Home Interior Design: Little Things Mean A Lot
It can be overwhelming to consider doing your own home remodel. If the idea of interior design has you pacing nervously, you should know there are many little things you can do that will make a huge impact on the appearance of a room. While you may want to purchase all new furniture, floor coverings and window treatments, this is not always a viable option. Here are a few of the little things you can do that will make a big statement.
Cornice Board:
A cornice board is a three-sided box like structure that attaches above the window and is a handy way to cover the curtain hardware. These are also a great way to add a little colour variety to the room if you decide to go with a neutral coloured window shade. Another great thing about cornice boards is the fact that they can be as simple or elaborate, as you would like. They can be padded and upholstered, wall papered or stencilled. They can be arched, boxy, scalloped or triangle shaped on the bottom edge. When you are looking for a simple interior design tip to dress up a room or bring two rooms together a central themed cornice board could be the answer.
Medallions:
Ceiling medallions have been seen throughout history, details of their earliest usage is sketchy but they became very popular in Italy and France, as is evidenced by design elements seen today. In ancient times, these were very heavy constructions made of metal or plaster and an artisan might spend months or even years painting the designs.
Today, medallions are much easier to obtain and install. They are made of all types of materials including plaster, iron, wood and even marble. Of course, marble medallions are quite expensive and should only be installed by a qualified professional. The point is, with a simple ceiling medallion you can change the entire focal point of a room and add an element of class to your décor.
Accent Wall:
A few gallons of paint placed accurately can change the whole feeling of a room. Choose an accent wall, which you will paint a different colour from the rest of the room. The key to doing this well is to choose the right wall and the right colour. The perfect wall will be one with a focal point, look at it like applying make-up, you want to accentuate the best feature. A wall that contains a fireplace, unusually shaped walls or those behind the headboard of the bed are good options. As for colour, choices choose based on whether you want to relax or be active in the area, cool colours equal rest and relaxation while warm colours promote energy and activity.
Final Thoughts:
There are many ways you can give a room or even your entire house a makeover, without breaking the bank. Along with the ideas above, there are dozens of options in window treatments as well. Plantation shutters, vertical blinds, Roman shades or made to measure window shutters and more are available. You can change the look altogether or simply accentuate your current style, all while controlling the amount of sunlight entering the rooms which is particularly helpful in the summer.
