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Now that the weather has turned, you’re likely spending more time inside your home.
Maybe you’re looking around and noticing it needs some freshening up.
Maybe that sofa you bought on sale a couple years ago is sagging. Maybe those mustard yellow walls have to go. Maybe you just feel bored with your décor.
But it can be challenging to get it right.
That’s why I sat down with interior designer Damien Packwood, owner of Damien Morris Designs in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
He shared some valuable tips to easily transform a room, even on a budget.
Buy quality furniture
The main thing when decorating is investing in quality pieces that will last through the trends, he said.
“There’s certain pieces you should invest in, like your sofa and chairs and your dining room table because those are the pieces you’re going to carry through. And keeping them neutral helps carry them through trends and seasons.”
He recommends shopping at local furniture stores that carry product made in Canada such as Palliser and Décor-Rest.
“I prefer to invest in a good quality piece that’s going to last you a long time. And I like to buy those pieces from local company’s because they’ll take care of you when there’s an issue,” he said.
Accessorize
Once you have your main pieces, there are easy ways to change the look of any room.
“Pillows and toss cushions are so easy to switch out and can totally change the look of your sofa,” Packwood said. “In the summer I have bright colour pillows. In the winter I go with creams, or grays, or plaid. Just more cozy kind of pillows.”
Rugs are another way to change up a look.
“Right now, I have a grey and cream overall look. In the summer I like to switch it out for a berber or a hand-woven rug. It’s just more summery,” he said.
Curtains and side panels make a big difference and are very inexpensive and they help frame a window.
“It’s little things like that that can make a difference,” he said.
Artificial plants add nature to a room.
“I can’t keep real plants alive and the fake plants at IKEA are so good,” Packwood said. “And I always put it in a basket, so it looks a little more finished.”
Paint colours
When deciding on paint colours, beige is most popular now.
“Beige is huge right now. Grey is still popular. I think grey will be popular forever, but that warmer side of grey – greige – it’s even more popular. It’s a warmer tone. And it’s more homey,” Packwood said.
And white is still popular.
“A lot of people are doing white walls and white kitchens just because it’s a nice neutral base. You’re not tied into any kind of colour. It’s a blank canvas for what you want to do with furniture and artwork,” he said. “Although it’s a lot of maintenance. Have a great supply of magic erasers.”
Keep in mind, you don’t need to add colour to add interest. Adding texture to a space works as well, such as hanging white curtains on a white wall or wallpapering an accent wall.
Although wallpaper adds texture and pattern and is more personalized, Packwood uses it with caution.
“I’ll only wallpaper powder rooms (because they’re small) and I’ll wallpaper an accent wall. I would never wallpaper a bedroom. I think you would tire of it too fast. And then you’re stuck.”
http://damienmorrisdesigns.ca/
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