Expert Q&A: Warm-Weather Spruce Ups for the Living Room

Filed under: Color, Your Home, Living Room, Projects, Design, etc, Experts, Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams

You asked: "It's spring. How can I give my living room a quick warm-weather makeover?"

....Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams answer:


Now you're talking our language. Our design philosophy is "evolution, not revolution," and your goal fits right in with that. We love updating rooms with the seasons.

We've found that the key to doing so easily and affordably starts with how you decorate the room in the first place. We begin by choosing classic clean-lined furnishings and keeping the number of colors in a room to three or four, with two of those being accent colors. If you decorate that way, you give yourself a lot of chances to create new looks without major cost. For example, here are five quick fixes that offer a lot of impact:

1. Switch your pillows and throws. Spring and summer are perfect for brightening a room with accents in happy colors -- you know, the ones that make you feel good just looking at them. For us, that might be apple green or sky blue or raspberry. We use only one per room and pair them with a mostly neutral beige or white setting. Or, another soothing and sophisticated option is to keep a room tonal but interesting by incorporating different fabric textures and a tonal pattern.



2. Alternate accessories. Take them all out and rearrange them. Or exchange them with items in other rooms or those that are packed away. It's also a good time to try one of Bob's favorite "green" pursuits: repurposing. Think of new uses and locations for favorite objects. And while you're at it, pare down! Keep organized by designating a spot in your house -- from a closet if you're space-rich to boxes under a bed -- to store extra accessories until next season. And definitely consider lamps accessories; Put one in the closet and get one with a happy-colored base for spring (like those seen above). Another option, replace just your lampshades.

3. Welcome nature. Fresh flowers or greenery from your yard placed in a jar make beautiful seasonal focal points. There's something so graceful and serene about one type of flower in one color in a simple container. If you're unsure of what color, white's always a good choice. Another thing we do: Invest in "pretend" flowers. There are some great-quality faux ones today. For instance, we have faux versions of beautiful hard-to-grow orchids. They give us the look without needing the horticultural expertise.

4. Roll up the rug...or put one down...and change the drapes. These warm-weather traditions make such a difference. Maybe you like the look of bare wood floors for part of the year. Or perhaps it's a classic combination of sisal rugs and wicker accessories that say spring to you. Also, reframing windows with a lighter material instantly gives a lift.

5. Change your slipcovers. We're not fans of "one-size-doesn't-fit-all" slipcovers, so this suggestion requires advanced planning. When picking upholstery, consider how much fun slipcovered pieces can be (as well as easy care). A second set for the warmer months really changes the look. What better than crisp white denim slipcovers to signal the start of long, sun-filled summer days?

 

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