When you’re inspired to take
a design leap into something big and bold, the thought of actually pulling it
off in your own home can seem daunting or too ill-fitting to actually pull
off. Magazine and TV home shows make it
look wonderful and glamorous, but translating that to everyday life in a real
space can give you enough pause to stop altogether. But if going bold is something you’d be into,
here are some ways to make it work.
Making over whole rooms at a
time isn’t typically practical. But
inserting something new that changes the overall look can be. Instead of contemplating all new living room
seating, which wouldn’t be easy to come by, consider one new accent chair in a
large graphic pattern. Between local
stores that offer reasonably priced furniture pieces and great deals online
that can even come with free shipping offers, you can place one new piece that
stands out and represents a style that you love that will transform the look of
your seating area. Upholstered, armless
seats with a big repeating pattern can be just what you need to spice up your
living space.
An area rug is another route
to introduce new colors and an eye-catching pattern without committing to an
entire room full of it. Area rugs under
a dining table and as an anchor to family room seating can display a color you
really favor but wouldn’t be comfortable painting in an entire room. And while a bold graphic print couch may feel
too trendy to stick with, a bold graphic rug can update a whole room of
traditional furniture.
Another side piece that can
take the spotlight is an upholstered ottoman or bench. While offering a foot rest or occasional
seating off to the side, these pieces can also take on a look you feel is very
contemporary and meets with your style approval without too substantial of a
cost investment or commitment to a long-term look. A fresh ottoman can be paired with a solid
leather side chair, and an upholstered bench accents the view from a large
window or pairs nicely with other seating or a focal point like a fireplace.
For a tall take that stands
up to its shorter counterparts, a floor lamp that arches out from a sturdy base
and suspends a light diffusing drum shade into a seating arrangement or desk
area is a great statement piece that easily updates the age of a room. Before, this style carried a hefty price tag
and was only available through select stores.
But its popularity has brought it to the masses at a fraction of the
cost. It’s a modern spin on traditional
table lamp lighting that can feel like art as much as lighting.
All it takes is really one
piece that stands out from the rest to jazz up a room and give it a designer
feel. Adding these elements over time is
an investment in how you enjoy your living space and what it says about your
desire to go bold when you go home.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star February 1st.
