Decorate over the winter blahs

You’ve had it with the weather and you need a little lift. It’s too soon to get out the pastels of the Easter decorations. And those Christmas decorations are looking a bit tired. Ÿ Here’s what you can do, say Diane Sullivan of the Organization Station, Doris Buell of DB Interiors, Stephanie Basham of Group One Interiors and Sandy Agar-Studelska, a colorist with Diamond Vogel Paint.

DECLUTTER

Empty a room and clean it thoroughly. Bring back fewer items, storing the rest. Pare down your collections, for example. Instead of 30 figurines, display five for more visual impact. Rotate the collection so that it’s fresh and interesting.

PAINT

This is a mood changer, whether you choose a neutral or more dramatic color. This year, the vibrant colors of orange, green and purple are all still important but have been muted slightly “to add a sophisticated, yet inspiring punch to a room,” Agar-Studelska said. New color combinations use hot orange, coral, purple and deep blue to get a reaction from taupe neutrals.

ADD TEXTURE AND COLOR

Textural fabrics, such as a throw made of nubby wool or faux fur, and warm colors, such as terra cotta, butterscotch and chocolate, let you “wrap yourself in the coziness of your home,” Buell said.

USE METALLIC ACCESSORIES

In rooms that don’t get natural light, they add a little extra shine and sparkle.

CATER TO EVERY SENSE

Aromas from candles or sprays with citrusy components add a whiff of fresh air. Another scent-maker is a handful of flowers for the kitchen counter. You can buy a bouquet at the grocery store. For another fresh note, dust off a few of your favorite CDs and let them surround you with sound.

SHOP AT HOME

Pull out something you haven’t used in a while, such as those dishes and glasses you reserve for special occasions. Switch out curtains, bedcovers, comforters and other seasonal fabrics.

REARRANGE FURNITURE AND DÉCOR

Clear out a room and replace a few pieces of furniture with something from another room. As an example, most people have a chair in the bedroom. Switch it out with another one. Move an area rug from one room to another. Move pictures and artwork to another room. Create a different context for the art, and it will be seen in a new light.

REDECORATE THE MANTEL AND BOOKSHELVES

The mantel is a good place to put a color accent. Books can be stacked vertically and horizontally. Create spaces between books, which might mean some purging, and add mementos, photos, art or a couple of items from a collection.

SPRING CLEANING

Now’s the time, “so when spring comes, you’re ready to get out and enjoy it,” Sullivan said. Her advice: Take one drawer or shelf at a time. Start as much of a project as you think you can finish. (People are good for about two hours, she says.) “Don’t go overboard and tear everything up. You’ll be exhausted and you won’t finish.”

Contact the writer: 444-1059, rhonda.stansberry@owh.com

« Living

Share