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Decorating a blouse is something you can do using supplies from any fabric store in your area. Get ideas for decorating a blouse with help from a designer, stylist and print expert in this free video clip.
You can decorate a common chandelier in a number of great ways depending on the situation. Get a decorating idea for a chandelier with help from an interior and life designer in this free video clip.
Decorating a pumpkin to look like a spider is a great way to spread a little holiday cheer (or holiday fear, if you prefer). Get decorative ideas for a pumpkin to look like a spider with help from a specialist in family entertainment in this free video clip.
Cozy seating nooks present a really unique and fun decorating opportunity. Learn about decorating ideas for cozy seating nooks with help from a dedicated interior designer in this free video clip.
On the surface, carports seem to serve no other purpose than to house cars. By adding decorative touches, however, you can transform the area into an aesthetically pleasing space. By focusing on small areas of the carport, such as the posts, you can completely revamp its look without breaking the bank.
If your latest remodel consists of building up rather than building an outward addition to your home, one of the main issues you may encounter is blending the new second story decorating elements with your first floor design scheme. Finding ways to make the transition appear smooth will make you proud to show off your new space.
Natural indoor decor is one way to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. Whether you do this with a country motif or a more modern decor style, natural items add to the attractiveness of your home while introducing the peace and calm of nature into your home's atmosphere. There are many different types of natural decor, and you can use one or a combination of a few to achieve the look you desire.
Transitional decorating, characterized by clean lines and a blend of design elements, creates a comfort zone between traditional decorating schemes and the cold feel of certain trends in contemporary decor. Explore ideas in transitional furniture to create a room -- or an entire home -- using transitional style for its comfort and visually appealing elements. This decorating strategy combines comfort and an up-to-date feel that retains a sense of warmth and welcome that gives your home its character. In transitional decorating, expanses of solid, neutral color create a more open feeling.
Not everyone wants to look at their television all the time, particularly when it's off and no one is watching a program. Maybe you just want to hide your television during an important event that you're hosting. Whatever the reason you want to cover up your television, you have several methods to chose from, each creating a different look.
Make your Nativity scene extra-special this Christmas with easy decorations. Set up your Nativity a few weeks before Christmas and add figurines gradually to build anticipation. If your children like crafts, they could make their own figures, completing one or two each week to add to the set. Purchased Nativity scenes are available for both indoor and outdoor use.
A solarium is a room whose main purpose is to let the sun shine in. This type of room, also called a conservatory or sun room, is the next best thing to sitting outside and basking in the sun. Solariums should be comfortable and inviting, with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. The room should stand out from the rest of the house yet be decorated in such a way that it obviously belongs there.
Simple to make and easy on the wallet, spaghetti is a popular choice for large group dinners. From family celebrations to school fundraisers, spaghetti dinners are in demand. Decorations for spaghetti dinners can be as simple or elaborate as you like. From creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an Italian café to letting children design the decor, the possibilities are plentiful.
Raffia ribbon is made from fiber found in the palm fronds of the raffia palm from Madagascar. Raffia ribbon is traditionally used to wrap gifts, however, it can also be used as decorations for a party or the house. This type of ribbon is 100-percent biodegradable and is found in local arts and crafts stores. Raffia ribbon is made in various colors, and sold in bundles and on spools.
Decorative borders enhance poster board signs or displays and come in a wide variety of themes and designs. Decorative border patterns can be used in elementary, middle or high school or at work or anywhere displays or signs are utilized. Border patterns can represent subjects such as astrology, North American history, fashion, plant life or holidays and special occasions.
Decorating with teal blue accents is the perfect way to add touches of drama to your room. A mixture of blue and green, teal evokes the natural elements of sea and sky and creates a strong, yet calming feel to your decor. You can add teal blue accents easily with accents such as throw pillows, artwork and other decorating accessories. Teal will liven up a room decorated in neutral browns or gray or complement other cool colors such as green, blue and purple.
A stand-up bear pan is a cake baking mold that allows you to create a cake in the shape of a 3-D teddy bear. After baking a bear-shaped cake, there are many ways to modify and decorate the bear to create a variety of cake designs. Use these cakes to impress a child on his birthday or your nature-loving friends.
Window treatments serve several purposes. They can frame a view, block out light, enhance light and beautify a space. There are hundreds of options when you are decorating your home with drapes. Color, style and fabric weight are among your options. Then there are the rods, what to add and how to take the overall room into consideration. You can get as creative as you like, or stick to tried-and-true traditions and more formal looks.
Musical decorations provide several options for spicing up your home or office. There are several options available if you have a little time and creativity to put them into action. Use subtle decorations to help enhance rather than bombard your visitors with the music theme. These decorations also can serve as excellent presents for someone that is musically inclined.
Don't let your old 5-gallon buckets take up space in your garage when they could be decorating the inside of your house. A few craft supplies can turn a 5-gallon bucket into a stylish home accent in no time. As an added bonus, they provide added storage potential to any room.
Charms Blow Pops are a type of hard candy lollipop with a bubble gum center. If you're a fan of the sweet treat, use them as the basis for a decorating craft project. You can use these candies to make a host of decorations for holidays or birthdays and you can give the decorations out as gifts to friends.
A variety of different uses for umbrellas and boots afford the decorator considerable flexibility in creating an exciting decorating scheme using these items. To create a decoration theme, look to such things as purpose, symbolic meaning or vintage use. Depending on your reason for creating the theme, consider such related items as baby booties or paper cocktail umbrellas.
When it comes to your home's entry, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. Many houses, apartments and condominiums have narrow entrances that can appear to be cramped and crowded if you overdecorate them. These small spaces are ideal for using decorating tricks that fool the eye to make your walkways and entrances seem larger and more spacious.
Wire storage cubes are versatile storage pieces that can be easily stacked and arranged as desired depending on use. Create furniture pieces, such as coffee tables, with wire storage cubes or use storage cubes as wall storage for smaller houses and apartments. The cubes can be left plain, or you can decorate them by weaving ribbons through the wires.
When starting a small food stand business, it is the decorations that will first attract people to your business and make it stand out from the rest. If you are starting a Hawaiian shaved ice business, you want to go all out with the Hawaiian decor, especially if you are not in a tropical region. The Hawaiian theme on a hot summer day could attract guests with thoughts of a Hawaii getaway, tropical flavors and cold, soothing relief from the heat.
Create a rustic, country chic look in your home using galvanized buckets as decorative elements. Their natural look and simple design make these buckets ideal accessories in any room of the house. Purchase new galvanized buckets or repurpose buckets that you already own. With a little creativity, you can turn them into unique home decorations.
A ticket booth is the first thing visitors to a movie, carnival or sports event see, so it is important to make the area around the booth visually intriguing. Your decorations will vary depending on the event. Experiment with lights, pictures, colors, sounds and flowers to create a mood that will fit your theme. In a pinch, you can even make your own ticket booth with a cardboard box and some paints.
Decorating is all about choosing the right homewear and putting it together in the right way to give a room the atmosphere you want. There is no single right way to put together an attractive room, though there are a few wrong ways. Keep a few tips in mind when designing your home decor to ensure success.
Camouflage prints and patterns can be used as the theme of an entire room or to add touches of interest to parts of a room. Camouflage doesn't have to be restricted to one part of a home; you may use it in bedrooms, a living room, family room or anywhere you want to add color and pattern. Combining camouflage with solid colors prevents an overwhelming amount of the pattern, and mixing it with miniature prints adds interest to decor.
Dora and Deigo can be used together or individually to decorate a toddler's room or any room in your home in a "Dora the Explorer" motif. If you have twins or plan on passing the room from a child of one gender to another, then combining the two characters in your decor will provide you with a more neutral design scheme. You can also choose to feature just one of the characters, and use the other for accents. Dora and Diego make an ideal theme for playrooms and preschool classrooms as well. Thanks to the overwhelming popularity of these characters,…
Ghost chairs are plastic-like chairs designed by Phillipe Starck for the manufacturer Kartell. The finish resembles acrylic, but the chairs are made from hard-wearing, injection-molded polycarbonate. The original versions were clear and looked like Lucite, but the line now includes transparent and opaque colors. Starck's Ghost chairs are available in three styles. The Louis Ghost is a stylized armchair inspired by Louis XV designs, and the Victoria Ghost is an armless version. The LouLou is a child-sized version of the Louis.
Cork boards are functional and serve many purposes, but they are often drab and dull in design. You can use basic craft supplies to give the board a simple makeover, changing it from drab to fab. Cork board designs can coordinate with the room's decor, or you can give them a theme of their own.
If you’re updating the curb appeal of your home, recycle the old wooden shutters into an artsy wall hanging, headboard or craft project – they can age the outside of a home, but rock as interior decor. However, once the shutters come down, the house’s exterior might seem a bit bare. Put a little thought into what type of replacement feature might work best around your windows depending on your home’s style.
A roll top desk typically hides office clutter or even a computer monitor. Its rounded cover pulls down like a bread box to give the room a cleaner look. You can leave the desk in its original finish for a more traditional, distinguished look or create a high contrast against the furniture's antique shape with contemporary paint, hardware and display items.
Even the simplest of additions will add to and emphasize the beauty of your quilt work, helping to shape the atmosphere of the room when the quilt is hung for display. Decoration possibilities have never been so readily available, from homemade crafts to stylish metal work. These few suggestions should help you find the design style that will bring the most out of your quilting display.
Decorating your home can be a huge undertaking, involving paint, wallpaper, flooring and furniture. However, small, useful items can breathe new life into a room just as effectively as a major overhaul and often for far less money. Pillows and blankets can move beyond the bedroom and be used as fanciful, eye-catching decorations that can be changed out to match the seasons or reflect new trends in home design. Of course, pillows and blankets can also be used practically as well to lend comfort and warmth.
A room with a denim sofa has a sense of ease and comfort about it and can be decorated in dozens of ways. Create a design in a room with a denim sofa based on the style that suits you. No matter what theme you choose, a room with a denim sofa can remind you of your favorite pair of jeans and give you the same laidback look and feel in any room in your home.
Chandeliers make a dramatic statement in a room, drawing the eye up and making the room seem taller. By decorating a chandelier, you can add a personal touch and create a custom design to add to your decor. Whether you are working with a new model or an old chandelier you have lying around, decorative touches can take it to a new level.
Whether you call it an entertainment center, a TV hutch or an electronics cabinet, the piece of furniture that holds your TV and electronics is often large, wide and bulky. The long, flat surface at the top, however, is a terrific decorating opportunity. Add an arrangement of items at the top to soften the look of the piece and to add visual interest to your room.
Brass instruments, swing dancing and patriotism all come to mind when thinking of the 1940s and the Big Band era. It was a time of loud music as well as energetic and intricate dance moves. Therefore, a dance hall is the ideal setting for a Big Band party. To complete your Big Band-themed event, you need to select a band, which interpretation of the era you want to use and a list of ideas for appropriate decorations.
The words genie in a bottle conjure thoughts of flying carpets and magic as well as stories set to a backdrop of Arabian nights. To decorate rooms with this theme, you must incorporate not only the fantastical elements of the genie, but more common Moroccan decorating elements. These decorative motifs work together to create a fantasy room that can hold its own against even the most luxuriously appointed genie bottles.
While window treatments serve important practical purposes, like blocking light and providing privacy, they can add a decorative element to your room as well. Valances are an ideal option for your windows if you prefer a more formal look, but finding the ideal pairing of valance and drapes is often a challenge. You can choose from several combinations, and each provides a different look for your windows, so decide how bold or subtle you would like your window treatments to be to help identify the ideal valance and drapes pairing for your home.
Its contents should not be the only appealing thing about a cookie jar. You can transform ordinary containers, such as empty oatmeal cartons or large glass canning jars, into decorative cookie jars with a few artistic additions to the exterior. Once embellished, your cookie jar will be ready to display on the kitchen counter or give as a gift after filling it with cookies.
Monograms add a personal touch to everything, and they aren't just reserved for hand towels. Add your monogram to the piece of furniture that everyone in the house uses -- your couch. You do not have to take a needle and thread to your couch cushions to get the monogrammed effect -- unless you want to. Creative ways exist to display your monogram in your living space.
Passing through a beautifully decorated bridal arch lends a physical significance to a wedding ceremony. The arch represents the border between unmarried and married life. It also frames the couple, drawing the attention of the guests to the ceremony. Photographs record the framed couple for life, so the choice of decorations for the arch is critical.
The appliances in your home may not be typical places to feature decorations, but adding decor to such areas as the top of your refrigerator will help improve the look of your room. Because the height of the fridge makes its top barely visible for children and shorter people, the decorations should be tall and bold to stand out.
Embroidered towels add a decorative touch. Consider how casual or formal you’d like your towels to be and whether you’d like to embroider the towels yourself or buy towels that are already embroidered. If you’d like to add the personal touch of embroidering towels yourself, pick a pattern that fits your skill level, whether you work in an easier style such as cross-stitch or opt for the more advanced techniques such as crewel embroidery.
