How to Tell When it’s Time to Redecorate

Advanced Blind and Shade

How do you know when it is time to redecorate a particular room in your home? Trends constantly change, and most of us cannot afford to redecorate on an annual basis. However, how do you determine when a room simply needs sprucing up versus a complete overhaul? Here are a few pieces of advice to help you make the determination.

Most design experts will tell you that the same décor can be kept in a room, on average, for about 7 years before it needs to be changed up. Fabrics can date a room, but if you strategically change out the accessories of your room over time, it will prevent the room from looking like it belongs in the previous decade. Most of us still have nightmares over the design mistakes we made during the 1970’s and 1980’s.

One of the most common recommendations you will hear is for you to invest in a neutral colored sofa. In most rooms, this is going to be the largest piece of furniture, and a neutral color will allow you to change the décor around the sofa without having to update the sofa itself. Chairs tend to be slightly iffier. In most cases, it will not be problematic to have a chair reupholstered, but if you choose to incorporate printed fabrics in a chair’s design, then the fabrics need to be chosen carefully.

If you would like to incorporate printed fabrics in the décor scheme of your room, choose to incorporate them through the use of throw pillows, rugs, and window treatments. These are accessories that can easily be switched out, at a minimal cost, as needed. Do not think that printed fabrics are the enemy. In fact, it is quite the opposite. They provide an interesting visual aesthetic that can truly brighten up a space; however, as aforementioned, they should be selected with care. (Sea foam green floral patterns from the 1980’s anyone?)

As a general rule, the more neutral the fabric choices you make are, the longer they will last before they must be spruced up. On the other hand, do not let this advice prevent you from playing with colors, patterns, and textures, which are what make a space truly interesting. Make your choices wisely, and your décor should be able to safely carry you through the next 5-10 years without embarrassing you.