Updating and refining your style at home. From this, to that.

It’s safe to assume that the people gathered here on Dappered have an appreciation for almost anything that pleases the eye, whether it be a stylish watch or a colorful meal. This also applies to home decor. I’d guess many of you have taken special care to pick out different items of furniture or bedding. Just as your clothing style evolves over the years, so might the style in your home. To keep you at the top of your game, here are some updates you might want to make to your home decor.

From cliche sayings to original art

Stores like Target offer ready-made decor–cute (and inexpensive) plaques, knickknacks and posters that have fun, homey-sounding sayings. The only problem is that they also tend to be sort of cliche. A better alternative is Etsy. It accomplishes the same feat of easy, cheap decor you don’t have to think about, but it’s much more original.

From fussy details to clean lines

One of the biggest things that separates a so-so living space from an elegant living space is the amount of stuff. Less really is more. Cluttered shelves, piles in corners, and messy counter tops just look unattractive. When you’re in your first or second apartment, you may not have the option to de-clutter because your home is so small. When you graduate to more room, and you have more choices like being able to afford bigger shelving units or more sophisticated closet space, take every advantage. Make sure what you have displayed is tasteful and purposeful.

From movie posters to black and white photographs

Do you still have that Pulp Fiction poster you bought in college, now hanging in your TV room? It’s classic iconography, there’s no doubt. But maybe it’s time for an update. A collection of black and white photographs, arranged together and hung on a single wall, makes a great aesthetic statement. You can print your own photos of family and friends…or, for a quirkier look, you could buy old black and white or sepia photos at thrift shops or estate sales. Check out this link for help with how to arrange the photos.

From matchy-matchy to complementary colors

When you first start decorating, you may be tempted to accessorize rooms monochromatically. That is, using the same color for all the elements in a single room–brown couch, brown shelving, brown framed art, brown patterned chairs. Instead, use a color that complements or accents instead of being so matchy. Add an earthy-green table or ottoman for some pop and contrast.

From generic landscape photos to old maps

Landscape photos are really easy to style–you can put them in any room and they usually match everything. That’s because most landscape prints blend into the room. For a more interesting look, why not hang some old maps? If you’re a purist, you could try vintage and antique stores to get the real thing. Or, you can easily buy reproductions online. Bonus if you find a map of something that has meaning to you. For instance, a Midwesterner who has transplanted to the East Coast might enjoy hanging a map of the Great Lakes.

About the Author: If you’ve got a question that needs the female treatment, chances are you’re not the only one who wants to ask it. Beth is our source for the answers. From opinions on men’s style to decoding the sometimes mysterious ways of women, she’ll take on a different question every Thursday. She also might provide an answer without waiting to be asked. That happens from time to time too. Click here to get to know Beth, then get in touch with her by sending your question to: askawoman@dappered.com .