Let's look at some additional ways to add personality with a fresh use of color, adding flowers and plants, and hanging wall art.
Also, we'll begin to explore some of the ways to get inspiration for decorating.
Color
For instant impact, nothing beats adding color to a room. To use color, find something you adore (fabric, art, pillows) in colors that make you happy. This is YOUR living space, so it can be any color you choose.
Here are some of the many ways to add color to your interiors.
Paint the walls for immedicate color. Add fabric and liven up the room with a print that includes any plain upholstery colors AND some of the other colors you love. Try to repeat each accent fabric in at least three places around the room (pillows, curtains, chair seats, tablecloths, etc.). For more color information look up "Color" in the Site Index to find more suggestions on choosing a color scheme.
Flowers and Plants
A vase or two of fresh flowers is one of the fastest ways to add life and color to a room. Flower arrangements can be large or small, elaborately arranged or simply cut off and plunked in a pitcher. They're all wonderful. Fresh plants will add life, but take some work. Silk plants add color but no life, and need dusting or washing to keep them looking good.
Art
Look for pieces you love that bring out colors, themes or the style of your space. Prints and posters are inexpensive and will fill up your walls. Try Art.Com or Art Select , or try making your own artwork. However, whenever possible, begin to consider purchasing original art, even if you start small as with local watercolorists. Original art has more texture and depth than prints and will generally last longer as well.
If you have large walls or high ceilings, use large framed art pieces rather than tiny objects that get lost. Or group similar prints into one large arrangement. Small pieces of art can be arranged on an appropriately sized smaller space or wall. Need more help with art? Browse 28 Tips for Hanging Art for more.
Use More than Art on Walls
Pictures are nice, but something unexpected on the wall can be a great statement. Think about using an old iron gate as a headboard for your garden bedroom... a square of stained glass hung in your kitchen... an old game board as wall art in a country room... a bird nest or plate collection displayed on a shelf. Use your imagination!
Creativity and Inspiration
Inspiration is what sparks creativity. And creativity is the spark for rooms with personality. We all get inspiration in various ways. For you, it may be the where you live. Living near the ocean, for instance, might mean that you begin to add elements of that environment to your home. Or, it could be a hobby (trains, collecting ironstone, making birdhouses), or possibly an interest in a particular style of decorating (casual, formal, country French, or tropical chic). Whatever your inspiration, you can creatively incorporate it into your home.
When you need inspiration, get started with some of these ideas. Watch some good design shows on TV. Attend a model home tour, or tour a designer showhouse. Save photos from decorating magazines. Collect a file of paint chips, fabric swatches, pictures of rooms you admire... Keep looking and learning so you'll know what you love. Then the personality part will be easy.
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