Eco friendly home improvements that save money  and the environment at the same time are a win-win.

When you hear the words “sustainable living projects”, images of solar panels and elaborate terraced gardens might come to mind. But there are plenty of simple and affordable changes you can make at home to substantially lower your carbon footprint and energy use.

 

Install low-flow or dual flush toilets

White toilet with eco friendly home improvements of external bidet and dual flush buttons.

Toilets are one of the biggest water wasters in our homes. If your toilet was made before 1992, it could be using up to 3.5 gallons of water per flush!

Today’s standard toilets are required to use no more than 1.6 gpf. However, you can cut that water usage in half with a few eco friendly home improvements.

One option is to swap your dated toilets for low-flow versions (a.k.a. high-efficiency toilets), which use around 1.3 gallons per flush.

You could also choose to install dual flush toilets instead. These toilets give you the option of a standard 1.6 gpf flush or a 0.8 gpf flush.

Finally, it’s possible to convert a standard toilet to a dual flush version. You can buy a conversion kit with everything you need to replace your old flush handle and system. It’s a more cost effective option than replacing the entire toilet.

Swap in LED light bulbs

Two black and gold light fixtures with LED bulbs.

It seems like just yesterday that we were all rushing out to swap our old incandescent bulbs for CFLs. But there’s a new energy-efficient bulb in town, and it’s the LED.

LED bulbs have triple the lifespan of CFLs–25,000 hours vs. 8,000 hours–and are cheaper to power. Plus, they come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and even multi-color options. And unlike CFLs, they don’t contain any hazardous chemicals that require special disposal once they burn out.

Smart LED bulb sets like the Philips Hue system can be controlled by an app or linked to your smart home programming. You can control the brightness, colors, and timing of each light, setting the perfect mood for any occasion.

However, there are plenty of basic LED bulbs without the bells and whistles as well.

Upgrade to energy efficient appliances

Energy efficient appliances are becoming the new normal. But if you purchased an older home, there’s a good chance your dishwasher, fridge, and washer are sucking up a ton of energy.

While Energy Star-rated appliances are the gold standard, most newly manufactured models will use substantially less resources thanks to improvements in design and materials. For example, an Energy Star dishwasher uses between 30-50% less water than the six gallons used by standard machines.

Similarly, new front loading washing machines use around 50% less water and 1/3 the energy than older top-loading models. High Efficiency (HE) top-loading laundry machines also use less water and have higher capacities, which means fewer loads of laundry and less energy use over time.

HE washers are a key component in an eco friendly laundry routine.

When the time comes to trade your old appliances for new ones, remember the principles of low impact living. Local charities, churches, and thrift stores may be willing to pick up your old appliances assuming they work well.

Mount dual direction ceiling fans

It’s amazing how much proper air circulation can cool down a room.

Most people think of ceiling fans as devices for blowing air downward. But in the summer, it’s best to reverse the direction to counterclockwise. This will suck up the warm air and disperse it outward, allowing the cooler air near the floor to accumulate beneath the fan.

When you combine ceiling fans with the eco friendly habit of opening windows for cooling, you’ll save a ton on energy costs.

Get a smart thermostat

Smart thermostat panel on wall next to office with guitar and green chair.

 

Smart thermostats actually do make a dent in energy use. And it’s all thanks to automation.

The average homeowner doesn’t micromanage their thermostat. Most people either leave the temperate set at the same level for weeks at a time, or they “set and forget” a program for an entire season.

Smart thermostats save energy (and money) by removing the need to manually change the temperature at the thermostat panel. They use a mix of WiFi controls (via an app or smart home speaker) and geo-location to make adjustments dead simple. If you travel or work an irregular schedule, you never have to worry about turning down the air or heat when you leave the house.

Models like the Nest and Ecobee even use machine learning to figure out your heating and cooling preferences and automate adjustments accordingly. Several models can also monitor your HVAC system and alert you of potential issues, like dirty filters, to keep your equipment performing optimally.

Most modern HVAC systems are compatible with smart thermostats as long as they have a C-wire (common wire). If your existing thermostat doesn’t have a C-wire, you may need the help of an electrician to run a cable from the HVAC unit to the new panel.

Hop on the tie dye bandwagon and use this affordable kit to take plain white bedsheets and pillowcases to the next level. DIYing a project at home is always satisfying, and multi-coloured sheets easily camouflage stains.

