inviting entryway
Make guests feel welcome by placing a pretty antique settee or bench near the door, so they can sit down, take off their shoes and stay awhile. Paint the walls a warm hue, like rose or burnt orange, and hang a vintage mirror for a stylish statement. A pedestal table with framed photos makes a homey, personalized finishing touch.
diy wall art
Photos and inexpensive prints add wonderful character to a room, says Heather Lipner, founder of Uncovet . com, which sells one-ofa-kind accessories and home décor. Hanging multiple pieces instead of just one? Follow her tips for making your collection look cohesive, not random. “Choose a visual element, such as color or frame style, that’s alike. Then make sure that there’s an even amount of white space between each work of art.”
statement piece (or two)
Show off your sense of style—and create a focal point for the room—with an offbeat chandelier or a bold painting. This will help ground the room and define its function. If your budget is really tight, make your sofa the center of attention with bright pillows and a slipcover with a unique pattern or print.
eating space you love
Invest in a chic table with comfortable chairs so your guests will want to stick around after the dishes are cleared. (Just make sure that if you opt for fabric-covered chairs, they’re easy to clean.) A colorful bowl with fruit makes an economical centerpiece. Or try an unusual sculpture that can double as a playful conversation starter.
inspiring work space
Whether you have a tiny nook or a spacious room, your home office should be a bright and tidy space that helps get your creative juices flowing. Store paperwork in pretty boxes and tack up reminders on a corkboard. For extra inspiration, add eye-catching objects to the mix, like a hanging birdcage that also serves as storage for invitations and business cards.
fab living room
Your living room should reflect your personal style and be comfy, so how you set it up is important. For example, your couch is generally the largest piece of furniture in this room; situate it so that it’s facing the door, whether it’s angled in a corner, floating or along a wall. If your sofa blocks the entryway, the space won’t feel welcoming.
cozy, clutter-free bedroom
It’s hard to have sweet dreams (or feel sexy) if your room is a shambles. If you don’t have a lot of money for furniture, give old suitcases a facelift and stack them to create an interesting (and totally functional) bedside table. Top with a mirror or frame. “It’s a fun alternative to a nightstand and feels immediately pulled-together,” says Emily Schuman of CupcakesandCashmere.com.
bathroom with character
Other rooms usually take priority when it comes to decorating—but your bathroom gets lots of traffic, so make it entertaining. Add personality with unique prints, postcards from your travels, quirky illustrations and inspirational sayings. “Make it a room where you can look around and always find something new,” says Lipner. [n]
click [ to get more design tricks from TheNest .com ] spring 2013
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