Renovate or Redecorate? What does your home need?

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News/USA Today Network

Most homeowners reach a point where they wonder: Do I renovate or can I fix this with decorating?

The answer depends. And it could be a combination of both.

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I am often called on to help clients decide what to do. So, I thought I would offer some practical guidelines to help determine what you and your home need. A renovation or is redecorating enough? 

Before you rip out cabinets or start pricing tile, take a step back. Many homes don’t need a renovation. They need a reboot and a plan.

 When is it time to Renovate?

Fact: Some issues go beyond surface-level updates. If your home isn’t functioning well, renovation is usually the right move. 

• Your layout no longer fits your life

If daily routines feel awkward: poor kitchen flow, no workspace, cramped rooms, the structure needs attention. 

• Outdated features affect usability

Bad lighting placement, limited storage, or aging systems make a home inefficient, not just in need of a refresh. 

• Obvious wear and tear.

Cracked tile, structural problems, electrical issues, water damage, or worn flooring often signal deeper issues that need to be addressed.  

• Cosmetic changes haven’t worked.

If you’ve tried paint or minor updates and the space still feels off, the problem likely isn’t visual. 

• You’re thinking long-term.

Strategic renovations, especially kitchens and bathrooms, will improve both livability and future value. 

Bottom line: If these are some of the issues you face, renovate.

When is decorating enough?

Fact: Not every home needs construction. Sometimes the issue isn’t structure. It’s cohesion.

• The layout works, but the space feels unfinished. Good bones, but no clear direction. 

• Color is off or nonexistent.

The right palette can completely change how a room feels. 

• Your space lacks personality.

Bare walls or outdated artwork can make a home feel sad. Even rotating pieces you already own can shift the mood. 

• You can’t pull it all together.

A decorator helps balance color, texture, scale, and finishes so everything feels intentional. 

• You want change without disruption

Decorating is faster, less invasive, and more budget-friendly. 

Bottom line: Not every homeowner is ready for a major project. And that’s okay.

Decorating may be an interim fix OR it may be the only fix that you need. From cabinet upgrades to simple bathroom refreshes, check out these ideas on how to update your home without starting over. Because many kitchens and bathrooms don’t need demolition to feel brand new. 

Simple bathroom updates that make a big impact

What to do with an outdated pink bathroom? Renovate or redecorate? Redecorate! Clean tile and grout. Peel and stick flooring. New hardware, lighting (ceiling and sconces) and mirror. Add wallpaper and new shade. Paint trim and ceiling. Add new, white countertop and rug. 

Bathrooms are one of the easiest spaces to refresh without major work:

• Replace vanity countertops instead of replacing entire vanity. 

• Change fixtures (faucet, showerhead, hardware) for a cohesive finish. 

• Upgrade lighting and mirrors to modernize instantly. 

• Refresh grout and caulking to make tile look new again. 

• Use peel-and-stick flooring or wall options for quick updates. 

• Layer in textiles and artwork to add warmth and personality. 

• Paint where needed.

Because plumbing stays in place, these updates deliver high impact with minimal disruption.

Smart kitchen updates 

Outdated kitchen with lots of clutter that makes the room look small. Renovation or redecorate? Redecorate! Declutter countertops and remove outdated wall art. Say goodbye to magnets on refrigerator and fake plant on top. Stain (you could also paint) cabinets and replace fronts and hardware. Replace countertops. New lighting. New window treatment. New chairs and new stainless appliances. Add a white tile backsplash. Paint ceiling.

A full kitchen renovation isn’t always necessary. Many kitchens improve dramatically with updates or a combination of renovating and decorating.

• Paint and/or reface cabinets instead of replacing them. 

• New hardware for an instant style change goes a long way.

• Update the backsplash for a fresh focal point. 

• Add under-cabinet lighting to improve both look and function. 

• Replace the faucet and sink details for a modern touch. 

• Replace countertops if needed.

• Painting is always a good idea. 

