From drab to fab

Are you the type who needs an excuse to get out more, because, well it’s just too boring at home? Time to put on your thinking hat so that you can think up what it is about home that bores you. Is it that you have nothing to do? Or is it something that you perhaps are afraid to or don’t care enough to admit? I sadly refer to a dull air at home.

That dullness that settles when one grows tired of looking at the same curtains and same upholstery and same dinnerware. It is that boredom that sets in with the sheer desire for something new. The desire for an uplift of sorts. Here’s a little something to ponder over while you’re reading this write up – point a finger to all the things in your home that you would like to get rid of and those you can do without. Then point a finger to all the things you feel need to be spruced up. And as you point, make a note of it in a diary for that will determine your shopping list for the next couple of days.

Once you’re done with the pointing and the noting, get set to make a clean sweep. Out with the old and in with the new, that phrase was invented for a reason. Set away the unwanted stuff for the flea market that takes place on the first Saturday of every month at Safa Park (#Dubai). Now, start sprucing up your space, sensibly.

Pick a style – Go earthy, go rustic, country or any other. Whatever look you wish for, it will help tune your mind to pick up décor that’s in line with that look. For instance, copper goes well with the rustic appearance along with Persian carpets and mirrored work. If you have retained your furniture, see how you could possibly re-upholster to institute the desired style. While chintz is a country must have, raw silks are the rustic must have.

Color it different – If you were using blues before, change the palette to create a noticeable difference. Don’t forget the style you’re gunning for. Use it to decide the perfect color palette. While pastels are the country favorite, the beiges, browns and greens make up that earthy look. Cushions, rugs, curtains, wall paint, pottery; these are all elements that will allow you to color it different.

Glorify the odd pieces of furniture – If you’re left with odd pieces of furniture in your home that you wouldn’t like to give away, don’t fret. Simply tie them into your décor using similar upholstery. If your couch is floral, take that chintz onto the seating of the grandfather chair. In case of an orphan cabinet that is of a different wood color as the rest of the furniture, give it a paint wash with a complimenting shade if not the same. Try rust red or moss green or mustard yellow; not only do these colors help glorify the odd piece of furniture, they also instantly add freshness to one’s décor.

De-clutter, clean up and spruce up your space. These ought to take your home from drab to fab.