Change the Feel of a Space with these Decorating Tips

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

07 Aug 2007 12:57 PM

Sometimes, a few touches go a long way. Try these tips to change the look and feel of almost any space in your home:

Cool Down

I'm not talking about the temperature but about the color. If you have a space that's filled with warm colors, adding a touch of a cool color may help create balance. A burst of blue or silver or even white can help bring the heat down a notch if it is overpowering. Adding a piece of artwork, some accessories, or a couple of accents such as a rug or pillows in cool colors may be all that is needed to make the space more soothing.

*The opposite is also true. Add some warmth to a too cool space the same way.

Lighten Up

A space that feels too dark or heavy can feel closed in or even dreary. It doesn't take much light to make a difference. My favorite trick is adding a night-light or other small unit in a corner or behind a plant or large piece in the space. It's inexpensive and simple. It not only costs little to purchase but little to operate because a night-light doesn't require much power (and you can always turn it off when not using the space).

New Focus

Change your focal point to change the entire look of a space. If your focal point is architectural, such as a fireplace, this may not be an option. In that case, draw even more attention to your existing focal point. In the case of a chosen focal point such as an accent wall, change it. Rearrange the furniture if necessary and select a new area to focus on. Another option is to simply lessen the focus and create more balance in order to change the feel. For example, if you have a deep red focal wall, change window treatments or artwork that is parallel to it to the same color and also add more splashes of that color throughout the room.

Treatments and Techniques

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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