Designing Diva Interiors

*Originally posted in January of 2010 by the author.

With spring just out of arm’s reach we’re all feeling the need for a little warmth. Combat the grey skies outside your window with my favorite tricks for warming up a home!

1) Add fresh flowers. Many grocery stores stock a decent variety of beautiful blooms and nothing freshens up a room quicker than a vase full of flowers! Skip the silk arrangements and opt for red, yellow or pink flowers. In more masculine rooms I choose flowering branches instead. Use a taller vase for these.

2) Paint one wall. I’ve said it a million times before because it works and its easy! Citrus colors are huge right now and would make a fabulous accent wall when paired with chocolates and beiges. Go for a satin or eggshell finish to keep the color from overwhelming the senses. Better Homes & Gardens Magazine suggests Dutch Boy’s “Iced Shrimp”, True Value’s “Juicy Nectarene” and Behr’s “Cantaloupe Slice”.

3) Replace lamp bulbs with amber-colored bulbs. The amber glass softens the room and gives a nice warm glow to everything it touches.

4) An area rug can do magical things in a “cold” room. I love the way a sisel rug adds a natural touch. Seek out an indoor/outdoor rug if you are placing it in a high-traffic area. When it gets dirty you can just take it out back and hose it down! These hold up very well and come in tons of warm colors for all kinds of rooms.