Stunning Decorating Ideas for Turning Drab to Fab

In the decorating world they're known as trade secrets-decorating ideas that turn drab to fab with little effort. They give us the "high" of a large scale effect, and it's really astonishing and fun to watch them play out. From all my decorating projects through the years, here are the most memorable, the most stunning decorating ideas for giving a space an unforgettable, wow effect.

Liven up your walls

Wall stickers are getting bigger and more beautiful. You just peel the backing and stick them to the wall, without the need for messy glue as with traditional wallpaper. This is truly an easy decorating idea that can turn drab walls into murals within minutes. You can find wall stickers that are over six feet tall, like trees or giraffes, or small ones like butterflies and flowers. Look online for the biggest selection.

Spice up your deck

I discovered this decorating idea on HGTV and used it to turn my friend's drab deck into a fabulous gathering space. To create it yourself, just draw the outline of a rug on your deck (a rectangle), prime the area with water-based primer for durable results, then paint a bright colored rug (with or without a border). Your outdoor table will now float on a colorful rug that never gets wet.

Modernize your living room

To give your home a more modern appeal, paint your windows and doors in white, as well as your window casing and floor molding. Next paint the fireplace mantle in white, cover your furniture in white slipcovers, and add white Japanese lanterns overhead. Colorful pillows or flower vases will now stand out beautifully against this pale decor. (You can replace white with sage, sand or similar pale hues.)

Revive your dining room

Use bright slipcovers over your old dining room chairs to completely transform the room from drab to fab. Choose yellow, orange, purple-something that makes a statement. Next, paint your dining room table in white for a modern look, and add wall art around the room in a color that echoes that of the chair covers.

Dress up small rooms

At a home improvement store buy a mirror closet door. Rest it against the wall of a small room, preferably opposite a window. In a matter of seconds the room will look brighter, more modern and twice its actual size.

Spread greenery through your home

It's the easiest decorating idea in the world-add a tall Ficus plant to your entryway or a palm to your living room, and the whole space will truly turn from drab to fab. If you lack a green finger, invest in silk plants instead.

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