Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week, we discuss tips for freshening up your home design for the new year.
Whether you’re simply sick of staring at those same old walls, or your home could use a little pick-me-up, there’s nothing like a new year to inspire a refresh. And it doesn’t take much to create a room with a whole new view.
Here, tips from the design pros for easy interior tweaks to give you a renewed perspective.
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Rearrange and Refresh
“Paint color is by far one of the easiest and quickest ways to refresh your space. It can add drama or airiness depending on the color and application. Think about an accent wall or even painted millwork if you can’t commit to painting an entire room one color.
“Furniture rearranging is also a great way to freshen up the space. Start slowly by moving one or two pieces of smaller furniture in a room, like an accent or side table, and see if that helps change up the flow and feel before moving onto larger items like coffee tables and couches.
Adding fresh flowers and plants will also instantly upgrade with life and color.
“Just the act of going through your home and getting rid of things you don’t want can make a big difference in the overall feel of the space.”
Bright white paint and breezy white drapery lend light and air to a living room designed by Georgia Zikas.
Jane Beiles
— Georgia Zikas of Georgia Zikas Design in West Hartford, Connecticut
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Accessorize With Abandon
“Wallpaper (especially peel and stick, which can be easily swapped) is a huge game changer—along with small decor accessories, such as curtains, lamps, hardware and art. Those things are so easy to change—and really add character and personality to a space.
“Pillows are another artistic way to refresh your space. Not only do they add comfort but can bring in color, texture and print in small scale so it’s not overwhelming.
“Curtains are such an easy way to transform any room—think of them as a canvas for art. There are so many different directions you can take with window treatments. Take advantage of using prints to achieve more of a creative direction, velvets to bring in moodiness and linens to take a more natural approach.”
A graphic wall mural adds personality and functions as a dramatic focal point to a room designed by Francesca Grace.
Courtesy of Francesca Grace
— Los Angeles-based designer Francesca Grace
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Make Modern Updates
“Aside from moving around furniture, repositioning artwork helps you experience pieces you love, but have stopped ‘seeing,’ in a whole new way.
“One of the most cost effective/high-impact changes we most often employ is a fresh coat of paint in a slightly brighter shade, such as Benjamin Moore White Dove, which can bring new life and re-energize a room. Extend a new palette to pillows, throws and key accessories such as trays, picture frames and a focal point item like a cocktail table sculpture or a pair of oversized hurricane [candle holders].
“Window treatments can be one of the most glaring examples of a room exceeding its expiration date. A good rule of thumb is to think less is more—eliminate the swags, tie-backs and puddles. Gravitate toward solid fabrics to infuse serenity and calm. Look for classic, timeless options like tailored Romans and simple roller shades.”
By swapping stark white paint for a creamy color and adding tonal accents, designer Michael Cox made this living room warmer and more textural.
Courtesy of foley&cox
— Michael Cox, foley&cox Interior Design in Manhattan
Add Wonder to Walls
“Wallpaper can add interest and comes in many different materials (wood veneer, pearl, metals). Large patterns make a bold statement by adding depth and warmth to your walls. Or, consider creating a mural, which adds artistic elements to the room.
“Changing the paint color can change the overall mood of a space. For a playful touch consider stripes or different shapes. Or create contrast by painting the ceiling a different color. One of my tricks is to paint the crown molding, baseboards, doors and door casings the same color as the walls. This helps make the space feel larger and the ceilings feel taller.
“Use art and accessories to add color to the space. I do this by placing throw blankets on sofas and chairs. Pillows, books and vases are an easy fix too, but my favorite is adding colorful flowers and plants to add some life.”
Adrienne D’Agata added interest to a living space by creating a gallery wall.
Courtesy of Adrienne D’Agata
— Adrienne D’Agata, Principal of Adrienne D’Agata Design based in New York
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Color Your World
“It’s amazing what different throw pillows can do for a space. All matching or monochromatic pillows have a very different feeling than a mix of pillows in different colors and patterns. And for those who aren’t ready for a turquoise sectional, it’s a safe way to add in bursts of color. The same goes for artwork and other small accessories. Even something as simple as what you put on your coffee table can have a big impact on how a space feels. And plants are always a go-to for me. A large tree in the corner of the room or a few potted plants really brings a space to life.
“A few gallons of white paint (my favorites are White Dove by Benjamin Moore and Wimborne White by Farrow and Ball), and the same home suddenly feels bright and airy. Alternatively, if you’re looking to add some glamour to a space, painting it in a dark moody color really bumps up the sophistication factor. I’m in love with Black Cockatoo by Porters Paints. And painting the island a fun color, like Benjamin Moore’s Narragansett Green, is an easy way to add some attitude to the traditional all-white kitchen.”
— Mary Beth Christopher of MBC Interior Design in Manhattan Beach, California
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