Design Directions: Ten Simple Tips
By Eric Cohler
By Eric Cohler
For those of you who hope to infuse your homes with fresh ideas this year, I challenge you to broaden your horizons and resolve to create a cheerier, more serene and stylish home. Below are some of my suggestions, but don’t let these limit you. Take a look around your home and let it inspire you to make positive changes this year.
Printer-friendly version1. Shake up formality
Formal living rooms are frequently the most outdated areas of the home; they’re rarely used, and as a result, not a redecorating priority. This year let this area take on a new persona. Start by resolving to actually use this room and enjoy it every day. Add bookshelves and a pair of oversized lounge chairs to create a charming library that encourages escape into a good book, and use your new room.
Formal living rooms are frequently the most outdated areas of the home; they’re rarely used, and as a result, not a redecorating priority. This year let this area take on a new persona. Start by resolving to actually use this room and enjoy it every day. Add bookshelves and a pair of oversized lounge chairs to create a charming library that encourages escape into a good book, and use your new room.
2. Throw caution to the wind
Don’t be afraid of color. Start by introducing softer tones of greens, blues and yellows to your home. You’ll gradually work yourself into the world of color and may end up hankering for bolder hues.
Paint and plan a project. The Sears color visualizer gets you started.
Don’t be afraid of color. Start by introducing softer tones of greens, blues and yellows to your home. You’ll gradually work yourself into the world of color and may end up hankering for bolder hues.
Paint and plan a project. The Sears color visualizer gets you started.
3. Spend where it counts most
Splurge on pieces that will be most frequently used and save money on accents. Big-ticket purchases will guide you to complementary accessories. In this way, buying for your home will be like buying a new outfit.
Splurge on pieces that will be most frequently used and save money on accents. Big-ticket purchases will guide you to complementary accessories. In this way, buying for your home will be like buying a new outfit.
4. Make a fresh start
Take time to understand what you really need in your home. Some items may have lost their importance over time if an item has a layer of dust on it, this is probably the case. Try to envision a different way of using it, or consider someone who might better appreciate its value. Never hesitate to update appliances; newer models pay dividends on your energy bills.
Take time to understand what you really need in your home. Some items may have lost their importance over time if an item has a layer of dust on it, this is probably the case. Try to envision a different way of using it, or consider someone who might better appreciate its value. Never hesitate to update appliances; newer models pay dividends on your energy bills.
5. Warm up inside
Cold weather and grey skies can lead to winter blues. Instead of idly waiting for warmer months, spruce up the areas of your home that make staying in on a cold night worthwhile. Warm up your mantle with a new color or stain. Add character by replacing current decorations with a family photo above the mantle. Add a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair, soft throw, classic footstool and a floor lamp for warm task lighting.
Cold weather and grey skies can lead to winter blues. Instead of idly waiting for warmer months, spruce up the areas of your home that make staying in on a cold night worthwhile. Warm up your mantle with a new color or stain. Add character by replacing current decorations with a family photo above the mantle. Add a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair, soft throw, classic footstool and a floor lamp for warm task lighting.
6. Drive out disorder, once and for all
A yearly spring purge is not enough to keep clutter from returning as the seasons change. To avert the annual clutter crisis, create hiding spaces for clutter before it begins. Cordon off an area for storage by placing a decorative screen in one corner of the room. If you don’t have space, wrap skirts around end tables to hide items.
A yearly spring purge is not enough to keep clutter from returning as the seasons change. To avert the annual clutter crisis, create hiding spaces for clutter before it begins. Cordon off an area for storage by placing a decorative screen in one corner of the room. If you don’t have space, wrap skirts around end tables to hide items.
7. Break away from the norm
Avoid a style rut by choosing bold fabrics, rugs or wall art to mix up your design. Try incorporating black, deep plum or orange for a daring, modern statement. Contrary to popular belief, dark colors do not make a room feel smaller; they add an exciting layer of depth and warmth. If color isn’t for you, purchase a great chandelier, an antique table, granite countertops or stainless steel appliances for the kitchen. All make strong statements and will be in style for years to come.
Avoid a style rut by choosing bold fabrics, rugs or wall art to mix up your design. Try incorporating black, deep plum or orange for a daring, modern statement. Contrary to popular belief, dark colors do not make a room feel smaller; they add an exciting layer of depth and warmth. If color isn’t for you, purchase a great chandelier, an antique table, granite countertops or stainless steel appliances for the kitchen. All make strong statements and will be in style for years to come.
8. Change your mindset
Don’t look at home renovation as a chore. Gather family or friends to get the project started. Making it a fun event will give you something to look forward to, and once the change has begun you’ll be inspired to carry out the transformation. Avoid setting a specific timeline; browse through catalogs and home furnishing stores at your leisure and only purchase items you love. This will ensure that you’ll be thrilled with your new space.
Don’t look at home renovation as a chore. Gather family or friends to get the project started. Making it a fun event will give you something to look forward to, and once the change has begun you’ll be inspired to carry out the transformation. Avoid setting a specific timeline; browse through catalogs and home furnishing stores at your leisure and only purchase items you love. This will ensure that you’ll be thrilled with your new space.
