Every year around this time, it seems the sun is permanently trapped behind rain clouds. The weather report sounds like a broken record with continual forecasts of showers. The average student’s once comfortable and inviting apartment has transformed into a cold, damp cave. However, students can escape Eugene’s wet weather and corresponding winter blues by redecorating their house or apartment to make it a brighter, warmer place.
Eugene interior designer Debra Wade said the easiest way to change the feel of a room is with paint. She recommended using warm colors and earth tones, such as reds and mustards.
“Pinky reds, lemon meringues, glazes and pearl essence are all popular colors,” Wade said.
Cool colors like blues and greens will only emphasize chilly weather.
If time and money are too scarce to repaint an entire room, Wade recommends just painting an end wall, which provides a focal point. The surface should be one with no door and the fewest windows.
Our House Interiors partner Dorothy Pritchard said the most important guideline is that the inhabitant is comfortable with the look of the room.
“Yellow is a bright color,” Pritchard said. “But personally, I’m not comfortable living with it.”
If the property manager won’t allow a new paint job, Pritchard suggested buying inexpensive slipcovers for couches, bright pillows or artwork.
“With bright colors, a little goes a long way,” Pritchard said. She also encourages perusing garage sales and looking for brightly colored glass pieces, which will help catch and reflect light.
Our House Interiors, located at 298 Banton Ave., can offer additional advice for bringing spring to you.
Eugene’s perpetual winter darkness also makes it important to maximize light when decorating, whether natural or artificial. Add another lamp to the room or hang translucent curtains.
Wade said one way to make the most of light is by strategically placing a mirror across from a window to reflect the light.
It is also important that the space reflects the individual living in it.
“Pick things that have meaning and get rid of the clutter and things that don’t mean anything,” Wade said. “Make the space meaningful.”
Flowers and plants are another good way to brighten a room.
Indoor Garden employee Sara Rutledge said a plant is a great addition to any room, because “it gives you something green during the gray days.”
She touted Chinese Evergreens, Snake Plants and Pothos as all being hearty and easy to care for.
Rutledge also advised, “Keep plants root-bound and don’t
over-water.”
Indoor Garden, located at 1915 W. 11th Ave., offers a large variety of foliage to match different tastes and budgets.
If none of these suggestions sounds very appealing, there is always the option of renting “The Endless Summer II” and taking mental vacation to someplace sunny.