One of the most neglected areas of kitchens is the top of the refrigerator. It typically becomes a catchall for things that have no “official” storage areas, such as light bulbs, coffee filters or household flashlights. You have several ways to turn the surface into an attractive part of the kitchen decor.
While a sideboard is a practical and useful storage piece in your dining room, it also presents a terrific decorating opportunity. Although your dining table is likely the focal point of the room, it is necessary to keep it free of decoration, with the possible exception of a centerpiece, so that you can set and use the table at any time. However, you can decorate a sideboard and let it remain that way almost indefinitely.
Taupe is a shade that is between orange and yellow on the color wheel. This is a shade composed of raw sienna, yellow oxide and raw umber, and depending which colors are added, it will have a red or gold undertone. When used in home decorating, taupe is classified as a neutral, which is a family of colors that are soothing and tend to fade into the background of a room. Since taupe matches with just about any other color, taupe- colored furniture is a good base for most decorating styles.
If you have gourds left over from your fall decorating, turning them into birdhouses with your kids is a great rainy-day activity. Decorating the finished product is one of the most enjoyable parts of creating a gourd birdhouse because it allows you to be creative and personalize the birdhouse's look. You can decorate a gourd in a variety of ways. Even if you're artistically challenged, you can wind up with a fun, attractive birdhouse that you're proud to hang in your yard.
Since its debut in 1984, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” has become a Halloween staple. With its terrifying plot and unforgettable villain, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” is the ideal theme for scary party decorating. Establish an overall theme by selecting a scene from one of the movies and incorporating lighting, sound effects and novelty props.
The end of eighth grade is a milestone event for teenagers. Eighth grade promotion marks the end of junior high or middle school and the beginning of high school. Everything changes, especially as the kids move to a different school with all new activities, teachers and students. Decoration ideas for an eighth grade promotion dance include reminders of the past and a look to the future.
Seating areas bring a house to life with warm conversation and comfortable spots to hang out. Whether you love to entertain or you just want an inviting place to curl up with coffee and a book, a cozy seating nook is guaranteed to serve you well. With a little inspiration and a few key furniture pieces, you’ll be well on your way to your own domestic haven.
While an open staircase lets in natural light and makes your house feel more spacious, it can also present a serious decorating challenge. The colors that you choose to decorate the stairs must coordinate with the shades that you use in the space that surrounds them or you'll wind up with a mismatched look. As a result, the best options when decorating an open staircase are neutral tones that work with most color palettes. You can choose from a variety of neutral-toned decorations that add character to your staircase and complement the decor that surrounds it.
Use a needle and thread to turn a plain, boring T-shirt into a personalized fashion piece. These projects can be completed in just a few hours, if not less, and completely reinvent an existing piece of you or your child's wardrobe. You can also recycle old, worn-out T-shirts and use any fabric scraps you have laying around to add interesting detailing to a plain T-shirt.
If your dining room is beginning to look a little drab or plain, a small change like upholstering your chairs can instantly transform the room. Because you can use virtually any type of fabric for your changes, you can choose from a wide variety of looks and styles. Consider the rest of your dining room's decor when upholstering your chairs, but don't be afraid to play with color, texture and pattern to liven up the space.
Powder blue is calming, cute or striking, depending on your mood and the other colors around it. Usually the sofa is the largest piece of furniture in the room. That's a lot of blue in a small room. In a large space the blue can get lost unless it's used in other fabrics and furnishings. Take that powder blue sofa from the beach to the city with your decorating theme.
Range ventilation is a must for those who love to cook in the kitchen. It not only keeps the smells from wasting to other rooms, but also helps keep the stove area cleaner by drawing particles up and out of the space. Look at it as another decorative opportunity to make your kitchen your own.
With a stenciled bordered, you can add something extra to a room. Borders can be stuck on to your wall using products like Design-A-Border self-adhesive wallpaper, or ShurTech peel and Stick. You can also use stencils to create your own unique border on the wall in any number of different styles, shapes, colors and patterns.
Sometimes best home decor is an extension of yourself. Through their homes, families across the country create spaces of love, safety and comfort. Sometimes it seems that creating these beautiful spaces requires a large influx of money, but you can decorate your home with no cost to yourself using a little creativity, innovation and resourcefulness.
When decorating a small bedroom, a daybed is an ideal addition because it not only provides a place to sleep but seating for the space as well. While daybeds come in a variety of materials, wooden frames are typically the most common. If you are decorating a bedroom for a girl who finds a plain wooden daybed boring, you can dress up the frame in a variety of girly ways. Consider the personality of the girl when choosing a look, so you know whether to try a subtle approach or a bold, flashy look.
A red couch is a striking statement piece of a living room or a family room. However, decorating around such a bold piece of furniture is challenging. Even after you've settled on the right wall color for the room, you must find the right decorations and accessories for the couch to tie the look together. Fortunately, you can choose from several attractive decorations for your red couch, so you can create the ideal look for your room no matter what your decorating style is.
Mahogany leather can have a big design impact. But there's a danger of its dark look overwhelming a room, so you will need to effectively balance it with a careful choice of colors and furnishings. Consider your design scheme and the room's function when incorporating mahogany leather pieces. The dark leather can ground a formal room or a contemporary space.
While many might think of candy stripers when think of red stripes, this pattern can bring vibrancy and excitement when used as upholstery for a sofa. A striped sofa when combined with a number of other patterns can give a room an eclectic or casual feel. Paired with formal furniture and a coordinating color scheme, this sofa can help make a room look traditional.
Giving a frame a "distressed" finish will make it appear older and give it character. You can achieve the effect in several different ways, depending on your personal taste and the rest of your decor. Distressed frames work well to display vintage photographs or pictures. You could also create a "vintage" mirror by distressing an inexpensive frame, then treating a piece of modern mirror glass with a special silvering product to make it look older. Most distressing techniques don't require any skill or experience, and look better if they are a little rough round the edges.
Ironing can be drudgery, but finding ways to use an antique ironing board in your decor scheme is anything but a chore. Take off the ironing board cover and remove the padding from the top. Vintage wooden boards with their slim profile can highlight any room in a home.
For many kids entering 7th grade, particularly girls, the start of the new school year not only means finding the right first day of school outfit, it also means having a cool locker. While parents may remember having little more than a picture of their teen crush in their middle school lockers, modern locker decorating includes elaborate wallpapers, organizers and even lighting. With a little creativity, kids can create the lockers of their dreams.
A trellis can be much more than just a place for vines to grow. With a little creative thought, a trellis becomes a decorative high point in a yard's landscaping. A trellis is typically a wooden structure made into a grid to support plants and vines as they grow. The vines attach to the structure to allow for upward growth. For an added decorative touch, use a bit of creativity with the trellis itself.
A bench in your entryway provides an area for your visitors to sit and take off their shoes, remove their coats and set their bags, purses or keys down. You can make your entryway bench a warm a welcoming place for your guests by adding personal decorative touches. With the addition of flowers, a simple coat rack, pillows with coordinating prints or baskets that double as storage, your entryway will give your friends and family a lovely space to take off their outdoor wear.
Whether you have a bar or a combined kitchen and family room, the back sides of cabinets can look less than appealing for the creatively inclined. Thankfully, there are some simple and inexpensive ways to jazz up the back sides of your cabinets that will enhance your overall decor and match your home’s theme.
Red and blue, two of the three primary colors on the color wheel, make an eye-popping combination in home decor. With a red rug and blue chair, you can transform your living space into one that is both comfortable and visually engaging. There are many ideas on how to decorate around these two complementary colors in ways that will leave a lasting impression on guests.
Metallic bronze gives a room a warm, antique look, and is an excellent choice when you want a Victorian or eclectic effect for your home. The use of bronze implies luxury, class and style, and it gives an otherwise plain room a sense of distinction. Chose between dark, antique bronze and newer, highly polished bronze to create a look that can be traditional or modern.
Barstools are often the seating-of-choice in kitchens these days, as pull-ups to a kitchen island or tuck-under seating at a small breakfast bar. There is a wealth of styles to select from and you can even recycle a flea market find in less-than-mint condition with a few simple techniques.
Football homecoming games are all about the school. Current students and alumni meet for a homecoming football game to honor their school and cheer on the football team. The week before the game is homecoming week, and a chance to decorate the entire school. When creating themes for football homecoming decorations, the color scheme should incorporate the school colors to add to enhance the atmosphere of school loyalty during homecoming week.
Credenza is an Italian word meaning truth. Historically, kings and noblemen had a large buffet table in their dining areas upon which prepared food was placed. A servant would taste the food for poison before the king dined, with the credenza serving as a place for the moment of truth. Today, credenzas often refer to dining room sideboards and office storage cabinets. Personal decorating preferences and the designated use of a credenza determine its tabletop decor.
Burgundy's deep tones make a commanding presence you must take into account when decorating a living room. With a judicious hand, the sofas can become a relaxing and warm focal point for a much-loved room and never an out of place relic of taste gone by.
Stenciling is an inexpensive method for updating your home decor. Almost any object or material that you can paint or stain, you can stencil. Stencils are made of metal, plastic, cardboard or paper, but need to be sturdy enough to stand up to repeated use. It is not clear where the art of stenciling originated. Historians are unsure whether the early Egyptians or the Chinese invented stencils, but the art form became popular in France during the Middle Ages. It then spread to England and Germany in the mid-1700s, where people stenciled furniture and floors. Early European immigrants brought the…
The entryway to your home is an important way to make a first impression to your guests. It introduces your design motif while creating an inviting environment for visitors to explore. If space is limited, furnishing this space poses some challenges; you want the space to feel cozy but open, not cramped and cluttered. If the entryway is long and narrow, consider some specific design techniques to make it easy to maneuver around this space while showing your personal style.
Fiestaware, the brightly colored dinnerware that's been around since the 1930s, is beloved for its casual practicality, durability and, most of all, its lively, solid colors and glossy finish. Whether you collect Fiestaware in one color or many, there's no need to keep pottery of this quality and beauty hidden away in your kitchen cabinets. Instead, use it throughout your home as cheerful, colorful decoration.
Once its shelves are filled with books, the top of a bookcase, a prime decorating location, is often overlooked. This area gives you the opportunity to create an interesting space through the creative use of items you may already have around your house as well as providing interesting and attractive organization options.
Nobody wants to stay at a hotel with a lobby consisting of two folding chairs and a card table. A hotel’s lobby is the first thing guests will see. Make sure your lobby is appealing and stylish. To create a beautiful space for your guests, start by developing a theme. Once your theme is determined, all the other aspects of decoration will fall into place. Don’t fall for the latest fad. Fads come and go within a couple years. Choose an enduring style that will still attract clients 10 years from now. Remember to keep in mind your guests’ needs…
For whatever event where you might need additional decoration and for whatever craft project you might be working on, curling ribbon can add that special little touch. You can buy spools of curling ribbon to fit every color scheme imaginable. Curling ribbon lays best on a surface if you curl it into long ringlets. You can even arrange the curls into a bow to place atop a present or a basket.
"Cosmic City" is a Vacation Bible School program developed by the David C. Cook company, which specializes in providing resources for Christian ministries. During a five-day program, children participate in various space-themed learning stations that center around Bible lessons and messages. With participants journeying into the deepest regions of space, "Cosmic City" lends itself to a multitude of starry decorations.
The olive-colored couch in your living room or den may complement the rich tans and browns in the room or serve as the only pop of color in an otherwise white or gray space. To make this furniture piece stand out, there are several accents you can add to the sofa to make it both elegant and inviting.
If you've recently purchased a piggy bank for your child to teach her the value of saving money, decorating the item will further motivate her to drop coins into the "piggy" until she's sure she's ready to spend them. Using your little one's favorite colors or customized accents will make the piggy bank more attractive so it can serve as a decor item in tne room as well as a money-saving tool.
Candy and red ribbons complement each other as decorating components. These can be combined to fit the decorating theme you need. Christmas and Valentine's Day commonly use red for decorations, but the candies and ribbons can also be brought into the decorating scheme for the Fourth of July or birthdays. Edible, homemade decorations made from simple materials save you from rushing to the party store for event decorations.
Cupboards and drawers are a major part of kitchen decor and normally cover much of the upper and lower wall areas. They typically last for decades and can be updated over the years by implementing various decorating techniques to make them coordinate with new paint, counters or flooring or just give the room a face-lift.
Don't let your entry mudroom with an enclosed breezeway go to waste. Use this space in your home for creative storage of many items you would otherwise have trouble finding places for, or would rather not use garage or shed space to house. A cozy extra sitting room is another option should you prefer not to use the space for storage.
When decorating a bedroom, many people forget to decorate the top of a dresser. The decor of the bedroom should be extended to the dresser top, which is often cluttered and used as a place to set clothing, keys or purses. Dresser tops are easily visible in a room and should be kept clean, neat and organized. Just a few simple decorative items should be used.
Zebra print is a bold and dynamic choice for painted furniture. Whether the color scheme is classic black and white or some other vibrant color combination, one design quality about zebra print always remains: the use of contrast. If you have one or more pieces of zebra-print painted furniture that you want to use to decorate your space, ensure that you make best use of this particular design element.
