Pump up the Volume

Do you need a quick way to freshen up space in your home or business?  Or is your space filled with too many neutrals?  Well, Goldie Design is here to help you add that pop of color that will not overwhelm you or your space.

Most people buy furniture in neutrals to be able to change their space seasonally throughout the year.  However, many never take the time to change or even add the accessories to get that pop of color needed to create a unique space due to lack of time or funds. We are here to offer some quick “Pump Up the Volume” solutions for your home or business for a fresh, new look.

View the “Goldie Design” Pinterest Boards (GoldieZDesign) for inspiration to make changes to your space.  Marshalls, Home Goods, OneKingsLane.com, Tuesday Morning, and Target and even second hand stores are good places to start searching for the items below to save money.  Enjoy!

Rugs:

I recommend choosing an area rug before selecting other accessories in the room. It can be challenging to find an area rug to go with existing accessories and art.  However, if you are working backwards, then you may want to choose a neutral or a monochomatic pattern to go with new or existing décor in your space. For those of you with unlimited budgets, handtied rugs are the most luxurious.  Especially Tibetian rugs made in Nepal.  You can create a customized Tibetian rug that will last for decades to wear and tear.  Buying tiled carpet, such as Flor, is another option to withstand wear and tear, but of course is not as luxurious.  You can simply replace a section of the tiled carpet damaged, which is very cost effective.

For those of us on strict budgets, look on Pinterest for rugs you like aesthetically and financially that link to the store’s website. If possible, try to find the rug you found online in an actual store, so you’ll be certain about the quality and look for your space. Another option is to go to a carpet store to see what carpet is available on rolls.   The store can cut a custom-size for your room and add the roping around the sides so it does not fray.  It is suggested to hunt for big sales by calling stores in your area.  Rugs can be big and heavy, so bring a large enough vehicle to transport to your space if delivery costs are not an option.  Be aware it may take a few tries to find the perfect rug you are looking for.  I always try to buy 2 or 3 choices at one time to have options.  Before attempting this suggestion, look at the store’s return policy.  Purchase only one rug if the store has an exchange only policy.  It can be a chore transporting a heavy rug to and from the store, but I think it is worth the effort to obtain the look you desire on a budget.  Below are some examples of rugs for inspiration.

Pillows:

Add new or swap out pillows to your sofa and accent chairs each season to bring new life to your place.  This is an easy way to incorporate texture, rhythm, and new color in a space to keep things looking up to date.  Try mixing different patterned pillows in the same color palate to add more movement and interest in your space.  It is always great to add at least one or two pillows that have a more textured appearance to create a more layered look.  Here are some pictures of some fabulous pillows I bought at Home Goods.

Art:

A great way to bring your existing photos, prints, and original pieces together is to choose the same frame color or style.  A quick way to get the same color frames is to use spray paint.  Look up spray paint tutorials on You Tube for step-by-step directions.  Maybe a quick coat of paint will not do the trick for the look you want, so I recommend purchasing alike frames.  This could get expensive, so conquer one room at a time.

 

Vases & Glass:

Grouping similar color and styled vases together in different sizes is a great way to add color in any space. If budget is not an issue, there are gorgeous Murano and Romanian pieces that will add the jewels to a bland room that will make it truly special. However, you can obtain a unique look by supporting emerging glassblowers by attending your local county and art fairs to purchase beautifully, blown-glass pieces, which is more budget friendly. Thrift stores, flea markets, and antique stores are also great resources to find glassware.

 

 

Plants & Fresh Flowers:

Any room comes to life with indoor plants and fresh flowers. Visiting your cities flower district is a fabulous way of buying plants and flowers at a great price. This is what we did when we planned my wedding. Yes, I was ambitious enough to create my own centerpieces for my wedding. By planning ahead, we saved a ton of money to get the look we wanted on a strict budget. I absolutely dispise L.A. traffic, so I usually go to my neighborhood farmer’s market to add life to each space. There’s nothing like having fresh flowers in your home and business to add color and drama to a space.

 

Throw Blankets:

Keep in mind the other items placed in your space while selecting throw blankets. Throw blankets are a great way to add texture to a space that appears flat. Studies have show that people with more texture in a room are usually more outgoing. Cashmere, baby camel, and alpaca throw blankets are a few options a more luxurious feel. Costco and Sams Club have great throw blankets in the winter to choose from at a more reasonable price—as well as the previous establishments mentioned. No matter what your budget is, make sure you open the throw blanket to check it is big enough to cover your shoulders and feet to be comfy keeping warm on your sofa.