And if it means combining both options, start small. The best homes aren’t created all at once. They evolve over time.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit https://spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit https://spectacularspaces.com/blog

Spring forward with an easy home refresh

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News/USA Today Network

If you live in Southwest Florida, spring doesn’t arrive with a dramatic entrance. There’s no snow melting or heavy coats to pack away. But there is a shift. The light lingers a little longer, the air feels softer, and everything seems to invite a fresh start.

And honestly? That’s what spring decorating is really about here. Not a full overhaul. Just a few thoughtful changes that make your home feel lighter, calmer, and more in tune with the season.

As a Bonita Springs-based interior decorator, I always like to share a few easy tips this time of year. Spring decorating isn’t about reinventing your home.

It’s about noticing what feels a little heavy, a little crowded, or a little tired. And gently refreshing it. It’s nothing complicated. Small things. But together, they make your home feel new again.

Start with your bed

One of the quickest ways to feel a seasonal shift is right in your bedroom. If you’re still holding onto anything heavy, it’s time to let it go.

Switch lighter bedding. Think breathable cotton or linen, soft whites or sandy neutrals. A simple quilt instead of a thick comforter can completely change how the room feels. It’s cooler, but also prettier for warmer months.

Lightweight bedding in soft coastal tones creates an airy, comfortable bedroom—an easy seasonal update for spring in Southwest Florida. Photo: Serena & Lily. Shown Ravello four-poster bed, Round Hill rattan chair.

And I think there’s something about climbing into a light, airy bed at the end of the day that just feels like spring.

Change the scents in your home

This is the quiet detail homeowners forget, but it makes such a difference.

Put away anything heavy or spicy and bring in fresh, clean scents like citrus, ocean breeze, a hint of coconut. Even a simple diffuser in the kitchen or living room can shift the entire mood of your space.

Faux mini sunflower bundle  with the Artisan Stidio Handcrafted Collection from Pottery Barn. Photo: Pottery Barn

It’s subtle, but you’ll notice it. Especially when you walk back in after being outside.

Clear some space

Spring decorating isn’t about adding more. It’s about taking a little away.

Look at your coffee table, your kitchen counters, your shelves. Then remove just a few things. Not everything. Just enough to give your space room to breathe.

It’s amazing how much lighter a room feels when there’s a bit of openness. Almost like your home is exhaling.

Switch out what’s already on your walls

You don’t need to buy new art. Just rotate what you already have. Maybe move a lighter, brighter piece from one room into another. Bring in something with soft color, a coastal feel, or even a simple botanical print. Put away anything that feels heavy or dark for now.

It’s a small change, but visually it can completely reset a space.

Lighten the fabrics you live with every day

This one is easy and fun. It’s from a decorator (me!) who believes that pillows can change everything.

Switch out your pillow covers. Trade deeper tones for softer ones. Think pale blues, seafoam, warm neutrals. Fold away heavier throws and replace them with something lighter, maybe a textured cotton or linen. You’re just shifting the tone.

Use what you already have as decor

One of my favorite tricks: stop thinking of décor as something separate from your daily life.

A bowl of lemons or apples on the counter. A glass pitcher with sliced citrus on the table. A small pot of fresh herbs near the window.

A simple arrangement of fresh flowers in a colorful or textured pot is an easy way to brighten a room for spring. Photo: Pottery Barn. Shown: Terracotta Amphora pots.

These are things you’d use anyway. But they also bring color, life, and a sense of ease into your home. Nothing complicated.

Fresh flowers and pretty pots

There’s something about fresh flowers that instantly makes a home feel fresh again. Skip anything too formal and keep it simple. A few stems in a small vase, clippings from the yard, or even grocery store blooms loosely arranged on the kitchen counter, all work beautifully. Nothing fussy.

Swap plain pots or vases for something with a little personality. Soft pastels, sun-washed terracotta, or even a pop of coral or aqua can add just enough color without overwhelming the space. It’s an easy way to bring that spring energy indoors without changing anything else.

