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Expert Q&A
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| By Nancy Phillips LeRoy Interior Designer Allied Member ASID | ||
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I'm looking for some quick, inexpensive ways to give my home a pick-me-up. Can you help?
What a great thing to do! I suggest the following:
- Place a calming picture opposite the bed so it is the last thing you see before going to sleep and the first thing you see upon wakening.
- Leftover wallpaper can be used to decorate the inside of cabinets and drawers.
- Rearrange furniture for a new look.
- Swap furniture among rooms for a different look and personality.
- Whimsical finials add an extra dash to window treatments. Stars, animals, trains, fruit and vegetables are but a few of the choices available.
- Create a cozy play area for children in the space under the stairs. Paint the walls and floor, add colorful shelving (could be stacked plastic crates) and a multi colored area rug.
- Replace the hardware on your kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities for a quick change and boost to your spirits.
- Cover a rectangular table with a tailored, floor-length tablecloth - a nice change from the standard circular table with cloth.
- Arrange same sized pictures in a triangle shape. In a feminine room, connect the pictures with ribbons and bows.
- For a custom look, decorate pillows and window treatments with braid, ribbon, brush and loop fringe, tassels, buttons and any other item that catches the eye. Look for inspiration in current clothing designs. Be creative and daring.
- I want a very rough, rustic look for my flooring. What do you suggest?
- Is fuzz from a carpet common or does it denote a cheap product?
- Do stainless steel appliances go with every design style or are there times when white is more appropriate?
- What are the benefits to carpet vs. hardwood floors?
- Does it look bad to use artificial plants instead of real ones?
- What is Feng Shui and how can I incorporate it into my home?
- What is decoupage and how do you do it?
- What do certain colors represent, and how can I maximize my use of it?
- I'm looking for some quick, inexpensive ways to give my home a pick-me-up. Can you help?
- What are some creative ways to display photos?