24 Hours to Chic

Filed under: Your Home, Projects

We've got ten chic decorating ideas to make your home feel fresh and fun -- in a day.

The thought of redecorating is a daunting one: The money, the time, the stress, everything. However, that shouldn't prevent you from trying to make your home as stylish as possible. In fact, with just a few simple changes, you can take your home from ho-hum to so-chic in just 24 hours. Here are tips and tricks from the pros that will make a big impact with just a small investment of time and money.


1. Invest in matching lampshades. "Simple white or black paper versions are inexpensive and go a long way to unify a bunch of mismatched lamps," says interior decorator Nick Olsen. "Ditch the ugly synthetic fabric shades that came with them!"

2. Paint your doors. "It takes so little time, but a black or chocolate brown door takes only a small can of high-gloss paint and makes such a graphic impact, especially in a neutral room," says Olsen.

3. Replace your towels. "Fresh towels in a powder room or bath are always a nice treat," says interior decorator Tracie Butler, who notes that they add a crisp vibe for little cost. "It's fun to get an old tray or basket and roll your hand towels and place them on the counter for your guests," she adds.


4. Add throw pillows. "Throw pillows are a fun way to make your place look lively and fresh, since you can find them with so many different colors and patterns," says Butler, noting that there are pillows to match every style. "It's great to mix them up and have them not be too 'match-y' -- that gives a chic, eclectic look," she advises.

5. Remove ugly window coverings. If you're still living with the landlord-grade Venetian blinds on your windows, it's time to break out the screwdriver and take them down. Leave windows bare for a minimalist look or opt for affordable, off-the-shelf matchstick blinds instead.

6. Add coordinated pops of color. "Change out old accessories for ones in a single bright color - you can add lamps, throw pillows, throw blankets, vases -- just remember to pick one color and stick with it!" says Libby Langdon, interior design expert from HGTV's "Small Space Big Style." If you have accessories like vases, bowls and trays that you are tired of, Langdon recommends spray painting them in a single hue; she uses Krylon Fusion Spray paint, which she says adheres to everything with no sanding is necessary.

7. Improve your lighting. While CFLs are earth-friendly, Olsen notes, they "cast a hideous green light." He suggests 60-watt or less incandescent bulbs in place of Extra Soft White; Langdon also suggests homeowners "bring in lots of candles in various sizes and shapes" for a natural glow.



8. Add vintage style. Butler suggests incorporating vintage or antique accents into a room. "Throwing a vintage scarf in an antique lace, animal print or silk over a lampshade or window can look chic and be a great conversation piece," says Butler. "I've also been known to use a vintage champagne bucket as a trash can in a powder room - it's fun and unexpected!"

9. Bring the outdoors in. "Fresh flowers are always chic," says Olsen. If you're lucky enough to have a garden, snip some blossoms from your own yard. For an affordable fix from the florist, Olsen says that little bunches of solid-color carnations placed in a bud vase instantly freshen up any room.

10. Clean. The simplest and most effective way to achieve a state of chic is to clean up. Ditching clutter and cleaning every nook and cranny can have a surprisingly stylizing effect on any home. So, stop making excuses and finally tackle cleaning the grout in your bathroom - trust us, the results are priceless.

For more great ShelterPop stories, don't miss:
A Dramatic Modern Kitchen Makeover
Moving In Together: My Girlfriend Took Over My Apartment
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