No matter the parade you're participating in, decorating your boat must be a priority if you want a chance at winning an award. Browse through previous boat parade designs and try to come up with an original idea that is likely to attract jury votes if nicely executed. Criteria boat parade judges commonly consider include creativity of the design, quality of the execution and how well the decorations adhere to the theme. Other criteria include special effects, crowd engagement and the crew's participation in terms of creating atmosphere and wearing costumes that match the theme.
If you are an avid reader, having a home library to display and enjoy your books probably sounds like a dream come true. When decorating this type of space, you want to create the right mood, so it becomes a room where you want to curl up with a book for a long afternoon. You can create a cozy mood for your home library by incorporating a few key elements that add warmth and comfort to the room.
Daybeds are twin-sized beds with a frame on three sides much like a couch and are often used in studio apartments or guest rooms. A daybed can be repurposed into a large couch and placed in a living room with a few alterations. In addition to providing an extra sleeping surface, you can turn a daybed into a stylish, eclectic piece of furniture.
Wire stars are a relatively easy decoration to make at home. A large star is a traditional ornament for the the top of a Christmas tree. Hang smaller stars from a Christmas tree as ornaments or on the wall in scattered patterns to create a distinctive room decor. Use caution when handling heavy wire, as the sharp ends may cause cuts.
A pull down staircase provides an easy way to access the attic, eliminating the need for freestanding ladders. The staircase retracts back into the ceiling when not in use, hiding it from view and saving valuable room space. Most attic pull down staircases are made with unfinished wood. Try decorating the steps if you desire a more sophisticated appearance.
A room with tall windows offers more options for beautiful window treatments than one with low windows and ceilings. The purpose of the drapery is the first consideration; curtains may screen French doors, protect from glare, preserve heat, provide for clear viewing of computer and television screens or simply enhance the décor of the space. The choices of fabric, length, fullness and hardware each depend on the intended purpose.
Part of the beauty of leather couches, sectionals or otherwise, is that their simplistic design makes for all kinds of decor possibilities. Whether you choose to decorate in patterns, designs or solid colors, work with hues that complement the color of the sofa for best results.
If you desire a kitchen that's quirky and eclectic, seaside mellow, vibrantly inspirational or richly luxurious, and you already have mauve countertops, you're considerably fortunate. Purples may seem like difficult colors to work with, but by using some forte techniques and a few compatible colors as recommended by professionals with savoir-faire, like Porter House Designs, "presto," your decorating dilemma soon becomes a welcome feature in a stylish kitchen.
If you have high ceilings in your home, there is probably a lot of open space between the tops of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. While the open area is impractical to store items you need to regularly access, it is a perfect place to create eye-catching displays of large items that add character and color to the room.
Add interest and color to your laundry room with a red washer and dryer set. Plain and boring decor won't do the boldly colored washer and dryer any justice, just like the red and white set won't look good paired with blue and yellow French country decor. Utilize the set as part of the decor instead of overlooking them.
An ordinary freestanding or built-in bookshelf that consists only of shelving doesn't leave a memorable impression. Adding decorative molding to either type of bookshelf gives it a sophisticated appeal and a distinctive, custom appearance. Whether you opt for a basic molding to frame the shelf or prefer something more ornate, you'll find something that suits your tastes.
Chocolate-colored furniture creates a subtle and soft feel in a room. Sometimes this rich color can overwhelm a room and make it look dark and uninviting. Combat this by adding accessories, patterns and textures that contribute visual and tactile interest. No matter the exact shade of your chocolate brown furniture, adding other furniture and artwork in brighter or bolder hues will make your room feel more habitable.
A grand, sweeping staircase that curves down into your foyer makes quite an impression on guests entering your home. However, as beautiful as such a staircase is on its own, it will look incomplete without furnishings and decoration, especially around the base. When you decorate this area, the furnishings anchor your staircase while the accessories draw your eye to this lovely focal point, and also give a welcoming, completed look to your foyer.
Bookcase headboards are not just attractive but are also functional. For anyone lacking space in a bedroom, a bookcase headboard is ideal for storing books and favorite personal items. When decorating a bookcase headboard, select items that are not only attractive but that are also useful at bedtime, which may include your favorite books, an alarm clock and telephone.
Nothing says "ultimate hockey fan" like incorporating equipment and memorabilia into your home decor scheme. Show your support for the rough and tumble winter sport by re-purposing hockey pucks into functional home decor pieces; the endless possibilities will certainly get you to start thinking outside the penalty box when it comes to decorating your home.
A playhouse is a place for a child to escape and allows the child to have a personal place to play with friends. No matter what the structure of the playhouse is, decorating it makes it feel more personal and can be a true expression of a child's personality. However, coming up with ideas regarding how to decorate a playhouse can be difficult. Discuss with your child what they would like their playhouse to look like, and you will have a nicely decorated playhouse in no time.
Boat regattas are nautical celebrations that feature a boat race along with entertainment and often a boat parade. Boat owners participate in the celebration by decorating their vessel within the regatta's theme or to represent their crew's pride. A masterfully decorated boat is an ideal way to set your team apart from the rest of the competition.
Transform an ordinary looking interior or exterior doorway with decorative molding. Molding can be made from various materials and comes in all types of decor styles. Whether your home is decorated in a traditional or more contemporary design, adding decorative molding will give your doorway a finished, elegant look.
A person's high school locker is more than just a place to store books and backpacks; it's like a miniature bedroom with the same decorating potential. In addition to your own decorating efforts, you might also want to decorate your friend's locker inside and outside for a special occasion, such as her birthday or senior week. If you're planning on this, decorate with items that speak to your friend's personality.
Driving down the road, you may have seen odd size and shape rocks sitting in someone's yard. These rocks cover up well pumps and protect them from the elements. However, the rocks are not attractive. The good news is that there are many different ideas you can use to cover your well pump and add to the décor of your yard at the same time.
Camouflage is a versatile decorating style and does not need to be flashy. It can be easily integrated into a theme for your home décor. The first step in decorating with a camouflage design is to determine whether the design will be based on an army or hunting theme, since each has its own accessories and decorating styles.
Stair risers naturally draw the eye upward and are a focal point of any staircase. Traditionally, stair risers are made of wood or are covered in carpet; with age and wear and tear, they can become worn and unsightly. There are a variety of unique and creative ways to make your own style show through and shine in your staircase.
As with other end-of-the-year sporting events, a wrestling banquet is an opportunity to honor a wrestling team for its hard work and achievement during the season. Awards for best wrestler, most improved wrestler, team leader and scholar of the team are just a few of the honors that can be bestowed upon wrestlers at a wrestling banquet. Choose decorations that highlight the team's season and make wrestling team members feel good about what they achieved during the year.
Scotland's cultural contributions aren't confined to haggis, bagpipes and hooliganism; the country has also contributed design and decor motifs that add a touch of Scottish culture and color to a home. Claddagh is a seaside town and former fishing village that has a little-known but distinct style. It's most renowned for the "Claddagh ring," a symbolic wedding ring that has been adapted to home decoration.
A butler's pantry, traditionally situated between the kitchen and dining room, was once the exclusive domain of housekeeping staff. Servants used the space as a secure location for storing items like expensive china, serving pieces and precious silver. Today, a butler's pantry fills a variety of needs, including secondary kitchen storage, meal staging or food prep. Decorating ideas for a modern butler's pantry run the gamut from trendy to purely practical.
Elk decorations make people think of the great outdoors. When selecting an elk theme for a room, you can't simply use a few small knickknacks to communicate the theme. Instead, you'll need to be creative to transform the entire room into an elk-covered paradise.
COS can stand for many different things, but often stands for the computer sciences department at a school or office building. These departments are often cluttered and full of old computer parts and junky clutter. You can enhance the professional atmosphere of a COS department, if you decorate the department with a cohesive theme. You can use a variety of decorative styles for the department, depending on what the students or employees want to see day after day.
Get students' engines going by creating a racing-themed decorating scheme for your classroom. By filling your space with racing-focused accents, you can allow your students to feel the thrill of a day at the races. It might make education seem more exciting to the kids and increase their motivation to learn.
Before being available to the public, finials were given to the nobility to decorate their homes in high style fashion. Finials are now simple ornamental pieces used for decoration around the house. This decor began outdoors for fences and other posts. It has since evolved and now has decorative uses for bedposts, curtain rods and curtain poles.
Leaning bookcases can add storage or display space to nearly any room in your home. Leaning shelves, sometimes called ladder shelves, are versatile: Since they are not permanently installed you can move them at any time to better fit your needs. A leaning bookcase may take up more floorspace than a standard bookcase because it needs extra depth to lean against the wall. Because of this, high-traffic areas are not ideal for such a bookshelf; while corners, walls behind furniture and open spaces are better-suited. Decorate your leaning bookcase to complement the decor in your room and function in the…
A bookcase in a kid's bedroom is not only functional, it can also be decorative. Children are often hesitant to give away or discard old toys, games, stuffed animals and other treasures, but bookcases provide ample storage space, particularly those units that go from the floor to the ceiling or cover one entire wall of the bedroom. Decorating the bookcase is uncomplicated if you keep the child's tastes and personality in mind.
Tinkerbell is one of Disney's beloved and enduring creations. While Tink is ideal for a little girl's room, she is one of the few cartoon characters that can be used for an older girl's room as well. Using Tinkerbell as a starting point gives you plenty of design and decor options, and your finished room can grow with your child. Don't have kids? Tinkerbell can be used to accent a garden or whimsical room for adults, too.
The appearance of your kitchen affects how you feel about the space. If you refrigerator juts out several inches beyond your cabinets then you may feel it looks awkward and out of place. There are several ways to improve the appearance of this situation. It is a good idea to compare your options based on how much value you are adding versus the cost of the solution. The best option is to include a modification in an overall kitchen upgrade when possible.
Whether you are looking to decorate inside your home or to prepare for a special event, pinecones give the decorations a natural, rustic look. Use pinecones from a craft store or collect pinecones from the ground to create unique and inexpensive decorations to fit your needs.
Popcorn ceilings hit a high mark starting in the 1950s but decreased in popularity when a key ingredient was suspected of causing cancer and respiratory illness. Asbestos was commonly mixed into the textured plaster to bind ingredients and as a fireproofing additive. Asbestos was outlawed in 1978, though popcorn ceilings are still applied today with other foams and plastics. With and without asbestos, a popcorn ceiling remains a not eco-friendly material.
If you have a collection of old keys -- or if you have purchased a set from an antique show or flea market -- then you can use them to decorate your home or apartment in creative ways. Be resourceful and think outside of the box. Decorating with old keys does not have to be expensive or complex. The natural charm of old keys will stand on its own.
Indian interior design reflects the culture of India and the surrounding countries. Rich colors and textures, exotic woods with intricate designs and decorative fabrics all feature strongly in an Indian-themed home. Reds and golds are the dominant colors in an Indian-style room, with plenty of rugs and wall hangings. Complementary artwork will complete the look. Designing an Indian-themed room may seem like a daunting task, but with a little research and planning, you will soon have the look you want.
A volcano is a large land mass, usually a mountain, that is an eruptive, powerful force. The first oceans on the planet were formed by the gases that emit from volcanoes, and many mountains, islands and other forms that make up the Earth's landscape were formed by volcanic eruptions. Magma is the liquid rock that is inside the volcano, which becomes lava as it flows from a volcano.
If you are a fan of goth culture you may enjoy decorating your bedroom in a goth theme. There is no clear-cut goth style, but it is generally associated with dark colors, dark make-up and punk music. Goths wear purple and red and have stark white faces with lots of black eyeliner. The fashion is very dark and mysterious. You can create this same feel in your bedroom decor.
Candle jars provide an elegant decorative touch for any household. Decorating your candle jars can improve their appearance further or bring it in line with the style of your home decor. Holidays are also a good time to create candle jar decorations for the season while spending time with someone you love.
Homeowners often overlook closets when it comes to decorating a home. Whether you have a small closet or a large walk-in one, there are several ways you can make this space fit the rest of your house. Keeping aesthetics in mind when choosing organizers and painting inside your closet can make this space both inviting and functional. Well planned lighting can not only make it easier to find things in your closet, but can also function as an element of design. In larger closets, the use of a small amount of furniture can turn this part of your home into…
Gossamer is a thin, semitransparent fabric that has a variety of uses, including decorating. Gossamer is available in small streamer sizes all the way up to full fabric panels. The fabric panels are commonly used to create backdrops and disguise walls at proms, parties, weddings and many other special occasions. Hanging gossamer on a wall requires only basic tools and a ladder that is tall enough to reach the ceiling in the room where you're installing the gossamer.
Porch aprons conceal the foundations of a house and provide extra storage space under a porch, but they can also add decorative elements to exterior home designs. In general, a porch apron should provide some ventilation and drainage so that moisture doesn't build up under the porch and cause mold growth.
Today most people associate the term "Gothic" with teenagers wearing black lipstick. However, with reference to home decor and architecture, it refers to a style from the high to late medieval period, around the 12th to the 16th century. Whether you want your whole home decorated this way, or just one room, there are plenty of ideas to help you bring the Gothic style into your house.
