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Are you tired of drab curtains and staid, boring carpet? Are you ready to liven
up your recreation room with a vivid new decorating scheme? Don’t be afraid to
use bright colors and unique designs to turn a dull room into a lively space
filled with energy.
Strip out the old furnishings, including carpeting and curtains. Consider the
walls and ceilings. Visualize them as a blank canvas, awaiting the whim of your
creative capacity. Are the walls paneled or covered with dingy wallpaper? Paint
them. If the room is large, airy, and well lit, nearly any color that suits your
fancy will work. If the room is small or dark, consider using lighter colors to
give the room a larger, open feel.
Use spackling to patch any nail holes, plaster cracks, or other visible defects.
After the spackle dries, paint the walls and ceilings. Use two coats if
necessary. Consider decorating the painted walls with stencils or even murals.
Pick a theme, such as flower power, to decorate the room.
What do you want to do with the floor space? If, underneath the old carpet, you
find beautiful old hardwood floors, refinish them. Use colorful braided or
fringed throw rugs to brighten the room and protect the wood. A great
alternative for treating concrete floors is to use acid-etched staining. This
innovative technique allows you to use your imagination to create beautiful
artwork on a concrete floor. Design a truly retro room by stenciling flowers,
peace symbols, and even stenciling ‘Love’ in script across the floor.
Add flattering curtains to accentuate the walls and floors, or purchase custom
blinds manufactured to fit each window’s dimensions. If you have arched or
circular windows for example, use custom arched blinds to ‘dial in’ exactly the
amount of sunlight desired in the room. To continue the ‘retro’ theme mentioned
earlier, hang beaded curtains of a matching or contrasting colors. Use sheer
panels or blinds if privacy is a concern. Top beaded curtains with sheer, gauzy
valances or window wraps.
Now that you have finished the basics, decorate your newly renovated room with
wall hangings and furnishings. Choose mirrors with colored frames or simple
prints that complement, rather than clash with, the room’s décor. Add
comfortable chairs with brightly colored cushions, low casual tables, and even
bean bag chairs to create a casual atmosphere. Wrought-iron plant stands with
flowering pots in coordinating ceramic pots enhance this relaxed space, and fill
it with life and energy.
Add personal touches to finish the room and personalize it. Coordinating throws
casually draped across the backs of chairs offer a homey touch. Handcrafted sun
catchers hanging in the windows lend an extra sparkle.
Don’t allow your artistic energies to be stifled by other people’s perceptions.
They may not be able to visualize or appreciate the creative, exciting plans you
have for this friendly living space until it is finished. Choose your colors
carefully, and take time completing the painting or stenciling. Excellent
artisanship is the best finishing touch you can possibly add!
This article was provided by the rustic home décor
creations produced at the PebbleZ Studio, and was written by Joey Pebble, a
stone artist that has contributed several of his original designs to the company.
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