Many times when I meet clients, I find they are looking for someone to give them the permission to do something different in their home. They want to be outrageous and courageous but need someone else to be the scapegoat in case this newfangled idea goes south.
I have to walk a thin line when I realize my client wants to change a theme in a room, especially if the idea is of a bold statement or and/or expensive!
Let me give you a few ideas of changes you can make in a room that could begin a new trend in the room, yet will be transitional enough so as to not be too startling in contrast with your current decor.
Let’s start with artwork. Most people consider square or rectangular art, be it framed or unframed, to be the art of choice in a room. This can sometimes lead to what I term “postage stamps” in a room, especially if the art is small and scattered around a room.
There are several options that come to mind in these situations. As most people in the CSRA tend to be traditional, consider adding a piece of abstract art. As long as the colors in the art are pulled from other elements in the room, the contrast of theme will make your art pop in the room.
Always consider grouping smaller wall art together to create a bolder statement. Unless the art is the same size, (in which you might square all of the art on the wall), you will want to arrange them in an abstract sort of way. No tops, bottoms or sides should match the others. Consider adding circular or dimensional items to your framed items to make it interesting.
Speaking of dimensional art, no matter if you are traditional or contemporary, dimensional art works with almost any decor and is always a nice contrast to other framed art in the room. And dimensional art work well in odd spaces. Maybe there is a thermostat or electrical switch that won’t allow you the room to hang a piece of framed art.
Dimensional art can “dance” around such intrusions.
Rugs should never be considered as an afterthought. Consider changing out your rug to make a different statement.
I find most people choose rugs that are too small in a room. A rug should ground the furniture in the room. So consider going with a larger size. And, like art, consider going with a different theme.
If you are more traditional, try a more modern style rug. If you are more contemporary, go with a traditional type “Oriental” style. Most people go safe with a neutral colored rug. Don’t be afraid to go bold and add some color to your floor and see what a difference this change can make!
What about adding an accent wall?
Most people are scared to paint a bold color in a room. Consider painting a focal wall in a room as opposed to every wall. To achieve the right effect, you must paint the more prominent wall in the room. If a living room, it should be the fireplace wall, or TV wall if no fireplace. If a bedroom, it should be the wall behind the bed. Maybe even try a patterned wallpaper.
Making a statement on just one wall will make a bold statement without committing to the entire room.
Switching up the lighting can give the room some added “pop.” Over time, chandeliers can become dated, especially if the finish is brass. Consider swapping out your chandelier to make a bigger statement.
Think about your options and how changing the style or finish can give you a bolder look. Also consider adding a dimmer switch if you didn’t have one. This can always change the overall aesthetic of a room, especially at nighttime.
Always consider your options no matter what it is you want to swap out. If you are going to spend the money, why not do something a little different?!