Perhaps you inherited a glass compote that's been in the family for generations or you just treated yourself to one of these elegant, footed bowls after it captured your attention so much that you couldn't leave the store without it. It would be wrong to stash this beautiful treasure behind the glass door of a breakfront or hide it away in a pantry. Instead, incorporate the compote dish into your decorating scheme. Start by assessing its cut, shape and colors. Figure out where to display it. There -- the hardest part is done. Now comes the fun.
The middle ages were filled with grand castles, brave kings, elegant queens and armored knights. Festivals were prominent parts of life during the middle ages, consequently the dining table, food, linens and lighting were of the utmost importance. Trestle dining tables fashioned from oak, ash, elm, beech or poplar wood were commonly constructed with joints fastened by wooden pegs or iron nails. Wooden benches and chairs provided banquet seating.
Picking a motif in which to decorate your home can add a sense of cohesiveness, individuality and fun. Using a watermelon theme incorporates a feeling of summertime that can carry through even the coldest months of the year. You can decorate just one room with the watermelon theme or incorporate elements of the theme throughout the whole house. Use colors, fabrics, prints and other design elements to decorate any room of your home with a watermelon motif.
Before you despair over decorating around a blue sofa, remember that blue is one of the primary colors upon which all colors are built. Blue, like the other primaries, yellow and red, can coordinate with virtually any color scheme and look good in your transitional room. So, there's no need to have the blues over a blue sofa. Use the sofa's color and your imagination to develop a room you will enjoy.
Decorate your long entryway with objects and items that reveal your decorative taste and welcome guests into your home. You can include a variety of things in your entryway to keep your guests' interest piqued along the long hall, though the items should be related so the entry flows in a logical manner. For example, don't start with a beach and seashell theme and end up with an Oriental flair by the end of the entryway.
Pumpkins and gourds are a sign of autumn and the harvest, and they add a splash of color and texture to your table. A pumpkin and gourd arrangement is an elegant centerpiece for a wedding banquet table or a lovely table decoration for your kitchen at home. Buy or pick your own pumpkins and gourds to serve as a stately ornament at any social function.
Tulle is often used to decorate for weddings, receptions and other special occasions. Decorate lattice with tulle both indoors and outside for a dreamlike atmosphere. Lattice is used indoors as well as out. Choices include arches or a long flat piece of lattice for a focal point, or behind the bride and groom or guest of honor at other events. Gazebos are outdoors and often have lattice sides and tops that create a stunning affect when decorated with tulle.
Recycling is not limited to plastic bottles and aluminum cans; finding ways to reuse items that no longer work as originally intended is resourceful, economical and ecologically sound. In some instances, not only are you saving money, but you may be able to earn some as well. One of the advantages to reusing a trailer shell is that you do not have to give yourself a time limit; you can make any necessary improvements, modifications or repairs as time and money allow.
The brilliant colors, lively animals and festively dressed people of the circus captivate both the young and the young-at-heart. Whether you're looking for a lively theme for a child's party or you're interested in creating a youthful setting for your own adult party, consider a circus theme. With the right decorative accessories, a cheerful color scheme and a little imagination, you can transform an ordinary indoor or outdoor space into the Big Top.
A wreath can be used for almost any season of the year. Decorate a wreath with spring flowers and colors for celebrations early in the year. Decorate it with stars and stripes for Independence Day. Pine cones and fall items can adorn a wreath for fall. Evergreen wreaths with holly berries and red bows add to the Christmas season. Hang a wreath on a door or inside the house or even use it as a centerpiece. No matter the occasion or season, weaving an appropriately colored ribbon through your wreath helps completef it.
Acorns can provide an inexpensive and natural-looking fall accent to home decorating projects. Use them with or without their tops, decorated with paint or glitter, or plain. Attach them to large grapevine wreath bases to make warm front door wreaths and to smaller ones for easy candle rings. Mix the acorns with other natural materials such as pine cones, berries, small gourds or pumpkins, or artificial leaves. Display the mixture in glass containers, metal bowls or pottery in fall colors. They can also be used to make quick napkin rings or curtain ties to add a seasonal touch to your…
Craft your own pinecone flower bouquets for special events, holiday decorations or home décor. Make pinecone flowers using small, whole pinecones or by cutting sections from larger pinecones. Decorate the tips of whole pinecone flowers with glitter glue to add sparkle to any bouquet.
Decorating the interior of church rooms is a little different than decorating the rooms of your home. Rather than expressing your personality, you have to tap into the personality of the church itself to determine not only the proper colors, but also the right decorations. Depending on the congregation, certain decorations or colors may be inappropriate or unappreciated. Once you've figured out the mood of the parishioners, however, the rest of the decorating will fall right into place.
A tree canopy is defined as the total number of leaves on a tree. It is oftentimes important to know the density of the canopy, since it tells how much sunlight is reaching the ground under the tree. Forestry management depends upon knowing whether or not other trees, shrubs and plants have an opportunity to grow in the shade of the woods. Because a canopy affects the types of plants under the tree, a light canopy or dense one can eventually change the nature of the forest. A simple measuring device is a paper tube from a roll of toilet…
If you are looking to decorate your street or downtown with seasonal cheer, pole banners are a simple way to add color to bland light poles. Pole banners attach to light posts and can be purchased or designed to fit many purposes, such as celebrating a season, expressing town pride or conveying information.
Drinking water is one way to stay hydrated and support overall good health. Using aluminum sports bottles is one way to save money, as the cost of constantly buying bottled water can get add up. Though aluminum bottles come in various patterns and colors, you can further personalize a bottle to make the style match your personality. Using a little bit of creativity and some easy to access supplies, you have have a customized sports bottle in no time.
Give your bathroom a lively look with a touch of the islands. With this type of décor, you can create an atmosphere that is light, cheery, fun and calming. This design will help you wake up in the morning and help you relax at the end of a long day. It doesn't take much to get the look down. All you need to do is find a style you like and begin working from there.
Over three centuries ago, tulle originated as a netting to support lace and did not come to be its own fabric until a factory in Tulle, France, began mass producing it as an affordable fabric. Today, tulle is used in dresses, such as wedding and prom dresses, and for decoration around columns. You can combine tulle and columns to create a romantic and elegant atmosphere for your next formal event.
Coca-Cola is a classic soda brand that has been around since the 1800s. You might identify an ice cold Coca-Cola with hot summer barbecues, delicious burgers and fries or simply as your favorite sweet beverage; decorating with a Coca-Cola theme is one way to relive these fond memories all of the time. Creating a Coca-Cola theme isn't hard to do and with the right amount of creativity you can have a Coca-Cola room in no time.
If you are a fan of Tuscan inspired decorating, you may have noticed that wine often plays a significant role in kitchen design and styling. It is a natural pairing that can add a warm, festive feel to the space. When decorating your kitchen, there are a variety of ways to incorporate wine-related elements. Depending on your preferences and your kitchen's style, you may opt for a subtle approach or go with a more obvious, whimsical look to make the theme truly stand out.
Recreate the glories of ancient Egypt in a specially designed room. Incorporating the colors found in the desert and utilizing design motifs from ancient artifacts will ensure the proper ambiance.
Tents can transform an open, outdoor space into a venue suitable for entertaining guests, celebrating birthdays or holding weddings. They are less expensive than renting a reception or banquet hall, and many tents are large enough to entertain a few hundred guests. Because most tents are plain, choosing a theme will help you with decorating ideas. Once you select a theme, you can decorate your tent just as beautifully as you would any indoor space.
Ladybugs are one of the most beneficial and well-known insects in the garden. A single ladybug eats more than 5,000 aphids during its adult life span as well as a variety of other insects including scale and spider mites. In addition to eating insects, ladybugs also feed on sugar water, honeydew, pollen and nectar from a variety of flowers. Encouraging them to take up residence in your garden is easy if you have insects for them to dine on and a variety of plants they prefer.
A bachelor pad is your place to embrace your life as a single man. This space should be sleek and manly, but also classy enough to make ladies want to hang out there. To create the ultimate bachelor pad, strike the perfect balance between a masculine atmosphere and a neat, clean place that lets visitors know that a classy man lives there, not an immature college boy. Your home is a reflection of you, so make your bachelor pad a place that you are proud to live in.
Native American arts and southwestern style decor are natural partners. Much of America's Native American traditions stem from the southwestern portion of our nation. Native American arts are most heavily concentrated in this area as well as the Native American style of decorating. This type of decor is not limited to the southwest area. Bring Native American arts and ambiance to your home with these decorating ideas.
Free of convention, the hippie generation determined their own style using elements of nature. Fabric designs brought in a multitude of colors and patterns along with colorful artwork. In this type of "anything goes" design, the primary goal is a natural theme with items found in thrift stores, garage sales or out-of-the-way vintage stores.
Ceilings are often overlooked when decorating. Swathing the ceiling with tulle and lights can give a room dramatic character -- perfect for people with themed decor or theatrical taste -- or help disguise an unattractive texture, an unsightly water stain or a color you find unappealing. Tailor your tulle-and-lights ceiling enhancements to the decorative effect you wish to create. Be mindful of safety by purchasing "cool" (not hot) lights and observing fire safety practices, like not leaving the lights on unattended.
Decorating a room in a bohemian style requires careful aesthetic judgment because the bright, rich colors and jumbled textures that characterize bohemian style can make the room look mismatched. Strive for a variety of colors and textures within a defined color palette, and stir in one-of-a-kind accessories. Whether you are decorating a bedroom, a living room or a porch, bohemian style will give your room colorful personality.
Polka dots and stripes have long been desirable motifs to use when a person is decorating a bedroom. Rather than choosing one of the two for your bedroom, consider mixing them up and incorporating both polka dots and stripes in your decor. You could use this decorating option for children, teenagers or adults. Use bright colors for a whimsical room and more muted colors if you prefer a mature look.
Green screens allow graphics to be added to a filmed broadcast, either in post-production or in the case of newscasts in real time. Green screens, so named because quite literally they're a blank field of green, are anchored to the walls of professional or makeshift television studios much like movie theater screens. However, if you're a budding filmmaker who needs to put up a screen without much fuss, there are alternatives.
The color of a couch should reflect the design style of the room. Although you want one that is a color you like, it should also blend into a cohesive room design with the wall and floor colors of the room. Selecting between a brown or garnet couch largely depends on whether you are going for a Gothic room, a rustic décor, a Victorian design or a sophisticated palette.
Coca-Cola is probably the most famous soft drink in the world. If you're a fan of the beverage, you may consider using the cola as a theme for your home decor. A Coca-Cola-themed decor is unexpected and offers a fun and funky look for any room in your home. When choosing the decor, think of the space you are using the theme in and choose elements that suit the use of the room.
The MacBook laptop collection features a minimalistic look with a shiny silver metal or white plastic finish. You may want to personalize your MacBook's look by adding more color and design. Decorating your laptop allows you to express yourself and bring a totally custom look to your equipment, making it stand apart from others on campus or on the road. No matter your budget, you can decorate your MacBook to make it truly your own.
Don't get hung up on ordinary flags and banners. Express your style with unexpected designs and display methods for waving a memorable statement in or outside your home. From patriotic to seasonal flag and banner decor, choose styles that coordinate with your home while adding a notable pop of color to your walls or front yard.
Decorating a restaurant's bathroom may seem challenging, but is actually one of the more interesting projects for a decorator. Bathroom areas are often forgotten and tend to go undecorated. By bringing creative design elements from the dining room into the bathroom, you can create a space that blends with the restaurant, rather than giving customers the feeling that they left the building when they stepped into the restroom.
Sheer gossamer material creates dramatic decorating effects and is available in either plain, single color versions or with patterned or metallic accents. Use it indoors or outdoors to decorate for both adults and children's parties, or use it to make fairy wings for fancy dress parties or dress-up games.
No Mediterranean or Italian villa style doll house is complete without a clay tile roof. These tiles provide a distinct color and are more durable than other types of material, including wood or plastic. The tiles are applied individually or in rows that are attached with an adhesive, such as rubber cement. Weathering the tiles before they are attached to the main structure is accomplished with wood stain, which is applied to give the tiles an aged appearance in a matter of minutes.
Rooms with painted paneling are not exactly the same as rooms with painted drywall. The grooves in the paneling add a texture that, although subtle, influences the general feel of the room. Usually this added texture makes the room feel more rustic or casual. Rather than fighting against the grain, there are benefits to incorporating the wall texture into your design plan so that your decor looks intentional rather than what you had to accept.
After you're done using a small storage bin for its intended purpose, consider reusing it in some other manner. For example, use it to make a craft. Re-purposing a storage bin not only keeps it out of a landfill, it also lets you get creative with the many ways in which you can use it in a craft project.
Innovative housing ideas can lead to residential settings that suit almost any taste and a wide range of budgets. You can use something as simple as an eclectic interior design scheme to create an innovative residential setting. You can also apply innovative approaches to whole-house design. Your personal tastes and your housing budget will determine the category of innovative housing design that most appeals to you.
