Alliterations always help me remember things, so think of the five “Ps” when refreshing your home’s style — paint, plumbing, plants, pictures and personality. We are indoors more during the colder months, so it’s a great time to look at our spaces with fresh eyes, get creative and spruce things up.
Paint.
Transform your space with a new coat of paint.White is one of my favorites — Benjamin Moore (BM) White Dove to be exact — but, some rooms call for color. When selecting a color, my advice is stay neutral. A neutral is something that goes with everything, putting blues and greens in that category too, not just gray and beige. You can go with different shades from light to dark. I like the “moody rooms” trend with deep saturated colors for the trim and walls. BM Ocean Floor and BM Duxbury Gray are two paint colors I have used this way.
Plumbing.
Change your plumbing fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen. Perhaps, change the finish, too. If everything (cabinet hardware, appliances, plumbing fixtures) has a brushed nickel finish, mix it up. Yes, mix metals! Bring in a black or a champagne-gold faucet.
Plants.
Invest in a real fiddle leaf fig, or buy a small potted plant and place it on your coffee table in a fun vase. Studies show plants boost moods, productivity, creativity, reduce stress and fatigue, as well as clean the air by absorbing toxins and producing oxygen. Sign me up for those benefits!
Pictures (Wall Art).
Look for local artists online, on Etsy in antique markets. Choose things you love and that, perhaps, remind you of your childhood. Catching fireflies was one of my favorite memories as a child, so I love art that captures their glow at night. Pay attention to scale, and get some large pieces of art. Most homes have small art, and lots of void wall space. Bring smaller wall hangings together, and make a collection for a bigger statement.
Personality.
Choose things that tell the story of your life, who you are and what is important to you. Places you have visited, hobbies you enjoy, items passed down and pictures of those you love and have influenced your life make great additions to a home.
Cozy up by the fire, grab a hot tea, look around and start refreshing!
– Betsy Manley is a proud University of Georgia alumna, who started House Therapy, which brings home makeovers to Acworth. She documents the process, and provides tips and tricks along the way.
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