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See How One Feature Can Make a Room Captivating
A wow piece is essential for interiors with impact. These ideas help you make a statement in the strongest way possible
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).... More »
There is that certain something in most rooms, that one element that steals the show and makes a statement. Whether it's an expected element such as a light fixture or a great piece of art, or an unexpected choice like the floors, ceiling or banister, that all-important wow piece is more accessible than you might think. Here are a few of our favorite ways to incorporate delight into any decor.
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One of our favorite trends, and an idea that we hope has staying power, is using lighting to make the major statement in a room. If you want a light fixture that wows but aren't sure where to start, here's a good rule of thumb: Add the measurements of your room, and that's about how many inches your fixture should be. So a 12-foot by 15-foot room, for example, would have a 27-inch fixture. Of course, we're never opposed to going a little bigger!
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Since the table is usually the major piece in a dining room or breakfast room, accessorizing with style can be tricky. A gorgeous light fixture makes making a statement a breeze. If you're looking for the fixture to be the focal point, try hanging it 30 inches off the table, a little lower than the 40-inch recommendation if another focal point is behind it.
If there is one thing that consistently makes a room, it's the art. It's tempting to stick with paintings in the palette of the room, but sometimes finding a piece you love is the most important thing. It's amazing how easily those pieces often work with the design you already have.
Art that defines a space doesn't have to be prohibitively expensive. Finding a new, local artist who is just getting started is often a good way to snag a one-of-a-kind piece. Work by supertalented artists for every budget is also always appearing on Etsy. Or, if you're so inclined, pick up a few paints and a canvas and channel your inner artist. Who knows what you might create?
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It's easy to get caught in the rut that art applies only to paintings. These iron musicians are a fabulous example of three-dimensional art that the eye can't help but be drawn to. Hats, sailboats and plates are other great examples of easily accessible three-dimensional art.
| So often the floors are something that fade into the background, asking to be covered by a rug. Not so with this vibrant black and white pattern. This classic color combination can be re-created in marble, tile or linoleum for any style room and any budget. |
| Another oft-forgotten surface, the ceiling, is a great place to make a statement. If a custom-made design is out of the question, patterned ceiling tiles, a gorgeous medallion and even wallpaper are easy ways to give the ceiling punch, no artist required. |
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The stairway is another spot that can easily fade into the background. Make it pop by painting banister and spindle surfaces with opposing colors, such as the classic black and white. For the very daring, a bright pink, green, orange or blue is incredibly eye catching. On the flip side, if you aren't wild about the banister and spindles on your staircase, paint them the same color as the walls and watch them fade into the background.
Ideabook published on June 1, 2012.
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Don't forget to consider repositionable, removable wallcovering when thinking about a wallpapered ceiling. After all, you don't want it to become the installer's (or your) Sistine chapel! There's even a lighter weight wallcovering that's perfect for use on a ceiling. If you can't find a pattern you like, you can have something customized.