Never has the home been more important than it is today. While economists say the recession is over, many households are still enduring financial hardships. Due to less expendable income and tighter spending habits, Americans are now spending more time at home, and apparently are enjoying it. In 2009, an ABC news report stated that “nesting” and “dining in” was on the rise as more Americans are staying at home.
Spending more time at home can require a change in ambiance and décor, as homeowners reevaluate what they can do to create a positive environment during challenging times. With a little thought a home can become a sanctuary.
Decorators and home interior experts are seeing consumers who are looking for a minor “face lift,” which could mean changing a wall color, rearranging furniture, or acquiring an object of interest to create a focal point in a room.
The power of lighting should also not be underestimated. “Since more focus is on the home, now is a great time to make it more inviting, comfortable, and more importantly, refreshing,” said Connie Johnson, co-owner of Creighton Interiors in Clayton. “To achieve this, you do not have to spend a fortune. In fact, just a few changes can make a world of difference, creating harmony and balance.”
Homeowners focused on accessories in 2010 as a great way to update a room or house without making major changes and breaking the bank. As with adding a great belt or shoes to an outfit, so is adding an accessory, or new focal point to a room. It might be a vase you have had for years and didn’t know where to use it, a floral arrangement, old and rare books, etc. Most homes are full of objects that can be used to revamp a room when homeowners get creative.
2011 trends indicate that the focus will stay on entertaining at home. Rooms such as kitchens, media rooms and outside areas will continue to get attention. Experts advise consumers to have a “wow” factor or focal point, make sure the space is functional, and above all, make the space comfortable.
Color is important in setting the tone in a house and achieving the harmony that people want and need in the home. Color is a bargain and it is one of the least expensive changes that can be made to a house's appearance and set a new “stage.” If a homeowner can’t afford new kitchen cabinets, a coat of paint and adding new hardware in brushed nickel or bronze can add a “brand new” appearance. Spray-painting light fixtures and accessories can jazz up a room and cost pennies.
Color should “wow” you, not scream at you. As personalities are different, so are houses, and what works for one will not work for another. A free-spirited, creative person might gravitate toward warm, earth tones like pumpkin orange, tomato red or Tuscan yellow.
A structured person who prefers monochromatic themes might be drawn to walls that are white, cream, beige, sandstone and other basic neutral colors. A quiet, reflective person might prefer light blues, grays and soothing green tones. Whatever the color, it should reflect a personality and bring a sense of calmness.
People who are relocating to another state or home often make changes in décor due to the requirements of a new resident. Consumers are now buying and selling pieces on consignment, which is a new concept in the interior design world. This strategy is cost saving and allows consumers to enjoy quality home décor pieces without paying top price.
Consignment furniture allows homeowners to repurpose, re-use and recycle beautiful pre-owned items that are not working in a current home. Consignment home décor runs the gamut from furniture, art, mirrors, lamps, antiques, china, tabletop accessories, floral arrangements and more. Consignment also works for families who are downsizing.
Outdoor entertaining is popular in the South and emphasis will stay on outside decor. Decks and outdoor patios should be viewed as extension of the home and not as substitute garage or places to store junk.
Any budget can allow for repainting current furniture, purchasing a fresh new patio umbrella, or adding a few plants for minor landscaping improvements. If you have extra funds, a deck or patio expansion could be considered, as well as adding an outdoor fireplace, new seating area, or a water fountain. These additions add ambiance and personality to a home and make it more marketable when it is time to sell.
Media rooms continue to be popular with families and are used more than ever due to the entertainment trends reported in the last several years. Families are enjoying bonding at home by watching movies on the big screen in the comfort of their own home.
Changing the lighting in a house can make a difference from overhead to new lamps. Iron and rubbed oil bronze are popular choices. When people who are relocating purchase older homes, a visit to the local Habitat for Humanity store might be called for where the selection of good quality light fixtures and many other gently used items can be purchased. “Lighting is crucial to any room, and can set the mood for tranquility, romance, or even a leisurely night of reading,” said Johnson.
And, for a new concept in decorating, try creating a “mom cave.” Everyone knows about the popular “man cave” where men retreat with remotes in hand to Barcalounger recliners and HD flat screens. Now, women are getting on board and creating their own spaces to relax, recharge and rejuvenate from the daily routines of child rearing, working, cooking, cleaning, and endless errands. This room is important because the adage is true that “if momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” At the end of the day, the woman of the house needs a cozy place of retreat where she can read uninterrupted, work on a hobby, or catch a few winks to recharge.
An extra room, any unused corner, attic or even a walk-in closet can be transformed into a personal place for solitude. All it takes it willingness and creativity. Furniture companies like Hooker Furniture make it easy with its Melange collection. One of the collection pieces is a beautiful desk where you can write letters to old friends or catch up on your scrapbook hobby. Even paying bills is not as painful when done in a soothing room with welcoming furniture.
In the “mom cave,” the most important piece of furniture is a chair, lounge or other piece that is cozy for sitting or reclining. This is the place to daydream, read a good book, nap, or have an uninterrupted chat with an old friend. Hooker Furniture even has a chair named aptly, “Sanctuary.”
As we have experienced in the last few years, the world is constantly shifting but consumers can evolve during life changes to make their homes a place of renewal. Be open to using different resources, simple solutions like paint, lighting, and repurposed items to create an atmosphere that you can live in, entertain in, and enjoy for years to come.
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