 

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 Go for a gallery wall

This Charleston artist lives her life in colour, from her mauve velvet sofa to the vibrant artwork hanging on her walls. If you want to hang a bunch of pieces but still want a tonal cohesive look, try a gallery wall setup that works within a tightly edited color palette. Here shades of peach, mustard, light blue, and green are the common threads between a variety of different works, from paintings to wall hangings and even photographs. Similar frame styles and colors will also help you achieve this effect.

 

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 Be a little bolder with your bedding

Crisp white hotel bedding might be all the rage, but a colorful duvet or set of sheets can be a great way to energize your bedroom. You don’t have to go wild with color—a nice blush, coral, subtle blue, or mint green shade will do the trick. If you’re a little color shy, start small with a set of pillowcases and work your way up to sheets and comforters.

 

Brooklinen Rose sheets

 Make your counters pop

Instead of settling for all neutral cooking essentials, look for colourful crocks and knife blocks. Every time you reach for a spoon or start chopping, you’ll smile.

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 Go big with books

Books are a simple way to add colour and intrigue to a space, as spines come in so many different hues and sizes. If you’re an avid reader, there’s no need to hide your collections when you can create an artful display of texts in your living room. You don’t need to shelve them in a perfectly organized manner either, as a haphazard arrangement can amplify that “library” feel.

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 Upgrade your drawer pulls

Drawer pulls don’t have to be neutral to be chic, as exemplified by these colourful beauties from Etsy with brass detailing. Whether you choose to introduce them in your kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom, you’ll notice that a change in hardware can make all the difference.

 

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 Get glittery

If you love all things sparkly, you’ll want to replicate this hack by blogger Maghon Taylor. She added confetti to a simple acrylic ghost chair and created a magical piece in under 10 minutes. Whether you opt to transform one chair or several, you can’t go wrong with this glittery makeover. You could also try it on a smaller scale with an acrylic tray, ice bucket, lamp, or coaster set.

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 Make your architecture pop

You don’t have to paint an entire wall with a bold color to make a big statement. Instead, strategically focusing your energy—and paint—on architectural details like doorways, window frames, and pony walls will save you time and money. Moreover, painting little features like these still packs a lot of decorative bang in the grand scheme of a room, especially if you pick a zingy hue as seen in this cute and colorful Detroit bungalow.

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 Let a saturated sofa shine

This Montreal renter let the rust-colored velvet couch steal the spotlight in her bright white living room by pairing it with a shell pink chair and a sculptural coffee table. The lesson here: Choose a couch from any colour of the rainbow, and it’ll instantly become a focal point in your living room setup.

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 Showcase colourful serving pieces

Take your favorite dinnerware out of your cabinets and display vibrant pieces on open shelving in the kitchen or dining nook instead. You’ll be surprised at just how many colorful accents are currently hiding behind closed doors. This Bronx studio features a darling display.

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 Hang a neon sign

Spell out a favorite phrase, song lyrics, or just your name (hey, it’s your space!), then prepare to ooh and aah. Neon signs are becoming popular in bedrooms, nurseries, restaurants, and beyond, and while they’re a bit of an investment, their wow factor makes up for it. If you’re having trouble brainstorming a saying of your own, Yellowpop offers pre-made options, too.

 

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 Cluster small rugs

There’s no need to scoop up an extra large rug when you can get creative and group smaller ones throughout a room like Geraldine Tan did. Your pops of colour don’t have to stop there. Bust out patterned throws, pillow covers, and smaller accessories to make a space look extra festive and funky.

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 Let your clothes do the talking

Clothing racks are common in small spaces, but they’re easy to transform from inconvenience into statement piece. Use yours to display your prettiest pieces and let the various patterns and textures add pops of colour and fun to your space. Whether you hang items in rainbow order or according to length, it can become an artful component of a room as seen in this Philadelphia loft.

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 Think pink

Yes, a bright fuchsia carpet can work to ground a boho mix of wooden and woven accents, if this one-time HGTV “Design Star” contestant’s home is any indication. People tend to go for patterns underfoot, but a strong solid shade is always an option, too.

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 Find coloured tapers

Challenge yourself to replace every white or cream taper candle in your home with something punchy. From hot pink to orange or even gold, making this simple swap will add colour to your mantle and dining table—and may help you fall in love with an old candelabra or candle holder all over again.

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 Store in every colour of the rainbow

Max out every square inch of your space with storage cubes in bright, bold shades. You can tuck them into virtually any corner or cranny, as shown here under the seat of a sofa in this home.

