Many of us have spent more time in our homes during the past few months than we have since we moved in.
Homes, like clothes, are a reflection of the person occupying the space.
Some folks are instinctive about style, color, placement and all the other bits and bobs that are part and parcel to the project. They simply “know” how to put things together.
Others approach the process, be it homes or clothing, by copying the latest looks and fads and feeling not quite at home in either the homes or the clothes. Why wouldn’t they? The ‘style’ chosen isn’t really theirs, after all.
Still other people tip toe into the arena armed with ideas, but not sure about how to implement them.
My mother was one to rearrange furniture every 6 months. For many years she made do with second hand and out of date furniture. Her solution was to reorganize the rooms to change the layout, update the look and change perspective. It worked.
Not sure? Give it a try. Switching things around will give you a clear(er) idea of how the room flows, where the light patterns change and if function is improved.
I have a seven foot sofa in a room that can easily accommodate it, but not side tables. It also has dual aspect – windows on east and west side of the room. Placing a television can be tricky because the light can flow over the screen making it unwatchable at two separate times during the day. Needless to say, the TV did not remain in That Spot for very long.
Speaking of light, pay attention not only to where your windows are placed, but where your lamps reside. Light can be functional or an impediment depending upon the source and location.
So, if my TV lives in a certain spot, I can move the sofa about to change the way I use it to watch television. That change can affect the way I move about the room and how I use the rest of the room.
Unsure about the reshuffle? Consider that you aren’t bolting it to the floor, so if you don’t like it, you have the opportunity to put it back where it was. 🙂
Tired of the “look”? Slipcovers can be a great option, not to mention a lot less expensive than buying a replacement piece of furniture. But what if you aren’t really sure of color? Why not take a look through your linen closet and pull out a comforter, blanket, bedspread or even a flat sheet and drape it over the offending piece?
Voila! Change of color and you didn’t spent a penny!
Speaking of flat sheets, if you have a couple twin sized flat sheets you aren’t using on beds, you can use them as window dressing. I know it might sound strange, but consider that sheets can be quite colorful, not to mention easily found in second hand shops, and often less expensive than regular curtains or drapes.
These simple changes can be made whenever the mood strikes. They are not permanent and can be altered if you aren’t happy with the result. They also provide you with a way of re-energizing your home. Best of all, most of them already reside in your home.
In a pinch, worth considering.
