I don’t know about you, but I am over the warm and cozy look I’ve been living with since October. I’m yearning for some springtime vibes and I bet you are, too! Not to fret, there are a few fabulous-and surprisingly affordable moves you can make in your home that can easily transition it to spring. The key is to do one simple thing in every room.
The Kitchen: Paint
The kitchen is the room in the house that needs to be painted the most often. It gets a lot of use and traffic and a fresh coat of paint works wonders in there! Why not go for something cool and current? Last week, I painted the upper half of one of my kitchen walls with Sherwin-Williams Chalkboard Paint. I’m adding a chair rail and lots of empty white frames for a chic add-on. This way, I can write messages inside the frames and also adding a little color to a black wall. The chalkboard paint looks cool, while the white frames look fresh.
http://www.sherwinwilliams.com
Cost: Under $100
Skill Level: You can totally do this
Foyer: Lighting
Whether you live in an apartment or a grand home, we all have something that qualifies as an entryway. Usually, there is some sort of overhead light and it’s usually awful. If you rent, it’s almost always some $20 horror. For under $100, you can change it to something fabulous and chic and won’t make anyone feel like they’re at the doctor’s office upon entering your abode. If you rent, just put the old one away in a closet and switch it back before you move. Stay away from super bright lights and check the clearance on your door. For example, in my home I had to get a flush mount or the door would hit it. Lamps Plus has a ton of options that are affordable and come in every possible design style. Added bonus, they have a ton of home decor, too! Who new?
http://www.lampsplus.com
Cost: Varies, but under $100 is very doable
Skill Level: Get someone to do this for you unless you’re an electrician
Living Room: Modular Carpeting
Living Rooms are where you almost always need to drop the most cash, that’s a fact. Your biggest pieces are there… sofas, tables, electronics, etc. Most of us don’t change sofas yearly, but how can you get a fresh look without cashing out your 401K? Easy, carpeting. Area rugs are one of my favorite ways to do quick change ups, but Flor carpet tiles have some fashion forward designs that are well priced and a cinch to use. The real kicker is the replaceability factor. They come in “tiles” that you piece together so when you drop a glass of Brunello, it’s not disastrous. You just replace that one tile. For me, with two kids under the age of six, it’s the answer to my Type A prayers! Also great for anyone with pets or just a high traffic household. Check out my faves, Mod Cow and Hey Jack for big punches of style.
http://www.Flor.com
Cost: Varies
Skill Level: Everyone, including a 12-year-old
Bedroom & Bathroom: Linens
In the winter, we tend to bust out the down comforter or over-stuffed duvet. They keep us toasty, but become unnecessary in spring and summer and just look a little out of place. I like to switch them out with lighter coverlets and cotton blankets for a fresh look. This also gives you the opportunity to change up the style a bit. Tired of that Chevron look yet? I hear you! Why not try a bright floral or fun color block look? New towels and shower curtains are also super easy ways to update a bathroom in a minute. Besides, old towels are kind of gross and nobody wants to use your eye makeup or bleach stained linens when they use your bathroom. Keep your eyes peeled for a good white sale and always check online at places like HSN, Horchow and One Kings Lane for high end items at discounted prices.
Cost: $200 and up
No skills necessary
Anywhere: Statement Mirror
I love mirrors for several reasons. First, they are a stylish answer for awkward wall space. Plus, they come in a gazillion design styles and are super affordable. Additionally, when hung adjacent to a window, they reflect the light and scenery of the view. Your room will feel instantly bigger and brighter. I do this in almost every NYC apartment I decorate. You can find mirrors everywhere from Home Goods to flea markets and everywhere in between. If you want to isolate a specific design, go online and you are sure to find everything from chic chinoiserie to grand Venetian mirrors at large sites like Wayfair.com. They enable you to carve out your style, budget and color very easily and there’s often free shipping. Make sure to check weights of mirrors. A lot of walls can’t hold up some mega-weighty mirrors and then it starts getting complicated. Go for the lighter options whenever possible.
http://www.wayfair.com
Cost: $50 and up
Skill Level: Can you hammer a nail?
I can almost smell the freshly cut grass already.
Check your local TV listings for more of celebrity designer, Courtney Cachet’s gift guides, style ideas and tips. You can catch her frequent appearances nationwide on TV and online, where she dishes out all the latest in all things fab for your home and lifestyle! Keep up with her on http://www.courtneycachet.com or Facebook and join the conversation!