Punch Up Your Home Decor with Paisley

Move over toile. There's a new pattern on the block, and it's taking over home decor. It's paisley, once known as the design that only hippies wore. According to trend watchers anything that falls under the heading "new romantics" is big for 2010—and will continue to be big in 2011—and paisley falls right in line with this romantic notion.

If you're looking to punch up your decor without doing a total overhaul, adding a few paisley accent pieces will make your home look absolutely modern without leaving you absolutely broke.

Here are room-by-room suggestions for adding this hot pattern to your home:

DINING ROOM
The next time you're entertaining guest, drape your dining room table with a paisley tablecloth or add paisley cloth napkins to dress up a solid color tablecloth.

KITCHEN
A great way to give your kitchen a fresh look without repainting the walls is by rotating the art you display here. Look in discount housewares stores for any framed prints featuring this pattern. Ideally, you'll find one that plays off of or picks up on colors you already have in your kitchen.

LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM/ENTRANCE HALL
You'll give these spaces a modern feel by throwing down a new paisley area rug. Depending on how long you hope to keep the rug, spend accordingly: prices can vary from less than $100s to more than $1,000s.

BATHROOM
It's a good idea to change your shower curtain at least twice a year—what with mildew growth and all. So the next time you're in the market for a replacement, choose a fashion-forward shower curtain with a paisley print on it.

BEDROOM
Treat yourself to a new bedding set featuring a paisley pattern. Don't want to spend that much or part with your old bedding? Then consider adding a few decorative paisley pillows instead.