During an earnest attempt at spring-cleaning last week I got sidetracked. If you know me, this is not at all surprising. All that sorting and dusting really took a toll on my hoarding tendencies and free spirit. To keep my sanity, I began daydreaming to pass the time. Before long, I’d reimagined the layout of the entire room. Conjuring future interior design projects seemed much more worthy of my time. I discovered that the overall monochromatic look of the room and drab mix of hand me down decor felt sad and lackluster. I felt motivated to make a change. I’d recently acquired several art pieces for my front hallway, so it felt financially frivolous to embark on a total makeover. But, I needed a few hacks to affordably accomplish my new goal. For the next hour, instead of placing old shoes into storage bins, I devised a few fail-proof ways to embellish the room on a limited budget. Here’s what I decided, with help from Spruce Home and Goss Designs.
Blankets & Pillows:
New Orleans-based interior designer Page Goss says, “I like to add a pop of color with a throw or accent pillow.” She loves this oversized jacquard woven blanket by Evelina Kroon or this Schoolhouse x Pendelton wool blanket as a fun point of interest.
For local finds, check out the accent pillows and throws at spots like Perch, Fairfax Fabric and Eclectic Home to tie it all together.
Left to Right:
Woven blanket by Evelina Kroon, 1st Dibs, Midnight Mantra Pillow, Eclectic Home
Wallpaper:
Although not as cost effective as a throw pillow, wallpaper applications can make a huge impact without the need to change anything else. The experts at Spruce, a one stop shop for luxury wallpaper, fabric and design, offered their current favorites with spring and Jazz Fest top of mind. They said, “We love that each of these designs can offer a different look depending on where they’re installed and have a truly New Orleans feel.”
Clockwise from Left all available at Spruce:
Via Salvestrina 12 Panna Wallpaper by Visioni Collection, Stormy Water Sandy Bayou by Francis X Pavy, Camelia Trellis by Scalamandré, Résiste by Yael & Valerie, Cloudflower at Night by Francis x Pavy
Art:
Goss also recommends switching out your artwork if the room is feeling stale. She says, “Art is a great way to break up a monochrome look.” For local, affordable pieces, she loves Leroy Miranda Jr pieces available on Where Y’art.
I’m also planning to peruse the offerings in the Art & Design auction at New Orleans Auction tomorrow.
Lighting:
Opting for a brightly colored pair of lamps or whimsical pendant light will spice up a lackluster room. This pink pendant at Eclectic Home or these Julie Neill tropical green undulating lamps fit the bill.
Hardware:
Swapping out your dated hardware can really help. Unlike in decades past, hardware comes in a rainbow of colors. Think outside the brass and try a funky shape or hue. If you can’t find anything locally, Etsy is a great resource.
My Favorites:
Clockwise from Left:
Artwork by Leroy Miranda, Where Y’art, Drawer Handle, Rous, Yaël & Valérie, Toile Des Caraïbes Wallpaper, Spruce , Buffalo Check Throw, Maisonette Shop, Pink Side Table, Nadeau, Swirl Bud Vases, Phina, Liam Pendant Light, Eclectic Home
