Seven Style Updates You Can Do in a Day

Sometimes it pays to think small. These simple, striking spruce-ups can each be completed in as little as an hour

Tria Giovan

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Forget the Frames

Though we’d never downplay the importance of framing art, it’s refreshing to see a less orthodox approach. In this butler’s pantry, a series of antique botanical prints are mounted right onto the canvas walls, with only one frame in the mix. This casual treatment keeps the space gentle and approachable.

RESOURCES: Interiors by Carl Palasota Design, 225/344-0656. Ceiling paper, Pandora’s Box, by Elizabeth Dow, 631/267-3401, www.elizabethdow.com; wall and trim color, Cord, by Farrow & Ball, 888/511-1121, www.farrow-ball.com; stenciled checkerboard floor and hand-striped crown molding by Nicholas Crowell, 504/975-6576, www.nicholascrowell.com; French bistro table from Fireside Antiques, 225/752-9565, www.firesideantiques.com; French side chairs from Bremermann Designs, 504/891-7763, www.bremermanndesigns.com; cushion fabric, Balmoral Check, by Fonthill through Stark (to the trade), 212/752-9000, www.starkfabric.com; French cabinet from Coconut Company, 212/539-1940, www.coconutcoantiques.com; reproduction cabinetry to match original by John Greene, 225/344-4471.