Light It Up
Don’t forget lighting. Dramatic lighting
in the form of a chandelier adds instant ambiance. If you don’t have high ceilings, consider pinspot lighting over hanging artwork.
Hang Something
Balance the room with pieces of
artwork. A large painting can be
stunning (if it has soft but coordinating colors). Or try a hanging mirror, which is less
expensive and can make the room
look bigger.
Give Life
A flower or plant eases the transition from outside in.
If your space is small, place potted blooms
on a table.
Add Color
Bold hues are warm and inviting. Paint
the walls a rich color, such as deep rust or teal, or paint the
ceiling, depending on how it might work with your color scheme. If the ceiling is under eight feet tall, paint it a shade or two lighter than the walls; if it's over eight feet, paint it a shade or two darker. If you prefer to keep your walls neutral, add color with a vibrant throw rug or your favorite artwork.
Keep It Clean
Designate a semi-hidden spot for weather-ridden
accessories. Cubby holes beneath a
console work well
for shoes, and a tall
(at least 18 inches)
galvanized planter will catch your umbrella’s drip --
and still look nice.
Don’t Forget The Mats
A washable doormat will keep you from
tracking in mud. If you don’t want to leave it out all the time, store it in an
oversize bin.
Get Pegged
Pegs are great for hanging coats and jackets. Space them six to eight inches apart.
Leave Room
Ideally, you should give yourselves around three to four feet of room to walk by one another. When
buying furniture, remember to think small, like an eight-inch-wide table or shelf.
Have a Seat
A simple chair
placed against the wall makes taking
off those trendy
rain boots that
much easier.
[Nestpert] Chayse Dacoda of HGTV’s Get It Together
by Christa Vagnozzi
1/31/08
See more:
cleaning & organizing,
Decor Tricks