Instead of paying top dollar at pricey shops, give your furnishings and accessories a custom look yourself. There are some fun, attractive products available that make it really easy to do.
Wood appliqués are one great example. That tired old bookshelf will look brand new once you embellish the face of the shelves with detailed appliqués. All you need is a little wood glue to attach them, and perhaps a couple of finishing nails for heavier pieces. You can also add crown molding to the edges or rosettes to the corners the same way. Simply paint or stain as desired, and your shelves have instant character. For a really simple update, you can add lace along the face of the shelves to soften hard edges.
Another option is embellishing your own towels. Those fancy towel sets generally come with equally fancy price tags. However, lace, beads, and trims are usually affordable at craft and fabric shops. You can purchase inexpensive solid colored towels and sew on some great decorative touches. If you don’t have a sewing machine, or aren’t exactly skilled in the use of one, you can sew these items on by hand or attach them with washable fabric glue.
You can do the same thing with sheets, bedding, and window treatments. For an understated yet more detailed look, use solid colored sheets and treatments, and add simple lace or trim in a slightly deeper or lighter tone. For real punch, choose trims with deep contrast or lots of intricate detail. A strip of fringe along the bottom edge of a duvet cover or curtain gives it instant richness.
Fringe, beads, and trim can also be added to accent pillows, or even the bottom edge of the skirt on a chair or sofa for a more custom feel. These are very simple ways to give old furnishings and accessories new life, with little money and effort.