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Home Improvement—The Redesigner’s Version: Creative, On a Budget, and In An Afternoon!

Some home improvement is really all about attitude adjustment and we could all use a little of that now and then. It is amazing how changing the look and feel of the space around you can change your attitude! That’s what Interior Redesign does. It changes the look and feel of a room by rearranging your furniture and accessories, in an afternoon, using only what you already have in the house. So if you would like an all new look , not all new furniture, call your local Interior Redesigner. You can find one in your area by looking in the Interior Redesign Directory. We “spend” a little time in your room, and the “change” you get back is terrific!

Here are some other DIY Summer Home Improvement Tips, from Tracy at Room Works, for working with what you already have:

Feel En-Light-ened! I know you’ve heard this a lot but it really works! Throw open those curtains, wash those windows and bring in the light! This is one of the best and simplest ways to lift the mood of the room. Exchange those heavier draperies or curtains for some lighter versions. Beautiful windows? Lovely view? If privacy is not an issue then leave the curtains off!

Get Creative. If you must have something up at the window, try a quickie window topper. Plain simple rod pocket panels may look wonderful drifting in the breeze, but they don’t have to just hang there. If this is an average, single width window, try lifting one of the panels over to the other bracket and hang it over the rod to make a ‘swag’. Work in a few ‘fan fold pleats’ with your hands to finish off the length for a neater look. . Check out the latest “Tips and Tidbits” letter on my website if you would like more ideas and details using shower curtains and table runners.

Recycle! Go shopping in your linen closet for tablecloths, dresser scarves-- vintage or otherwise. How about those rarely used napkins, placemats or dishtowels for a quick valance or café curtain? Just fold and layer the napkins kerchief style over the rod for a valance. Or use some clip on café rings and hang items from tension rods.

Some of the older items with the decorative banding and crocheted edges work beautifully. Even their occasional worn spots or small stains can be disguised in the folds or pleats.

These are great for a fun seasonal ‘lift’ and a quick change. If you like the new look, then keep that in mind next time you’re shopping.

Lighten up! Reduce the number of things you have out on display. Leave no more than 2-3 items out on any surface. This makes dusting easier and there will be some room for those new little items or souvenirs you or your kids will no doubt be finding throughout the season.

Roll up and put away your dark, heavy area rugs, or switch them out for ones with lighter colors and textures. The same goes for pillows, accents and accessories. Treat your senses with a few well-placed candles. Think fresh, floral, or ‘green’ scents. Just show me a nice Ocean Blue candle, and my mind starts drifting away to a more relaxing place.

In general, brass, gold, dark or heavy textures make a room feel and look ‘warm’. Silver, transparent things, crystal objects, lighter fabrics and colors feel and look ‘cool’. But you don’t have to use just pastels. I love this season’s stronger ocean-inspired blues and Bright Blue- Greens, Navy and Wet Sand colors. And for a little spice, consider Brick, Poppy & Barn Reds, along with Sages and Honey tones.

Cover Up! Make a cover for dark, heavy looking lamps, pots or vases. Use fabric or get back to that linen closet! Get a square or round of fabric, stand the lamp in the center, gather up the fabric, and wrap the base. Just cut a hole at the bottom to let out the lamp cord. Secure with rubber bands and lightweight decorative cording, or ribbon at the top. Just unwrap at the end of the season for a “new” lamp.

If it’s a garage sale find, maybe wrap and glue the base in twine, rope, jute or macramé cord. Time consuming but cheap! Get the kids to help! Just start at the bottom and work your way up. Tacky glue has worked for me. For stability leave the underside as is. This adds texture and interest and can be as rustic or refined as you like. It will also coordinate two very different lamp bases. Very budget friendly!

Loosen up your furniture arrangement by giving your pieces a little more ‘breathing room’. They still need to stay conversation friendly, just not quite so close. Or remove a few pieces from the room to accomplish this.

Toss a few of those outdoor garden accessories around inside —wall plaques, planters, even tables and chairs. That way, even when it’s raining outside, you can still feel like you’re in the garden Or how about using a hammock inside! Think of it as a higher, swinging daybed or chaise. Toss on lots of pillows, and a coverlet for a great place to read to the kids, relax, watch TV or take a nap.