My Home Needs A Change!

Several years ago, I visited the home of an older couple who owned an intriguing furniture store. They heavily bought Mart closeouts and always had very interesting and unusual items, not so different from Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. I was surprised to see that their home was caught in a time warp. I made a comment about how much I loved to decorate, to which the lady replied, "Not me. I got it done, and that was it!" I remember looking at her and wondering how someone could create a "nest" and never spruce it up, especially when she had so much at her fingertips!

Between leaving home at 19 and getting married at 25, I relocated 20 times. My mother remarked that once I finished decorating one place, I would move just to start decorating another. She was correct. It was simple to do while I was young and unencumbered, but after marriage, it became more of a task. That's when I learned to refresh and renovate.

Being the ever-spontaneous designer, while renovating one home, I felt that the walls and floors were good, but the furniture wasn't quite right. I placed an ad in the paper, and by noon, I had sold everything in my living room. By 4 PM, I had purchased all new furniture. It may have been the most fun I have ever had in four hours!

When I designed and built my current home, I opted for calming sea tones like crisp blue, aqua, and green that seamlessly flow throughout the house. The gathering room is spacious, functioning as the living room, dining room, library, and music room. Initially, I painted this one room an off-white, something I had never done before. After spending over three months in the room with my arms crossed, I contacted a painter. I went to Home Depot and confidently chose Behr Asparagus (actually darker than in the photo). Once the room was repainted, the white trim and dark furniture stood out beautifully. With all the windows, the outdoor scenery became an integral part of the room. I never felt uncomfortable in this room again. Sometimes, simply changing one element can lift your spirits.

Over the past few years, many of us have been home more than we would have liked. Some enjoyed it, while others felt confined and frustrated. Personally, I enjoy being at home. However, I must confess that constantly seeing the same surroundings recently has made me eager for a CHANGE!

Embracing change can be beneficial. Refreshing your surroundings can significantly enhance your perspective on life. You might consider embarking on a major project, whether it's transforming your entire home, just one room, or even a small corner vignette. Painting a single piece of furniture can establish a new focal point. Revamping the walls or a brick fireplace can be a bold beginning, with most modern updates shifting from dark to light, mainly white. It's clear we have a desire to brighten our world. However, remember the impact an accent color can have on one or two walls.

However, I doubt you'll stop at just that. Newly painted walls practically beg for updated furniture, art, and accessories. If you're feeling inspired, the ideal spot in the South for ideas is the Lakewood 400 Antiques Market. Once you've decided on a style, you can find everything necessary to refresh your home all in one place.

Don't be surprised if you feel like you have had a makeover when you are done!

HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED!

Enjoy!

jan

For additional inspiration, don't miss my Pinterest Board: My House Needs A Change. 

It's challenging to feature all the amazing ideas in a single article.

You can also locate the photo credits for all the images above.

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Discover a wide range of treasures at Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, the perfect place to find everything you need to decorate your home, from furniture to fresh produce, handmade jewelry, fashion items, art and collectibles. With such a diverse selection, you'll always be surprised by the amazing finds just waiting for you! For additional details, Click Here!

Please Note: Beginning January 2024, Lakewood 400 Antiques Market will be open on the 1st weekend of every month, and no longer on the 3rd. From the website and you can add the upcoming dates to your Google calendar. For a reminder every month, sign up for their newsletter.

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Jan Jones is a Designer, Artist, and Author of

"Finding Me: A Motivational Journey of Discovery for Young People."

For more information Click Here