Freshen up your interior with these simple, inexpensive ideas
Dear Gail: This is my first Las Vegas summer. I've moved here from Vermont, which has a very different summer climate. I'd like to do a couple simple and inexpensive things to freshen up the things I brought as well as maybe add a few new things for the summer. — Melody
Dear Melody: Vermont is beautiful. I have so many fond memories when we visited for the changing of the leaves in the fall. When I was young I would iron maple leaves between wax paper and bring them to school for show and tell. It is one of the things I truly miss.
Changing a few things each season keeps you from getting bored with your interiors. They say that after 27 days we really no longer see the things around us. It's amazing what just a few simple changes can make in giving your home a new fresh look. So, here are a few quick, easy and inexpensive things you can do.
1. Make pillow covers from a few yards of fabric. By using a pillow cover, you don't have extra pillows to store when the seasons change. I would look for a bright print in citrus colors if that works with your décor.
2. Do a quick and easy floral arrangements. Start with a clear vase, we all have at least one around the house, if not head to the thrift store where you can pick one up for under $1. Then fill with silica sand, the sand used to make concrete, which is only $ 5 a bag. I like using the silica sand because it's much easier to use than floral foam, and you don't have to worry about seeing it through the vase.
Another idea is to fill with inexpensive faux lemons and limes. For this you will need a larger vase to give it more of an impact. Then finish your arrangement with my personal favorite, sunflowers. I haven't found a person yet who doesn't like sunflowers, and they bring sunshine and happy thoughts to any room.
3. Rearrange your furniture in a fresh new way. Have a beautiful yard? Place your seating so that you can see outside.
4. Remove heavy drapery panels and bring the sunshine in. It also gives you the chance to have them cleaned and ready to put back up in the fall. If you feel your window looks naked without them, switch out with simple sheers.
5. Change out your bedding with a crisp and colorful bed-in-a-bag set. You can find them as inexpensive as $40. For my summer change, I found a duvet cover and shams which work with my duster and accent pillows.
6. Paint one wall in a fun and fresh color. This can be done for as low as $25 and in just a few hours. Select a color that will work for a couple years as you don't need multiple layers of paint on your walls.
7. Change your shower treatment in your hall bath. It's easy to do and easy to store. Watch for sales and coupons. I actually do very well online.
8. Change out the images in your artwork. Use removable tape and adhere it to the back of the mat board. Then store the current image behind it. No reframing or mounting.
Of course, I wouldn't do this to an investment piece.
9. Create a new wall gallery with simple frames from a dollar store and use pictures from a calendar or book. If you don't have any available wall space for it, switch out with a piece already hung.
10. Create a seasonal vignette in your entry or on your fireplace mantel. This is one of my favorite things to do for those who like to change for the season or holidays. It's quick and easy because you're only decorating one small area. Bring in a fun and unexpected item. You can find all kinds of fun little tables to use in your entry. Then paint it a bright color.
Look for inexpensive accessories in home stores. Select items that you can store in a plastic bin so that everything can get packed away in one place for next year. We have limited storage space with no basements here that I'm sure you had before. Although there are some homes here that were built with a basement.
11. Bring a casual feel of the outdoors into a room. You can do this with a white wicker chair, stool or side table. Yard sales are a great place to pick up these pieces this time of year because people are buying new for their patio.
12. Use some fun-colored dishware, placemats and napkins. This is why it's nice to use white as your main dishware. You can change the whole look out with a few accents pieces.
13. Finally, pull up those area rugs and let your tile and wood floors shine through. It gives your room a whole new look, plus they're cooler on your feet when it's 110 degrees.
— Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by email to: GMJinteriors@gmail.com. Or, mail to: 7380 S. Eastern Ave., No. 124-272, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her website is: www.GMJinteriors.com.
