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F ir s t im p r e s s io n s c o u n t , s o s p r u c e
u p y o u r e n tr y . S ta r t b y b r in g in g
in a s m a ll d re s s e r, ta b le , o r b e n c h
t o c re a te a f o c a l p o in t , t h e n la y
a r u g a n d a d d s o m e a c c e s s o rie s .
A p o r c e la in u m b r e lla s ta n d o r a
c o p p e r b o o t t r a y c a n p r e t t y u p th e
e v e r y d a y s tu ff. A m i r r o r a ls o a d d s
g r e a t s ty le a n d f u n c t io n .
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Do away with the expected. A
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collection of interesting objects—an
old pewter pitcher, a big bowl with mounded
moss and a small crystal sphere, an antique
mercury bottle—is so much more interesting
as a dining table centerpiece than candlesticks.
The more unusual the better!
Aubrey Smiga, designer
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Hang curtains near the ceiling rather
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than just above the window trim. It
gives the illusion of height—great for a small
room or low ceiling.
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Let a colorful sturdy tote pull duty
as a magazine holder. It adds instant
personality, and the portability is a plus.
Swap out that serious and heavy
Oriental rug for a sea grass area rug
to lighten the room and your mood. Go a step
further by layering a smaller, patterned, flat-
weave rug for a graphic punch.
Liz Levin, designer
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Swap out the coverlet, pillows, or
throw on your bed. Any—or all—are
easy enough to change and will make it seem
like you have a new room every season.
Janna Lufkin, stylist
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Your art seems to float in space,
move it closer to the sofa or table it's
hanging above. The items should relate, not
disconnect. You also can make small art seem
large by butting several frames against one
another so they read as one piece.
D True You
What’s your
decorating style?
Our fun visual quiz
will give you clues.
Check it out at
BHG.com/
bhgstylequiz
A fabric shower curtain is full of
potential. Clip rings on and slip it
onto a rod for curtains. (You can cut the
shower curtain down the middle and hem
the edges to get two panels.) Or use the
yardage for pillows or as a “throw” at the
foot of a bed. With a wide range of solid
colors and prints—classic paisleys to animal
motifs—the bath aisle has never been a better
source for frugal decorators.
Wallpaper the drawer or door fronts
of a painted dresser or cabinet. You’ll
get a custom-looking piece with lots of impact.
Add a new trash can or canisters
in the kitchen, or a soap dish and
countertop accessories in the bathroom. They
will make you see how the really small things
often make the biggest difference.
B ET T ER HOMES AND GARDENS |
MARCH 2011 |
BHG.COM
PHOTO: KIM CORNELISON
