5 Easy Steps to Bring a Room to Life!

One of the most common issues I hear from clients regarding their space is that it’s lacking something, and they just can’t put their finger on it. They usually try to define the lack by using words like flat, blah, no character, uninviting, but the truth is it’s lacking life!

5 easy steps to bring a room to life

So today I want to share with you some quick easy tips to help bring life into any space.

1. Window Treatments

Ok, I know right off the bat that some of you are like “Thanks Bre, I already have curtains, tell me something I don’t know!” Right?!?!

Just bare with me for a minute, or if you are completely content with your window treatments skip to number 2.  Smile

You would not believe how many homes I show up to and there are no curtains, or even blinds…nothing! Talk about making a dramatic difference in a room!

If you are searching for some much needed warmth in your space , drapes are your friend not your enemy.

The next thing I look at is the hardware, and then to see if they are layered with say a wooden blind or something similar. We are going to talk about texture in a minute, but one of the best ways to add some depth and warmth to your space is pairing some paneled drapes with a natural texture blind. 5 easy steps to bring a room to life

Not only does it instantly add warmth, but now you are bringing in dimension, and your room has a bit of depth and feels more alive. An inexpensive go to drape for me are these from IKEA, also shown in the photo below.

2. Texture

I said it before and I will say it again, texture, texture, texture. If your rooms is lacking that oomph, take a look around your space and assess how many different textures you have in the room.

5 easy steps to bring a room to life

Texture can come in many different forms, whether it’s adding baskets either to collect items off the floor or tidy up a bookshelf. On window treatments, as mentioned previously, in different forms of blinds. Raw, unfinished wood architectural pieces not only bring in a different texture, but add more dimension to your space as well. Chunky knit throws or pillows, all add texture to a space and keep interest flowing throughout your room.

3. Plants – Real or Faux 

I have what you would call a black thumb, however fresh flowers throughout my house is top on my list!

When adding real plants to a room, it’s a no brainer that they will add life, because they are alive. However I still feel like they are overlooked. If you tend to kill every plant you touch (like me), or prefer something with little or no maintenance, faux is your friend. To show you how key this element can be I created a mood board with no plants or flowers in the space, and then did a side by side comparison with plants and flowers in the space. Even on screen the space comes to life!

5 easy steps to bring a room to life

4. Lighting

Lighting is key!

I know just about every room is equipped with one overhead light, smack dab in the middle of the ceiling. Let me tell you right now, those are not my favorite. Yes obviously they are for chandeliers, and if you must a ceiling fan, but having table lamps and floor lamps make a space feel more intimate and cozy, and also adds character and depth to your space.

5 easy steps to bring a room to life

5. No Matchy – Matchy

Ok, so the last one I’m sure you are probably thinking is a bit silly. However, for a warmer, cozier look, you want the overall look and feel of your room to be one that was put together over time, not buying the entire set of furniture off the showroom floor, with matching table lamps and rug.

If you have a certain look in mind, refer to your inspiration photos. Study them to find the common denominators, a recurring theme, and items that you absolutely love, and the ones you don’t. Begin piecing together your room, with the large main objects first, and then fill in the space around them with accent pieces. Choosing an accent chair is a great way to add warmth and interest, and key to helping a space look cohesive without matchy – matchy. 5 easy steps to bring a room to life

Adding some secondhand pieces, or even some great weathered pieces from HomeGoods is an affordable way to bring life to your space, and gives the impression of a room put together overtime. Choosing your favorite pieces to put a room together assures a room you will love for a long time, although it takes some patience, the reward is well worth it in the end.

Thanks so much for hanging out with me today!

If you need help putting a room together, e-mail me at doucettedesign@comcast.net, and check out Doucette Design for assistance or having your own custom mood board put together.

We’re here to Help you Love the space you Live in. Have a great Day!

bre

12 Comments

  1. Luv your tips Bre . I agree…a room needs to look collected, not instantly purchased in order form it look and feel put together.

  2. Thanks for these wonderful tips! They’re fantastic. I’m slowly learning how important they are – especially #5. I’m trying not to rush decorating the rooms in my house, but rather slowly collect things I love!

  3. Fun post! And, I don’t usually point out spelling errors because it happens so easily but I have to point out this one…. you might want to add another “s” to a word in #2. lol! Pretty sure you want it to be assess. :)

  4. This is the first time I’ve read your blog, thanks to a pinterest link, and I will admit the 12 year old in me cracked up at the following typo: …take a look around your space and asses how many different textures you have in the room.

  5. I agree with all of these tips! Especially the texture, texture, texture! I am a huge fan of adding texture with different fabrics, wood, metal…anythings to break up a room and add some interest!Such a great post : )

  6. Great article!! I love the tips, however the one thing I do struggle with is the matchy matchy syndrome.

    Thanks again for some great ideas/tips

    Marilyn C.

  7. Thanks for the great article – I do love your sense of style and plan to incorporate what you’ve advised into my home!

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