Seashell crafts are a great way to use the shells you found on a beach to decorate your home or to remind you of a trip you once took to the ocean. There are several seashell craft patterns and ideas available online. You may also purchase shells from most craft stores that can be dyed and incorporated into gifts that are attractive and easy to make. You can incorporate boxes or glass balls or candlesticks you find at secondhand shops or at garage sales.
A courtyard is a perfect location to entertain guests on a warm evening or retreat to for peace and relaxation. Whether you want the courtyard to blend in with the rest of the landscaping or stand out, there are plenty of materials to choose from to create your ideal courtyard. Once you have the basic materials of the courtyard selected, use accessories and plants to complete the look.
For an exotic, yet relaxing change to your home environment, try decorating with an East Indian theme. Rich colors, solid wood and textiles full of vivid imagery are all part of the Indian style of decorating. Create a feeling of relaxed comfort and the ambiance of a foreign land with ancient roots and modern relevance. Many imported items are available to help you design this distinctive and impressive style.
Stray from your average hanging bookshelves and consider something more artistic and out of the ordinary. Hanging bookshelves are both useful and aesthetically pleasing so use them for more than books, use them as an attention getter in your favorite room. Consider using bookshelves to display objects other than books. Display your favorite knickknacks or even a series of pictures. Search online, in art galleries or in independent furniture stores for a variety of whimsical bookcase ideas that will spice up your ordinary living space.
Gossamer is a non-woven, sheer fabric that adds a touch of elegance to any room it graces. Not only is gossamer affordable it also drapes easily, which allows you to decorate your home at a fraction of the cost of other draping fabrics. Gossamer can hang from the ceiling, cover walls or hang over a curtain rod for any look you desire.
A grape motif in a kitchen provides an appetizing backdrop for any meal. Especially nice in a kitchen with wood stained cabinetry, the muted yellows in classic grape-related artwork and intricate designs in dishware enhance a homey and inviting space. With no shortage of grape-inspired merchandise and natural earth-toned colors to coordinate with, you can transform a plain kitchen into a juicy retreat to create mouthwatering meals for your family and friends.
Scandinavian style evolved in the 18th and 19th centuries and is generally subdued in style and muted in color. To make the most of the long winters, the Scandinavian style involves white wash and limed techniques, to add light to dark rooms. In the 1950s, modern Scandinavian design became popular, with simple mid-century shapes and famous designers exhibiting a new style of Scandinavian design.
Create an engaging and exciting environment for your vacation bible school (VBS) by completely transforming your space into a true Louisiana bayou. From pirogues to paper mache gators, combine live plants and authentic equipment with paper mache and artificial pieces to amaze attendees. Scout thrift stores and flea or antique markets for zydeco instruments, and use plants native to the south for the perfect finishing touch.
A Craftsman chair is simple yet sturdy and made for relaxing. The chairs, along with other similarly styled furnishings, were made to complement the popular Craftsman-style homes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The style of the chairs is not outdated, as they fit into modern settings quite well. Their simple structure and comfortable cushions are still appreciated today.
That dilapidated barn -- the one that's covered in weeds on the edge of town -- is a gold mine of decorating possibilities. Some people have made a business of dismantling old barns in exchange for the wood, which can be refinished and sold for quite a profit. Today, many consumers prefer recycled materials, and a plain old barn board plank can live a second life as anything from flooring to artwork.
Minimalist style removes all the clutter, prints and excess from a space and strips a room down to its most basic components. In a typical bedroom, for instance, you might find a bed, a light source and maybe one decorative feature or chair. This style is ideal for creating open and airy spaces that are calming, proving that sometimes less really is more. However, some disadvantages are associated with this decorating style in the bedroom.
The most eye-catching displays are often created from the simplest ideas. Shop at home first. Many objects you already have can serve as displays for everything from seasonal to holiday-themed items of interest. Whether you're trying to showcase a country, coastal or formal display, let your imagination play a role in creating a display that is convenient and original.
Bookcases provide more than just a practical place to store your books. They also offer decorative storage and home design possibilities. Bookcases come in many sizes and finishes; select a style based on the space of your room and your personal preference. Bookcases that reach floor to ceiling open up a room and provide ample storage and decor choices.
Organizing your baskets and bins properly allows you to gain the full benefit of these storage tools. If you arrange them thoughtfully and with some imagination, you can bring more beauty, storage space and organization to your home. You can use the largest containers, such as those the size of a laundry basket, for purposes other than holding laundry. They can also be used as toy containers in your child's room, fabric or yarn baskets in your craft area or to hold sports equipment in your garage.
Sleek, functional and clutter-free describe a minimalist bedroom. Any bedroom in the home can benefit from the minimalism philosophy of less is better. With fewer furniture pieces and accessories, cleaning and dusting are streamlined. Simplicity in fabric patterns and furniture style promotes visual relaxation. However, a minimalist bedroom does not equate with a dull and boring bedroom. Coordinated color, texture, furniture and light combinations provide ample opportunities for aesthetically soothing and appealing minimalist decor.
Spider-man is not actually a real superhero, of course. However, he has been portrayed in live-action television shows and movies for decades, with real actors wearing a real costume. If you want to get your hands on one of these costumes, you have to know where to look in the corners of the collector's market.
Having a modest income doesn't mean that your place can't look great. Decorating can be inexpensive if you shop at stores that sell eclectic products at reasonable prices, such as dollar stores. Dollar stores are common in most areas, so whether you're on a tight budget or simply want to save money, get into your interior design mode and decorate with finds from the dollar store.
The green movement has made trees a more valuable commodity for gift giving. Trees are often planted as a symbol of a new beginning or to mark a significant event. Trees are also planted to mark a significant place or to beautify a community or city. Trees can be given physically or planted in a special place in honor of someone. Many trees are planted in national parks for a donation. Certificates go to the gift recipient in acknowledgment of the gift. If you are giving the gift of tree planting rather than the actual tree, use these ideas to…
Children may be attracted to medieval decor because of the castles and mythical themes that are associated with the time period, like fire-breathing dragons and princesses waiting to be rescued from castle towers. You can incorporate these themes, as well as royal color schemes, into your child's bedroom for a whimsically beautiful space they'll never want to leave.
Pet lovers dote on their cats. Pet owners spent over $48 billion on their beloved companions in the year 2010, according to the American Pet Products Association Pet Owners Survey. It's entirely possible to pamper your frisky feline while still maintaining a fashion-forward décor. The variety of cozy beds for cats allows pet owners to choose from styles, fabrics and form, choosing accordingly while still providing a comfortable place for Kitty or Fluffy to rest at night.
For the person who loves surfing, a surfboard wall shelf just makes sense. Instead of decorating your living space with flat, boring wall shelves, use pieces of old surfboards to create unique shelving units. These shelves can also be made from any hardwood. Boards break all the time; instead of mourning the loss of your board, immortalize it. When your board breaks, turn it into a piece of usable art instead of trash.
Closet space is one of the most sought-after commodities in houses, but closet space is nothing if it's not a bit glamorous. Whether you are after rock-glam, sophisticated glamour or girly glamour, there are a number of ways to transform your closet space -- no matter how large or small -- from drab to "fab." A glamorous closet also needs to be well organized, otherwise it will just be a messy closet, and messy closets are never glamorous.
Indulge your child as you decorate a "Wizard of Oz" room. Encourage her imagination as she explores the wonders and characters of this famous children's story and movie. Pick scenes to depict in your décor and balance these with the characters as you create a delightful playtime experience your child may never forget.
A condo courtyard is typically small, with a fence or other barrier between it and the next yard. Creating an interesting and usable landscape is a challenge. Large, dominating objects and plants must give way to smaller items that can fit better into a limited space. The best-looking courtyards are carefully planned and executed.
African-American home decor can reflect the rich, earthy colors of the African continent, as well as family traditions and memories that are of special significance to black families. The wall art for rooms in an African American home can serve as both artistic attractions, like masks and photos of Africa's farm or desert landscape, and educational tools, like portraits of notable black figures, that lend inspiration and visual appeal to the space.
A courtyard provides an ideal place to relax and socialize with friends and family. An inner courtyard is typically in the center of the house, with all of the rooms leading out to the central patio area. Entry courtyards are located at the front of the house and offer a secluded patio area near the front doors. You can also create a courtyard in the backyard off of the patio by separating it from the rest of the yard with hedges.
Zinnias feature many daisy-like petals arranged in doming shape that flares out and down from a yellow center. Gardeners love them because they range in color from white and yellow to orange, pink and red. They cluster in large groups and offer color to any garden. If you miss fresh flowers in the winter, try creating faux zinnias from pinecones. Stiff pinecone scales offer the proper formation for faux flowers and won't fade over time.
Sleepover decoration ideas can turn a simple slumber party into an exceptional fun-filled extravaganza. Since the objective of most sleepovers is to spend as much time staying awake as possible, sleepover decoration ideas should add to the overall theme of the party, when possible. Consider the age of the child hosting the sleepover to ensure decorations are age-appropriate.
Use big vases to add decorative detail to any room of the house. Tailor the use of the vase to the level of formality of the room and the room's current style. Whether you decide to fill the vase with a large floral arrangement or you opt for a less conventional decoration scheme with the vase, the possibilities for decorating with big vases are seemingly endless.
Serve tasty appetizers or breakfast in bed on a wooden tray for rustic charm. Spilled drinks and foods may stain your wooden server or leave germs behind. Protect the beauty of your wooden tray and keep it clean by treating it after every use. Allowing organic substances to remain on your tray may disfigure its grain or make a painted tray chip. Preserve this stylish piece with good care and regular wood treatments if needed.
The warm, inviting nature of Italian and Tuscan design has made it a favorite for interior designers. Between the nature-inspired elements of the Italian landscapes and its roots in classical art and architecture, it is an elegant and charming way to decorate a home. To achieve this look, keep some basic principles of Italian and Tuscan decorating in mind. This style works well in any room of the home, as well as in outdoor spaces.
While architectural oddities such as sloped ceilings, strangely shaped walls and, of course, alcoves can pose a decorating challenge, looking at them as opportunities to flex your design creativity may help you enjoy the challenge more. Alcoves can be more versatile than their diminutive size might suggest. Consider how you use the rest of the room and what types of spaces -- such as office space -- the room is lacking to get an idea for how you should use your alcove.
A centerpieces is the main visual point on a table in your home that draws the eyes of visitors and guests. The way you decorate your centerpiece says a lot about your style and taste. While centerpieces are the cornerstone of your decorations, it's important to find a balance between doing enough to make it look fantastic and overdoing it to the point where it starts looking tacky.
While burlap calls to mind old feed sacks and a sense of the rustic, it only takes a little effort to turn this rough material into a charming country-style decoration. Burlap wreaths add both texture and style to your home, providing a previously blank wall or door with a point of visual interest. Making a burlap wreath is a straightforward process and it can be accomplished without any special skills or equipment. Choose beige burlap for a neutral, natural look or use brightly-colored burlap to match your existing decor.
Ceiling molding, also called crown molding, is wooden trim that is placed where walls meet the ceiling. Crown molding adds a rich and finished look to any room, even a miniature one. This 1/2-inch molding would be the equivalent of 6-inch ceiling molding in a dollhouse built at a 1-inch-to-1-foot scale. This molding would work in either a Victorian-style dollhouse or a modern dollhouse in a traditional style. The best time to add molding is after the walls are covered and before the furniture and wall decor is put in place.
Plenty of ideas for a bathroom construction, remodel or renovation exist, but not all of them will necessarily work. Aside from a question of taste in the area of decoration, many options for dealing with a bathroom are based on functionality. Ensure that the function really applies to your bathroom needs and routine. You may well be surprised at the number of options now available for transforming the bathroom if you haven't designed or remodeled a bathroom for over a decade.
GelGems are an inexpensive and reusable decorating material which will stick on glass and other non-porous materials. The colorful gel clings comes in a host of styles and sizes. It is not recommended to use them on wood, drywall or plastic because they do not adhere well and tend to leave an oily spot when removed. You can adorn mirrors, windows, drinking glasses and even laptop screens with GelGems.
Among the greatest decorating challenges is how to make a small den look cozy rather than crowded, calm rather than cluttered. Planning is key. Decide in advance how you will utilize the space in your den, and you may be surprised by how comfortable the final outcome is.
If you feel your door isn't complete without a seasonal wreath, consider red sumac for autumn. Red sumac features tiny, dark red berries that grow in large cones from the tops of sumac plants. Unlike its poisonous white cousin, red sumac is perfectly safe to handle and won't harm children or pets. If you're still nervous about using the real plant, purchase some fake branches from a craft store. Craft stores often stock seasonal artificial flowers in abundance.
Your child's room is a sanctuary. It is a place of creativity, learning, growth and play. It is the first place she takes her friends and the last room she sees before she falls asleep. As such, you want it to be special, a place of imagination and dreams. Decorating your child's room like a fairytale will accomplish both.
