How can you make your home look more updated without starting all over? As we mentioned in our recent post, How to Decorate Without Dating Your Home, the best way to decorate your home is to install the more expensive, permanent features, such as window coverings, cabinets and fireplaces with a classic look and then use accessories to add more trendy touches.

The current trend in accessories is minimalism. The decor is simple, bold and often large.

You’ll want to budget for accessories and art. Consider adding $200 – $300 for each large piece and $100 for small items. You’ll need at least $2000 for new accessories for a large room.

Power Pieces

Sometimes, all a room needs is a single impressive accessory. You might add a sculpture or a painting to the room. If there is a fireplace, consider finding a pair of imposing candle sticks for the mantle.

Since current decor embraces minimalism, that may be all you need.

Artwork

Southwest decor was popular earlier in the century, but one element of it is coming back. Artwork depicting single feathers or arrows has become popular again. The wall art often has an angular, tribal look. You don’t have to use this kind of art in your home, but don’t be afraid of it if you like it.

Do you love the work of a local artist or something you found in a gallery? Accessorizing a room with art is a lot like accessorizing an outfit with jewelry. You can express your personal style by using artwork to make a statement in an otherwise classically decorated room.

Heirlooms

Besides artwork, we all have heirlooms and beloved unique possessions that we love to display in our homes. We encourage you to keep your favorite items as you redecorate, but do be aware that you’ll want to refresh other items in the room.

If the accessories are older than about 10 years, the room will look dated. Consider retiring anything that is that old and isn’t unique. If you bought a painting from an artist on a fondly-remembered trip, keep it and decorate around it. But if you bought something for the living room from a retail store in 2005, it may be time to retire it or move it to a more private room.