Sometimes the simplest decorating swaps can yield the biggest returns. These one-hit-wonder changes will invigorate your spaces with minimal effort on your part. But be forewarned: One swap may make you want to do another … and another. But that’s what makes decorating fun, right?
Swap standard-issue pillows for something with personality.
Ditch the pillows that came with your sofa and layer in a contrasting colour or pattern. But don’t toss the old pillows into the donation bin just yet. Oftentimes these pillows have reusable forms and will fit inside new covers. Or if y ou’re handy with a sewing machine, stitch new covers to size and you’ll save the expense of new pillow forms.
Swap a cluttered, utilitarian nightstand for something prettier.
Bring some luxury to your life by simply giving your nightstand a little love. Clear out the unnecessary clutter (we mean that pile of receipts and five random pens) and add a few pretty accessories that make your bedroom feel more like a retreat and less like a dumping ground. Designate a drawer for the basics, such as chargers.
Swap a plain lampshade for a patterned cousin.
Most lampshades are plain white, which can stick out like a sore thumb in a room where colour or muted neutrals reign. Do your whole room a favour and replace these offending lampshades with something that blends in better.
Swap a coffee table for an ottoman.
This swap is particularly effective if y our coffee table is part of a matched set with your end tables. An upholstered ottoman softens a furniture arrangement and provides another opportunity to add pattern and colour. Add a large tray to the top as a stable spot for drinks and accessories.
Swap silver for gold.
The gold trend is here to stay, so what are you waiting for? Start small and work in a few gold accessories to a specific spot. If y ou want to start riding the next trend, go with copper or rose gold.
Swap solid curtains for patterned counterparts.
Ditch plain window treatments for something a little livelier. Keep the new curtains within the same colour family as your old ones, and use the existing patterns in your room to determine the scale of the new window treatments. For example, if you have small- and large-scale patterns in your room, opt for curtains in a medium-scale pattern.
Swap bulky furniture for airy pieces.
Heavy, solid-frame accent furniture (such as end tables and ottomans) can weigh down a space. Replacing this dead weight with less-bulky pieces will make a space feel lighter and more refined.
Swap basic hardware for a custom combination.
Who says all hardware needs to be the same? Forge your own path with a mixed-and-matched set of knobs, pulls and bars.
