Simple Changes to Refresh Your Home’s Interior Design
Often when I work with clients, the assumption is we will start from scratch when creating a new design for their space. While it is nice to do a complete overhaul, so many times I have found you can do a refresh on your space by simply making changes to accessories and light fixtures. Not only is this great on the pocketbook, giving you extra money to put towards other areas on the home, but it is also a way to minimize input to our landfills. I recently worked on a project where the client and I decided to keep the existing rug (off it went Sacramento Rug Works for a good cleaning!), accent chairs, side table and sofa. We were able to put the money we saved into some fabulous oversized artwork (very much needed to add drama to the space), a gorgeous iron mirror the client had been eyeing for some time as well as other great pieces to completely revamp the space. The clients were amazed at what a difference all of the accent pieces and accessories made in the overall feel of the space, even though we kept many of the big-ticket items. I wanted to explore this idea of transforming the “feel” of a room” simply by refreshing the accessories and decided it would be fun to do in here in my blog! I selected a sofa, armchair, sofa table, side table, lamp and area rug to serve as my foundational pieces to be used in all four design options (see these as the existing furniture a client might already have). I then found accessories for each option to create a unique design for four different spaces. As you read on, I explain the overarching “feel” I was going for with each design to highlight how, by simply replacing some key items, you can make a big change the overall look of your space.
design concept one
In option one, I wanted to achieve a sophisticated yet approachable feel with a modern flare. I selected a chandelier that leans a bit formal with touches of modern in its shape. I also wanted the space to feel a bit masculine so there are accent pillows that feature velvet, leather or fur. The side table accompanying the armchair, with its black metal finish, continues the masculine feel while the marble base lightens it up and gives it some polish and sophistication. To complement the leather throw blanket baskets under the consult table, I used a crystal and polished nickel lamp. The contrast between the leather and the crystal & polished nickel again continues the balance I was looking for – formal with a modern feel. The use of natural element in the accessories such as wool, leather, crystal and metal add texture and richness to the space, reinforcing the sophistication I was after.
design concept two
I have been dying to use the Asian-inspired chandelier found in option two so I knew it had to make an appearance! I decided to use this as my jumping off point for the design. Again, the foundational pieces are the same as in design one, and yet the feel of the space is completely different. I incorporated a vintage ceramic table lamp as well as vintage baskets woven in Asia. Both of these pieces add elements of textures and interest, with a nod to their origins while not being overtly regions specific. For a pop of color and interest, I added accents pillows with a Chiang Mai Dragon pattern as well as a fun velvet tiger pillow. I layered them with two subtle patterned nubby pillows to balance the boldness of the dragon and tiger pillows. The tasseled-linen throw blanket (tassels were thought to have originated in the Tang and Song Dynasty in China before spreading to other countries) finishes the design. Some of the elements, such as the woven baskets, the chandelier and the throw blanket have subtle undertones while the accent pillows are a prominent representation of the Asian influence intended in this space.
design concept three
In design number three, I wanted to play with patterns and textures evoke a bohemian vibe in the space. I selected this chandelier because of its interesting shape and the natural jute used to make the chandelier. I love mixing up patterns so when selecting these accent pillows, I looked for different patterns with a similar color palette but varying scales in the pattern. Notice how the lumbar pillows on the sofa with the cane pattern is oversize while the tribal patterned fabric is much smaller? This allows the two different patterns to complement each other. I also want to point out the linear nature of the pattern in the throw pillow on the left side of the sofa which mimics the linear design happening in the chandelier and ties the pieces together. The side table for the armchair is another example of the bohemian style, with its’ worn away paint revealing the wood foundation. The handmade pottery lamp adds both color and artistic element to the space. All of these components work together to give a free-spirited and lived in feel while still feeling cohesive and playful. The natural elements of the wood, jute, and woven cotton blanket represent to the role nature plays in boho design.
design concept four
When creating the design concept for number four, I was inspired by the vintage leather, brass and rattan side table seen next to the armchair. It brought to mind British Colonial design so I used it as my inspiration in creating the look I was going for. British Colonial style is relaxed, genteel and travelled. It often features lightweight rattan, folding tables and chairs so things can be moved from place to place, cane and bamboo furniture, linen fabrics and leather accents. The side table, which has a removable tray and bamboo shaped folding legs, has a rattan tray top trimmed with a leather band. The cane baskets and the linen wrapped drum chandelier finish the nod towards British Colonial style. I never like for my designs to feel too themed so I decided to introduce some plaids, wool and velvets to the space to diverge from the colonial style. The outcome is an eclectic space that is unique and timeless in its design.
By simply changing the accessories and light fixtures in these designs, I was able to completely change the overall look and feel of the space without replacing any of the foundational pieces. In design one, we see a space that is refined and sophisticated with a modern feel while design two is Asian-inspired with a contemporary vibe. The textures and patterns used in design three help to achieve the boho style while the use of leathers, rattan and linens in design four give a nod to the British Colonial style I wanted to subtly introduce while keeping the space more modern. So, I hope this inspires you to rethink ditching everything in your space the next time you are looking for a change!