Create a decorative surfboard to accent your baby's surf-themed nursery. Making your own board allows you to control the size, style, shape, colors and decorations so they match with the nursery decor perfectly. Your decorative surfboard can hang on the nursery walls, stand in a corner, sit on a shelf or do double-duty if you add pegs or hooks to it. The materials you use depends on how you plan to use the decorative surfboard, your craftiness and experience.
Clipboards are versatile devices, providing a space to store information and a hard surface on which to write, all in a compact, portable style. Using clipboards to assist in organization helps to create a more orderly environment where papers are easy to locate. There are a range of situations where clipboards are used as practical organizing tools.
A plain white gazebo can add light and elegance to your garden, or it can be an eyesore. If your garden structure clashes with your home or draws attention away from your prized posies, consider redesigning. Start by painting the gazebo to change the way it coordinates with the rest of the landscape, then add decorative details that draw your eye down a clear path and up and into the structure.
In reaction to increasingly stressful lives, the minimalist style of decor has taken hold. Minimalism creates a less stressful environment by limiting visual distractions, is calming and, ultimately, more appealing to homeowners looking for a low-stress living environment. A few simple ideas can help you transform any room into a minimalist space.
Many birds live in jungles like the dense tropical rain forests of the Amazon, Central Africa, West Africa and in forests in different parts of the world. There are many species of birds living in jungles that come in different sizes, shapes, colors and have different diets.
Canopy beds add drama to the bedroom. Different combinations of canopy bed frames and tulle or netting can set different vibes for the living space. How the tulle is incorporated into the setting can give the room a romantic, sultry, regal, elegant or even an adventurous feel. As the centerpiece of the room, a canopy bed frame should set the tone for the room.
Masculine design is based on the concept of comfort. Women tend toward aesthetics when decorating a space while men focus on simplicity and low-maintenance design. Functionality is of the utmost importance as the space must not be overdone or fussy. Electronics often play a leading role in a masculine space, such as a big screen television or a gaming system. This type of element may be the focal point of a room, negating the need for accessories.
From 1903 to today, Harley-Davidson has made motorcycles that have become part of popular culture. Riders worldwide enjoy the freedom of the open road and the camaraderie found in the many Harley owners clubs. Bring the fascination with all things Harley into your home by creating a room designed specifically with the Harley motorcycle in mind. With a wide variety of accessories available, it is easy to decorate a room with Harley merchandise and memorabilia.
A bohemian-style bathroom is equal parts shabby, recycled, colorful, eclectic and over-the-top. It generally features found objects and repurposed hand-me-downs and wears an air of artiste, or maybe that should be insouciance. Bohemian décor dresses in ruffles, mixes prints and isn't afraid to show a little wear. Put your vintage finds and original fashion sense to work to disguise your boring bathroom as a melange of bohemian design.
Making pine cone flowers is terrific nature craft that could involve the whole family. Pine cones can be found under almost any pine tree and, when dried, can be fashioned into cheerful flowers. These sturdy blooms can be attached to a wreath with a hot glue gun or glued to plain wooden rings for a striking Thanksgiving Day dinner napkin ring. The flowers can also be glued to twigs, painted and placed in a vase for a faux floral arrangement.
Birdcages make interesting, beautiful centerpieces for weddings, holiday parties and everyday decor. They also act as conversation starters. Find elegant, decorative birdcages at antique stores, garage sales and online retailers. Choose a metal, bamboo or wicker birdcage; then add accessories to dress it up. For a large event, you can use all of one style of birdcage decorated uniformly, or feature many varieties of birdcages embellished with some common decoration themes. For a charity event, the centerpieces can be auctioned or made available to guests for a specific donation.
The color of your entryway gives guests a clue about your personality and decorating style. A bold, bright color evokes a different impression than a soft, romantic hue. Choose your color wisely to reflect the image you prefer, but coordinate it to the flooring and wood trim for a cohesive appearance.
If you want to transform your bedroom into a vibrant, exotic style, Indian colors and patterns will give your room a completely new look and feel. Indian decorating styles contain rich, jewel tone colors and warm wood materials, so whether you want to add a subtle touch or embrace it fully, there's a variety of things you can do in your space.
Celebrating holidays and special events can break up the monotony of daily life. To fully celebrate these occasions, adorning your home with decorations is a must. For example, most people decorate a Christmas tree during the holidays to fully embrace and showcase the festive spirit. If you have a carved ceramic pumpkin you'd like to display in your home, there's no reason why it should look like every other carved ceramic pumpkin sold in stores. Using calculated decorative strategies can help personalize it.
The serene and rustic feel of the Tuscan countryside can provide a beautiful setting for guests at your dinner table. Good food is fundamental to the Tuscan lifestyle, as well as a relaxed, family atmosphere and simple, beautiful objects reminiscent of the hills, fields and farms of the region. Use these elements to decorate a Tuscan table to give your guests a taste of the Italian countryside along with a delicious dinner.
If your little girl's favorite Disney character is Tinker Bell, then she'll love her very own Tinker Bell-themed bedroom. Because Tinker Bell is a hugely popular character, there are many bedroom products available for sale with her likeness, which makes decorating a cinch. With a little paint and a few purchases, you can transform your daughter's bedroom into a Tinker Bell dream room.
Wreaths add a decorative touch to a wall or door and are adaptable in color or theme to any room in your home. Wreaths you can buy at craft fairs, department or home supply stores are often expensive but you can make your own. No great artistic skills or expensive supplies are required. In fact, many of the supplies are available at bargain prices after each holiday or at the beginning of a new season. Taking advantage of sales and coupons is an economical way to stock up on many supplies for holiday or seasonal wreaths.
Decorating your bedroom with things that you made or designed can be both fun and satisfying. Items that you can make and design for your bedroom include curtains, quilts, headboards and embellished furniture. The problem begins with what to do first. Think about incorporating matching colors into the decorating scheme to pull the room's finished look together. Add embellishments, such as decorative curtain rods, later.
According to Home and Garden Ideas, many people think of chair covers for formal events, such as weddings. However, chair covers can dress up ordinary chairs to make them look extra special even for everyday use. Chair and sofa covers are also commonly used to protect furniture from wear and tear, as well as spills and accidents caused by children and pets.
Whether it's the cheap faux variety or genuine wood, wall paneling presents a design dilemma for homeowners and renters alike. It may seem impossible to decorate a room with paneling -- especially dark paneling -- without tearing it down, but there are a number of less drastic options you might consider to drag your dated abode out of its style slump.
Throw pillows make your living space look more comfortable. They also provide a decorative touch. Choose pillows that coordinate with your color scheme and with the materials of your furniture. While you can buy pillows, you'll be more likely to get just the look you want if you make the pillows yourself.
Decorate your church preschool department with a variety of warm and friendly colors and images that reflect child-friendly stories from the bible. This should be a place kids look forward to going to and should provide a happy atmosphere for preschool-age children.
Leafy green wreaths adorn the walls and doors of homes to mark the celebration of a holiday or the welcoming of a new season. Laurel and evergreen wreaths peppered with berries and pine cones are a sign of Christmas and winter, and twiggy wildflower wreaths are a sign of summer. Wreaths made with real plants and items from nature have an authentic appearance and a fresh scent, but they can fade, wilt and dry out if they aren't cared for. Keep them looking fresh with a few easy tricks that will also extend the life of your wreath.
While preparing steppingstones for installation may seem unnecessary to some, failure to do so can create twice the work and even a mess that could take weeks to correct. Follow a few procedures before beginning to leave your lawn or garden looking better than before and prevent future damage to the stones.
If you are a wine enthusiast, you may find yourself wanting to express your passion for wine culture outside of your favorite vineyard. Provide an interesting atmosphere and share your passion with friends and family by decorating your home with a variety of wine-themed fare.
Greenery is an attractive way to decorate windows, especially during the holidays. Fresh cedar and greenery add a pleasant scent to the home, although artificial greenery can be used as well. Many home owners may prefer artificial greenery for outdoor window decorating, as it withstands the elements better than the real thing.
Transform your bedroom from boring to breathtaking by introducing the calming style of Tuscan-inspired decorating. The Tuscan style of decorating blends Italian, French and Spanish designs to form a distinctive Mediterranean design. Steering clear of streamlined and modern designs, Tuscan-style decorating brings the organic tones of nature inside the home with rich colors and rustic textures.
As the first part of your home that guests see, the entryway sets the tone for the rest of the house. The decor that you choose for this area should be welcoming and also establish the style that you have used for the rest of your home. The flooring in your entryway may seem like a minor detail, but it can play a significant role in the overall mood of the space. When choosing your flooring, go with an option that complements the decor in the rest of your home but can also make its own statement to welcome guests.
Many people love to display photographs in their living or work spaces because they are drawn to the colors or composition of the photos or feel an emotional connection to the subject. Whether you wish to decorate your walls with family photos, artsy snapshots of your favorite national park or edgy modern art photos, take photo decorating inspiration from spaces that commonly display photos such as art galleries and coffee shops.
The most successful decor for a children's store captures the customer's attention by creating a compelling theme that appeals to both the child's fancy and the parent's sensibility. Displaying products grouped in a way that encourages cross-selling and an easily manoeuvrable space are factors that must not be ignored. Create a space for kids to enjoy some playtime while their parents shop and include various shapes, colors and materials within your design to enhance the atmosphere. Look to the ideas below for inspiration when developing your store's theme.
Although ancient and classical decorative styles have largely faded from public consciousness, the imagined opulence and luxury of the Gothic medieval and premodern periods lingers on. A small but dedicated segment of modern society continues to find ways to enhance their modern dwellings with the veneer of the last thousand or so years of European history.
The color Caribbean green conjures up images of a warm, bluish-green sea, with gentle rolling waves, a coral sand beach and the tranquility of lounging on the shore. Give your bedroom the serenity of a Caribbean island or go for the sizzle of a hot Caribbean night as you decorate your bedroom in tropical-inspired decor.
Any home can look more elegant with burgundy used in walls, furnishings and other decor. Many accent colors or contrasting colors look stylish with burgundy. Walls painted burgundy make a bold statement, so the walls will dictate much about furnishings, accessories and window treatments. Burgundy is a good contrast to boring neutral walls or earth tones used throughout a house. While drywall or plaster can be painted burgundy, you should install burgundy wallpaper that is heavily textured or embossed with interesting design work. Review lots of home design books and magazines to get ideas.
Create the perfect table decoration for a beach wedding or summer event with a seashell and starfish centerpiece. It's not too difficult to make your own centerpiece as most materials can be found in almost any craft store. Use your creativity and imagination and you'll be able to to create beautiful centerpieces using seashells and starfish and other things that remind you of the ocean.
Decorative tiling in your home can bring to life everything from the kitchen to the bathroom. Tiles not only provide an aesthetic and artistic element but also grant the walls and floors a durable surface that can handle heavy traffic and extended periods of use. Many of the most decorative ideas for using tile require becoming familiar with cutting tools like nippers and tile cutters.
Contemporary country is a fresh and warm style of decorating. Contemporary country features furniture with simple lines, big windows to bring the outdoors inside and a mixture of antiques with contemporary pieces. The result is a comfy, easygoing atmosphere with rich colors and natural materials. In the early 2000s, you can achieve this look by adding decorative pieces to items that are already in your home.
Create a kitchen that captures the feeling you get when walking through a vast vineyard as the sun begins to set. Envision rows or colorful plump grapes ripening on the vine as you gaze at the transforming sky in the distance. Use your inspiration to choose the right decor pieces and colors in your kitchen to create a room that any wine lover can enjoy.
A birdcage centerpiece may sound eclectic, but they can be quite elegant and can suit any occasion, from a wedding reception to a dinner party. You can customize the birdcage to reflect the event and your tastes, and turn your centerpiece into a conversation piece quite easily. Birdcages come in many sizes and types, so have fun looking for the perfect one to use as you create a centerpiece that fits your needs.
Pinecones are readily available on the ground throughout the fall season and make ideal decorations for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Additionally, they can be used to add a rustic look to a home at any time of the year. There are several options available for the decorator interested in using pinecones.
If your collection of gothic literature is getting out of control and difficult to store, make your own storage solution that will let your favorite novels rest in peace. Use a few simple techniques to make your standard bookcase into a gothic centerpiece, sure to start a conversation whenever guests come to visit. You don't have to be a professional decorator to create a bookcase the Addams family would love; use this same technique to spruce up the rest of your furniture while you're at it.
Over the years, many families begin to outgrow their homes and look for ways to increase their living space. Converting an unfinished attic to a usable room is an effective way to maximize the space in your home and create an extra bedroom, home office, play room or workout room. If you are interested in converting your attic to a functional room but are unsure where to begin, a few ideas can help get your project off the ground so you can enjoy the additional space in your home as soon as possible.
Decorating is an important aspect of any nightclub, since the club's appearance will define the perception and experience of guests. The decor needs to be a cohesive fit for the style of nightclub that you operate or plan to operate. Top considerations include furniture, lighting and artwork. When setting out to decorate a nightclub, it is important to plan the decor out and consider how each piece you add will contribute to the overall vision for the space.
