Using Inspiration to Redecorate
By Marinne Lods
 

Even though we are still in the midst of winter, it is the time of year that we yearn for spring and change.  What will you change in your home to give it a new look or even an upgrade?  Where will you get the inspiration to make alterations to your décor?
 
Get comfortable in the room you most want to redecorate.  Make sure you have no distractions.  Relax and let your mind drift to pleasant memories.  Now, what are you visualizing?  Are you remembering the trip you took a couple of years ago to the Grand Canyon?  It is a beautiful place and the memory evokes the outdoors, sunny days and western art.
 
You really love the earth tones that you saw all around you at the Canyon, but you are probably thinking the typical Arizona art work and Navajo textiles will look out-of-place in your traditional two story home.  Yes, repainting the family room in desert pink with bright splashes of yellow accents is not going to show off your southern New Jersey home to its best advantage.  Yet there are ways to incorporate many of the hues and designs that you really like.
 
When you were viewing the spectacular vistas of the Canyon, you watched as the colors changed as the sun dimmed behind clouds or as sunset approached.  Pink became copper or red and pale green trees became swaths of moss-green shades.  Rocks that were light beige changed to dark gray-tan.  The color palette is actually quite extensive and many will work perfectly in your home! 
 
One of the best ways to find balance while discovering your style is to paint the most prominent wall a neutral color.  A cream or pale beige will work well.  Then go with your favorite Grand Canyon tone and paint the walls interrupted by windows and doorways that medium moss green you viewed at sunset.  Traditionally tailored light-colored drapes will keep you grounded in the present.
 
Now it is time to put some artwork on the walls.  Lean the paintings that have hung in the room against the walls – no hammering yet!  Stand back and envision how it all works in the freshly painted room.  You may be yearning for a bit of the style you saw on your vacation, however, you didn’t buy any.  Now it’s time to find a few new pieces of art to make a statement in your family room!
 
Ceramic art will be perfect.  Anywhere from three to five small pieces can make a fantastic grouping on that moss-tone wall.  Mix the shapes of the ceramics – round, rectangular and square arranged together will become the focal point of the room!  Move the paintings you had hanging to new wall locations, add a few accent pillows to the sofa and a new ceramic bowl on the coffee table. Your transformation is complete!
 
It’s not difficult or very expensive to redecorate.  You only need a little imagination and do a bit of browsing at local art galleries.  Don’t forget to enjoy!

We invite you to explore the galleries and shops of the Glasstown Arts District to help you find your “look.”  Several new shops have recently opened that carry home décor, art, antiques and vintage items.  Check our online directory of businesses at www.GlasstownArtsDistrict.com. or download our free smart phone app: MillvilleApp.com.

Marianne Lods
Executive Director

Marianne Lods is the Executive Director and Certified Main Street Manager of the Millville Development Corp., Main Street Millville and Glasstown Arts District.  

856-293-0556;
Marianne@glasstownartsdistrict.com