While big-ticket renovations may not fit your budget these days, there are still plenty of improvements that can offer a dramatic impact without emptying your wallet.
"Start from the ground up when considering cost-effective changes that make a big impact," says Linda Jacobs, a design expert from Nourison, a leading manufacturer of quality area rugs and broadloom. "Cosmetic changes such as a beautiful area rug on the floor can give the impression that you've altered your entire living space. Available in any price range, a new rug can instantly transform a room."
Additionally, Jacobs offers the following checklist for home decor chic on a budget:
* Use area rugs to separate spaces or tie rooms together where large expanses of hardwood floors do not make for a cozy, inviting space. Using a larger area rug can make a space appear larger.
* Use an area rug on top of a carpet. Create a striking focal point in a wall-to-wall carpeted room with contrasting color area rugs strategically placed in a room.
* Experiment with color. Choose your favorite color palette. Once your rug is in place, you'll have several colors to use to match when introducing small accent pieces throughout your room.
* Texture, Texture, Texture. Even solid colors can become interesting because of their texture. Natural wools from flat-weave to plush, wool blended with pure silk or today's high tech synthetics, plus shags and novelty yarns are just some of the many choices of constructions with different textures. Additionally, many of today's best handmade and even machine-made area rugs feature hand carving for additional textural appeal.
* Don't be afraid of patterns. Adding geometric patterns can take a traditional setting and make it appear more modern, while floral patterns and Persian designs have a more traditional appeal. In today's fashion forward rug selections, many of the traditional patterns are revitalized in newer color palettes so a traditional rug can have a totally new appeal.
Luxurious wall-to-wall carpeting also completely changes any space. Nourison has unique hand-carved wool and wool blend carpets in patterns that are truly extraordinary, offering three-dimensionality in patterns unlike most ordinary carpets.
Creative use of area rugs and carpets can replace costly renovations for totally new looks throughout your home. Nourison offers a variety of collections available in patterns and colors that complement all types of design styles. Visit www.nourison.com for design ideas and use the dealer locator to find a store near you.
Check out our Presidents Day Sale this year for Low flooring prices to help spruce up your home before spring. The Flooring Max Design Center- Charlotte Hall and Leonardtown. FH109006
.jpg)