A breakfast nook is a small, casual dining area in or near the kitchen. It is more formal than a kitchen island or snack bar but less so than your dining room. It provides an intimate space for family members to catch up over a meal, a spot to do homework and menu-planning or just relax with a second cup of coffee and the newspaper.
Gossamer is a synthetic fabric that is sheer and lightweight. It is sold in sheets or rolls. It is very inexpensive and can cover walls and ceilings to transform plain surroundings into themed party areas. Decorators use it for embellishing rooms for wedding receptions and proms, as well as in the home, like in kids' rooms. You can buy it in many different colors and patterns, but you can also add your own decorating touches.
Navy blue is a rich, unisex color that many people like to use when decorating. Bedrooms, guest rooms, kitchens, living spaces, bathrooms and offices all look nice with a touch of navy blue. To get the best results with this color, it is important not to overuse it and to pair it with complementary shades. Whether you're going for a nautical look or a French country feel, there are many ways to decorate with navy blue.
Bring in the turquoise blue of the sky or the vivid blues of a lake as you decorate your log house. Look for the blue shades in your surroundings so you can incorporate them into your design. Pick the blue of the wildflowers in your garden for the fabrics or the blues in the eastern sky at sunset for your paint colors. Blend the blues with greens, browns and other colors of nature as you decorate your log home for comfort and beauty.
When it comes to home decor, polka dots can make a statement. However, while they bring a whimsical, youthful accent to your home, they can be difficult to use if you don't want to create a childish impression. As you plan ways to incorporate polka dots into your rooms, consider design options that will create a visual statement without overwhelming the space.
Townhouses as living spaces offer broad appeal to people who want to own a home, but don't necessarily need a traditional single-family house. Although townhouses were once considered small and cramped, they have lost that image, according to the website HousingInfo.com. They offer the same amenities that many homes do, including a variety of rooms that dress up just as well when decorated as those in traditional homes.
During the holiday season, it's customary to hang a Christmas wreath on your front door. Wreaths, consisting of fresh evergreen tree branches shaped to form a circle, are typically decorated with ornaments, bows, berries and pine cones. Due to the elements of winter however, wreathes often end up getting dried out and look unappealing before the season ends. Selecting the freshest branches and prepping the wreath ahead of time will help it stay fresh and vibrant-looking all season long.
If you just remodeled your home or you recently purchased an Italian Tuscan inspired home, finding the right decor can be pricey. Expensive boutiques and design studios can charge several hundred dollars for antiques and signature pieces. The key is finding items you can refurbish or find discounted in order to save money and get the most bang for your buck.
Light, portable and made out of a variety of materials such as plastic and metal, clipboards can be found at most office or stationery supply stores. Some have calculators while others have storage compartments allowing for easy filing and storage of important documents. Despite living in an age where you can schedule you life with the touch of your fingertips on your smart phone, traditional clipboards can still help you organize your life and daily schedule.
A house is your personal space, so it important to make it comfortable and suited exactly to your tastes. Most character comes from the way you decorate and organize your house, and it can be difficult to choose furnishings and decor that is not only unique and special, but also practical. With a few innovative ideas, your house can be transformed into your perfect functional home.
Decorative wreaths are a festive addition to a candle centrepiece. They can be used during any holiday and changed with the seasons without the cost of replacing a whole centrepiece. They can also be added to the base of any jar candle or candelabra. Wreaths vary widely in style, size, and color making it easy to find a one that fits in with your home decor. You could also make one youself.
Adding animal prints to a home bathroom is a great way to create a stylish, well-put-together bathroom that is sure to impress. Nearly any bathroom decoration and accessory can be purchased in animal print, whether it is zebra, giraffe, leopard or a mix prints. Whether you decide to use animal print sparingly or do your entire bathroom in floor to ceiling leopard, there are several ways you can incorporate this theme into your bathroom.
Everything redneck seems to be fashionable these days, or at least funny. The redneck party has become a popular theme, but why stop there when you can have your very own redneck palace, or at least a trailer. Decorating your home in redneck fashion is easy to do and inexpensive if you have creativity and access to a thrift store or town dump.
The Longaberger Company was founded in 1973, originally specializing in basket making, a craft that has long been a part of the Longaberger family. It later expanded into other products, such as tables, shelves, pottery and more. The products are often sold by home consultant and at craft markets. Collecting Longaberger products has become a trend in home design, but once installed, owners of Longaberger products typically wish to decorate them to match their home accents.
Throw the grandest prom in the land by decorating the dance venue with items reminiscent of Medieval times. During the Middle Ages, themes of chivalry, nobility and courtly love reached their height, and a high school prom is the perfect place to bring these ideas of old back to life. Deck out your prom hall with some of these decorations to make guests feel like they're dancing at a Medieval court party.
Cleaning your garage can be a daunting task. It doesn't have to be overwhelming if you follow the right steps to get the job done as quickly as possible. Enlist some friends or family members to help if you really want the work to go fast.
Some contemporary homes are designed with display niches, ledges, shelves and shortened walls. These present decor challenges to a homeowner who has never had these considerations before. The areas are often deep, oddly shaped and difficult to reach. They are usually not in a position where they can be changed frequently or dusted regularly. Often they do not have lighting. Decorating to overcome these issues can be an enjoyable process.
Orange and blue are an ideal color combination because they are opposites on the color wheel. The two colors match almost perfectly in any shade. Navy blue works well with home decor, but it requires a little help to prevent your home from looking too dark or drab. Orange presents the perfect contrast to the deep, dark blue, lightening the mood and the color scheme. No matter what room you're decorating with this color scheme, you can find a way to incorporate the shades into your home decor master plan.
The basket -- once only a utilitarian vessel -- is a piece of home decor that can be both ornamental and practical. Baskets both large and small are made of wire, plastic and natural materials such as grass, jute, wood, hemp, grapevines and bamboo. They come in different shapes and sizes, sometimes to reflect their original purpose.
Whether your bookcase is tall or short, you don't have to neglect the top. It is valuable space that you can use either to practically store things or to display decor. Doing so helps fill out your space so that this potentially empty and boring area now pops with color and life--it can even add a new dimension of functionality to your furnishings.
Choosing decor for your outdoor space is not so different from designing your interior. Color, texture and stylistic choices make the room a reflection of your personal style and a place you want to call home. Special considerations for outside decor include the climate in your area and the amount of time you anticipate spending outdoors. Design a look that you will also enjoy from inside, looking out the windows.
The kitchen is often called the heart of the home. It is where families gather and create great food. For many people, a kitchen brings to mind thoughts of the countryside and home cooking. An abundance of orchard fruits in the decor is a natural extension of those thoughts. And what country kitchen decor would be complete without a rooster or two to awaken the senses?
When you buy a flat screen TV, you're making a serious and expensive investment. Simply placing the television in the same area where you used your old television doesn't work. Flat screen televisions are designed to reach more people and from more angles, which means items around the living room block the TV. Designer ideas for decorating a living room with a flat screen TV offer ways to make the television fit into the room's design.
Whether you are a surfer yourself, just enjoy watching the sport or want to bring a beach vibe to a room, consider incorporating surfboards into your wall decor. There are several ways to feature surfboards in your wall decor --- from an actual surfboard to images of these wave riding tools. How you choose to feature a surfboard on your wall depends on your personal taste and the look you want to achieve.
Steppingstones, a quaint addition to your outdoor landscaping, can lead from your porch to the garden on the side of the yard or add some dimension and character to specific areas of your property. Either way, putting steppingstones in a grass yard is a home improvement project you can tackle yourself. Choose from simple square or round pavers or stones made from washed aggregate, brick or even plastic.
Wainscoting is a type of paneling traditionally used to protect walls from being marred by furniture hitting or scraping them. It comes in different styles from ornate raised panels to plain narrow tongue and groove planks known as beadboard. Today wainscoting can be found in any room of the house, including the kitchen and not just on the walls.
The decor of a children's wing of a church should be vibrant and interesting but also send positive messages. This can be achieved by painting murals of Bible stories or adding pictures of other church-oriented messages to already-painted walls. The most important thing is to have a comfortable setting with positive images for children.
Gossamer is a sheer material that comes in a wide range of colors and creates a whimsical, airy feel in a room. The fabric can create a fairy-tale atmosphere in a child's bedroom, party or wedding reception when hung from the ceiling or walls. The method you use to attach the material to a surface depends on the way you intend to display the fabric.
Steppingstones are both decorative and functional aspects in your backyard garden. They add visual interest, and help keep your shoes off dirty or soggy soil. Steppingstones also keep your lawn staying greener, since the paths train people to walk in a particular place instead of across the yard. Ensure that there is a purpose to the paths you make with the steppingstones.
When it comes to decorating a house, the hallway is often an overlooked space. Because they are typically small and dark, many homeowners find hallways a challenge to design. However, instead of thinking of your hall as a throwaway space, look at it as a bridge between the rooms of your home. Consider decorative items that bring light, visual interest and a sense of the rest of your home's style to your hallway.
Navy blue and white together evoke both an old Victorian style and a more contemporary, crisp nautical motif. They are classic colors and, in America, they are patriotic, without being obvious. Navy blue and white go well with neutral colors and with foil accents in gold or silver. Still, the simplicity of navy blue and white is an elegant choice that is soothing to the eye. Sticking with the two colors will unify your space while narrowing down your choices for other decorative elements like furniture and rugs.
Decorating your outdoor environment is as important as your interior spaces. Both an expression of your style and personality, a decorated space must have some cohesive elements that tie the space together for greater comfort and aesthetic appeal. Outdoor decorations have the benefit of highlighting planted garden spaces and can be functional and decorative. Start with a theme then add your decorations throughout your outdoor spaces including front porches or entryways, garden or flowerbeds and backyard patios and decks.
Look for bathroom ideas before starting on your remodeling and decorating project to ensure you create the design of your dreams. Like any other home-improvement project, keep everything organized. Buy a binder and some plastic sleeves and folders to store all of your ideas, plans and estimates in one place. Place everything that inspires you in the binder to see how it all works together. Change out elements as you find better ones to replace them.
Gone are the days when school budgets provided teachers with money for classroom supplies and decorations. On a limited budget, do-it-yourself classroom decorating can be achieved with a bit of creativity and bargain-hunting. Put up basic decorations and any wall hangings required by the administration, and then enlist the help of students to create more decorations that can change with the season or theme. Combining the students' decorations with yours provides interest, piques their curiosity and gives them a feeling of ownership.
Home decorating is an important part of creating a mood and feel to your home. The country style of décor creates a feeling of hominess and welcome for everyone who enters the room. For those who prefer a more updated look, you can combine country styling with more contemporary items to create an atmosphere of warmth with sophistication. This is often called "transitional country" style, a décor that is simple yet up-to-date. Achieve this by adding decorative items like rugs, lighting and paintings that add a new dimension to the country theme.
If you dread being stuck in an enclosed room while doing your personal or professional work in a home office, consider moving your office outdoors. The natural light, fresh air and view can lift your spirits, boost your energy and might even increase productivity and reduce stress. Combining form and function to balance a practical workspace with a comfortable and inspiring setting is essential here. A few ideas may help you get started.
Water dominates the city of New Orleans. Lake Ponchartrain borders it to the north. The Mississippi River runs through its heart. Vast wetlands separate it from the Gulf of Mexico. All that water means a humid, mild climate, with January temperatures averaging close to 52 degrees Fahrenheit and annual rainfall averaging 5 inches a month. New Orleans' evergreen plants, from ground covers to stately trees, are at home in the region's wet, warm climate and moist soils.
Southwestern decor has been influenced by the colors and iconography favored by the Native Americans as well as the Mexican peoples of the Southwestern U.S. These cultures drew upon the colors of the land and sky to inspire their decorative arts and decor. If you're decorating your bathroom in Southwestern style and are trying to decide what to do about the shower curtains and towels, keep these influences in mind as you make your choices.
Decorating a room with shades of blue will give the space a calm, peaceful vibe and a fresh look. When decorating any room in your home with navy blue, accent the color with a lighter shade of the same color. A dark and light blue color combination looks appealing by itself, but will also work when enhanced by other hues or as part of a decor theme. This versatile color combination can be used to create any type of home decor style, from casual to elegant.
Gossamer is a sheer material that can contribute to a whimsical room atmosphere when attached to a wall. The fabric is sold at craft stores, online retailers and fabric specialty shops. There are several ways to attach gossamer to the wall, depending upon your specific use of the fabric.
Watching a kite gently soaring in the breeze is a captivating scene. These whimsical objects allow people to experience the thrill of being in control of flight. Kites come in a huge range of sizes and styles and can also serve as room décor. Decorating an area with kites works particularly well in a child's bedroom or playroom and adds a colorful bit of visual interest to a space.
Hallway décor should match the master interior design of your home, but you can still have a lot of fun decorating these walkways and get some use out of the space. With proper planning, you can transform drab halls into useful storage nooks. And corridor walls are a great place to put your passions on display.
