Posted on: Tuesday, February 15, 2005

It's time to give home a new look

By Elizabeth Betts Hickman
Gannett News Service

Decorators turned a lot of traditional remodeling, decorating and makeover advice upside down during the past year. New and refined products like carpet squares found a refreshing new place in the home. Here is some of the best advice on how to rethink your home projects during the coming year.

• Don't skimp when it comes to framing valuables. Heirloom photos or important family documents should be framed using acid-free mats and backings. Also consider UV-reflective glass, if the pictures are going to be hung in bright areas: Don't hang original art or photographs in bathrooms, kitchens, sunrooms or any room that receives direct light. Another tip: Fragile, old prints and photographs should be hung on interior walls, not walls that face outside.

• Plan for more than one seating arrangement. Consider using two or three sofas rather than one sofa and a lot of chairs. If the room is narrow enough, place the TV across from the fireplace and arrange the sofa perpendicular to the walls so it can be used to view both the fireplace and the TV.

• Plan ahead when decorating. If you're in a new home or just want to change your decorating scheme, consider hiring a designer to create a master plan that you can fill in over several years. Another option is to hire someone to re-style your house in a day or half-day, using the items you already own.

• Carpet squares are a great alternative to reflooring. They come in a variety of types, patterns and colors and are easy to install and replace if one piece gets damaged or soiled.

• Don't overlook stripes when choosing fabrics and wallpapers. They don't have to look like they came from a circus tent. Sophisticated stripes pair well with florals and geometrics, and they lend depth to rooms.

• Think twice about keeping your '80s-era color schemes. They're starting to look really outdated. It's time to get rid of the baby pink and blue, unless it's in a nursery. Ditto hunter green and burgundy as a large-scale theme.

• Outdoor fabric is a great investment that looks great. If you're interested in upgrading your outdoor entertaining area, look into the wide range of outdoor fabrics, which hold up to blistering sun, rain and humidity. Check out www.outdoorfabrics.com for options.

• Cosmetic makeovers are a cheaper alternative to remodeling. If your budget doesn't include funding for a new addition or the removal of a wall, consider a fresh paint job, putting in new interior hardware, updating lighting fixtures, putting down new carpet or flooring, or just a fresh backsplash or countertop for the kitchen or bath. All will make a big difference for only a few thousand dollars.

• Don't discount "outdated" furniture in junk stores. Look at the bones of an item, not the body. New upholstery and paint can revitalize anything that has a great shape.

• Traditional style doesn't have to be stuffy. Just make sure you don't overcrowd. Consider paring down your accessories: Concentrate on showing off what you love, not what you bought and feel like you have to display.

• Don't stress over centerpieces. Flowers from the grocery displayed in a tray or small vases (not just stuck in a vase straight from the bouquet), a pile of fruit on a platter, or a bunch of pretty, green grapes in a bowl on the center of your table are all simple centerpiece options that don't cost a lot, and look terrific.