against a neutral frame . If your dishes are funky and bright , they can be used as enhancing elements in the décor . Try installing plate holders and mug hooks to display the art on the dishes themselves .
Islands and breakfast bars are great for adding contrasting colors to a design element that really make the nature of the room stand out . Paint your island a contrasting color or update the surface of your breakfast bar with a punch of texture . If you have cabinetry that hangs over these spaces , you can remove both the doors and the backing
of the cabinets , and have open shelving to create more fluidity . Add some drooping plants or herbs in between items being stored for a truly organic layout .
A coat of paint , a few new doorknobs , and the removal of certain panels is going to cost you less than $ 200 , and for a complete transformation , that ’ s well worth the money ! Repeat these same steps in other areas of your home that may have cabinetry , such as bathrooms , garages , and home offices , and you ’ ll feel as though you remodeled your entire house .
LIGHTING
Changing the lighting in a room is not only cost-effective , but extremely beneficial to the design as well . Certain lighting can make spaces more functional , dramatic , or cozy . To go along with your newly redone cabinetry , try installing task lighting for the countertops . This will increase value in the purpose of the workspace , along with visual appeal when choosing dim-to-bright settings .
Recessed lighting is another great option , especially if there are low ceilings or tight spaces in the home . Recessed lighting comes with dimming options as well , and you can angle the lights to hit a certain portion of the wall , such as on an art piece , or keep them completely straight within the ceiling . Different angles of light allow for different visual focal points , which increases the dimension of the room .
Chandeliers are great for visual aspects as well , but they can sometimes become dated or make the room too formal when it isn ’ t designed that way with the surrounding décor . Remove any old chandeliers that don ’ t fit the room ’ s style , and opt for recessed lighting instead . This gives you more of an opportunity to add texture or pattern to the ceiling , making the entire room change with one upgrade .
Wall sconces are an even more affordable option . Choose simple wall-mounted pieces and place them symmetrically on either side of a bathroom mirror , a hallway picture , or in a front entryway for a dramatic ambience . Wall sconces range from $ 20-100 apiece , and there are a wide variety of styles to choose from , so no matter what design you ’ re creating , you ’ ll find a sconce that fits your plans . Sconces are also great to place on either side of a texture wall , or wall enhancement , because they will highlight and shadow the dimensions , making the feature wall pop even more .
100 l Spring 2017