Residence refurbished

For those who want to update a home’s interior without breaking the bank, take heart; transitioning your home from well-worn to well-loved isn’t only dreamable, it’s doable.

South Charlotte Weekly caught up with BLACKLION Vice President Nita Emory to get insight on 2010 home décor trends sure to breathe new life into your abode.

With many Charlotteans watching their wallets, opt for affordable, practical, home enhancements that won’t take you to the cleaners. Above all, said Emory, this year’s focus is on cost-saving comfort rather than high-ticket extravagances, which means making your home a stylish haven is not only practical, it’s possible.

“Really great-looking items that showcase your personality are the best way to update,” said Emory. “Go for things that make your home feel warm and cozy.”

While most people are still reeling amid the aftermath of a less-than-stellar economy, “people aren’t totally redecorating their whole house,” said Emory, “They’re just buying pretty pieces, like a hand-painted chest or beautiful new mirrors, to get a new look. It’s all about updating what we have.”

Follow Emory’s tips to secure a chic, stylish house that you’ll love coming home to this year.

Luxurious leather

“People are nesting quite a bit,” said Emory. “They want comfort, such as a great leather chair.”

Although leather sofas always have been popular with Charlotteans, recently customers have been drawn to BLACKLION’s array of stylish, yet comfortable leather chairs. “It’s one of our big categories here,” Emory said.

Replacing or adding a leather chair to a den or living room is a great way to change the look and feel of the room, without spending a fortune, she said, noting leather can be paired with various fabrics including ­chenille or tapestries.

Ought to get an ottoman

“I think one of the key pieces to a great den (or family room) is a great ottoman,” said Emory, ­noting large fabric or leather-covered ottomans are popular. “Not only do ottomans allow family members to relax and kick their feet up, they make a wonderful way to showcase accessories, she said. “Try putting a tray in the center of an ottoman.”

Perfect pillows, please

To liven things up and offset neutral-colored sofas or chairs, change the look of the room by adding decorative pillows, said Emory. In addition to go-to colors such as gold, brown or tan, plaid pillows have experienced a recent popularity upswing. However, for the most part, customers tend to shy away from any pattern that’s too out-of the-box, Emory said. Don’t be scared of color, she cautioned, and opt for something unique. Needlepoint and hook pillows bring a comfortable, distinctly personal feel to rooms, she added.

Go for green

Customers also flock to flower and greenery arrangements, each uniquely fashioned to bring the outdoors inside, Emory added.

“We have lots of dried greeneries and topiaries,” she said. “People want arrangements to look fresh, like they’ve just been cut and arranged.”

Another popular trend that’s ­continuing into 2010 is showcasing a collection of preserved greenery balls and small, rounded topiaries, garnished with moss, feathers, seeds or other natural materials. “These kinds of displays can really add life to your house,” Emory said.

Let there be light

One piece that really can change the look of a home is a mirror,” said Emory. “Adding a new mirror to a foyer or (an otherwise) dark room can add light and drama.”

BLACKLION also specializes in an array of “great, unique lamps,” she added. Lamps are vital to tastefully decorated rooms and allow the home to have a more transitional feel than overhead lighting alone.

“Adding a lamp is a great way to update the home,” she said, noting an existing lamp can be refurbished by simply adding a chic, new shade.

Quality lighting, Emory noted, also means the home’s unique accessories and art can be properly showcased, without being distracting.

For more design inspiration, visit BLACKLION’s south Charlotte ­location, 10605 Park Road, or online at www.blacklion.com.