Ways To Rethink Your Style.

Sometimes we get emotionally attached to the way our homes look, from the floorplan to the furnishings, so it’s often hard to see them through new eyes and imagine changes. One suggestion is to clear out a room you want to rework. Declutter. Move furniture out of the space. Do whatever it takes to clear your mind and see the room as a blank slate. Here are some ideas that will help you rethink your style.

1. Create a palette you can build upon. Does your home’s current palette allow enough flexibility to make changes when you want, or are you locked into a color scheme you no longer love? Start with a neutral palette as a blank canvas. When flooring and walls are more neutral, it gives you freedom to go many directions with furniture, fabrics, and accents.
2. Freshen up your paint. Paint can completely transform a space. Consider touching up a room or two early in the year—you’ll be amazed how much brighter and cleaner it looks with a fresh coat, whether you’re sticking with the same colors or going in a brand-new direction.
3. Update your furnishings. Take an honest look at your furniture: do you love it, is it in good shape, and how well does each piece work in your refreshed space? This might be the time to replace a piece or two. An upholstered ottoman can give a room a quick boost. If you have a favorite comfy but worn-out chair, reupholster it in a fresh fabric. Sometimes all you need is a new set of accent pillows on your sofa and chairs.
4. Create drama. Make sure each room has a bit of “shock and awe.” Try rustic pieces like driftwood and aged wooden dough bowls to add character and contrast.
5. Make a room sing with artwork, area rugs, and accents. Art and rugs can make or break your home. You can have great furniture, but the wrong art and rugs can undermine it. Choose pieces that truly speak to you—they’re at the heart of the space you’re creating, and you should be passionate about them. Don’t buy art just because the colors match your sofa. Select accents that reflect your personality and interests, telling your family’s story.
6. Don’t be in a rush. Hurrying a redesign leads to mistakes. Take time to determine your vision for your whole home and the specific space you’re focusing on. Instead of picking up pieces randomly, create a master plan and be purposeful in finding the elements that bring it to life. Pull swatches, select window treatments, upholstered furniture, pillows, trim, and bedding so fabrics work well together throughout the entire house.