Designer's Top Ten

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) - When nearing a transition in seasons, I tend to want to update or change my décor. With the fall season just around the corner, I’m already thinking of sitting in my cozy chair with hot apple cider and a house smelling of cinnamon.  Anyone else do the same thing? I came across a top ten list from House Beautiful that gives simple tips on updating your room.  Take it from designers William Diamond and Anthony Baratta who share their considerable expertise on how to rev up your rooms.

1. Painted ceiling.  It will influence a room without interrupting the eye. “Paint the ceiling pink to add warmth and surprise, or sky blue for a feeling of the outdoors; for a more dramatic effect, try gold or silver leaf. ”

2. Buy a colorful Quilt; old or new. Stretch it over a frame like a painter’s canvas and hang it on a wall for an instant shot of pattern and color.

3. Give painted floors a try. “We love painted floors. Use French blue, dark green. Chinese red or even black. ” If you’re feeling adventurous, stencil a border or an overall pattern in a darker shade or complementary color.

4. Accessorize a neutral room with one dominate color. Pick one big color- like hot orange- and find throw pillows in a geometric orange print, a stack of fabric colored orange boxes, or orange ceramic bowls and vases.

5. Be creative with colorful paint. “In an all-white modern room we might paint just one wall in a strong color. ” The colored wall will give added dimension to the room.

6. Add colored lampshades, which can be made with almost and fabric or paper in every imaginable color.

7. Painted antique furniture adds an elegant touch of color. For a more playful look, paint or pinstripe a piece of thrift shop furniture.

8. One of the easiest ways to introduce colors in a room without overwhelming the room is with a rug. A strong rug will ground a room and add depth and drama to a neutral space.

9. Reframe a painting or print with a color mat that matches one of the artwork’s dominating colors.

10. Slipcover a sofa or a chair in a clean, bold color canvas with a contrasting welt. “Slipcovers are less permanent investment. Try bold checks or stripes in crisp, clean colors, or a favorite large- scale print. ”