 | Diane Lewis
owns Three French Hens, a unique gift and decor boutique in Augusta, KS. Diane and her girls offer many years of experience in home décor and love to share their tips and techniques with curious shoppers. You can visit Three French Hens nestled in a quaint storybook house, located one block south of Highway 54 on School Street, or phone Diane at (316) 775-5875. |
Interior Decorating
2004-04-01 16:41:00
'Rounding' out a perfect square
Question: After watching home makeover shows on TV I have come to the conclusion my house is lacking architectural character. Do you have any suggestions to enhance the space and add depth and color to an otherwise perfect square?
ANSWER: Lets start first with some fun color choices. With a little paint and an endless imagination you can turn any room into a masterpiece! First, talk to someone about what you do and don't want! Find a theme that fits your personality, because as they say, your home is an extension of you! Next head to the paint department and find a sample paint strip that has 4 colors that make you swoon! Make sure as the colors get lighter there is enough contrast, if not then move to the next color choice. This is where it gets fun…Choose one wall in your (soon to be) new favorite room and paint the entire wall the darkest color you've chosen from the 4. Next, using a tape measure and a straightedge, block out a geometric pattern. Blocks should be larger than the room's architectural elements, such as windows and doors. Make the horizontal rectangle large enough to span adjacent furniture (example: 5X9 feet). Draw a smaller vertical rectangle (example: 7X5 feet). Tape off the first rectangle and paint it in the third lightest color. Tape off the second rectangle and paint it in the second lightest color. Paint small light colored rectangles last for the finishing touches. This look is great for any room or if you have a child who loves color give their room a little Pizzazz! Next let’s look at another great way to create a focal point in a plain room. A piece of crown molding and some scrolled wallpaper can make you look like a decorating genius! With this placed not at the ceiling but along the center of the room you will not only draw the eye to an important part of the room but this look will give you another place to display that family portrait or a great piece of framed art that has just the right flare! Here's how…Your intentions are to draw the eyes of your guests to a more visible height. Although this is accomplished by using the same materials as you would at the ceiling! Go to your favorite home improvement store and purchase molding and a decorative border. Mark the position for the molding's upper edge (tip: below the chair tops and above tabletops) with a level and hard lead pencil. Cut small wooden blocks to wedge between angled molding and wall. Screw blocks to wall studs and nail molding to blocks. Cut and nail a 1X4 plank to slightly protrude on top of the molding. Paste wallpaper border below molding.Now, you have made a ledge to place your art! A home with a solid foundation can easily be turned into a place to share, laugh and love. Decorating does not have to break the bank and at the same time you are able to take pride in the accomplishments of your decorating talent!
