Sometimes you just want to change the look of your home without an all day trip to the mall or home improvement store. You’re looking for a new feel to your space without spending all weekend or even all day. So in recognition of Memorial Day weekend and the kickoff to summer, let’s talk about some quick and simple ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank while still having time to fire up the grill.
If you have neutral color palette to your room, it will be even easier to make some changes. However, even if you do not have neutral walls and furniture, you can still apply these ideas.



Throw Pillows: Possibly THE easiest way to dress up a couch, bed, or chair is to add a throw pillow (or better yet several!) I like to change with the seasons, so think along those lines for color inspiration. Bright or pastel colors for spring and summer, earthtones for fall and deep warm tones for winter. Also don’t forget to mix and match patterns with solids. Don’t buy all of the same pattern or texture, mix it up with a large pattern paired with a small check or solid. I like to use pillows in the same color family or sometimes, contrasting colors, such as aqua blue and light orange, for instance. Either way you go, throw some pillows down and see what you think. The next best part about pillows: if you’re not happy with the ones you bought, just exchange them for the right ones.

Plants: Plants can easily change the tone of a room from stuffy and sterile to warm and inviting. Don’t over do it, we don’t want to look like Little Shop of Horrors, but just enough to compliment your space. Don’t forget a beautiful container to coordinate with your room. Here is another chance to bring in color and even texture to an otherwise neutral room.

Window Treatments: For a bit more time, you can change the curtains in your room. Maybe you want to evoke the feel of your favorite hotel room in the Caribbean and just use sheers in your bedroom. Maybe you’re looking to make your dining room more formal and therefore choose a sophisticated pattern. Maybe you don’t want curtains at all and opt for a beautiful roman shade or sliding panels. As you can see, the options are endless, but don’t underestimate the power of window treatments to transform a room. For another change, replace the drapery hardware; the options are endless here too!

Area Rugs: If you have a bare floor, area rugs are a super easy way to ground your space.

If you have rugs down already, think about changing them out periodically. You’ll not only end up with a different look, but also reduce the wear and tear on your floor decor.

Lamp Shades: Purchase new ones with exciting colors and patterns or if you’re feeling really “Martha Stewarty,” recover or repaint your existing ones. Just be cautious not to get a really thick fabric or your light will be dimmed.

One quick idea: Add a beautiful throw blanket to the corner of a sofa or chair. It instantly adds color and texture and works great to soften hard edges. It also encourages cuddling :)

*Oh, and don't forget the outside. Many of these same techniques will give new life to a dull patio or porch.

Obviously, these are just a few ways to make simple changes, but all very effective. So look around and see what you can tweak this weekend. If you’re like me, you have a closet full of items just waiting to be used! Happy Memorial Day!

Till next time….