Five High-Impact Decorating Ideas

1) Florals & Greenery

This time of year aren’t we all dying to bring some bright pops of color into our homes? From picking up a bunch of tulips at your local grocery store to putting together a more lasting ‘preserved’ bouquet, both fresh and ‘faux’ arrangements add much-desired color and life to your space. You don’t need a designer sourcebook … it’s easy to find flowers and plants in many shapes and sizes at your local market or garden center. The best part is – you can customize your selection to fit both your personal style and color palette.

2) Drapery

Valances and cornices are great, but I’m talking about floor to ceiling drapery here. One of the quickest ways to add impact and drama to any space is by installing full-height drapery panels on the windows in a room. They have an instant ‘coziness-factor’ and add a softness that can’t otherwise be achieved. This is one area where designers know – you get what you pay for. Spend a little extra time choosing a luxurious heavyweight fabric (note: I didn’t say dark color) and make the smart choice to have them professionally lined and constructed. You’ll never regret it.

3) Silver Accessories

While we’re on the topic of no-regret decorating… let’s talk about silver accessories and similar home-décor details. Metallics seem to be the continuing hot-trend, however, sterling silver pieces are like the dependable big brother and create a very similar look. They are a classically traditional choice that will always be fashionable to display. Think about collecting sterling silver frames and small jewel-box accessories to display together. Consider adding eye-catching details like new polished nickel hardware on furniture or built-in cabinetry or shiny new bathroom accessories grouped on a modern silver tray. Your eye will be drawn to the shiny hits of silver all around the room.

4) Wallpaper

Nothing creates more high-impact than wallpaper these days. So often we see photos of stylish rooms designed with at least one wall devoted to some serious wallpaper patterns or similar stenciling. Talk about drama! I think this trend is a much-needed replacement for the ‘accent wall’ of the 90’s. Do : wallpaper in small doses but maximize the impact by choosing a bold stripe, geometric or floral. Don’t : wallpaper or stencil every room in your house just because it’s on-trend. You’ll scare off the neighbors.

5) Paint

Re-painting any room is an easy and surefire way to add impact. Paint selection is one of the most important decisions you will make when pulling a room together and can easily make or break any space in my opinion. A well-chosen wall color makes everything in the room sing while the wrong color choice has a horribly negative affect on both the furniture in the room and the people who live there! My tip here is test, test, test! Paint swatches on all four walls and check the color at all times of day and especially under lamp light at night. Paint isn’t permanent, but it can be a time-consuming process so do your homework first. Log on to Oviatt-Pratt & Associates’ Facebook page for six of my favorite foolproof paint colors.

Lauren has always had a love for interior and landscape design, floral décor, and all things beautiful! Having lived in the South and also on the west coast before settling in Utah, her design instinct is to combine traditional elements and furniture with updated style and current color palettes. She is constantly looking for ways to infuse glamour into her projects while bringing a fresh perspective and an eye for tasteful, classic design. Lauren has degrees in both Public Relations and Interior Design and worked in wedding/event planning before transitioning to residential and hospitality design.

Oviatt-Pratt & Associates is a full-service design firm in business for over 25 years, specializing in high-end residential and commercial design. The scope of their projects ranges from simple home renovations to large-scale construction projects where design is implemented from the first color choices to the final finishing touches. With direct access to over 75 upholstery, accessory and furniture lines, Oviatt-Pratt’s designers are able to provide each client with pieces that are particular to his or her taste and style. Their showroom is open to the public Monday through Friday.