How to Update your Living Room Without Buying New Furniture

They say most people change or update the furniture in their homes every 7 years. I personally believe this is done because as humans we get tired of looking at the same thing over and over. This is probably why we see many companies remodel their place of business every couple of years. Change, no matter if it’s big or small, can be refreshing especially in our homes.

living room design

Your living room is typically the first space guests come in when visiting your home. This maybe a combined living/family space for the entire home or it maybe a separate formal room that is reserved primarily for guests only. Either way updating the decor of your living room can bring new life into your entire home. Even the smallest changes to your living room’s decor can improve your mood and make you more productive.

rearrange your furniture

Rearrange Your Furniture. The right furniture layout can change the productivity of your living room. Often times we place our furniture in one location and never see the other possibilities for the room. If possible try moving your sofa to another side of the room (preferably the longest wall in the room-since the sofa is your longest piece of furniture). If you have an open floor plan try floating your sofa in the middle of the room and move your chairs to the opposite side of the sofa. If moving your sofa is not an option, try moving smaller furnishings like the tv console table or accent chairs.

Change your Wall Color. Color trends change every year. A color palette that was in style 15 years ago maybe outdated now. Giving your living room a fresh coat of paint has the power to transform your room. Be sure the color you choose coordinates with your room’s overall color palette and any neighboring rooms.

lighting fixture

Change your light fixture. Proper lighting is essential in a room’s design. Just like colors can become outdated so can light fixtures. Something as simple as updating your table or floor lamps can quickly update the decor of your living room.

drape a throw on your chair

Add Layers. This may seem like a small change but it is the fastest and easiest way to update the look of your living room. By simply switching out your pillows, throws and area rug you have given your seating area a mini makeover. Be sure to add pillows with different texture and patterns for visual interest. With the seasons changing now is a perfect time to get a new throw to drape against your accent chair, this will add color and layered texture to your chair. Don’t forget about your area rug! whether you have a hard floor surface or wall to wall carpet, adding a rug defines an area. If you have a monochromatic or neutral palette in you living room, updating your rug to a print or texture will complete your space. Make sure your area rug is not too small and fits comfortably within your seating area.

Revamp your Wall Decor. Your wall decor helps tell the story of your rooms design. Start with a main artwork and allow the other wall decor pieces to coordinate with the main piece. Try changing the frame of an existing artwork or print to give it new life in your room.

Share in the comments below when was the last time your living room was updated.

À la prochaine,

Refresh Your Space With These Spring & Summer Paint Colors

Spring is finally here and it's time to refresh, spruce up, and brighten up your palette! If you are scratching your head around one particular room and don't know how to give it a little change, try upgrading the paint color on the walls and ceiling. 

Sometimes all your room needs is a redesign of the space. Painting is the fastest and most cost effective way to makeover a room without changing the furniture. It has the power to change the tone and mood of your space. Selecting the RIGHT paint color for your room is the biggest challenge my clients have. If you are looking to refresh your room try one of these colors this spring and summer to create an inviting space that you and your guests will enjoy.

My top Paint Color Picks for this Spring and Summer. 

If you would like to freshen the look of your room this spring but don't know what color would work best for your space, I recommend starting with my online Color Suggestions service to save you time, energy and headache. CLICK HERE.

Comment below with your favorite Spring/Summer paint color choices. Can't wait to see them!

À la prochaine, 

5 Reasons How Paint Can Transform a Room

Painting your walls can change your space for the best or the worst. I love to walk into a space and feel comfortable, excited, happy, relaxed, or even surprised! The reason why I can have those feelings when I walk into a space is because something as simple as a wall color can play a large role in designing a successful room. One of the largest structures in a room are the walls and painting them the right color can MAKE or BREAK the design of your room. 

Have you ever chosen a wall color then paint your walls, place all the furnishings back into the room and feel like you're in a different room? That's because color is one of the most important elements in interior design. I decided to focus on 5 reasons paint can transform your room to a new level visually.

"Choosing the right color, finish, or pattern for your room is key to transforming your space."

1. Creates a Backdrop. Since walls are one of the largest structures in your room, painting them will make a dramatic difference in how your room looks. Design Tip: If prefer to not have the walls the focus of your room then I suggest painting them a neutral color or even white. This will create a backdrop for your key pieces (e.i. artwork, pillows, accent furnishings) to shine. White walls are always a great option if you prefer a fresh, clean look.

2. Adds Pattern and Texture. If you like the idea of adding a focal wall or want to highlight a surface like the floors, ceilings or a column then using a faux finish or special technique with paint can allow you to create a custom pattern or texture that no one else will have. Be sure you consult with your interior designer and paint specialist first. 

A professional faux finisher created a leather-look pattern with paint.

3. Adds Contrast. A successful room design includes visual interest. Nothing adds more visual interest than contrast. Even if you have a monochromatic color palette, add contrast by using a darker wall color than your floor surface. This will add a layer of interest to the design of your room.

We gave this master bedroom a slight contrast by painting a darker hue on the focal wall.