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 Fake wainscoting with a half-wall paint job

No fancy wall coverings? No problem. All you need is a little bit of painter’s tape, a brush/roller, and paint to create a two-toned, faux wall covering effect. This New Jersey home office shows off a poppy colour combo that’ll supercharge any space: pink, yellow, and green.

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 DIY a wall hanging

Garlands aren’t just for the holidays! Designer and artist Helen Ward made her own pom-pom accent piece, as seen in her UK home tour, and it’s just oh-so-whimsical. A little crafty creativity can go a long way. You can also use pennant and flag garlands—or wrap a cute felt ball garland around a window frame or a collection of objects on a shelf.

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 Design your dream headboard

Recover a plain headboard in fabric that is bright and makes a statement. We love Rifle Paper Co.’s offerings, particularly this whimsical rose print. Just add some navy blue shams and a coordinating throw to tie the look together.

 

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 Hang DIY wall letters

Spell out a name, initials, or a slogan with colorful wall letters like the ones blogger Emily Dixon made. You can grab supplies at a craft store and then spend an afternoon customizing your designs. These creations would make for adorable gifts, too.

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 Colorblock FTW

Have a fireplace or a weird stretch of wall that juts out into your space? Then consider giving it the colour block treatment, as these Chicago homeowners did with purple paint above and below their mantel. They chose to trim out the small arched niches that flank the fireplace in yellow, but if you wanted to go even bolder, you could paint these entire features, including their backs, to add even more fun to the (colour) block party!

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 Frame it up

Up your frame game with a fun, ocean-themed frame featuring an aerial shot from Gray Malin. It’s the perfect spot for your favorite vacation snap.

 

Gray Malin Frame

 Trim a pillow

If your pillows are feeling a little lackluster, colored ball fringe, ric rac, or ribbon might be the answer. Choose trim in a shade that’ll amp up your plain covers. If you can’t sew, try pinning bright tassels to the corners of cushions instead.

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 Put a mural on it

Murals are totally trending right now and no matter what you decide to paint, you can’t really go wrong! The geometric shapes in this LA home look nice and sophisticated and are a great way to incorporate a bunch of different shades.

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 Add stripes to your stairs

Stair runners are a popular choice for homes with little ones, and they certainly don’t have to be boring. Sara Raak’s Annie Selke striped runner leads the way to her finished basement and brings her all kinds of joy.

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 Bring in bold blinds

This creative couple matched their blinds to their tangerine sofa, and the end result is super striking. All of the quirky accents probably help make this space feel really original, too. You don’t have to choose a megawatt shade like orange for this design trick if you’re a little more into subtle shades. Imagine how pretty a soft moss green might look on these two furnishings—or even blush or cobalt—when given this kind of matching treatment.

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 Try tasseled tiebacks

Change the look of your curtains in a snap with tassel tiebacks in a saturated shade like this dark green. You can also use one of these guys to add a little personality to an old doorknob or canister top.

 

Tassel from H&M Home

 Curate colourful stacks on stacks

Books and magazines can also add colour your coffee table, especially if you top each of your stacks with something saturated, as seen in this eclectic studio. If you’re going for a maximalist vibe, don’t be afraid to rock multiple piles. A clear coffee table like the one shown will put the spotlight on your bright reads.

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 Create an urban jungle vibe

For instant color and life, decorate with plants wherever—and whenever—it’s possible! Take an average setup to the next level by wrapping an extra-long pothos around an archway, as seen above. It turns a NYC apartment into the perfect little green oasis.

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 Make chores more cheerful

You spend way too much time tidying up the kitchen, so don’t forget to add some colorful accents to your prep work. These cherry-themed dish towels from Amazon instantly add warmth to your cooking space and may even make chores feel a little less painful.

 

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 Install a bold backsplash

Why not take a cue from designer Lisa Quina and opt for aqua tiles in the kitchen rather than your ordinary marble? You have to stare at your backsplash as you cook anyway, so you may as well make it a little more exciting.

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 Frame a favorite textile

Frame an oversized scarf or textile in a colour scheme you enjoy, then display it over a mantel or sofa for personality-filled art. The piece in this Philadelphia home captures the eye immediately.

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 Display a beautiful juju hat

Juju hats originated with the Bamileke people of Western Cameroon, who called them “Tyn” and typically wore them in ceremonies and for special festivities. They’re a celebration of traditional African craftsmanship—perfect for that prime blank spot above a sofa, as seen in this Montreal apartment—just be sure to source them responsibly.

