Our January/February issue is all about freshening up your home, whether that means organizing a space or adding a new twist with color, fabrics or furnishings. One of my very favorite ideas in this issue was using pattern in neutral rooms as a way of adding a current fabric and color in a subtle way. Designer Jim Howard mastered this look in this charming open kitchen with adjacent sitting and breakfast areas in a Little Rock home.

Notice how the draperies, rugs and pillows all have graphic patterns that add a punch in the neutral space?

Plus that charming scalloped detail on the drapery valance makes them unique and adds just one more level of intriguing detail. The same concept applies to the kitchen window valance below.

(photography by Nancy Nolan)

To get you going on your own room refresher with a bit of pattern, we have a very special giveaway from Sure Fit slipcovers.

Sure Fit is offering four of these plaid dining chair slipcovers (they come in chocolate and black as well) to one lucky At Home blog reader. Simply leave a comment telling us what refreshing you have in mind for your rooms, and you’ll be entered to win.

Winner will be selected by random drawing on January 30th.