It is a formidable task to make changes in a home when people are residing there. A lot of co-operation among family members is required. Ideally, there should be a minimum number of residents. Plan ahead and make the necessary changes when your husband is out of town on work or the children are away at boarding schools or when you can safely send them all away to your family house for a holiday.
How to convert unused areas in your home
A useful home improvement idea for a rather large living room area would be to split the area into formal and informal. Move furniture around and re-arrange to give it a new look. Place area rugs to demarcate the areas and make use of consoles and dividers to give the area a classy look. On the other hand, if you already have two seating areas and need a makeover, do the opposite. Create a large living area and line sofas on one end of a wall preferably facing large French windows where you can appreciate the outside view. Use paintings and selected pieces of interest to accentuate detailing. Use up lighters or down lighters, track lighting or focused halogen eyeballs to highlight certain areas. Lampshades provide a soothing ambience and dimmers help to set the mood.
Change drapes, curtain rods and doorknobs to match the season
It is amazing what a splash of color can do to transform your home. A change in the size of the drapes, style of the curtain rods and color of knobs all create striking visible changes. Let in more light in the daytime by using lightweight fabric which can be moved to one side and enjoy the beauty of nature from within. A useful home improvement idea would be to transform windows in a living room to large French windows. If this is not possible, full-length drapes that extend beyond the window along a length of the wall can give the feeling of a large window.
Adorn an awkward space or wall with Japanese shoji screens and using reflector lights create an illusion of an open space beyond.
Mirrors and accessories
Implement Mirrors as a useful home décor alternative to project a feeling of light and space. Use accessories sparingly and tastefully. Use objects that are proportionate to the furniture and décor. Never over clutter as this could create a stifling atmosphere. Remove furniture and unnecessary trivia that restrict the spatial space. The overall placement of furniture and objects together with the color and style creates the mood and reflects the personality of the homemaker.