Interior Decorating Done Right: Tips to Freshen Up an Old Look
Decorating an older home to give it a more modern appeal doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of ways you can freshen up an old look by using a few simple interior decorating tricks. Here are some tips to help you add a modern and fresh feel to your older home.
Neutral Walls
Paint walls in a neutral tone, such as beige or light gray. Neutral wall colors make a room feel fresh and can create the visual effect of being larger. Besides, if you stick to neutrals you can change your accessories quickly and easily to create the style you want to achieve.
Declutter
If you visit some grandmothers you’ll soon notice their older-style homes are filled with clutter. There are ornaments on shelves, vases on tables and benches, pictures hanging on every available wall space, and various pieces of unnecessary furniture in living rooms. Giving your older home a modern appeal could be as simple as removing any clutter from rooms to help avoid them looking as though your grandmother still lives there. Think about adding one or two poignant ornaments or a bold piece of art on one wall to create a statement instead. Make a focal point rather than filling the space completely.
Natural Light
Lots of older homes are notorious for having heavy, dark-colored drapes over the windows. Aside from being outdated, those drapes can make a room appear smaller and reduce the amount of natural light entering the space. Replace outdated drapes with lighter colored window coverings. If you want to stick with drapes, choose a lighter color that won’t fade quickly, but can still be drawn back to let light in without making the room seem small.
Update Outdated Fixtures
The fixtures and fittings in your home can be a tell-tale sign of age, so it pays to think about updating them. Dated light fittings and discolored light switch plates can drag down your efforts to refresh the home, so replace them with modern alternatives that match your décor whenever possible.
Choose the Right Shelving
Displaying some of your favorite decorations or ornaments on shelves can be a great way to add character to an older home. However, solid shelving units created from dark timber can make everything seem dated. Consider replacing those dark shelves with airy display units instead. Choose shelving with an open back or perhaps even glass shelving to increase the sense of space in the room and add a gallery-style charm that is ideal for older homes.
Fresh is Best
Some older homes can have a musty or stale odor that can make them feel more dated than they really are. For some, a myriad of problems could contribute to the odor. Others may simply be suffering from lack of airflow or ingrained odors in carpets or rugs. Add a few drops of essential oil to some baking soda and sprinkle the mixture lightly onto carpets or rugs to eliminate bad odors. A combination of baking soda, water, and a couple of drops of essential oils or doTERRA products in a spray bottle can also help cleanse bathrooms and leave a fresh aroma behind.
There are plenty of simple ways to update an older home. Be objective about the house and its current condition. Then make your decorating plans accordingly and you’ll find it much easier to achieve your goals.