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 Turn up your bath towels

Perk up your bathroom with patterned towels in a pretty aqua shade. This style from Hay comes with sewn-in loops that you can hang off hooks, so you never have to fold another towel again and so you can use a set to brighten up plain white walls.

 

Colorful bath towels from Hay

 Make art out of multi-colored pom-poms

Want large scale art work to fill a wall, in your dining room or otherwise? An installation of multi-colored pom-poms will definitely make a statement, as seen in this LA apartment. Create your own out of yarn or purchase readymade poms for an even quicker solution. No need for a pattern—just place pom-poms next to each other at random. It’s best to use some kind of cardboard, wood, or backing alternative for the piece, so you can take it with you or move it around your place.

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 Use colour to carve a space into zones

Don’t forgo color in your space just because your apartment is small. If a 315-square-foot NYC studio can feature a brilliant wallpaper display as seen here, you can replicate the look in your home, too. Wall coverings can be used to create designated zones as well, especially if your space lacks walls or transitional areas.

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 Add some zest to your table

Placemats aren’t just for kids. Target offers tons of peppy, affordable options that will take your tablescape to the next level in an instant. We’re all about this lemon print for summer.

 

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 Let posters provide a colorful pick-me-up

Ariel Garneau hung paint swatch-inspired posters from Society6 in her hallway, and the cheerful display complements her decor perfectly. These pieces are a cute alternative for renters who can’t actually paint their walls in their favorite hues.

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Mellow out with yellow in a bedroom

Looking to jazz up the wall behin your bed, but don’t want to (or can’t) go the route of wallpaper? Try painting a yellow circle behind your headboard. Not only are circles said to be visually soothing, but in this sunny hue, this paint project just might make you smile every time you see it. Bonus points if you pull off a monochromatic look like this, matching your headboard, bedding, and curtains to your paint color.

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Light a Candle

With opaque colored glass vessels and frosted lids, these cute candles will bring a pop of color to any space. You’ll want to burn through them quickly, so you can repurpose them as little canisters for corralling cotton balls and swabs in the bath—or even pens and pencils on your desk.

Paddywax Lolli candles

 Ombre your stair risers

A few sample pots of paint—and a staircase—are all you need to pull off this subtle but fun makeover. Use a paint color card to choose shades that will blend seamlessly as you ascend (or descend) the stairs.

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 Think beyond the basics

When shopping for basic pieces, such as a kitchen island or a storage cart, keep your eyes peeled for options with a bit more flair. Here, a yellow rolling cart adds a happy element to an otherwise ordinary kitchen in Brooklyn.

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 Add energy to the bathroom

Save the plain old bathmats for hotels and opt for something with a little more pizzazz in your own space. This tribal print bathmat from World Market will take your bathroom from so-so to spectacular for just $15. Bright colors can work wonders in helping you feel invigorated and ready to start the day.

 

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 Hang wallpaper strategically

If you think too much wallpaper might overwhelm your small bathroom, you can always opt to hang a half-wall’s worth in a favorite print, like Tiffany Brown did in her space. This is an excellent compromise if other members of your household aren’t fully on board with the wall coverings trend.

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 Redo a dresser with color

Repaint your furniture but highlight multiple colors instead of just one. Yellow and orange are a bold combo and look super chic on this mid century chest in a London home.

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 Try a simple bathroom upgrade

It’s all in the details! Hang your shower curtain with hooks that have some personality. A set of 12 is just $9 and proves that even a small change can positively impact your space.

 

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Rethink your shower tiles

If you’re selecting tiles for a bathroom, why not go for a hue that you’ve always wanted to incorporate in your home? Designer Kelsey Haywood proves that dark green shower tile can look stunning and soothing.

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 Hang coloured curtains

Don’t settle for white or beige curtains when you can hang literally any other colour instead. Match your drapes to a sofa, chair, or another feature in your room to set up a colourful eye path that’ll create movement in your space.

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 Checker your floors

Rental floors don’t have to be blah. If your landlord lets you, you can make like blogger Grace Atwood and paint a checkered pattern in your favorite hues. While this is a time-intensive project, it’s certainly worthwhile if you plan to stay in your space a few years.

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 Paint your door

If you have the capability to paint, why not perk up an interior door with a pop of color? Bright yellow makes a sunny statement in this Atlanta kitchen, but you could choose any color that works with your decor.

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 Pick out a peppy print

Jazz up a plain wall with a vibrant art print like this leafy one. Society6 is full of colorful, affordable artwork and frequently runs sales. Many of their pieces can be ordered framed, which makes it easy to assemble an arrangement in a snap.

