Tips for Your Living Space

Even though B and I moved into our new apartment over 4 months ago, we have hardly decorated a thing.

But that all is about to change. A couple months ago we ordered all new furniture for our living room and it is going to arrive any day now! We have already gotten some small pieces like the rug and new curtains. But it's the big stuff that is really going to make a difference and I can't wait to put everything together!

A while ago I was given the opportunity to read a design book, Living Space: Simple Steps to Transform Your Home, by Kathryn Weber. I was hoping to time my overview of the book with the reveal of our new living room, but the furniture just took too long to get here. I guess you will just have to come back when we get our living room put together to see how well I applied Kathryn's tips!

She has a lot of great recommendations for every room of your house, but I wanted to focus on a few of my favorite tips that just about anyone can do even if you rent or don't want to shell out tons of money on a full home transformation.

In the Kitchen

Plates: 1/2/3/4, Knobs, Lighting: 1/2/3

Tip #1: Cycle different colored dishes in and out depending on the season. Use pastel colored plates for the spring or bright patterned plates for the summer.

Tip #2: Replace traditional cabinet knobs with something with more color and character.

Tip #3: Switch out that florescent lighting, which can date a kitchen, with more modern track lighting, light fixtures, or chandelier.

In the Living Room

HGTV

Tip #1: Arrange furniture so that guests face each other and not the TV, fireplace, or window. This will promote conversation.

Tip #2: Place extra throw pillows in a basket next to the sofa or chairs so they don't take up valuable space. Guests will be able to grab one if they need one.

Tip #3: Make the first wall you see when you enter the room your focal wall. Paint it a contrasting color, add artwork, hang curtains, or place your largest piece of furniture along that wall.

In the Dining Room

HGTV

Tip #1: Update lighting fixtures or add a ceiling medallion to give the space more character and depth.

Tip #2: Attach furniture slides to the bottom of chairs to make it easier for chairs to glide in and out from under the table.

Tip #3: Hang mirrors which will help stimulate the conversation and double the food and company.

In the Bedroom

HGTV

Tip # 1: Keep the bedroom relaxing and romantic by sticking with soft neutrals and skin tones, like rose, pink, taupe, brown, and beige.

Tip #2: Remove all work related items that are stimulating and don't promote relaxation, like computers and exercise equipment.

Tip #3: Hang pictures of you and your significant other or artwork that reminds you of yourselves or things that have meaning to you.

What are some of your favorite decorating tips?

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