I recently had the opportunity to review a new book by House Beautiful entitled “Quick Changes – Fresh Looks for Every Room” and WOW. It as fun, quick read, much like the decor ideas represented in the book!

It was a quick read, but chalk full of easy, creative ideas! Here are a few of my favorites:

Accessories:

• Wall are is like wine. If you like it, it’s good!
• Kitchen’s are the new living Rooms.
• Make your own rules.
• Group things together to create collections out of clutter.
• Books as accessories – very personal and reflects interest.
• Use wall screens to zone or define spaces.
• Use your fancy stuff, daily!

Paint:

• Be strategically distinctive.
• Not just walls – ceilings, floors, stairs.
• Create contrast.
• Paint patterns.
• Paint back of bookcases.
• Paint the kitchen island a different color.
• Paint furniture.
• Paint doors.
• Paint the inside of cabinet doors.
• Try chalk paint.
• Glossy black window frames.

Wall Paper:

• Be an illusionist.
• Add texture.
• Energize dull spaces.
• Make your own wall paper (maps, newspaper, old letters, etc.)
• Confident? Wallpaper the ceiling!
• No rules in the powder room. Be bold.

Mirrors:

• Wall panels can enlarge a room, IF you like the look.
• Use as an art backdrop.
• Trick: place 2 mirrors in a corner, perpendicular to each other.
• Use a mirror in the kitchen to make it feel more like the dining room.
• Casual placement – prop a large mirror against the wall.
• Round mirrors are hot!

Cozy it up:

• Nothing says cozy like a chaise.
• Creative use  of curtains as walls to add softness.
• Use a “real” rug in the bathroom
• Add outdoor rugs to patio areas.
• Add a chalkboard in the kitchen.
• Float a casual white tablecloth over an outdoor table for instant romance.
• Hang pots on the wall.
• Wall-to-wall curtains – like a big hug.
• Create cozy seating areas for intimate conversations.

Punch it up:

• Color accents – pillows, throws, lamps, oh my!
• Use graphical patterns and contrast to make a statement.
• Be memorable. Express yourself!
• Sparkle!
• Oversize your flora and fauna.

Refresh it:

• Chairs – paint glossy black, add slip cover, reupholster the back of a chair in a different fabric.
• Treat your closet like a dressing room.
• Paint an old piece of furniture, repurpose – you’d be surprised what can be turned into a bar.
• Spruce up lamp shades with fabric, paint or ribbons.
• Rearrange your furniture – use angles, float away from walls, zone by function!
• Saarinen tables?
• New sheets, stack pillows rather than lean them against the headboard.
• Make a creative workspace out of a closet – remove doors, add inspiration board.

Simplify:

• Never keep anything you don’t love.
• Window treatments – less is more.
• Add floating shelves to help organize without demanding floor space.
• Minimalist headboard – hand suzani or quilt on wall, use a curtain rod or casual hooks.
• Wicker is unpretentious. Just sayin.