Looking good despite the times

More than a dozen designers were asked to share some inside information that would help freshen...
More than a dozen designers were asked to share some inside information that would help freshen up the home easily. David Mitchell, of Washington, suggests mixing neutral colours with natural hues such as khaki, brown, green and grey with ivory, beige...
New cushions can make a big difference to an old upholstered sofa.
New cushions can make a big difference to an old upholstered sofa.
To make windows appear larger than they are, hang draperies as high on a wall as possible.
To make windows appear larger than they are, hang draperies as high on a wall as possible.

The good news about the worrisome economy is that it compels us to hunker down at home and spend more time with family. The downside is that the more time we spend at home, the more we begin to notice the rooms that lack a certain lustre.

We contacted more than a dozen designers and asked them to share some inside information that would help freshen up our homes easily.

We wanted the best ideas in their personal design arsenal: what techniques they use, what colours they like, what products they turn to, what problem-solvers they rely on again and again because they always work.

One favourite came from Washington designer Matthew Swingley, who likes two-sided pillows.

"I like to do custom pillows with different fabrics on the front and back," he said.

"This gives clients the ability to flip the pillows whenever they want a new look."

Another Washington designer, David Mitchell, shared his approach.

"Neutral colours are very popular in Washington," he said, "but a neutral room can be achieved by using colours other than beige."

He suggests mixing natural colours such as khaki, brown, green and grey with ivory, beige and palomino, and bringing in contrast with fabrics.

"You'll still have a neutral palette, but it will be much more graphic and interesting," Mitchell said.

Turn a special piece into a focal point

Accent a favourite furnishing or antique by placing it in front of a wall colour that will make it stand out. For example, a dark mahogany piece would stand out in front of a rich, green-based beige.

A light Swedish piece can become a striking focal point placed in front of a colour such as Benjamin Moore's Swiss Blue.

- Tracy Morris, Washington

Use big patterns in small spaces

It makes the space feel bigger. It's counterintuitive, but it works.

- Victoria Neale, Washington

Rethink the light fixture

A new light fixture can alter the atmosphere in a room almost instantly, especially in a small space. Even a simple lampshade change can have a huge impact.

Keep an eye out at garage sales or op-shops for fixtures with personality. Don't forget to add dimmer switches.

- Patrick J. Baglino Jun, Washington

Keep collections together

Group a collection of art or objects in one area, rather than spreading the items throughout a home.

Displaying a collection of things you love, such as white pottery, antique boxes, candlesticks, art or books, creates more drama and adds a personal touch to your environment.

The objects themselves become more than just "things".

- Daren Miller, Washington

Frame artwork larger to better fit a large wall

Increasing the mat on one side of a framed piece of art will make the art appear larger and will take up more wall space.

In addition, the extra white space of the matting will bring more focus to whatever is framed. This costs much less than purchasing a larger piece of art and can give old art and photos a new lease of life.

- Raji Radhakrishnan, Brambleton

Update an old sofa

An old upholstered sofa can be updated using four basic elements:

• Replace existing back cushions with cushions that don't go over the sofa arm. This creates a more modern and simple look and helps the cushions keep their shape.

• Don't use piping or self-welting on the edges of cushions or arms.

• Add a "waterfall" skirt to create a more tailored look. (A waterfall skirt falls from directly below the cushion line to the floor without interruption.)

• Replace a set of three narrow seat cushions with two wider ones. Do the same for back cushions. In some cases, one long cushion can make the look even more modern.

- Nestor Santa-Cruz, Washington

Use fabric on the reverse

When patterned textiles are used on the reverse side, the pattern becomes more hushed. This is often a nice compromise when partners may have disparate tastes or tolerance for pattern. This also prevents the pattern from becoming too dominant in a neutral setting.

- Darryl Carter, Washington

Hang window treatments high

A good starting point in any home or with any style (traditional or modern) is to hang drapery panels right underneath the crown moulding.

In the absence of moulding, hang the drapery rod as close to the ceiling as possible.

Doing so will accentuate the height of the room (whatever that may be) and make windows appear larger than they are.

This technique becomes more imperative the lower the ceilings are.

- Barry Dixon, Warrenton

Ring-top curtains without pleats

This is a modern, unfussy look for draperies.

The bonus: Curtains without pleats require less fabric and labour, which means lower cost.

- Annie Elliott, Washington

A custom look for less

Buy solid-colour, ready-made drapery panels from retail chains, and add your own trim to the edge. If you don't sew, a dry-cleaners should be able to do this for you.

- Victoria Neale, Washington

 

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