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Start fresh with designing your home

Erin White

Some people can walk into a room, look around quickly and have a clear vision of what it will take to give it a fresh look and feel. Others walk into a room, yearn for a fresh look, but all they see are walls and a floor.

You can give your home a fresh look in countless ways. I’m going to start with two very simple and inexpensive ideas.

First and foremost, clean the house. I mean REALLY clean it.

Sweep out the corners and wash anything and everything. Open the windows and let the fresh air in. Buy a living plant and put it in a cute pot (you get to define cute; it’s your home).

The most humble of abodes can look and feel inviting and wonderful when everything is shiny and clean, and the grandest of homes can feel like a port-a-potty at a Phish concert if they aren’t clean and cared for.

That’s step one, always.

Second, now that your home is sparkling, treat yourself to a new throw blanket.

You don’t have to throw them, that’s just what they’re called.

I like a blanket (or three; I love blankets.) folded and neatly placed over the back of a chair, sofa, ottoman or in a basket somewhere within reach. They can add color, texture and warmth to your chilly toes.

Not sure what to choose? If you’d like to stay with trends, choose heavier fabrics for fall and winter, lighter pieces for spring and summer.

What colors do you choose? Pick what you like. But if you’re into trends, again think seasonal.

If this all sounds daunting (or boring), head to one of our downtown home stores and ask a sales associate to help you out.

Their design knowledge can be a great resource for you, and they’re happy to help.

No coin for new home duds? You can score some great looking decorative home items at garage sales and your local thrift. Give them a good cleansing (because, ewww) and let them bring new life into your home, along with your new plant, in the above-mentioned cute pot.

Whether you’re hitting the garage sales or importing Italian cashmere makes no difference. Keep it clean, buy a blankie and relax.

Erin White Sinberg is a designer and sales representative with Aspen Design Studio. She can be reached at erin@adsdurango.com or 749-9134.



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