Common objects that can be used to transform "tired" furnishings: where you can intervene to make improvements

by Mark Bennett

May 06, 2024

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Over time, your furnishings can wear out and/or you could just get bored with them: the answer, however, is not necessarily to replace everything. You can consider simply "upgrading" your existing furnishings. Adding accessories, a splash of paint, a few modern, trendy fittings - these improvements could be all you need to do. Check out the ideas below: 

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1. Replacing handles and knobs can transform pieces of furniture

blue, shell-shaped furniture door knobs

H&M Home

Often underated, knobs and handles on furniture drawers and doors are an element that influences the appearance of a piece. Some handles and knobs may, however, be bland and/or just plain worn out. In this case, purchase some new ones, perhaps with exotic shapes and/or colors to transform how the furniture looks!

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2. Light fittings

A lampshade decorated with a floral motif

lacorallina-firenze.it

Are you finding your lamps boring? Well, why not transform them by changing their lampshades? Lampshades come in a vast selection of shapes, sizes and colors/patterned motifs (as shown here). Just try to make sure the new lampshades fit in well with the surrounding decor.

3. The charm of vignettes

Tray containing decorative ornaments on a coffee table

thedesignpage.blogspot.com

In a "homely" home there will always be ornaments and decorative knick-knacks laying around. The items express your tastes or help to emphasize a particular furnishing theme you've chosen. However, instead of having these items scattered around haphazardly, why not group them together as sort of vignette on a tray? Much more eye-catching and easier to move around too!

4. Splashes of color where you least expect them

Window frames painted in canary yellow

cargocollective.com

Where could you add a unexpected "pop" of color? Well, try on door and window frames! Internal doors could have one color on one side and a completely different color on the other. And and for window frames, you only have to do insides. And be bold - use striking colors that will really jump out at you (like the yellow seen here)!

5. Wallpaper used creatively

A niche lined with floral wallpaper and equipped with shelves

@mssamanthasantana/Instagram

Wallpaper is another great decorating resource. That said, the more flashy and colorful the print on the wallpaper, the more carefully you have to think about the surface its used on. But instead of putting it up on the main walls, how about using it as backing for open-faced furniture? Or perhaps to back a niche in the wall?

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6. A spotlight on art

A spotlight above artwork

Leroy Merlin

If you have paintings, photos or prints put up at home that you treasure, treat them as if they are in an art gallery by putting gallery-suitable spotlights above them!

7. Upgrade your taps

A designer tap

webert.it

In the bathroom or the kitchen, an easy, cheap way to improve the look is to change the taps. Jut think about it: simply upgrading your taps - which you see and use every day - can immediately tranform the look of a room!

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8. Decorative plants

A living room furnished with plants

@_lisa_dawson_/Instagram

Never forget the decorative power of plants. Many species can be successfully grow at home (depending on the home's ambient conditions, of course). And the plants can be free-standing, placed on shelves or even hanging from the ceilings - the choice is yours!

9. A new carpet takes center stage

A designer carpet in a living room

Carpet Edition

Another often understimated item (in terms of the impact it has), is a carpet. From smaller ones used in the kitchen or bathroom (mats/rugs) to full-on carpets in living rooms, lounges and bedrooms, replacing a carpet can completely (and immediately) change the vibe of any room!

Are you ready to rejuvenate your home furnishings?

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