|
  edecorating for the seasons makes a house look new," says decorative painter Brenda McPeek. "You'll never tire of your furnishings if you update the look as the weather changes." Brenda practices what she preaches, totally transforming her charming Kansas home four times a year (if not more).As Brenda well knows, seasonal looks are achieved by using a combination of elements: fabrics, accessories, accent decorations, colors, patterns and textures. The transformation should occur throughout the house. We asked Brenda how she achieved her summer-fresh look, and to share some of her quick-change decorating tips. Read on to find out what she had to say.  Focus on FabricsFor spring and summer, there is a wide range of lovely fabrics to choose from. Liven up your rooms with cheerful, brightly colored cottons. Fruit and flower motifs are particularly fun for the warmer months. Decorate with throw pillows on couches and chairs, or stretch a favorite fabric and hang as wall art. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, stitch up slipcovers, chair cushions, sink skirts and window curtains in matching fabrics. Drape pretty, antique quilts and colorful vintage fabrics over the sofa, coffee table or an old hutch to complete the look. For fall and winter, replace your cotton accouterments with ones of wool, plaids and tweeds in dark checks, and luxurious velvets. In the bedroom, sheets change from cotton florals to comforting flannels. Afghans come out of storage to dress sofas or rest casually by the fireplace. Accentuate the Positive with Accessories This category includes everything from collectibles to bowls of fruit (oranges and lemons or apples and pears). In the spring and summer months, pitchers of fresh-cut flowers from the garden are perfect. As soon as there's a chill in the air, replace them with branch-filled vases, dried floral arrangements and wreaths.  Collectible displays should change as well. Whether you have Folk Art figurines or old china, go through your treasured items, sorting them by color combinations. Bright spatterware and pretty pink, yellow and red pottery can be set out in summer. Dark greens and blues can be shown off in fall and winter.Don't forget to rotate assorted accessories in open-shelved cupboards. How about rabbits and chicks at Easter time, duck decoys and turkey figurines around Thanksgiving, and Santas and bottle-brush trees at Christmas? Fabulous Floors To achieve that clean, airy spring and summer look, use light-colored rag rugs, sisals and lots of little round area rugs in pastel colors or floral patterns. Think about colorful floorcloths or use decorative painting techniques for a one-of-a-kind result. The blue tile floor in Brenda's bedroom, for example, isn't tile at all, but rather a trompe l'oeil effect created by her trusty paintbrush. In the fall and winter, a bare floor means cold feet, so you will want to cover most of the floor with heavy, plush fabrics. Put down Oriental carpets or wool rugs in rich jewel tones such as ruby or emerald. Walls That Say “Wow” Although you may hardly notice them anymore, your walls are what first catch the eyes of your visitors. You want a look that is striking and one that reflects your personality. To create different seasonal décors, rotate your prints and paintings. Introduce color changes with walls dressed with beautiful pieces of framed fabric or use antique quilts as wall hangings. For a special background, try your hand at interesting wall painting techniques—rag rolling, sponging or stenciled designs work well and are easy to do (and to change). Spring, summer, winter or fall, giving your home these unique makeovers is a great way to keep your décor looking fresh. And you'll have fun figuring out how to pull the varied decorative elements together to create each seasonal look. It's a great way to flex your decorating muscles! Editor's Note: To find out more about decorative floor and wall techniques, contact Brenda McPeek in Overland Park, Kansas, at 913-649-2082. |
