Affordable Ways to Liven Up Your Home

As the saying goes, there’s no place like home. And these days people are looking for ways to make their home a more enjoyable living space.

“Rather than flipping homes, like people did when the housing market was strong, we’re seeing more and more families embracing what they already have,” says Bob Maricich, president and CEO of World Market Center Las Vegas. “The idea of refreshing one’s environment, even in the smallest ways, can have a restorative power and transform a house to a home.”

Home furnishing experts say that it’s important to recognize that it’s the littlest things that matter when you’re making enhancements to your home. Simple touches of a new sofa, end table, rug, even a decorative lamp shade or exterior screens from Geo Screen of Waco, will create a different look and feel to a room or space. This is a small lifestyle change, and not an unobtainable luxury.

Your entry makes the most important impact on the curb appeal of your home. Homeowners can update the look of their entire home by replacing an existing front door with a custom wrought-iron steel door like those available at Durango Doors of DFW. “Our hand-forged Durango Doors offer a unique solution for any home from Old World to Traditional and Contemporary styles,” says Jill Dragonetti. Keep in mind that when you are changing out a front door, it is important to invest in one that complements the integrity of the original front entryway, but offers a refreshed look.

Timeless Trends

Nancy Robinson and Julie M. Smith, of Nine Muses Media, have put together some timeless trends that will help you visualize and explore the possibilities for updating your home.

Calm Yourself

Living with a neutral interior palette is like being enveloped by a cloud. Get the look by blanketing rooms in the softest neutral shades: cream, mocha and, most especially (and perhaps surprisingly), gray. “A dash of a neutral metallic accent, such as silver, adds a welcome sparkle,” said Robinson. “It’s like sunlight peeking through the clouds.”

Distressed to Impress

Modern Country is ageless and exudes a comforting charm that takes imperfection to new heights. Natural finishes, heavily distressed surfaces, reclaimed woods, rattan, wicker and other natural textures are livable finishes for busy families. And the look fits farmhouse style or urban loft with equal ease.

Ethnic Inspiration

Far-reaching global influences are no longer far flung. Ethnic-inspired fabrics are turning up all over in American homes. “The organic patterns, vibrant color palettes and handcrafted looks create an aura of sophisticated warmth,” said Smith. What to look for: motifs inspired by traditional African design; susani patterns from Central Asia; ikats and batiks from Indonesia; and handblocked woodprints from India.

Power Play

A smaller footprint, lighter weight and better performance are important purchase considerations when buying a new laptop. The same things matter when buying home office furniture. In fact, Robinson and Smith note that as laptops have become the most popular home computing choice among consumers, so, too, have writing tables and petite desks moved to the fore. Unlike their executive suite predecessors, these modestly scaled workstations don’t take up an entire room. Instead, they slip easily into most interiors, providing needed workspace without taking up too much space - or too much money.

Seeing Black and White

The go-to item in your closet may be the little black (or white, depending on season) dress. In home furnishings, it’s the combination of the two that offers the most impact. It’s twice the look in one great product, and it never goes out of style. Smith and Robinson say to consider making a statement with a black and white combo in bedding ensembles, window treatments, wallpaper or upholstery fabric.

Refreshing your nest doesn’t have to be out of reach. With a few simple changes it’s possible to fall in love with your home all over again.