Add "Wow" to a Boring Room

Do you have a room that looks blah, even after you've done all the painting and put in all the new furniture? Did you think you were finished but now realize that you've only got the background for a great room?

Well, now is the time to add special details to make the space sparkle with personality. Follow our tips to add interest and individuality to your new room.

# Find Interesting Furnishings
There's nothing wrong with plain furniture and walls, but they certainly don't attract your eye and satisfy your senses. With the addition of a perfectly chosen piece of furniture, you can jazz up the space. Think of how a hand-painted armoire would draw the eye. Would a red high-gloss chair be just the right thing? How about a beautifully textured and upholstered ottoman. Something that might really stand out like a sore thumb might just stand out as the star of the room.

# Use One Old Piece
Even one carefully chosen antique piece can add character to a room. Choose a pretty chest of drawers, an armoire, a side table, or chair.

# Add Art
To create character and personality, choose art to capture your passions. To add color and style, frame travel posters or prints, family photos, and paintings to the walls.

# Display Fresh Plants and Flowers
There's nothing like flowers and fresh plants to add texture and natural color to a space. Be sure the plants are healthy and happy and that artificial flowers in dark spaces are dusted and shiny.

# Add Texture for an Interesting Touch
Resist the temptation to have everything match. Combine soft and hard, rough and soft, shiny and flat surfaces. Select silky smooth fabrics with shaggy carpet, sleek tabletops with nubby textiles. Use glass combined with rugged wood and greens.

# Hunt for Unique Accessories
Add a touch of whimsy for smiles and interest. Shop at flea markets to find interesting accessories that you can adapt to your space. A simple coat of paint and some decorative painting can transform a piece of trash into a treasure. Anything quirky will become the focal point.

# Choose a Theme
If you really want a unique room, choose a theme to decorate around. Whether it's the '50s or Hawaii, Provence or an English drawing room, having a focus for furniture, accessories and art, can really make a room interesting!

# Combine Types of Lighting
Avoid a boring single overhead light for the room and include different types of lighting around the space. If you've chosen wonderful art, use art lighting. Track lighting can help you focus light on the space where you'll be working. A fun themed lamp will give color and texture as well as light to a specific area. Combining different types of lights will make the space more interesting.

# Gather Your Collectibles
If you have a collection of items that are of particular importance, gather them into one room and use them for the basis of your decor. Antique vases, hats, musical instruments, miniature art, and old photos are just some of the ideas you could use for the foundation of your decorating. If you're surrounded by things you love, the room will be warm and welcoming.

# Surround the Space with Stencil
Once the walls are painted, add a decorative border of stenciling. A simple vine or "words of wisdom" can circle the room and draw the eye from otherwise boring plain walls. If you're feeling really artistic, add decorative painting touches of flowers and whimsical figures.

# Architectural Salvage
For texture and old-world charm, install old pieces of Architectural salvage. Brackets, mantels, screen doors, and old windows can be found at salvage yards or on sites when buildings are being dismantled. Iron gates and window surrounds, pedestal columns, and corner moldings are particularly interesting and can be adapted to many decorating styles.

# Arrange Area Rugs
To anchor an arrangement of furniture or define an area, an area rug can be the ideal solution. With so many styles, colors, and textures on the market, you're bound to find just the right one for your decor.

Article by: Coral Nafie