4. Adds Color. Color has the power to affect your emotions. It's a good idea to take some time and determine how you want to feel in your room. Warm colors can make a space feel cozy, exciting, playful, and energized. Whereas, cool colors can make a space feel relaxing, soothing, and peaceful.

5. Freshens a Room. A fresh coat of paint is a quick and easy way to liven or freshen your room. New painted walls have a clean and bright layer of finish to them that will add a new look to your room.

If you are frustrated trying to choose a paint color for your room or don't know what will look great with your existing design, this is your time to get your PAINT CONSULTATION for a flat rate! This will save you TIME & HEADACHE. I will choose the right paint color and finish for your walls that will have your guests impressed with your NEW room! Plus your painter will be excited that you finally made a decision! GET STARTED BY CLICKING>>>HERE.

Here's to beautiful colored walls!

P.S. Not located in the Tri State area? No worries, Paint Color Suggestions is an online service offered at a flat rate per room. 

Color. How to Use it Properly when decorating your home.

Color! Some people are terrified of it and others LOVE it! Where do you fall? As an interior designer my clients require guidance on how to apply the appropriate color palette for their home. In most cases, it is common for people to feel overwhelmed when selecting colors on their own to decorate a space.  Color affects your mood and your perception of a space or object.

"Let's embrace your comfort level with color and learn how to incorporate it into your home." 

using color correctly.  PAINT: SW 6379 JERSEY CREAM

Develop a Palette. Every space needs a color palette. A color palette is an index of all the main colors that are selected for the room.  When developing a color palette first decide on which color will be the primary color in the space. I suggest compiling three to five different colors for your space. Let’s create a scenario using a color palette that consist of teal and rust. A great color to add to the palette would be a neutral color, a latte or a butter yellow to balance the two main colors. 

Choosing your Colors.  Ever go to a paint store to find a color to paint your room and feel lost? The good news is that you will only need 3 or 5 colors for your palette. A good exercise when deciding on colors is to find out what colors inspire you and use them in layers. A trade secret that professionals use often is selecting a primary color for the main walls, a secondary color for an accent wall, and a third color for details such as ceiling paint options.

If you are having a hard time finding inspiration flip through some decorating magazines, browse online or take a trip to a furniture showroom to get some ideas on color combinations that they use and make sure to talk to your interior designer to get a professional opinion on colors you selected for your space. If your inspiration piece has more than 5 colors, choose 3 to 5 of those colors to incorporate in your room.

Using Layers of Color. Once you have determined your color palette, you need to make sure that you have light, medium, and dark colors throughout your palette. Your colors can come from your paint, flooring, furniture, or accessories. You might have a color palette that has 5 different colors that compliment each other and has a hint of warm or cool, but if all 5 colors are the same tone or shade this creates a flat, uninteresting color palette. Even if your room were to consist of one color in order for everything in the room to not camouflage you will need to create a palette with light, medium, and dark tones.

"Making sure your palette has light, medium, and dark tones creates dimension and interest to any room."

I used a mixture of light, medium and dark colors to create a well balanced color palette. Paint: SW 6379 Jersey Cream

In this townhouse living room, I used the lighter tones on the walls, ceiling, ottoman and the area rug.  The medium color tones were used in the sofa, pillows and window treatments, and I used the darkest tones in the leather recliner and the wood floors.

Color is an essential piece to decorating and designing any room. It will affect how you see and feel in a room. Using the proper amount of colors creates layers of interest in a space.

USE YOUR COLOR PALETTE.

Are you still feeling stuck with what colors to use on your walls? Are you worried about making a mistake? Choose my Paint Color Suggestions service today and get hand picked color options perfect for your space. Don't forget to leave your comments below.

Here's to decorating with color!

Eye Catching Colors to Paint Your Front Door

Have you ever been impressed by a house just from the exterior? Have you passed a house that made you look twice at the front door? Great curb appeal can make any house feel welcoming and create a lasting impression. If you are putting your house on the market, curb appeal is essential to making a first impression to homebuyers.

One of the most important components to curb appeal is your front door. Your front door is the personality to the exterior of your home. Before someone steps inside your home they are greeted by your front door. What does your front door say about your home? Is it boring and outdated or stylish and inviting?

Front door paint colors from HGTV.com & Pinterest.com

"Your front door is the personality to the exterior of your home."

Sherwin Williams Paint Colors

Ready to paint your front door? Before you change the color of your door, here are some helpful tips to consider.

• use the proper paint application based on the material your door e.i. Is your door wood, metal, fiberglass, steel,etc.? 
• make sure you choose a color that will highlight the original architecture of your home
• determine what impression you want to make before picking a color e.i. Do you want to create a subtle yet rich look or a bright yet dramatic look?
• remove all hardware prior to painting
• remember to clean the entire door and prep in a dust-free area before priming and painting
• make sure your final hardware compliments your new door color

Need assistance with picking the perfect color? Afraid of making a mistake? Painting your front door is a big decision. Select my Paint Color Suggestion and let me choose a paint color specifically for your front door. 

Cheers to a stylish & welcoming front door!

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