Fresh Decorating Ideas to Try

Wallpaper is a decorating tool that is back and better than ever. Fresh colors, patterns, and textures bring wallpaper back into the spotlight as a sophisticated option for walls. For a small change, consider wallpapering just one wall in a room or the back of a bookshelf.

Bring geology into your decor. Include real geodes and agates in a vignette. Or take the less literal route and use fabric or pillows bearing geode and agate patterns.

Not just for art, this soft and gauzy technique makes a splash on everything from fabrics to tableware. Try watercolor patterns that include deep colors for a strong presence.

With a light construction and reaching to lofty heights, etageres draw a commanding presence without taking up much visual space. These towers of shelves are ideal for living rooms, bathrooms, and dining rooms and provide plenty of storage and display space.

The zigzag pattern of chevron has a fresh edge and will bring a crisp look to any space. It's a popular pick for decor, but if you want to try something even more daring, go with a different interpretation of chevron such as flame stitch and more abstract takes. Chevron has paved the way for more geometric patterns, such as the Greek key, to rise within the world of trendy decor, so keep other geometric patterns on your radar as you decorate.

Lauded for its warmth and sheen, gold is a must-have metal in decor. It will bring both richness and coziness to a space. Try a burnished finish for a subtle look.

One unique chair paired with a desk or a sofa can make a room sing. Look for a chair that has a standout frame or eye-catching upholstery. Select a chair that will mesh with the scale and style of the rest of the furniture. This wishbone chair is the right fit for the desk but would look diminutive next to a large sofa.

Combine utilitarian and rough-hewn for an of-the-moment look. Both industrial and rustic decor imbue a utilitarian feel -- industrial style takes its inspiration from machinery and rustic elements are drawn from rural settings. Get the look by using metals and woods with worn finishes, clean-lined furnishings, and plenty of chic gray.

Switch subjects and take a decorating cue from geography. Frame maps for wall art or decoupage pages from old atlases on a variety of surfaces. Globes also make world-class additions to displays and vignettes.

Think of your home as the museum of your life. Instead of stashing mementos in boxes, find ways to use them in your decorating. Frame important ephemera, put vacation souvenirs on display, and include favorite family pictures throughout the house.

Disregard the thinking that pastels are only for Easter eggs. A new crop of bright, strong pastels has blossomed in the world of decorating, opening up more color options. Pair a few of these pastels with dark finishes, rather than lots of whites, for a solid, grounded look.

For chairs that aren't pushed up against a wall or tucked into a corner, consider an unexpected treatment for the chair backs. In instances where the backs of chairs are highly visible, such as dining room chairs or armchairs that "float" in a room, a different fabric or a contrasting color adds flair.

Figuring out your style is one of the first steps in creating decor you'll love. Watch this video to learn the secrets to defining your style.