Give Your Entryway a Quick Refresh

This is the first thing you see when you walk in, so it sets the tone. Shake out the doormat or swap it for something lighter. Clear away anything that’s collected there over time. Maybe add a small plant or a simple basket for everyday things.

It doesn’t need to be over styled. Just needs to feel clean and welcoming.

A Final Thought

Spring decorating isn’t about reinventing your home. It’s about noticing what feels a little heavy, a little crowded, or a little tired. And gently refreshing it.

A lighter bed. A fresher scent. A cleared surface. A bowl of citrus catching the afternoon light.

And really, that’s what spring is all about.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

An interior decorator’s wishes for 2026

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News/USA Today Network

As we head into 2026 in Southwest Florida, I’m skipping New Year’s resolutions altogether. Instead, I’m making wishes: joyful hopes for the way our homes look, feel, and support us in the year ahead.

These wishes are less about tearing walls down and more about living better with what we already have (and maybe tweaking it just a little). So consider this a decorator’s wish list for your home.

Wish #1: A home that feels calm the moment you walk in

As an interior decorator working with clients throughout Southwest Florida, my wish is always to help them design spectacular spaces that reflect the way they live. And having said that, my first wish is for a home that gives you peace.

A home that allows you relax the minute you walk in the door. That lets you take a breath. This starts with editing visual clutter. Not adding more. Too many small accessories, overly busy patterns, or furniture that’s too much for the space can raise stress levels.

Try this instead:

•           Remove one or two items from each room and see how the space feels.

•           Leave a little space on walls. Especially in entryways and main living areas.

•           Choose larger, simpler pieces over collections of small ones.

Calm doesn’t mean boring. It means intentional and a well-thought-out-plan

Wish #2: Better use of what you already own

One of my biggest wishes for 2026 is that homeowners rediscover what they already own. You may not need a full renovation to refresh your home. What you may need is a fresh perspective.

Before buying anything new:

•           Shop your own home.

•           Rotate art and accessories seasonally, just like you rotate clothing.

•           Reframe artwork or photography you already love for an instant update.

This isn’t about making do. It’s about curating, not accumulating.

Wish #3:  Decide if you really need a renovation or redecorating

This is a big one for me. I often walk into homes with great layouts and solid finishes that just need fresh eyes. New furnishings, updated lighting, reworked layouts, and better scale can completely change a space without construction dust or months of disruption. It may also allow you to postpone a renovation depending on budget and time constraints. Redecorating can be tansformative when done thoughtfully.

Wish #4: Furniture that invites you to stay awhile

In 2026, make comfort the priority.

•           Comfortable seating that doesn’t look overstuffed.

•           Chairs that actually get used, not just admired.

•           Sofas deep enough for movie nights, naps and visitors.

If replacing furniture isn’t in the plan, small upgrades help:

•           New upholstery or slipcovers.

•           Updated throw pillows in pretty, fresh fabrics.

•           Replacing dated legs or hardware on existing pieces.

Comfort is always in style.

Wish #5: Thoughtful Lighting (Without Rewiring the House)

Lighting can completely transform a home and is often the missing piece. Include more lamps, especially in living rooms and bedrooms. Warmer bulbs that flatter both people and spaces. Table lamps, floor lamps, and rechargeable accent lights add instant warmth and depth. Photo: Pottery Barn

Lighting can completely transform a home and you don’t need an electrician to make a big impact. I find that lighting is often the missing piece in many homes.

Try this:

•           Fewer overhead lights on full blast.

•           More lamps, especially in living rooms and bedrooms.

•           Warmer bulbs that flatter both people and spaces.

•           Table lamps, floor lamps, and rechargeable accent lights add instant warmth and depth.

Wish #6: Outdoor spaces that feel like real rooms

Living in Florida, our outdoor spaces are an extension of our homes nearly year-round. In 2026, I wish for lanais, patios and porches that feel just as curated as interiors.

Try this:

•           Add an outdoor rug to anchor seating.

•           Layer pillows in weather-friendly fabrics.

•           Introduce lanterns or soft lighting for evening ambiance.

