Interior Design: Quick Changes

If you are not quite ready to spring for a full interior design, try a few quick additions to change up the scheme

Redecorating a home is a monumental task and not one that you want to jump into quickly or throw together without some forethought. A redo can often be done on a small budget, but you may not be sure, yet, how you want that room to look.

If you're in limbo about which style to choose or direction to take with colors, a few interim steps may be the answer before you plunge in with a full-scale change.

Here are just a few ideas that will give you a new look without making a total commitment to a complete overhaul.

You can make these additions from different viewpoints. One is color; you should have a focal color, a secondary color, and an accent color. You can choose any of these with the applications below. The second is patterns and textures. Look around the room and decide which patterns and textures are dominant and which take lesser roles. You can replace one or more of these to achieve minor - but stunning - changes.

-First, get rid of clutter. Remove all non-essential pieces from a room so you can have a fresh look at each piece of furniture, wall coverings, window treatments, and existing art. This means getting rid of magazines, small objects, and any other extraneous pieces that you have grown tired of.

-Add slipcovers to your major furniture pieces. You can also cover dining room chairs for a fresh look.

-Add throw pillows, both large and small. These can be placed on furniture or piled in a spare corner. Color, pattern, and texture are important in replacement choices.

-Throws and area rugs. Choose a coordinating scheme between a new throw and an area rug. This will help you start tying down some basic color decisions.

-Lighting. Move existing lamps around or purchase new shades. You'll see a world of difference with either of these additions.

-Purchase baskets. If you have an active family, then it may be easy to clean up with a few strategically placed baskets. Choose a color that will be complementary to a number of styles, whether country or mission or traditional. You can even load the baskets with pillows and throws.

-Candle holders. These can be an important, but inexpensive, addition as you'll be able to experiment with different candle colors as accents.

-Move pictures around. This is a chore, but can make a dramatic change in a room. Once you have rearranged the art, you may see some interesting color combinations with a fresh eye that will work for the rest of the room.

Now that you have made some basic changes, if you want to bring out your knickknacks, mementos, or special collections, by all means do so. Your home reflects your personality and, regardless of style, that's what it is all about.