Simple Switches to Spruce Up Any Home

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Jul 12, 2012) - (Family Features) Want to give your home a fresh look, but don't have the time or energy for a complete makeover? Ditch the daunting DIY projects. Think small projects to make a big impact according, to design bloggers from VeccoStudio.com, an online resource for simple, customizable DIY design projects.

"I like to think that small changes create a mighty wow factor in homes," says Jamie Wood, design expert and VeccoStudio.com blogger. "Simple switches like fabrics and displaying seasonal collections in an interesting way elevate a space from common to highly creative."

Wood is big on swapping out to celebrate seasonality. The transformations happening outside often inspire her décor on the inside.

Wood's Seasonal Swap Outs

• Art: Switch out art in frames with nature-inspired, seasonal illustrations. For example, leaves for fall or flowers for spring.
• Furniture displays: Create a "cabinet of natural curiosities" by putting seasonal elements from nature on display. Birds' nests, seashells, moss and acorns take on a sculptural quality when displayed in groups.
• Rugs: Change up area rugs according to season using natural fibers such as jute in the summer and shaggier materials in cooler months. Better yet, create your own custom rugs with kits like those from Vecco, which allow you to paint rugs using stencils to create patterns inspired by the season for a truly unique look.

Bring the Outdoors In with Moon Canyon
Speaking of the outdoors, the hottest trend is bringing nature in, according to Amy Lipnis and her partner Kristen Caissie, designers at Moon Canyon Designs and resident VeccoStudio.com bloggers. Both say that using real flora and fauna brings a room to life.

As floral designers, Lipnis and Caissie say plants stir the senses with scents, sights and even taste.

• Flowers: If your home receives natural sunlight, try growing plants inside. Bright flowers in pretty and unique pots can bring great pops of color in your design.
• Herbs: Growing herbs in a kitchen window isn't just pretty, but it also spices up a room with great scents, and of course makes dinner taste better.

Creative Entertaining with Olsen
Don't stop the refresh at just the décor; entertain the idea of changing up how you host your next soiree.

"Unique and quirky elements will stand out," said Brita Olsen, VeccoStudio.com blogger and design and event planner for Brita Olsen Creative. "An easy way to give life to a party is putting an unexpected twist on normally expected items, like a super stylish serving platter or antique rose-colored water pitcher."

• Glassware: Forget the matched set of glassware. Quirky or vintage mix and match glassware makes a unique statement and makes it easier for guests to remember which drink is theirs.
• Menus: Use inexpensive chalkboard paper instead of a traditional tablecloth to transform your table into an interactive writing surface. Or as an alternative, grab candles and write menu items directly on them with a gold paint marker -- a menu that melts away as the night wears on.

To stay up to date on the latest in DIY design trends, check out social websites like Pinterest or the Vecco Studio blog at www.veccostudio.com. Both sites are designed to inspire and let you pick up great year-round DIY ideas for making simple switches in your home.

About Family Features Editorial Syndicate
This and other food and lifestyle content can be found at www.editors.familyfeatures.com. Family Features is a leading provider of free food and lifestyle content for use in print and online publications. Register with no obligation to access a variety of formatted and unformatted features, accompanying photos, and automatically updating Web content solutions.