Wish #7: More confidence with color used intentionally

Color makes the most impact/change in a room. Sometimes it’s as simple as warmer neutrals, richer wood tones, or a soft color in a powder room or den.

 •          Add a rug with depth or pillows in layered tones

•           Update artwork.

•           Paint the ceiling.

A little color, used intentionally, can change the entire mood of a space.

Wish #8: Homes that feel personal, not perfect

Finally, my biggest wish for 2026 is that homeowners stop waiting for perfection before enjoying their homes.

Take the time to curate your collections to reflect you and your lifestyle. Shown: Malcolm Round Nesting Coffee Tables in a glazed pine finish with a powder-coated black metal base. Photo: Pottery Barn

Your home doesn’t need:

•           Matching everything.

•           The latest trend.

•           A total overhaul.

It needs warmth, comfort, a sense of ease.

Welcome a new year

As we move into 2026, my wish is that we treat our homes the way we treat good friends, with appreciation, care and a little grace. A beautiful home isn’t built in one renovation. It’s shaped over time, through thoughtful choices, small improvements and a clear understanding of how you want to live. And that, is the best wish of all.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Color of the year 2026

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News/USA Today Network

It’s always fun and interesting when paint companies announce their Color of the Year. My favorite is Benjamin Moore because it’s a company I’ve worked with for years in doing color consultations. I know how much time and effort goes into the selection of the color for their yearly announcement. And they always have a marketing component to back up their decision.

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator specializing in selecting color palettes, I like to write about it to give my readers and clients my take on the color, how they might think about using it (or not) in their homes, along with a few tips and words of caution! Over the years we have gone from jewel tones to white to beautiful neutrals and more.

Drumroll…..the Color of the Year 2026 is Benjamin Moore’s Silhouette (AF-655).

“An alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal, Silhouette AF-655 weaves a narrative of enduring style and grace, inspired by the modern take on classical suiting.” Trim and ceiling: Swiss Coffee OC-46. Photo: Benjamin Moore

The color is brown. Yes, brown.

Not just any brown. Benjamin Moore describes it as “an alluring mix of rich espresso hues with subtle notes of charcoal. Balancing refinement and distinction, Silhouette AF-655 weaves a narrative of enduring style and grace, inspired by the modern take on classical suiting.”

But it is still brown. And it’s a broody, moody color.

Color brings us happiness and joy. It changes our homes and how we feel living in them. Homeowners will decide if this color does that for their lifestyle.

It’s a pretty, chic, edgy, rich, sophisticated hue. And we’ve been seeing this color in fashion for months. We know that home interior palettes do follow fashion trends. And we have to ask if brown is taking over as the new black. Maybe.

But it’s brown. Not the first color that is selected from the crayon box. Honestly, my guess for this year’s color was green because we have been seeing so many beautiful shades in home interiors.

“The connection between fashion and interiors has always been a source of inspiration but this year in particular, we’ve noticed a renewed interest in suiting and classic silhouettes; the resurgence of timeless pieces; and the growing interest in the brown color family,” said Andrea Magno, director, color marketing & design at Benjamin Moore. “Silhouette embodies these qualities with its depth and luxurious blend of burnt umber and delicate charcoal undertones. Like a perfectly tailored suit, this hue has the versatility and softness to bring a space from expected to exceptional.”

From the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2026 palette, bathroom walls and ceiling in Narragansett Green (HC-157). Photo: Benjamin Moore

Color Trends 2026 palette

The exciting news is how Silhouette AF-655 is complemented by beautiful hues of the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2026 palette. These colors are artfully curated based on their ability to layer effortlessly for a sophisticated feel. With a focus on attention to detail, craftsmanship and refinement, the Color Trends 2026 palette reflects a graceful balance of pales that work beautifully alone or with Silhouette: AF-655, Raindance 1572, Swiss Coffee OC-45, First Crush CSP-310, Batik AF-610, Narragansett Green HC-157, Southwest Pottery 048, Sherwood Tan 1054.

