Every home has its quirks. Unless you built your house from the ground up, chances are, it has a few features you wouldn’t have chosen for yourself. Perhaps you’re glancing around the room you’re in right now, glaring at an outdated brass light fixture or an orangey finish of your hardwood floors. If updating these…
It sounds counterintuitive, but as stylist Kristen McGowan explains on her YouTube channel, it really works. Rather than hide unsightly details, embrace them. This ensures an intentional appearance, making the finish part of a cohesive design. When a finish pops up sporadically, it stands out. Alternatively, when that element is repeated throughout a space, it feels purposeful. It should look intentional, not like an afterthought.
For example, if your home has cherry-toned flooring that’s too red for your style, don’t hide it under an area rug and hope no one notices. Instead, pair it with a wooden coffee table in a similar warm tone. This approach can be applied to a dining table with the same wood finish, open shelving in a kitchen, or a mirror with a matching frame. Suddenly, that cherry floor — which you once despised — looks like a deliberate design choice.
This decorating trick works for wall colors, too. If a room in your home has a paint color you’re unsure about, instead of rushing to repaint, first bring in inexpensive decor — such as throw pillows or artwork — that complements the hue.
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Maybe your entryway is outfitted with an ornate brass light fixture that gives off ’90s vibes. Try bringing more brass accents into the space. A small brass catchall for your keys is a good start. Then, add a warm, metallic-framed mirror or switch out the pulls on a credenza to beautiful brass ones. Alone, the light fixture is an outdated eyesore. With other similarly toned elements, it’s a stylish, coordinated feature.
By embracing existing elements, you can transform any space into a designer-approved room that feels thoughtfully curated and uniquely yours.
