Spring (or Summer already if you live in Phoenix!) Cleaning

Warmer weather gives us the perfect excuse to open all the windows, clear out clutter from our busy lives and view our rooms with a fresh eye.

To get started, remove everything except your large stationary items like sofas, chairs and tables out of the room. Remove all decorative items and artwork as well, it’s easiest to start with a clean palette.

A fresh coat of paint will do wonders for a room. Not only will the room be clean and fresh, the feeling of the room will dramatically change - with minimal effort and cost. Choose a color from your favorite piece of artwork, or from an area rug you absolutely love.

Then, try changing the placement of your large items that will remain. Get the furniture away from the walls. Experiment with angles and avoid the urge to line everything up on right angles.

Once you have everything where you want it, you can begin to bring back your existing decorative items – but remain objective! If there is an item that doesn’t fit into your new design scheme, but holds a great deal of sentimental value, use it in a guest room or den instead. Bring in new, fresh accessories such as new toss pillows for the sofa, for instant change.

But remember, less is always more – especially when it comes to Spring Cleaning!

Can't-Miss Ways...Day 5

Update the cabinet hardware in your kitchen or bath to give the room an instant lift!

Can't-Miss Ways...Day 4

Drapery panels will add instant softness, texture and color to your space. There are tons of fabulous, inexpensive pre-made options out there!

Can't-Miss Ways...Day 3

Add an area rug! A patterned rug can add much needed color and interest to an otherwise bland space.

And remember...there is nothing wrong with placing an area rug over your neutral carpeting!

Can't-Miss Ways...Day 2

Inventory your existing furnishings throughout the house. A nightstand in the bedroom might be the perfect end table in the family room. The artwork over your bed might look fabulous in the kitchen.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box - or room - as the case may be!

Can't-Miss, Inexpensive ways to dramatically change your home - in spite of the economy!

Tune in every day this week for 5 Can't-Miss, inexpensive & dramatic changes you can do to your home right now!

Day 1:

Paint!

Painting will give you the most "bang for your buck" in the decorating process. Pick a color from an existing piece of art or from an area rug that you absolutely love - and you can never go wrong.

Before...

After...

You shouldn't have to be talked into your design style!

It seems as though interior designers have a bad reputation out there for "imposing" their taste on clients, instead of helping those clients bring out their own unique style.

We're here to help you release your inner designer that just can't wait to break free!

Here are some great tips to help you find your style:

1. Pull photos from magazines of any rooms that "sing" to you and take note of all the similarities between the photos (i.e. all the seating items are in neutral fabrics, dark wood elements, light walls, etc.)

2. Take a look at your current artwork, are you drawn to more contemporary styles (like abstract art) or more traditional styles (like landscapes)?

3. Do you find that you love to be surrounded by "things" like accessories or knick-knacks? If so, then you might prefer a more traditional style of decorating. If you like a more minimal take on accessorizing, you will most likely feel more comfortable with a contemporary design style.

4. Are you always drawn to the same stores when shopping for home items? These stores may help you define your unique sense of style. For instance, if you find yourself browsing at Crate & Barrel all the time, your style is definitely more contemporary.

What's your style? We'd love to know!