Redecorating the home on a budget does not have to be difficult. Often only a few simple changes or additions can go a long way towards brightening up a room and adding a feeling of warmth and a sense of fun to the entire home.
Brightening up a room with paint
Brightening up any room in the house is as easy as adding some fresh paint. Whether it’s simply trimmed-out in a new color or goes through a complete color change, paint can alter the mood and temperature of any room, accentuating its personality or giving it a completely new and different one.
Purchase plenty of primer or choose a paint that includes primer in it. Brightening a room will mean going lighter so preparing the surfaces properly for the new paint is very important. White or eggshell are common choices if the room needs to be a blank canvas, so to speak, but many light shades of colors can form the perfect backdrop for decorating and accessorizing. Pale and light shades of yellow, orange, peach, blue and green are all lovely room-brightening choices.
Choosing the right furniture
Many would believe that brightening a room means paring down on larger furniture or simply eliminating them altogether. Do not be in a hurry to throw out that comfortable corner sofa or lounge chair in favor of rattan or wicker furniture; even the bulkiest piece of living room furniture can be brightened and lightened through the addition of select accent furniture pieces and warm, lively accessories.
Living room accent furniture includes end tables, coffee tables, bookshelves, curios and cabinets, along with occasional chairs and footstools. When selecting accent furniture pieces to add to the living room or replace existing pieces, choose a lighter wood or painted finish; an open and simple design; and fabric upholstery in light colored or neutral tones. Accessories such as throw pillows, sculptures, prints and candles will also help to brighten the room. Many of the same accent pieces and accessories that help to brighten a living room may also be used in other rooms of the home, such as the bedroom, den, entry foyer or family room.
Even with the bulk of heavy appliances and cabinetry, the kitchen is generally one of the brightest and sunniest spots in a home. Kitchen furniture is frequently chosen for its strength and durability, but light wood finishes or painted finishes, and light print fabrics will help contribute to a bright, warm and inviting kitchen. Keep window coverings to a minimum, using valences and caf? curtains instead of full window covers. Plenty of good lighting to supplement the natural light and accessories that add charm and warmth will cap off the room.
Brightening a room, country-style
Country-style touches are always high on charm and natural elements, a sure way to brighten a room. A standard group of accessories common to country design includes jars, crocks and bottles. Available in a myriad of colors, sizes and shapes, these charming and useful containers can add color and texture to a living room, kitchen, bathroom or bedroom; they also make excellent vases for cut-flowers or planters and even work wonderfully as bright catch-all’s for magazines, newspapers or even remote controls.
