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All Through the House
10 Fabulous, Quick and Easy Ways to Spiff-Up Your Home By Jackie Rupp
9. Soften the sofa.Clever concealments can revive a dated sofa. Begin by covering the cushions and back frame. This can be done in separate sections or all at once. For example, you can sew covers for each cushion or use one big piece of fabric (a large tablecloth works well, but don't forget to measure first).
To do this, remove the back pillows, and lay the fabric on top of the sofa. Next, tuck in the fabric at the sides and under the bottom cushions. Then, drape the fabric over back. Add back pillows (either recovered or new coordinating ones) and decorative bolsters to each side. A throw can also be draped on one side. For added elegance, trim can be added to the bottom edges of the sofa with hot glue.
Tia Blake of Durham, N.C., uses creativity for her storage options. "In my home, baskets serve as drawers on shelves, holding magazines and mail," she says. "Lidded baskets store everything from candles to pictures. Hat boxes stack up to create unique side tables containing bills. Flower pots hold pens, pencils, paper clips and even tools and art supplies. Galvanized buckets serve as tool caddies. Using what you already have is so much more personal and warm. If you use attractive containers, things you like looking at, you can corral your clutter in plain sight and have a beautiful home."
