Quick and easy ways to update a room… new pillows, reupholstery and wallpaper!

I recently brought new life to my formal living room, which was looking a little tired. I’m craving color now more than ever, so when I spotted the Peter Dunham Bukhara ikat textile in light green and blue, I knew it would be perfect for two new pillows on my window seat.

I added the Schumacher Deconstructed Stripe wallpaper in red to the back of our bookshelves and it really brings the fun. At first I was considering a few traditional floral patterns but I’m glad I went with something unexpected for a formal living room. I really think all built-ins should be lined with wallpaper. It’s a way of adding depth, texture, and color. And more importantly, life is too short not to have fun.

Reupholstering a piece of furniture can completely change the look and feel of a room. My 15 years old Mitchel Gold stools were originally leather. I wasn’t sure I wanted to lose the leather for good so I had slipcovers made. Slipcovers often cost less than reupholstery, and make for an easier clean up if something is spilled. I chose Schumacher’s Chiang Mai fabric. A classic textile that was just the pop of color the room needed.