Did you make 2013 New Year resolutions and, if so, did they include decorating plans?  Two years ago I offered six decorating resolutions  and this timeless information can help you outline your decorating plans for the year.  If, however, you’re not a big resolution maker, you can freshen the look of your home for the New Year with the half dozen simple tasks outlined in today’s article.

Six Simple Tasks

1.  Get rid of unused stuff or repurpose it so it is useful:  If you have furniture or decor items that you don’t love or don’t use, get it out of the room or else repair or repurpose it so it will be used.

Photo via Freshome.com

For example, love your old trunk but tired of it as a living room coffee table?  Move it to a bedroom as a nightstand.

Photo romantichome.blogspotl.com

Paint old shutters and use them to extend the width of a mirror so it better fits the space where you’d like to hang it.

If it seems to you that clutter is an issue in your space and you need to decide how to reduce and reorganize, click here for some food for thought.

2.  Rearrange what you have:  Once you’ve cleared out unwanted or unused items, rearrange the space so everything looks new and fresh.

Furniture arrangement

Furniture arrangement revised

I previously shared furniture placement tips that you can read about by clicking here.

3.  Add a new lamp:  Many homes have a room or several rooms that are simply too dark.  Adding a new lamp to the room lets you see the space in a whole new light – literally!  Try to create lighting triangles throughout the room, include overhead, task and ambient lights.  Develop your lighting plan and then make it happen.

Photo lampsplus.com

4.  Redo your bookshelves or tabletops:  Change out the accessories on a table or mix decor items in with your books.  Give it a new look for the season then change it quarterly to keep things fresh.

For accessorizing “how to” tips click here.

5.  Paint!: Fresh paint makes a big difference in a room and it’s a quick, easy, and inexpensive change you can make in just a few hours.

Photo bhg.comPhoto bhg.com

 

Photo bhg.com

The basics of the bath (sink, toilet, floor, tile) remain the same in both photos.  The big difference is the fresh coat of paint that replaced the dated wallpaper.  Big impact for a small cost.

If you’re stumped about what color to paint, Your Decorating Hotline can help with a personal Color Consultation – for about what it costs for a gallon of quality paint, we can help you choose the right color for your space.  Another option is to download our e-book about successfully using color in your home.

6.  Rethink your art:  All too often I see art hung too high in clients’ homes.  Read this article if you’re unsure of your art placement and then adjust the height of your art accordingly.  If you need help with your art displays or just want to refresh them, read Tips for Hanging Art in Your Home.

Photo via BHG.com

We’re Here for You

No matter how you decide to approach your decorating this year, with resolutions or tasks, Your Decorating Hotline is here for you:
  1.  Subscribe (it’s free!) and we’ll email you a new decorating article each week.  Simply use the “Sign Up for Updates by E-Mail” box at the top of the right margin.
  2. Peruse hundreds of previously posted articles on our website (check out all the various topics in menu on the right margin of this page).
  3. Download our e-book if you need help with color.
  4. Arrange for a personal consult so we can help you with your specific decorating needs.

It’ll be a great year for decorating and creating a home that works for you!

 

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