 

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 Color your kitchen cabinets

Say goodbye to plain white or wood and hello to an inviting color like light blue, as seen in this space by Kelsey Haywood. Depending on your DIY skills, you could even paint existing cabinets by yourself.

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 Lean into your linens for a color palette

When picking a color scheme for a whole room, sometimes the best place to start is with a striking duvet cover, throw pillow, or even a set of curtains. This LA couple used their sherbet colored bedding as the jumping off point for the rest of their bedroom, from the pink papered accent wall to the orange chevron nightstand.

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 Mix a “fan” into your florals

Dried and fake flowers have been trending as of late because they last forever. They’re also fairly easy to over-dye, so many of the varieties you’ll find are super saturated. Try adding a few sun palm leaves to a plain vase. These fan-shaped florals are so striking, you only need a few stems. You could even hang a couple on a wall in a spot that’s often hard to decorate, like over your headboard.

 

Pastel pink palm fans

 

 Make your own tapestry

Have a small patterned rug on hand that deserves some extra attention? Hang it on a wall as you would a tapestry for some unique, eye-catching artwork, as seen in this Illinois home. You don’t need to travel far to replicate the look: Etsy is an excellent source to shop for petite yet beautiful rugs that are one-of-a-kind.

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 Give your plants a colorful home

Rethink your plant pots! Upgrading from neutral terracotta to a fun ombre option is bound to spark joy. With all of the available color combos, these small, cheerful planters from Etsy are sure to complement all of your plant babies.

 

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 Cover your fridge

Ugh, the ugly refrigerator.  A refrigerator is an expensive investment, and it’s hard to justify replacing a perfectly functioning one just because you think it’s hideous.

If you’re looking for an easier way to use decals, check out what the designers at Lablstudio did. Limited in what they could do in this rental kitchen, they cleverly added personality with a simple decal.

Fun Fridge Door Decoration, Creative Drawings, Unique Designs, Bright Painting Ideas | Retro fridge, Vintage refrigerator, Decor

 Emphasize a built-in

To amp up the visual impact of a built-in shelving unit, consider painting its shelves, shelf backs, or both in a color that contrasts with the rest of your walls and furnishings. You can also try this idea when faking a built-in with slab style shelving. If you paint a rectangle or circular shape behind all of the shelves you put up, this can create the illusion of a recessed niche.

How To Paint The Back Of Your Built In Bookcases | Young ...

 Be all about a border

Painting or wallpapering the back of a bookcase is just the start. Turn this idea up a notch by adding a colorful border to the mix. You can use paint, of course, to make a border, but painter’s or washi tape would be an even easier way to trim out a favorite feature, as seen in this quirky living room.

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 Switch up your vase sitch

Pare down the glass vases you’ve accumulated from the florist and treat yourself to a piece that will make you do a happy dance every time you bust it out.

Tropical colours abound in fabrics and flowers | Stippen, Kleuren, Decoratie

 Stain a piece of wood furniture an unexpected color

Like color and love wood? Then try a funky, unexpected stain on a piece of wooden furniture to play up the beauty of the wood grain.

 

 

Nine Red: Bamboo Sofa Table | Staining wood, Green wood stain, Bamboo sofa

 Spray paint metal chairs

This Philadelphia loft just might inspire you to spray paint metal industrial stools in your favorite happy hues. It’s more than okay if your dining chairs aren’t all the same color. There are too many fun paint options out there to settle for just one shade.

Metal Table and Chairs Project | Krylon® Spray Paint

 Pick out patterned pillow covers

Whether you prefer to stick to just a few throw pillows or incorporate as many as your sofa will hold, they’re an easy way to add some brightness to your home.

Fun Photo Classic Cushion Cover

 Set your TV screen to art

If you own a high-tech TV like the Samsung Frame, set the home screen to something cheerful that complements your existing decor.

Artwork displayed on a Samsung TV using the Gallery app

 Have a colorful curtain call

Your shower curtain might actually be one of the largest, uninterrupted surfaces in your bathroom—other than the floor. See this spot as an easy opportunity to add something punchy to the mix.

Black White Stripe Shower Curtain Set Bird Colourful Flower for Bathroom Decor

 Restyle your sofa in seconds

Tired of your plain old couch? Try this simple hack where you use a blanket or textile to wrap a sofa seat, adding extra color in seconds. This decorative move is a great way to conceal spills or stains without shelling out the cash for a new piece—or waiting for reupholstery.

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