Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,000,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Small Gestures Make a Big Impact
You don't need wads of cash or DIY talent to make noticeable improvements to your home's décor. Check out these ideas for starters
As seasons change, we often get the urge to make big, sweeping changes in our homes, but if you're looking to make your home feel different without emptying your bank account, think small to achieve big. Truly, the devil is in the details: a splash of paint here or a dash of color there may seem too easy, but it really can transform a space without a tremendous financial commitment or fierce DIY talent.
by Tamar Schechner
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
High-Octane Doors
Paint in general is the easiest, quickest and cheapest total makeover solution. But if painting an entire room is out of the question, think small: Paint a door or part of one. In this design, the plants, bright painting and pink door provide plenty of eye candy, but I think the dark blue-green treatment on the inside of the door casing makes the biggest (small) statement.
See more painted doors
Paint in general is the easiest, quickest and cheapest total makeover solution. But if painting an entire room is out of the question, think small: Paint a door or part of one. In this design, the plants, bright painting and pink door provide plenty of eye candy, but I think the dark blue-green treatment on the inside of the door casing makes the biggest (small) statement.
See more painted doors
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Talk about unexpected: I love the freshness the orange door brings into this chocolate brown bedroom. If going ultrabold on a door seems daunting, try painting just the edge for an unexpected jolt of color. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A rolling barn door is a surefire conversation starter all on its own, but paint it orange and you've got yourself a showstopper. Add matching accessories and you're the talk of the town! If a barn door isn't in the stars for you, don't fret! A boldly painted door, regardless of the style, will work wonders.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Borders and Outlines
Whether you're trying to revive an old piece or revamp a new piece, you can't lose with a coat of paint or two. Give your new-to-you piece of furniture a standout finish by painting the frame or panels in a contrasting color.
Whether you're trying to revive an old piece or revamp a new piece, you can't lose with a coat of paint or two. Give your new-to-you piece of furniture a standout finish by painting the frame or panels in a contrasting color.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
While it doesn't exactly fall into the quick-fixes category, a contrasting tile border does make a splash. This could have been just another white subway-tile bathroom, but the outline around the shower and the border on the floor give the room dimension and polish.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Add a trim or border to curtains for an easy revamp. If you're not adept with a sewing machine, a local tailor can easily do the job without much expense.
by Vendome Press
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Pop-Outs and Cutouts
I love how the window casing and panes match the cabinet interiors here. Plants or leafy green vegetables on the counter bring the look full circle.
I love how the window casing and panes match the cabinet interiors here. Plants or leafy green vegetables on the counter bring the look full circle.
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The cutouts, painted in a bright turquoise, lend an exciting uniqueness to what could have been a simple, seen-a-million-times midcentury-style setup.
by Joel Snayd
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Color Accessories
if semipermanent alterations just aren't an option, accessories are your best friend. The yellow vanity, chair, stool and shower accessories infuse this otherwise all-white bathroom with a sunny brightness, while the shower curtain gives it a sophisticated, tailored finish.
See more yellow, gray and white rooms
if semipermanent alterations just aren't an option, accessories are your best friend. The yellow vanity, chair, stool and shower accessories infuse this otherwise all-white bathroom with a sunny brightness, while the shower curtain gives it a sophisticated, tailored finish.
See more yellow, gray and white rooms
by Joel Snayd
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A black and white scheme always benefits from a little unexpected color. If you scour sales, you can find accessories like throw blankets and toss pillows for next to nothing. That means big changes seasonally or according to your mood won't be a pricey endeavor.
|
by Joel Snayd
»
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Snappy Hardware This is a lovely bedroom for many reasons, but I especially love the unique hardware on the side tables. Hinges, pulls and knobs are like jewelry for furniture. Use them sparingly for a subtle but lasting impact. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Standout hardware, as seen on this vanity, will take a piece of furniture from mundane to fabulous with a twist of the screwdriver. Check out Anthropologie for easy-to-find fun pieces or E.R. Butler for family heirlooms to be.
Shop hardware options
Shop hardware options
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Make the Ordinary Extraordinary
It doesn't have to be fancy to be fabulous. This decidedly pedestrian cleat is inexpensively dressed up by a cleverly used rope as a tieback for the curtain.
See other ways to use rope as a decorative accent
It doesn't have to be fancy to be fabulous. This decidedly pedestrian cleat is inexpensively dressed up by a cleverly used rope as a tieback for the curtain.
See other ways to use rope as a decorative accent
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Sometimes all it takes is something simple, if fleeting. The leaf's jolt of leafy green spruces up this whole vignette. When money is an object, a fresh flower or two can work wonders.
More:
Choose an Unexpected Color for Your Trim
13 Ways to Paint an Interior Door
The Right Hardware: Jewelry for Your Home
More:
Choose an Unexpected Color for Your Trim
13 Ways to Paint an Interior Door
The Right Hardware: Jewelry for Your Home
Comments
Mark Dodge Design i wish i could take the credit for the orange door but your readers should be aware how important natural lighting can add element that wasn't planned, thanks Kily for including me in your article, I appreciate it. Mark
14 months ago · Like
Dailinger Designs Hi Killy, thanks so much for your mention. Very much appreciated. Loved working on this nautical room, it allowed me to be creative with many fresh ideas such as the steamer trunk style bench seating and the boat shaped chairs. Best, Mary Dailinger 
14 months ago · Like
· 
1
1
Ideabook published on March 10, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
