Piano lamp

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It’s easy to create luxurious spaces when you have unlimited funds. For most of us, however, the phrase “money is no object” is not in our vocabulary. Champagne and caviar style CAN be achieved on a beer and pretzel budget. All it takes is a little imagination and creative resourcefulness to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary!

Whether your home is a castle or condo, mansion or module, use these tips to turn your living space into a showplace – without breaking the bank!

Details Make a Difference: Transform your home from builder basic to handcrafted custom with the addition of architectural trim work. Install or upgrade trim and moldings such as door and window casings, crown moldings, wall treatments, picture rails, base trim, etc. A quick trip to the lumberyard or home center will enlighten you to a variety of options and styles. Such architectural detail not only adds character and charm to a home but also conveys an image of quality and wealth.

All The Trimmings: Just as simple moldings can transform hard surfaces – fabric, trimmings, beads, tassels and fringe can make store bought soft furnishings look more expensive. Create “designer” window treatments by adding contrasting trim to ready-made window panels. Attach bullion fringe to a tapestry fabric remnant for an elegant throw. Make real fur pillows for an old mink stole. Use yards of sheeting in coordinated prints and solids to fashion curtains, table skirts, duvet covers and shower curtains. Hot glue bead trim to lamp shades for a touch of whimsy and sparkle.

Off the Walls: Think you can’t afford an original masterpiece? Create one-of-a-kind works of art from everyday objects. An old china plate, mismatched silver spoons, rusty keys, embroidered hankies, pressed leaves, post cards, pages from a book or calandar – almost anything you can think of – can become a unique piece of art when matted and framed. The local craft store carries a variety of picture frames and pre-cut mats to fit any decor. Unify mismatched items by keeping the mat and frame the same size and color. Add prominence to a small object by framing in a shadow box. For the greatest impact, group several like items together on a single wall.

Mix Don’t Match: Nothing shouts humdrum like a room full of matchy-matchy furniture right off of the showroom floor. Don’t be afraid to mix flea market finds or family heirlooms with a few new quality pieces. Although finishes and furnishings should relate to each other, they do not have to match or be of the same era, quality or price. Combine high and low end design pieces gathered over time for a style that looks rich, expensive and uniquely you.

Remember, true decorating satisfaction comes from creativity – not cash. It’s not what you have – it’s how you use what you have that makes the difference between rooms that fall flat and rooms that feel fabulous!

Living in your home, you may find the same old rooms get boring from day to day. Even if things are organized and attractive, you may just grow tired of seeing the same style day in and day out. This is exactly why home design shows are so popular and home decor sells like wildfire. People like variety in their lives and their homes. Even the most perfectly designed room can use a bit of sprucing up at times especially if there have not been any changes for years. You may find that from season to season, the same style does not work. Dark, warm colors with heavy fabrics may be comfortable and cozy during the bitter cold of winter, but once warmer weather comes around, you will want to lighten things up. The same is true if you relocate. Your furnishings and decor may be in great shape, but if you move from a forested climate with four seasons to a beachfront locale, you will want to make a few changes. There are numerous ways to create an exciting space. You can update with just a few accessories, add piano lamps or new overhead lighting, or add a fresh coat of paint. A piano lamp can highlight a major feature in the room and call attention to a prized instrument, and overhead lighting can change the whole feel of a room.

Even if you do not change the lighting, a coat of paint will go a long way in changing the overall look of the room. The way light reflects off of the paint color will brighten a room or deepen the hue so the room is cozy and warm. If the space is big, you can use a darker color to bring the space closer and make it feel comfortable. If it is a smaller space you are changing, a fresh coat of light paint can make the space feel clean and large. You do not have to choose a neutral color either. Light, bright colors are great for livening up a space and bringing sunshine into a room in a whole new way.

In addition to lighting and paint, try adding new accessories. This is another great way to bring color into a space and make it more interesting. Instead of redoing the entire space, you can add a few small things to make the changes. This is an affordable way to bring new life to a space. You can bring pillows or sofa throws into the space, add a piece of artwork that you were attracted to, or redo a shelf in the room with new photos or statuary that compliments your style but still brightens things up. These small changes may not even be noticeable to visitors or guests, but you will notice the changes and they will make you feel great about your space. You may not need to spend a fortune or spend days redoing your space. Just a little change can go a long way in making you feel better about your home.