come a long way!