Silhouette AF-655 is complemented by beautiful hues of the Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2026 palette. These colors are artfully curated based on their ability to layer effortlessly for a sophisticated feel. With a focus on attention to detail, craftsmanship and refinement, the palette reflects a balance of pales that work beautifully alone or with Silhouette. Photo: Benjamin Moore

A few thoughts and tips

I actually love this color. And while I hope to find it in a pantsuit or jacket, I am not sure it works on walls in most homes.

• Proceed cautiously. Lighting is very important to make this color work.

• It needs to relate to what is in the room.

• Consider it for a gallery wall with beautiful and colorful artwork.

• It also brings a rich look to a paneled wall, ceiling treatment or bedroom.

• If your furnishings include antiques, this may be your color with colorful fabrics.

Color is meant to be fun and to bring us joy. Let’s not take it too seriously. Next year will bring another color idea for us to talk about!

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Fall into a new season at home

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network

In Southwest Florida, fall is mostly unnoticed except the days slowly begin to get shorter. I think of fall as a season of hope and good things to come. It’s the hope that cooler weather is on the way in another month or so as we anxiously await that first cool evening that makes us look through our closet for a jacket and that first day when we can open all the windows.

Pick your fall color palette of yellows, oranges, greens with Pottery Barn’s faux yellow beech leaf branch. Photo: Pottery Barn

But until then, we dream of fall. And look for ways to make a few subtle changes in our homes to acknowledge the season. If you have shopped lately, you have noticed that yellow is having a moment. In fashion. Home décor. Nature.

Why?

Pretty entry brings the sunshine inside with Chestertown Buff paired with Atrium White wainscoting. Photo: Benjamin Moore

• It boosts our mood. Think about sunflowers. They are happy, warm, and optimistic.

• Muted shades of yellow are an alternative to traditional whites.

• Major fashion brands are showing a lot of yellow on runways.

• It pairs well with other colors. More on that below.

Tips for using yellow this fall

Say hello to fall with a beautiful bouquet of happy sunflowers and greens. Photo: Pottery Barn.

I always tell my Southwest Florida home interiors clients that a little yellow goes a long way. My own experience was a yellow bathroom that I loved and a beautiful muted yellow in a primary bedroom that I paired with greens and whites.

• Start small. Try yellow in accessories (lamps, mirror frame, artwork, rug, pillows, bath towels, ceramics) before repainting a room.

• Painting a room yellow. Go with a bathroom or powder room and use with a beautiful wallcovering.

• Paint the front door Benjamin Moore’s Sunny Days.

The sun is always shining with this front door in Benjamin Moore’s Sunny Days.

• Layer yellow with stronger contrasts such as dark woods to create interest.

• Go with softer, muted shades of yellows.

• My favorite Benjamin Moore yellows:

Barely Yellow, a soft, subtle. Barely-there shade with green undertones. Works well in minimalist interiors.

Man on the Moon, a pale and luminous yellow that adds a touch of sunshine to dimly lit rooms.

• And if you want to ease your way into using yellow, think about the 60-30-10 rule:

60% for the neutral color; 30% for a secondary shade and the final 10% as a pop of color such as yellow.

How to pair yellow with other colors

• Deep earth tones. Pair yellow tones with rich, grounding hues and contrasting accents to create a balanced fall palette. Warm and earthy combinations make yellow look sophisticated and seasonal.

Feel the sunshine with this HAND-PAINTED, sunflower wallcovering from Serena & Lily. Photo: Serena & Lily

• Jewel tones. Combine yellow with eggplant, burgundy or emerald to add richness to an interior.

• Neutrals. Balance yellow with soft whites, beiges, taupes and grays to let the yellow “pop.”

• Contrasts. Pair yellows with slate blue, navy or black for a modern, dramatic feel.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Shell chic home decor

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network

If you live in Southwest Florida, you know the pure joy of walking on a beach and collecting the treasures that wash ashore each day. And if you have lived in Florida for a while, you likely have boxes of shells tucked away in your garage. From many trips to the beach. Each one a sweet memory. Not sure what to do with them but just not having the heart to part with them.

