(ARA) – New Year’s is a time when many people commit to starting fresh or developing some positive changes in their lives. As you consider what you will change in 2012, think about where you spend the majority of your time. Your surroundings can greatly influence your mood and actions, and a refreshed interior can help you step forward into a new and improved lifestyle. Enjoying life more in 2012 could start with just a few simple updates to your home.
Color
Home decor trends are constantly evolving, and one of the most obvious aspects of changing style is color. An easy, cost-effective way to instantly modernize your home is to update your walls to a posh hue. Try a shade from Pratt & Lambert’s 2012 Color Trends palette, which features a broad range of colors to fit any style. After tracing the development of today’s styles back to their origins, the brand’s Color + Design team released the 2012 trends forecast. Titled “Trace,” this forecast features five palettes: Essence, Instinctive, Enough, Echo and Expressive. From shimmering ethereal shades, to rich earth tones, to bright vibrant hues, Pratt & Lambert’s 2012 Trends provide the hottest color options to update every room in the home. Use these colors as inspiration for other decorating elements as well to create a cohesive, modern atmosphere.
Accents
Whether your taste is classic and elegant, natural and rustic, or clean and modern, accessories have a huge impact on the feel of any room. Mirrors, wall hangings, table art, pillows and floral arrangements are just some examples of accents that can completely change the look and feel of a space. Don’t be afraid to combine materials and styles, either. An ornate brass mirror can work well to complement the clean lines of a modern end table or the intricate fabric of an antique footstool. Avoid clutter as you add visual accessories by using baskets, chests and other storage pieces to conceal magazines, books and other common items.
Rearrange
Replacing your current furniture may not be in your budget, but don’t underestimate the effect rearranging your current pieces can have on your space. Simply changing the layout of a room costs nothing and can have a dramatic impact on the functionality and atmosphere of your home. Place larger furniture pieces against the wall to open up floor space and avoid blocking walking paths. Or, you might arrange your sofa or elongated pieces of furniture at an angle in the corner of the room to give the illusion of a longer wall and also instantly create hidden storage opportunities. This update is as temporary as you want it to be, so don’t be afraid to try something new. You might even rearrange every few months to keep things fresh throughout the year.
Lighting
To instantly give your space a new look, consider changing the lighting. Whether it’s a large hanging fixture, wall sconces, standing lamps or recessed can lights, adjusting your current lighting will have a significant effect on the ambience of any room. A mixture of light sources works best for most spaces, and a visit to a local lighting store will confirm the options are endless. While many lights will serve functional purposes, others may serve as pure decoration to highlight an aspect of the room, such as a piece of artwork. And, like furniture, remember that simply adjusting the locations of table and floor lamps can have a dramatic impact your room’s feel.
Bring your home into the new year in style and update your color, accents, layout and lighting to start fresh in 2012. By focusing on a few key areas, you can enjoy an improved living space easily and affordably.
