A home’s overall design style isn’t necessarily what makes the biggest or most lasting impression. In fact, it’s not just one thing. Some of what strikes you might be intangible–like the feeling of warmth, of welcome. That might come from simple hospitality, the smells of home-cooked food, a crackling fire.
But look closely. Other features–or lack of them–may be more noticeable. Lots of stuff, for example, may make guests uncomfortable because there’s so much visual information to absorb. On the other hand, minimalism to an extreme may make some people antsy. Still, an organized home, or one that reads tidy, is especially desirable.
How you display things–mementos, family photos, artwork–also draws the eye. So does a single wonderful object, selected for its color, its form or for the smile it brings. If it’s functional, all the better.
Following are some suggestions for things that can make a difference in your home, some of them doable for less than $20. Because organization is close to the top on nearly everyone’s list, think about places to stash things. Like the advice your parents may have stressed: “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Eliminate the clutter:
Get in tune. If you like music, you probably own plenty of CDs, but maybe you don’t have built-in storage or drawers with dividers. Oakland, Calif., sculptor David Coddaire has come up with a shapely solution. It’s a 6-foot-tall, skinny, sinuous cabinet on curvy legs made of metal and treated with a pigmented wash that creates a dusty patina of Prussian blue, crimson or lime, for example. The sculptural furniture costs about $500–and you gain a piece of art. It is available by calling 510-451-7353.
Read all about it. For magazines and newspapers, find a terrific holder, many available for less than $20. Choices and styles abound; so do materials–iron and other metals, wood, wicker and, of course, baskets. Baskets also handle office overflow, as well as kitchen and craft supplies.
Picture this. A different kind of storage has more to do with showcasing personal treasures such as family photos. Look beyond the basic card-shop albums. Specialty catalogs offer beautiful leather, fabric and paper binders, and home design specialty shops often sell handmade scrapbooks that are made to be seen, not hidden away in a drawer.
New frameup. Picture-frame design also has blossomed, and all sorts of styles, colors and materials are available. Buy all the same for a strong presentation on a wall, or mix them up to add interest to a tablescape. Some of the newest frames include unconventional treatments such as floating photos between sandwiched glass panels or swinging them on a stand.
Spice it up. The statement you create might be something that brings a smile. A Happy Spices set from Alessi is a good example. The 3-ounce spice jars are lime green, and the amusing shapes feature plants on their lids, some of which correspond to what’s inside. The pepper mill’s grind can be finessed by adjusting the knob atop the pepper “plant.” The containers are nestled into a matching tray. They are available for $125 at Chiasso stores (Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., is 312-397-0197); or through the store’s catalog (Item No. H2104) by calling 800-654-3570.
A touch of elegance. If you prefer a more glamorous note, try introducing something glittery. A simple pair of silvery candlesticks (mercury glass is hot) or a pillow with metallic trim adds a touch of class.
Lively accents. If the luxe look isn’t for you, try something that adds life, such as fresh flowers, potted plants or even an aquarium. No green thumb or not confident about maintaining fish? Then look at color in a different way. Brighten your tabletop. It can be as easy as placing a colorful bowl on your dining room table. Or look to nature for color. Try filling an antique wooden trough with red or green apples, lemons or oranges.
Small change. Sometimes small changes can be full of impact. Not quite ready to redo the bathroom or kitchen? Replace cabinet hardware, choosing a style that’s complementary but unexpected: a knob decorated with jewels or one in the shape of a flower, fruit or forks and spoons, for example.
Sweet dreams. Buy a new set of bedding–sheets, pillowcases and a duvet cover. They can make you feel as good as new jammies can.
Useful but fun. Or consider a purchase that’s functional and practical, something as small as a set of colorful dish towels, or place mats and napkins.
No matter what you choose, one small change or treat for the home can’t help but make you feel good.