On Friday, June 20, we welcome the first day of summer and we also celebrate National Seashell Day. It’s a day worth celebrating so pick a beach and grab your shell bag. With more than 50 miles of beaches and over 400 species of seashells that cover the white sands, there’s no other place quite like this area for shell seekers. And all have one goal, to bring the beach home with treasures collected from the sea.

The exotic allure of shells goes back to ancient times when intricate designs were used in décor.

Frank Lloyd Wright was an avid shell collector and used shells as models for his designs including the spiral ramp of the Guggenheim Museum. It’s thought to be inspired by the nautilus shell.

This outdoor fireplace doesn’t see many days that call for a fire so it has been given a beach look with ginger jars filled with shells, larger specimen shells and candles.

My own love of seashells came about many, many years ago when I first visited Captiva Island. After several great days of shelling, I wandered into the shop at ‘Tween Waters and picked up a copy of Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s “Gift from the Sea.” Published in 1955 after she visited Captiva Island, she wrote: “The beach was covered with beautiful shells and I could not let one go by unnoticed. I couldn’t even walk head up looking out to sea, for fear of missing something precious at my feet.”

A vintage architectural piece purchased from an antique vendor in Mt. Dora was repurposed in a primary bath in this coastal home. Filled with treasured specimen shells from local beaches, along with collectable shells.

Lindbergh uses seashells to represent various aspects of life, including the challenges of modern womanhood, the importance of self-care, and the search for inner peace.

Like many who visit today, she found peace and solitude as she walked the beach on Captiva Island. There, using the shells on the beach for inspiration, she reflected on the life of the American woman, mid-20th century, exploring the themes of love, solitude and self-discovery.

Like shelling, Gift from the Sea inspires readers to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of everyday life. A groundbreaking, best-selling work when it was originally this gem continues to be relevant and is a must-read for those of us who love to walk those same beaches today.

The treasured clam shell, purchased on Sanibel Island, holds years of shells collected from local area beaches. The table and cabinet were found through a vintage shop and found a new home on the lanai.

If you love shells, have a garage full and need a few ideas of how use them in your décor, I can help! As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I find it to be a lot of fun to bring a little shell chic into a home. And there is a noticeable resurgence in shells as part of interior design. Balance is the key. A few well-placed items are much better aesthetic rather than a room filled with shells. Done tastefully, shell décor has a timeless appeal that brings beauty and tranquility to a coastal, modern or minimalist.

When a very old dock washed ashore after a storm on one OF our barrier islands, it seemed like a good place to display favorite shells collected over the years.

• Decorate picture frames, boxes, candle holders, folding screens.

• Display shells in a drawer. Find a fun table at a flea market with a drawer, fill it with sand and display your favorites.

• Search flea and antique markets for an architectural piece that can be used for a display shelf. Shells and vintage pieces seem to complement each other.

• Design a beautiful mirror.

• Fill a dough bowl with your favorite shells and glass balls.

• Clam shells (real or fabricated) are perfect for holding lots of shells.

The blue antique shelf that displays favorite shells from Southwest Florida beaches and northern California, was originally used to measure tobacco. Driftwood is from Upper Captiva Island.

• Decorate a fireplace mantle with a display of shells and candles.

• Cover an old birdbath in shells and fill it with water in your garden where it will become a favorite gathering place for birds.

• Use shells for a dining tablescape display. They also make great place cards with a painted message on each one.

• Buy plain napkin rings and decorate each with one large shell and smaller shells.

• Rescue an old chandelier or purchase an inexpensive one and use your imagination to create a masterpiece.

• Design a Sailor’s Valentine. Lovesick sailors made them for their sweethearts in days gone by. Details and patters may be found online OR create your own version and make a greeting card for some lucky friend who will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

• Make a shell mirror frame in a bathroom.

• Create a stunning twig wreath with seashells.

• Never underestimate the value of a glue gun!

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog