HOLIDAY EDITION • November 22-23, 2023 • SECTION D

LIVING SPACE

ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL

2 Choose an artsy addition

A big, bold painting brings serious
flair, and can instantly change the mood
of any space. Whether hung above a
fireplace, sofa or elsewhere in the room,
a painting can create a focal point with
impact and add both color and dimen-
sion. Pick up a few of its colors in ac-
cessories, like pillows, to highlight the
piece even more.
UNSPLASH
Start a paper trail
5 The popular trend of removable
wallpaper has landed this fun product in
even the big box stores. Peel the back-
ing and press it to the wall, then peel it
off if you tire of the look or if you’re a
renter. You can use big graphic colorful
prints behind a bed as a headboard, on
a hollow-core door to make it dimen-
sional, or over a fireplace without a big
commitment.

UNSPLASH

3 Personalize with art

Don’t see anything at the gallery
that grabs you? It’s easier than ever to
get exactly what you want on the walls
— by making it yourself. Pick up a pre-
stretched canvas and some paint at a
crafts store and splash on the colors you
desire. Or blow up a favorite vacation
print on canvas via an online service.
Some big box photo services also offer
printed canvases.
PEXELS

1 Mix it up ADOBE STOCK

Throw pillows are a simple way to add a splash of color and comfort to any room.
Mix and match patterns and textures to create dynamic contrast. Combining colors
6 Layer on white
It’s one of the coolest looks and it
that are direct opposites on the color wheel intensifies their impact. Finish the look never gets old, partly because it’s so ver-

Quick
with a cozy throw blanket in a complementary color. satile, partly because it’s a good, clean
design: Take a white box of a room and
layer in the color via rugs, furniture,
curtains, throws, lamps and shades,
artwork and other accessories. It’s all
easy to switch out when you’re ready
for a whole new look.

Bring in plants
4 Love ’em or hate ’em, plants and
PEXELS

miniature trees are making a comeback

— and we’re not talking trailing philo-
change
12 no-fuss ways to add color without painting the walls 7 Accent with furniture
ADOBE STOCK

Add a chair or ottoman in a bold

dendron in a macramé holder. Top de- CAITLIN SOLE | BHG.com print or color to perk up a mellow lay-

Y
signers and bloggers are putting plants
and trees into living spaces not just as an
afterthought but as an intentional part
of the design — think fiddle leaf figs,
succulents, lemon trees, air plants, hi-
biscus, amaryllis or orchids.
ou don’t have to lift a brush to brighten up your spaces with color. Vi- out. Take your time and find the color
or pattern that you like best, holding up
brant window treatments, furnishings and accessories are simple ways swatches against the walls and existing
to add a little color to your decor. furniture. Look for pieces that have col-
ors used elsewhere in your room so that
Please see COLOR, Page D2 the new items look right at home.

ASK ANGI

What licensing, bonding and insurance means

PAUL F.P. POGUE | Ask Angi
Here at Angi, we repeat one
piece of advice more often than
any other (well, except maybe to
change your HVAC filters): Always
ensure your contractor holds the
necessary license, bonding, and
insurance to do business.
These are all excellent ideas to
protect yourself, but what exactly
do they mean, and to whom do
they apply? Here’s a handy guide
to those terms and what they
mean for you as a homeowner.
Remember as you proceed:
Rules and regulations vary from
state to state and city to city. If
you’re hiring someone for a job,
especially a big and costly one, it’s
a good idea to familiarize yourself
with the specific regulations of
your locality.
Licensing
In most cases, a trade license
means a contractor has signed up
with the state or local licensing
authority and passed a skills test.
Licensing varies a great deal
across localities. However, nearly
all plumbers, electricians, gas and
HVAC contractors must hold a li-
cense. These are some of the most
important professions that work
in your house and operate some of
the most dangerous systems, so a ADOBE STOCK
licensing exam represents vital
evidence that they know what
they’re doing.
General contractors, architects
and landscape installers also re-
quire licensing; check with your
local authorities.
Keep in mind that a trade li-
cense is different from a busi-
ness license, which usually just
means that the person who
holds it is authorized to do some
kind of business in that area.
Please see INSURANCE, Page D2

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