Focus trends on room accessories. Think area rugs, lamps or throw cushions. Just like a good handbag, these pieces inject instant style and immediately bring a tired room to life. Bonus: They can easily be swapped in and out as your family’s needs change. It’s easier to change a lamp than a sofa, so for big-ticket items, stick to classics that will stand the test of time.

TOP FIVE DECOR TRENDS RIGHT NOW

1 Graphic pattern carpets Big pattern is coming off the walls and onto the floor. With this much pattern, almost everything else can stay neutral except maybe a cushion or two.

2 Utilitarian-feel standing lamps The school-house desk lamp is growing up and moving into the living room.

3 Oversized photography Fill a wall with a single “wow” photograph instead of three or four smaller prints.

4 Gold accents Forget satin nickel — bright or tarnished gold is showing up on doorknobs, cabinet pulls, detailing and faucets. Bonus: It’s okay to mix metals, so don’t worry if you have more than one type in a room.

5 Creative vertical storage Texture, patterns, painterly effects and vibrant colours help turn the storage cabinet into a work of art. Large-scale pieces like this are a great way to conquer clutter.