It’s not unusual for my clients to be overwhelmed with the ideas in their heads of all the improvements they would like to make to their homes. Over the decades I have been designing, I have helped many homeowners focus on what improvements they can do right now that will have a big impact.

Whether you just moved into a new/old home or you have lived there for years, there are simple improvements you can make without a major renovation that will give your home a fresh new look.

These are some of my favorites…

Fresh Paint

Whether you choose a neutral tone for your gathering spaces or a fun, soothing color for a bedroom, you will have a fresh, new look that reflects who you are.

Here are my suggestions when searching for a new paint color …

Don’t rush into selecting a color.
Order large samples through your local paint store, your designer or through Samplize.
Don’t use a small paint sample or a sample-size jar; you will not get the full value of the color.
Read my “How to Select Color with Confidence” brochure.

before finalizing the color be sure to view it at different times of the day as well as on a sunny day & a cloudy day

Using cooler tones in a bedroom will be soothing for better rest.

2. New Carpet

Although many of my clients have chosen to have wood floors and area rugs throughout their homes, there are still many benefits to the comfort of wall-to-wall carpeting. Some of the upsides include the soft feel under your bare feet and comfort for infants, toddlers, and our furry friends. The cost of carpet is much lower than that of wood floors and area rugs. Plus, carpet is easy to change out.

Over the years, carpet collects dirt & allergens and starts to look dingy. New carpet makes your home feel fresh and revived. There are so many beautiful choices now.

Here is what you should look for...

For bedrooms, I recommend an ultra plush carpet. Your feet will thank you for it.
For gathering spaces like family rooms and basements, look for a lower-pile carpet that won’t show footprints. Cut-and-loop styles with mingled colors like this are my favorite.
For stairs, I recommend a low pile with a little pattern for style, like this. Your stairs will be safer to walk up and down, and the pattern will disguise soiling.
Both nylon and wool are good choices. Nylon is more forgiving, and wool can easily be cleaned. I recommend consulting your salesperson to discuss your lifestyle and find the best fit for you and your family.

don’t choose trendy carpet colors. pick something you will love for years.

Plush Carpet is Great for Bedrooms.

Choose an 8-10 pound rebond padding for the most comfort.

3. Refinish Your Wood Floors

This is one of the larger undertakings that I am recommending. This is something Mike & I had done a few years back. It was long overdue & well worth it. They look amazing! Yes, it does require moving all your accessories. But it’s a great time to purge the time-worn florals and change out picture frames and other accessories.

Here are some of the benefits…

It’s a chance to update the stain color.
Your floors will gleam and be easier to maintain.
A fresh finish on your wood floor elevates the look of everything in the room.
Once they’re done, you will enjoy them for years to come.
Pay the crew to move your furniture in and out to avoid damaging your freshly refinished floors. It’s worth it!

If you have golden oak floors you can opt for an updated look.

Here is an example of what used to be golden oak floors, now stained a rich, warm brown.

After the flooring crew has sanded down the floors, have them tape off a few squares and stain and varnish them with 3 options. This will help you visualize the finish better than a stain swatch.

4. New Bedding for the Master Bedroom

You deserve to be comfortable & enjoy the place you sleep. Like old clothes, you need to change out your bedding for an updated look that makes you feel your best. Splurge on you! This is truly a simple improvement with a big impact.

Here are some of the benefits…

Fresh new bedding elevates the look of your bedroom.
Pick something lightweight that will feel cozy but won’t make you feel too hot through the night.
The act of making your bed elevates your mood and starts your day off right…especially when you love your bedding.
Climbing into a bed after you pull back the covers is a great way to get a good night’s rest. It’s a healthy ritual.

for more on getting a good night’s rest be sure to read my earlier post right here.

Toss pillows give the space a finished look.

Don’t overdo the quantity, and be sure to designate a space to move them to. I place mine on the bench at the end of the bed.

5. Family Room Accent Pillows

One of my favorite simple improvements with a big impact is replacing the pillows on your sofa. The pillows that grace your sofa or sectional should not only be comfortable but also stylish. Pick a pattern that pulls the look together by choosing a fabric with textures or colors that play off other pieces in the room.

Here are some things to guide you…

Choose a patterned fabric or a couple of solid colors that pull from the artwork or an area rug in the room.
Select pillows with a synthetic down or down fill that won’t be stiff.
Make sure they have a zipper so you can remove the cover to clean or replace the insert to upgrade the feel.

You don’t have to implement all of these ideas. Choose the ones that feel right. Mix & match. Add & take away. Even if you implement one or two of these improvements, you will see the difference. Go at your own pace and enjoy the progress. It takes time and money to improve your home, but it should be a labor of love.

If you need more direction on getting started, consider my Local or Online Design Services! I’m here to guide you!

Love your home, like I love mine!

Celeste J.