By Sarah Lyon
From SouthernLiving.com
Now that the holiday decorations have come down and are safely packed away until next year, your home may be feeling a bit empty—and in need of some serious color!
We spoke with Southern designers and asked them for their go-to tips on how to best add a little vibrancy to the home. There’s a suggestion for everyone, whether you’re looking to try your hand at a DIY (anyone want to paint the ceiling?) or are simply eager to do a bit of rearranging without spending a dime.
Read on for seven easy ways to add color and cheer to your home this year.
1. Lay Down a New Rug
Jazz up plain wooden floors with a fun rug that brings the vibrance. Note that you don’t have to go all in and order an 8-by-10-foot rug to make a difference in your home. Even a smaller scale piece will work wonders. “Runner rugs in the kitchen, entryway, and hallway are a favorite for me right now,” explains Leah Alexander, the founder of Beauty is Abundant in Atlanta, Georgia. “They make each of those spaces feel more like a room for living and less like a perfunctory pass-through.”2. Change Up Your Wall Decor
Adding new artwork to the walls is an easy way to brighten up your home—and better yet, you can certainly do this without having to purchase anything new. Mary Kathryn Wells, the founder of Mary Kathryn Wells Interior Design in Nashville, Tennessee, recommends displaying photos or notes on the wall using colorful Washi tape. “Replace your display of holiday cards with a series of a handful of notes that are meaningful to you,” she suggests, noting that kids’ art is also a no-brainer.Even just rearranging the art you currently have hanging in your house is also an excellent approach, says Stephanie Molster. “Simply moving around your existing pieces to a new room or wall that feels lacking after the holidays can not only add color and interest to the space, but it can give the art new life,” says the founder of Stephanie Molster Interiors in Charleston, South Carolina.
3. Bring in Fresh Flowers and Plants
Of course your gardening may not exactly be flourishing this time of year, but that’s where a simple grocery store run comes in—Laura Hodges turns to Trader Joe’s to stock up on colorful bouquets to brighten her home in the winter. “I love keeping plants all year of course but after the holidays is a great time to try a new variety,” says the founder of Laura Hodges Studio in Catonsville, Maryland.Lindley Arthur suggests placing a potted fern on the coffee table to get started. “Plants add life to your home, especially in the darker, colder months when we don’t spend much time outdoors,” says the founder of Lindley Arthur Interiors in Dallas, Texas.
4. Paint the Walls—or the Ceiling!
Paint is a tried and true way to add a pop of color to any room of the home, and if you’re not up for revamping all four walls within a space, why not add some flair to the ceiling? “You can add elegance to a room with subtle color or drama with a more vibrant hue,” says Aston Moody, the founder of Aston Moody Interiors in Columbia, South Carolina.5. Tackle Your Built-Ins
Give your bookshelf a makeover and place your most vibrant books front and center. “I love that these can be artful elements and can also be used to showcase your interests,” Kate Spiro says of colorful titles. Then, weave in some eye-catching sculptural pieces or decor. “These can be easily moved around, and will allow you to experiment with different colors and materials,” explains the Miami-based founder of Kate Spiro Interiors.
Adds Maggie Dillon, the founder of Maggie Dillon Interiors in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Colorful accessories provide a low-risk change that you can always switch up down the road,” she says.
6. Replace Neutral Lampshades With Colorful Ones
Say goodbye to plain lampshades and replace them with louder designs, says Blair Burton, the founder of Blair Burton Interiors in Austin, Texas. “It provides an immediate wow factor to a space, and is so easy and inexpensive to change,” the designer explains.7. Rethink Your Day to Day Textiles
If your home is filled with blah-looking linens, it’s time to make a change! “Whether a cashmere throw blanket for your favorite reading nook, or a block print tablecloth at your breakfast table, textiles can instantly elevate any space while adding color and texture,” comments Andrea Marino, the founder of Dallas, Texas-based Andrea Marino Design. These little upgrades will make your everyday routines feel a bit more lively.Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to [email protected].
