Re-Styling Your Home Using Things You Already Have

May 3, 2020

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As you find yourself holed up in your home (working, eating, sleeping, repeating) things may start looking a little… stale. Thankfully there’s a no-cost, low-effort solution and it’s already at your fingertips. Restyling your home can happen using the items in your home. Here are 8 ways to change the look of your home without buying anything new, or leaving home to get it.

1. CHANGE THE FOCAL POINT

Stand back and look around. What are the focal points of the room? Perhaps the focus is on a window, an architectural feature or a piece of art. By drawing attention to a different feature in the room, you can alter its flow in a new and exciting way. Tip: start by moving the television.

2. RE-ARRANGE THE FURNITURE

In fact, this is an effective way to draw attention to your new focal point! Create a new vignette by repositioning a table and a couple of chairs, a floor lamp and a rug underfoot. Angle it toward the focal point and voila! Your eye immediately moves to a new spot in the space.

3. RE-PURPOSE YOUR FURNITURE

Bring new life to old favourites by giving them a new purpose. For example, a kitchen stool can become a side table, or some vintage suitcases can be stacked into a night table. Shop your home and see what you can find. If you’ve got some old paint cans kicking around, consider giving your furniture a fresh coat.

4. RAISE YOUR CURTAINS

Mount your curtain rods higher than the upper frame of the window. This creates the illusion of higher ceilings and bigger windows – double bonus! Along the same lines, have the side panels on the outside of the frame, to make the window seem wider. It may be an illusion, it’ll give your space an instant pick-me-up.

5. MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

This accessory is such a game-changer in the home, I had to say it twice. A mirror has the power to visually double the size of a room, and double the amount of light in it, by reflection. Consider hanging a mirror opposite a window, to instantly brighten the room.

6. ACCESSORIZE!

Dust off your collections and mementos, and put them on display. Accessorize your bookshelves, display areas and coffee table with some of your favourite pieces from the past, to bring new life to the present.

7. TIDY UP

You’d be surprised at how fresh and airy a space can feel once it’s been rid of all that extra clutter. If you no longer use it, love it or want it, why keep it? Sell, donate or toss these items. Not only will life feel simpler, but you’ll have less to dust and keep organized.

8. CREATE SOMETHING UNIQUE

As you social distance yourself, use your newfound free time to tap into your creative side. Maybe you’re a painter, a potter or you’re graced with a green thumb. Whatever you’re into, infuse yourself into your home.

If you’re looking for ideas, browse your favourite online magazines, decor blogs and your favourite designers’ social media channels. But oftentimes, if you look hard enough, all the inspiration you’ll ever need is you.

RED BARRINUEVO

Toronto-based, award-winning Interior Stylist, Red Barrinuevo is an Interior Decorator and Principal of Redesign4more, servicing clients in Toronto and the GTA. The firm’s known for enhancing and creating stylish yet functional spaces through their creative home staging, interior styling services, and design services.  www.redesign4more.com.