Part Two: How to refresh a tired room

Thursday 14th August 2014

Part two on how to refresh your home.

7 Pay special attention to the stairs
The oft-neglected stairways can easily be spruced up with a new carpet or wall hangings. Railings can be repainted and lighting can be added to point out the stairway’s best features.

8 Yield to the charms of colour
Don’t be afraid to be bold -- even if you use coloured paint on only one wall. Find inspiration in small accessories. It isn’t necessary to opt for an unusual or stunning tone. A simple dark grey, green, taupe or brown can have just as much of an impact without making you dizzy.

9 Make the most of your lighting
By changing an old pink lampshade for a black or white one, you’ll transform a shopworn lamp in a heartbeat. Other options: fluorescent or halogen fixtures beneath the kitchen cupboards, or fixtures above the wall hangings to showcase your artwork.

10 Bring the garden inside
An aquarium, a fountain, a small Zen garden or a large exotic aviary will inject life into your home...and get your guests talking.

11 Group your treasures
If your collectibles are spread throughout the entire house, instead display them together on shelves, which could fill up an otherwise empty space. Remember that floating wall shelves must blend with the colour of the walls or complement the woodwork.

12 Take up a theme
Be it the tropics, the Victorian period or hotel style, select lamps, cushions, vases and accessories that reflect your favourite theme -- and you don’t have to spend a fortune doing it. Washrooms, guest rooms and hallways lend themselves effectively to this approach.

If you missed last weeks article you can take a look here