Fighting Cabin Fever

I don't know about you, but I'm sick of being cooped up in my house. Summertime in Virginia is UNBEARABLE, and the past few weeks have seen temperatures in the triple digits. So, to beat the heat, I've stayed inside where it's cool and comfortable.

And now I'm sick of looking at everything in my house.

How about you? Tired of that same-old, ho-hum living room arrangement? Me too. So here are some tips to help spruce up the place.

1. Grouping furnishings closer together creates a more intimate atmosphere. It's hard to do that though- I've been programmed that furniture should frame the room and hug the walls. But to make a space feel more cozy and homey, group furniture together to create "chat spaces", conversation- friendly arrangements. Just do yourself a favor- Don't put a rug in the middle of your chat space. It makes the coziness feel more like crampiness.

2. Have one of those classic, goes-with-everything beige microfiber couches? You and everyone else. Make yours pack more punch with punchy, pizzazzy pillows! (how's that for alliteration?) Throw pillows are a cheap and beautiful way to add some color to a plain jane sofa. Couch not beige? No problem- there are decorative, bright pillows to suit any color scheme! Try Target, Pier 1 or your favorite boutique!

3. Let's face it. We love our electronic gadgets. But let's also face it. They are UGLY. Hide them away in a media cabinet! Where to find one? ANYWHERE because ANYTHING with doors can be a media cabinet. Got an old china hutch that's seen better days? Remove the glass panels, insert a pretty fabric covered piece of luan and voila. Instant media cabinet. Prefer the premade ones? Any furniture store worth its salt will have one. They come in a variety of colors, and can be attached to desks, or flying solo. My favorites are the ones you find at consignment shops or antique places that can be refurbished (I do love a do-it-yourself project.)

4. Most of us 20-somethings do not own brand new furniture. We've got the hand-me-downs from our parents/grandparents/great Uncle Lou. And while we're grateful for the free furniture, and that couch really is comfy, sometimes the upholstery is not so pretty. Simple solution: slip cover. Obviously. But do yourself a favor and go with a white slip cover. I know what you're thinking; "WHITE? Has she lost her red-wine-loving mind?" No I haven't. White is easier to keep clean than colors because white can be bleached and colors cannot. Colored slipcovers fade after washing. White doesn't get any whiter. Trust me. Get some Scotchguard just in case, but trust me on this. Oh, and see tip # 2 for ways to punch up white.

5. Again with the hand-me-down furniture. This time, it's side tables. Hate the tired wood? Got lots of dings and scratches? Simple fix. Spray paint. Fill in any nicks or dings with wood putty, then spray paint the entire table in a fun color you love. And remember, if you hate it, paint over it. It's just paint.

6. Got a dining room? Me too, and that hideous thing hanging over the table, that sorry excuse for chandelier lighting has GOT to go. New light fixtures can be a great way to spruce up a room because sometimes that's all a room needs is new lighting. While fixtures can be pricey, consider it an investment in your own well-being, and you'll be glad you did.

7. Speaking of dining rooms- do you have one of those two-tone stain and paint dining room table and chairs? They make the room look choppy and thrown together. Instead, paint the whole thing to match the color of your cabinetry or storage pieces. Like if you have white cabinets and shelving, paint your table and chairs white. If you have darker wood, paint the table and chairs black. Or go really crazy and paint the whole thing a great shade of red! Having the table and chairs be one solid color makes the room look more finished and put together. And less like a bachelorette pad.

I could go on and on, but it's time to go. Hope these tips help! For more great ideas, go to Real Simple and check out their makeover tips.

Decoratively yours,
Nay