January 18, 2001

Style: A new look for a near year

By MELISSA CLARAMUNT
Special to the Record-Eagle
      The new year seems like the perfect time to give your home a new look. But realistically, after the holiday shopping frenzy, spending money on home decor probably isn't high on your priority list.
      What are some ways to add style to your surroundings without depleting your budget?
      For some, home decor may involve your own skills and handiwork. According to Nancy Drew, a Michigan artist, designer and author, the fun begins "when you give yourself permission to play."
      If you are gearing up to the task of putting your own creative energy and artistic talent to work in your home, Drew recommends some preparation. Does your home need a new look or a new feel? Consider the feelings that your home exudes and be sure that they make you feel welcome and comfortable in the living space.
      Next, exercise the act of cleaning and purging. Decide what should stay and what needs to go. Separate items that could be used by others and make a trip to your local Goodwill or thrift shop.
      Then, with a clean home and an uncluttered mind, find a place to enjoy some quiet, such as your local bookstore. Enjoy a cup of coffee and browse through magazines that offer design ideas and styles.
      In her book, "The Artful Spirit," Drew offers several tips for ways to take that creative leap. Drew believes that achieving a fresh look can be as easy as dolling up a picture frame, lamp and lampshade or giving a trunk, table or chair a makeover. Many of your materials are the treasures that can be found in attics, junk drawers, hardware stores and flea markets. Little treasures can be used to adorn picture frames and shadow boxes while larger pieces can gain a new look with paint, new fabric or artwork.
      Sue Duffiney, showroom coordinator at The Idea Center in Petoskey, said there are several ways to change the look and feel of a room by only altering one or two of its more functional components.
      For example, if you're not ready to gut the entire kitchen, choose a countertop in a new surface and color. Whether it is a streamlined and seamless Corian countertop or the sleek look of natural stone, it's a change that can significantly affect the look and feel of the kitchen. You can then build on this look with a coordinating tableware pattern and accenting with new kitchen linens.
      To add some flair and color to the kitchen, Duffiney suggests adding a tile back splash behind the sink, above the countertop or behind the range. Available in a variety of colors, from patterned to handpainted, tile can do wonders.
      Duffiney added that entertainment centers and wall unit bookshelves can offer a more organized look while also enhancing the style of the room. A custom-made unit can be built to hold anything from electronic equipment to those precious collections.
      Cindi Franco, interior designer and owner of Cindi Franco's Cool Stuff in Boyne City, believes that one-of-a-kind items can give your rooms new zest. Franco said that her clients sometimes choose to have her completely redecorate with new furniture, wall and window treatments and accessories.
      On the other hand, others may simply want a new look without purchasing anything new. These clients will give her complete access to their home's contents, from furniture to home decor pieces, allowing her to create a new look using existing components.
      And it's easy to shop for affordable accessories that will help achieve a new look. With Web sites, on-line shopping, upscale lines in discount stores, catalogs and in-store planning and design centers, new styles are more attainable than ever.
      For example, the Martha Stewart Everyday Collection at Kmart offers everything for bath to bedroom and kitchen to garden. Here, bed linens can be purchased to coordinate with towels and shower curtain in the adjoining bath or the dining room's table and glassware with the kitchen's cookware.
      You can then tie the room together with a coordinating wall or ceiling color from the Martha Stewart Everyday Colors paint line, recently enhanced with Tintable Ceiling Paint.