9. Evoke an emotion
Each room in your home should evoke an emotion. Consider the mood you want to create. For a calming den, establish a tone-on-tone palette of bold hues or pale tones. A single palette, regardless of the color, will create a soothing atmosphere. Build a cozy family room by furnishing it with lush fabrics, warm lighting and soft rugs. The most welcoming kitchens are the cleanest. Rich cabinetry with a contrasting countertop will create a welcoming space.
Each room in your home should evoke an emotion. Consider the mood you want to create. For a calming den, establish a tone-on-tone palette of bold hues or pale tones. A single palette, regardless of the color, will create a soothing atmosphere. Build a cozy family room by furnishing it with lush fabrics, warm lighting and soft rugs. The most welcoming kitchens are the cleanest. Rich cabinetry with a contrasting countertop will create a welcoming space.
10. Spice up your kitchen
Why wait for a full renovation? A cold winter weekend is a great time to update indoors. For both personality and practicality, try unexpected backsplash materials like cork or mirror. Instead of a cloth, add a runner to your table. Try a fashion-forward wall color like purple, ochre, soft green or coral. Or splurge on that new appliance with all the latest features that you’ve been dreaming of.
Why wait for a full renovation? A cold winter weekend is a great time to update indoors. For both personality and practicality, try unexpected backsplash materials like cork or mirror. Instead of a cloth, add a runner to your table. Try a fashion-forward wall color like purple, ochre, soft green or coral. Or splurge on that new appliance with all the latest features that you’ve been dreaming of.
My favorite things
Each home should have can’t-live-without-it items. These will stay put through the years, and your style can be built around them. Here are some of my favorite things. Hopefully they will inspire you!
Photo of Me as a Child A photo of me as a 10-year-old is my most cherished item. It shows me at a drafting table doing what I’ve always loved to do.
Vintage Photography Collection These images have taken over every surface in my home desks, drawers, shelves. They have evolved from hobby to permanent art collection.
Each home should have can’t-live-without-it items. These will stay put through the years, and your style can be built around them. Here are some of my favorite things. Hopefully they will inspire you!
Photo of Me as a Child A photo of me as a 10-year-old is my most cherished item. It shows me at a drafting table doing what I’ve always loved to do.
Vintage Photography Collection These images have taken over every surface in my home desks, drawers, shelves. They have evolved from hobby to permanent art collection.
Sebastian My all-time favorite thing isn’t a design piece; it’s my dog Sebastian. He puts a smile on my face no matter what mood I’m in. He sleeps at the foot of my bed, despite the doghouse in the corner of my room.
Klismos Chair This Thomas Hope piece, circa 1810, is sculptural and functional. It’s a piece that I never tire of.
Francis Alkins Stool This design, circa 1930, is from a David Adler house-living room. It’s never been recovered, but I find its wear and tear beautiful.
Paris Floor Lamp This lamp by Visual Comfort is practical and reminds me of Parisian “marché aux puces”, which means flea markets.
Kenmore
home design expert
Eric Cohler is one of the country’s leading designers and a frequent contributor to top home and shelter publications, including Elle Décor, House Beautiful and Traditional Home.
home design expertEric Cohler is one of the country’s leading designers and a frequent contributor to top home and shelter publications, including Elle Décor, House Beautiful and Traditional Home.
This year, I’ve resolved to edit my home until it’s organized! I plan to clean my closets and weigh which old favorites (like a sweatshirt that has lingered since college) can be replaced with newer items. Also, I can’t wait to incorporate both a beautiful silvery blue color and a rich corduroy suede fabric into my home.
I do these things each year to keep my home seasonally fresh. Consider your home’s décor and layout to determine the changes that generate a new ambiance.
January 1
Clean window treatments and leave them up until spring. They’ll help insulate windows and add coziness to your space.
April 1
Spring-clean. Add bouquets of fresh flowers for a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere.
July 1
Buy bold, colorful accent pillows and tableware. Take up area rugs to keep rooms feeling fresh and clean.
October 1
Bring warmth back by adding richer fabrics, rugs and blankets.
January 1
Clean window treatments and leave them up until spring. They’ll help insulate windows and add coziness to your space.
April 1
Spring-clean. Add bouquets of fresh flowers for a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere.
July 1
Buy bold, colorful accent pillows and tableware. Take up area rugs to keep rooms feeling fresh and clean.
October 1
Bring warmth back by adding richer fabrics, rugs and blankets.
| 1. | Install energy-saving light bulbs. At the same time, change lamp shades for a quick seasonal update. |
| 2. | Reduce drafts by caulking around leaking windows and doors. Be sure to smooth your caulk line for a nice presentation. |
| 3. | Add acrylic energy panels to insulate windows and help reduce your energy bill. |
| 4. | Give curtains a seasonal update. Use warm colors, inner linings and extend them to the floor to block drafts. |
| 5. | Keep cold air out. Cover sock bundles with fabric that matches your décor. Tie the ends with ribbons and place in front of exterior doors. |
Do you have a question for our make-it-simple team or tips and ideas to share?
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Send them to KenmoreBrand@searshc.com. Each month, our experts will respond to select
questions and we'll post select user tips and ideas. If we respond to your question or post
your tip, you may receive a $10 Sears gift card. Send yours today!
