By Denise Smith of FA Design Build
Here in Prince William, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy a lengthy, beautiful autumn. December is normally the time of year when we finally move inside our homes for good, making the inevitable transition into dreary winter. Without the natural beauty of vibrant fall colors to distract us, those less-than-perfect areas in our homes can seem more pro- nounced. This is the perfect time to commit to a little sprucing up.
I frequently mention how easy and gratifying a new coat of paint can be, and for good reason. One room can be done in a day, or if you hire a team of professionals, a whole house can be done in just a few. Nothing cleans and updates a home like a coat of fresh paint.
Your favorite color is an instant mood booster. Why not bring your favorite color to the space where you spend the most time? I have a particular shade of chartreuse paired with a vibrant royal blue in my master bedroom, which serves as an office as well. This color scheme may be anything but conventional, but it makes me smile every time I enter the room. Adding your favorite color doesn’t even need to be a big commitment like repainting walls; introduce it with linens, accessories or artwork.
Adding additional moldings and trim pieces to a room can also dramatically change its appearance. Decorative crown molding can create a more formal atmosphere, especially when paired with a chair rail. Replacing standard, builder-grade baseboards with six-inch boards painted in bright, high-gloss white is another quick, modern update.
Winter spruce-ups don’t have to be just about the inside of your home either. Consider purchasing and installing a new front door to dramatically change the exterior appearance. This is a great time to refurbish the walkway to the main entrance, enlivening curb appeal. For instance, replacing an ugly concrete slab with brick pavers adds charm and ease of maintenance. Gardening may need to wait a few months, but it’s not too late to pick up a bucket or two of pansies at the local nursery and enjoy a shot of color all winter long.
Denise Smith is a design and sales consultant for FA Design Build in Woodbridge. She can be reached by email at dsmith@fadesignbuild.com.
