Room makeovers don’t need to be an overhaul.
Do you have a room in your home you’d like to update, but the budget won’t allow for a complete renovation? Our dining room was in desperate need of a makeover, but our budget was small.
Whether you’re looking to add a few new pieces or refresh your styling to create a new look, here are a few simple things you can do to give your room a makeover…
NO.1 TRIMWORK
Trimwork can instantly elevate a room. whether you are adding picture frame molding, crown molding, board and batten to beadboard, adding subtle interest to your walls will make your space feel intentional.
We decided to remove our chair rail to draw the eye up in appreciation of our crown molding and picture rail.
To save on lumber cost, paint everything from the picture rail to the ceiling your trim color. This will give the illusion of a larger crown molding
NO.2 PAINT
Paint can give the biggest impact for the lowest cost.
If your room has little light, consider painting your walls in lighter shades with a high LRV rating to allow for more light reflection. I love the look of crisp white walls.
If your room has loads of windows and natural light, experiment with moody darker tones for a unique look. Instead of making a striking contrast between your trim and wall color, consider painting both the trim and walls in the same color, but different sheens. The outcome is just beautiful.
NO.3 FURNITURE
Although you may be nervous to tamper with your furniture, updating the look will make a big impact. Look at your dream pieces. Are they a certain color? Are they painted or natural wood? Do they have contrasting exteriors and interiors? Is the hardware eye-catching?
Simple updates, such as painting furniture or sanding down to stain can bring new life to a once-dated piece. I love using Benjamin Moore’s Advance line for cabinetry paint.
Another simple update is changing the hardware. Swapping out your drawer pulls for something a bit more modern can update a large cabinet or console table without breaking the bank.
Updating the look of old furniture can make all the difference. Here are some of my favorite hardware…
NO.4 LIGHTING
Lighting is important to highlight each moment happening in your space. Think of the tasks that need to happen in your room, task lighting with overhead fixtures to mood lighting with cabinetry lights and sconces.
Updating your light fixture can transform the room instantly. If you have a long rectangular table, consider an updated look with a linear pendant. We purchased the Berkshire Linear Pendant from Rejuvenation and couldn’t be more pleased. If your table is circular, drum shade or round chandeliers are a beautiful accent.
To create an inviting ambiance, low lighting options are a great addition. I love the look of sconces or picture frame lighting to highlight your artwork. We installed LED Strip Self Adhesive lighting to your cabinets to highlight the collectibles inside. I just love the way the room feels in the evenings.
Layer lighting to create an inviting space. Here are a few of my favorites…
NO.5 ACCENTS
Give the room visual interest by creating focal points with beautiful artwork.
I hung a pair of vintage rug fragments as our focal point. The warmth of the faded textiles against our creamy white walls created the perfect contrast and made the room feel inviting instead of stark and cold. If you have lighter walls as well, wall art with deeper tones or landscapes highlighting seasonal colors makes for a beautiful combination.
In a room with moody darker tones, I love adding abstract canvases with tone or tone accents. The light airy feel of monochromatic artwork balances out the heavy walls.
Create a focal point with a single large piece or a collection of smaller artwork.
I absolutely love how simple updates took our dated dining room to a modern transitional space.
Until next time, keep up with what’s happening at The Handwritten Home on Instagram.
XO-Kristel
