Simple Solutions for a Nondescript Room

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

13 Aug 2008 10:20 AM

You can give your room a bit of personality without being bold or brash or a design star. Just a little fabric switch or moving a new piece into a room can change the attitude of the room and give it a new look without the need for a major makeover. Here are some simple solutions that will help you make your nondescript room more inviting.

I am familiar with the nondescript room, since both my husband and I tend toward neutrals when it comes to decorating. Too many neutrals can make a room boring. We also suffer from the inherited furniture issue, in which different pieces seem to have wandered into a room with no real reason behind it other than a practical need for guests to sit or some light in the room for reading.

But I also know that simple changes can make a difference.

While pieces don't have to be matchy-matchy, you do want to find similarities in your pieces that will tie them together. Curved lines, for example can be a "theme" in your room. Does all of your furniture have exposed or covered legs? Look for the same finishes for your furniture. A light oak bookcase and a mahogany chair are too dissimilar.

And easy way to combine fabrics is to use solids in the same tones as prints. You can also choose stripes and checks together if they are in the same tone family.

If you have a very modern looking room, consider adding an antique piece that matches the wood or colors of the room. For example, you might have an antique desk in dark tones that match the rest of your furniture. Having this one odd piece will add interest to your room and prevent it looking like it just came out of a showroom or furniture store display.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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