Add Some Architectural Details

Many of the newer built homes don't have the attention to detail that older homes have, meaning they don't have the "architectural details" of homes of the past. This can be accomplished by installing crown moulding, chair rails, bead board, larger baseboards; anything like that adds character and detail.

I live in a newer home, but I am really drawn to older things such as antique furniture and old homes. So, instead of living in an old home, I have chosen to be creative in my new home. I have antique furniture (some are family pieces, some items were acquired through garage sales). This picture shows an old stained glass window, so I added detail with this. I placed five of them at different heights in my living room that has vaulted ceilings. It adds some detail and sense of "old" to my new home. The best thing is-I can take it with me when I move!

Items like this can be found at antique stores, thrift stores and re-use stores. Finding these wonderful items is a lot of fun!

What to do with a Long , Dull Wall

Color is a big thing right now. It is a wonderful way to change the look and feel of a room for not a lot of money or time. Sometimes clients ask me what I would recommend to do with a long, dull wall. This client had a 30'long wall! Wow!

They really weren't interested in displaying a collection of art, so we painted it a beautiful calm salmon color that really is treated like a neutral-as most anything goes with it. Then, we added architectural detail by framing out three large rectangles with a crisp, white moulding. This helps to draw your eye down the length of the wall, and becomes a focal point, nothing else is needed.