Aprons are intended to serve a utilitarian function, but that does not mean that these pieces can't also be attractive. Instead of continually wearing a plain kitchen apron, jazz up your clothing cover with some decoration. There are several ways you can make this piece more reflective of you and indicative of your personal style.
Silk trees are an excellent way to brighten up your home, garden or patio. So lifelike they have to be touched to be believed, silk plants have the advantage of durability, lasting for years without you having to remember to water or feed them. They also do not shed through certain seasons as their real life counterparts do, and they are green and gorgeous year-round. Decorating with them takes nothing more than some imagination and an idea of how you want your home to appear.
A bowl filled with decorative balls has many uses: it can be a centerpiece for your dining table during a holiday event or other special event in your family. You can use it as a display on an occasional table. You can also wrap a decorative bowl filled with coordinating balls in cellophane, tie with ribbon and give as a gift. Just as there are many ways of customizing the bowl and balls, there are many uses for the duo.
Decorating your kitchen area with John Deere decor gives it a casual, country-style atmosphere. Whether you lived on a farm as a child or have sweet memories of visiting your grandparents in a farm community, John Deere memorabilia creates a homey, old-fashioned feeling in your kitchen. It is not a difficult process to use the decor if you purchase the right accessories and use the correct colors.
There are many reasons why you might be compelled to decorate a home chapel, but one popular reason is so it can serve as the backdrop for an intimate home wedding. When decorating your chapel, there are certain factors to take into account. For instance, consider how many people the chapel can house and the intent of having a chapel at home. Once you have settled on the layout, make it more inviting with decor.
Bring the ocean to life for your students. Decorate your classroom from top to bottom, transforming it into an aquarium filled with sea creatures, water and sand. The children will be enticed to explore and encouraged to learn more about marine life through the decorations you use while studying the ocean.
Paper lanterns are constructed of semi-transparent rice paper or nylon tightly fitted over a frame; they often contain a small internal lamp for night illumination. These lanterns are often used to decorate events due to their simple elegance and affordability. Paper lanterns can be purchased in a variety of convenient ways.
Give your garden a nautical or tropical look with a delicate curtain made entirely of shells. Whether you have a seashell collection you're looking to showcase or you're simply seeking a creative and decorative accent for the garden, a shell curtain makes an eye-catching way of dividing space, indoors or out. When designing your shell curtain, take into consideration your access to materials as well as the overarching aesthetic you have in mind for your garden.
You can dress up any room in your home using star prints and star-shaped decorative items. Depending on your preference, create a variety of combination and décor patterns for a signature look. It's best to experiment with a combination that complements the larger decorative scheme of your home. This project requires forethought to achieve a desirable, cohesive look throughout your home.
Stunning mosaics can be achieved using titanium glass tiles. Their reflectivity and resistance to water makes them both tough and beautiful. To create an effective titanium glass tile mosaic, you need a good design concept.
The French word trompe l'oeil means to trick the eye. It employs a three-dimensional method of painting to create a sense of reality. It goes back to the Romans who painted their walls to simulate columns, niches and open windows with beautiful landscapes. Modern-day homeowners often pay artists to paint common architectural features in their homes such as windows, doors, archways, columns, landscapes and seascapes. To paint a road on the wall, you'll need to "trick the eye."
Building a dollhouse makes a great project for a craft enthusiast or parent. A homemade dollhouse far surpasses the quality, and usually the price, of commercially built dollhouses. Learn where you can cut corners and eliminate costs to build a dollhouse that won't break the bank but will last for generations to come.
European decorating calls to mind several different styles that reflect the continent's regions -- Tuscany, the Mediterranean and the French countryside, for example. Despite the difference in regions associated with these styles, one commonality of this decor is the use of natural elements and colors. These make European decor typically laid back and welcoming and centered on creating a comfortable atmosphere.
The images of butterflies gracefully dancing through the air, seemingly weightless, can spark the imaginations of children. Using basic materials found around the home, making a do-it-yourself butterfly mobile is a craft project that children of all ages can complete. Hang the decorative mobile outside in the breeze or position a fan to blow on it so these hand-crafted butterflies come to life.
If you take great pride in your country and love being patriotic, you may enjoy decorating your home with American flags and other patriotic decor. That decor doesn't have to be put away when Christmas comes around. Mix the Christmas decorations with the Americana decor for the best of the both worlds. If you do it right, your guests will be impressed with your decorating skills and your sense of patriotic pride.
Rock crystal fragrance jars add a pleasant scent to a room and provide an alternative to using standard potpourri. These jars contain natural rock salt crystals that have been infused in fragrance oils. The crystals come in a wide variety of colors and scents. However, you can use such jars as more than just a functional way to freshen your home; they can also act as decor. You can decorate the outside of the jars in a manner that reflects the natural contents of the rock crystals inside.
A railroad tunnel makes a fascinating focal-point of any wall. This type of mural is appropriate for a child's toy room or bedroom. As in the case of just about any architectural, man-made structure, you must first draw a railroad tunnel before you can paint one. This will keep your lines clean and straight and your painting free from errors.
Many people spend the majority of their weekdays confined to small, boring cubicles. Brighten the space you work (and "live") in with Halloween decor. You can decorate your office cubicle in such a way that it won't interfere with your mobility or hinder your productivity. By utilizing Halloween decorations normally reserved for the home, you can create a pleasant touch to your surroundings and lighten your mood just in time for the holidays.
If you're planning to help a child construct the play fort of his dreams, there are a number of factors to consider that can help make your project a success. There are free fort plans available on a website called Cool Forts, where they have plans for a Guard Tower and two different versions of an Outpost Fort with an observation tower. Another alternative is to create your own design, around an existing tree, for example.
You can draw attention to wood's texture and beauty by incorporating lights into your wooden crafts. When selecting a light source, take safety into consideration as well as aesthetics. With many types of lamps available, you can select from a range of light sources, each with a different profile of energy consumption, light quality and heat produced.
The distinctive blue and white patterns of blue delft are commonly found on ceramic objects. While mostly associated with the Netherlands, the style has origins in China. By the 1600s, the Dutch East India Company had brought blue and white pottery from China back to Holland, where the style became popular. Dutch potters then began to imitate the technique. In modern times, the blue delft patterns are found on nonceramic items like curtains and fabrics. With so many options, decorating your entire kitchen in this style is possible.
While some home decorators seek a space that is stark and contemporary, others desire a home that entices guests to come in and take a seat. If you want your home to draw visitors, selecting a cozy and inviting decorating scheme is a wise choice. By carefully planning your home hues, arrangement and accents, you can craft the space that you desire.
The sheer, shimmering fabric of gossamer gives a sense of elegant whimsy to a space. Decorating with gossamer can add a fairy-tale atmosphere to a young girl's bedroom, a birthday party or a wedding reception. You can purchase the fabric from online retailers and in many fabric or craft stores. Ways which you can decorate with this stylish material are only limited by your imagination.
Most little girls love the princess theme with its castles, tiaras and pretty dresses.There are so many ways to decorate her bedroom according to this theme. A few simple design elements can be easy to create at home and help your little princess feel like royalty. However, you don't have to spend a king's ransom to make your child's princess dreams come true.
Make walking into a split-level entryway a pleasure instead of a conflicting mess. A split-entry entryway brings you face to face with two competing staircases, with one staircase going up to an area of the home and the other staircase going down as you walk in the door. Although a small area, it can make a dramatic statement with a few tricks. Design the entryway to introduce the other rooms of your home, but give the room its own impact as well.
Many rooms, like the kitchen or the sun porch, feature decorative wire racks. Some are very plain with no embellishments while others feature carved decorative elements on their shelves. They can be quite lovely, but they also represent some decorating challenges. Items placed on the shelves risk falling through the wire. Additionally, the construction of these racks makes falling over a possibility; they often aren't as bottom heavy as they should be. However, when you decorate, you can cover some of their flaws, as well as place items so that they stay firmly in place.
Plastic storage bins provide a fairly inexpensive, portable and versatile option for keeping your winter clothes, holiday decor and other valued belongings tucked away. However, those clear, gray or white bins so commonly found at department stores aren't necessarily the most attractive item in a well-designed room. You can remedy this, however, by decorating the bin to fit your taste and decor.
An entryway is typically a small space located just inside the home at the point where family and guests enter from the front door. The entryway is a focal point where people often gain an initial impression of the home. Entryways often feature a small table that can be decorated in a variety of ways to convey the decor of the home and can also be used as a practical storage piece.
A wall niche refers to an alcove, most often built into the wall or recessed, that may or may not contain shelves; many are simply recessed arches. Most homeowners use the wall niche to act as an ornamental design spot of a room. While there is no wrong or right way to decorate a wall niche, there are more and less effective ways to do so. Experimenting with various types of artwork can truly make your wall niche feel like a destination in a given room or hallway.
If your walk-in closet lacks your personal decorating style, it's time to decorate it. A walk-in closet varies from a traditional closet due to the fact you can physically turn on the light, walk inside the closet and close the door. Typically, clothes hang on three or four walls of the closet. Displaying and organizing items in a walk-in closet also decorates it. You don't need any special skills or tools to decorate a walk-in closet.
The use of pinecones is a popular choice in making beautiful centerpieces, wreaths or tree ornaments. Hand painting pinecones is also a popular arts and craft project for children. Pinecones are simple to hand paint, and because each pinecone is shaped differently, no pinecone will look exactly the same. You can buy hand-painted pinecones at a department store, but they can be costly. Make your hand-painted pinecones at home and save your budget.
A beautiful wreath hung on your door is the first thing that visiting guests see. Make it an inviting sight by putting your own wreath together using decorative items personal to you; anything from the pine cones you find on the ground during a fall walk to something delicious from your kitchen will give your outdoor wreath a touch of color and personality. Use as many or as few of the decorative items on your list to create your wreath. There's no wrong way to decorate it.
When decorating with silk hydrangea petals, you can make a variety of crafts and use them for home decoration. From a hydrangea petal necklace to a vase filled with hydrangea petals, use your imagination to make the perfect decorations for your home your friends will envy. A quick trip to your local craft store is all you will need to get started on these silk petal crafts.
When looking for the perfect gift idea, give the recipient a decorative item she can use in her home. From a decoupage vase to painted wooden crosses, use your imagination to get the gift all her friends will envy. A trip to your local retail and craft store is all you need to create a decorative gift for your loved one.
East India is a vibrant Hindu culture, and this eastern religion plays a large role in how Indians use nature and colors to decorate their surroundings and create a comfortable environment. If you're looking to bring an exotic East Indian look and feel to your home, or a particular room in your house, it's easy to do with some simple decorating ideas.
An active volcano, a tropical island, rich jungle foliage and exotic animals; these are all things that can be part of a Lava Lava Island theme. Whether you are hosting a camp, birthday party or classroom activity, Lava Lava Island decorations will make the experience more exciting for participants. Luckily, you do not have to blow your budget on the decor as many of the decorations for Lava Lava Island can be made with budget-friendly materials.
Long before The Walt Disney Company turned Tinker Bell into a star, the dainty fairy was delighting children as Peter Pan's pouty sidekick in James M. Barrie's 1904 stage play, "The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up" and its novelisation, "Peter Pan and Wendy" which followed in 1911. While Disney produces a plethora of matching bedding and accessories emblazoned with their Tinker Bell, consider paying homage to the original work with an imaginative fairy-themed bedroom Tinker Bell herself would love to live in.
Folk art encompasses a wide range of handcrafted items from every culture throughout the ages, and is also referred to as outsider art or tramp art. Choose the style that resonates with you when decorating. Typically, folk art was created using techniques handed down over generations. Folk art often has a utilitarian function while being whimsical at the same time.
Vinyl lettering offers unlimited choices for how you customize your home decor. You can purchase vinyl lettering kits with ready-to-install phrases, have vinyl phrases custom-made or make your own groupings using ready-made vinyl letters and words. Installation is a breeze, as all you have to do is draw guide marks on the surface to be decorated to help keep the lettering straight and press the self-adhesive lettering onto the item.
While the term goth may evoke thoughts of sullen teenagers with heavy makeup decked out in black while listening to heavy metal, adult tastes can reflect goth style as well, even in home décor. Decorating in a goth style doesn't limit you to only black and it doesn't mean resigning yourself to a home that looks like a haunted house. A few well-placed goth accents in a well-put-together room can convey your personal goth tastes without being over the top.
Minilights are traditional Christmas decor, but they can be displayed in creative ways throughout the entire year. When packing up Christmas décor items when the season is over, leave a minilight string or two out. White minilights will add an elegant look, as well as a soft glow, to any room in your home. You can also use colorful minilights to give a space a vibrant touch.
Your home should be the place where you and your family can relax and be comfortable. So rather than choosing a stiff and formal decorative style for your home, go with something a bit more cozy. There are lots of elements that can make your home cozier, whether you go with one cozy room or your entire house.
Turn old glass or recycled bottles into decorative home decor. From wine bottles to recycled soda bottles, use your imagination to create bottle decorations for your home. Make a quick trip to your local retail and craft store to get all you need to show your artistic ability by creating a few bottle decorations.
If you live in a townhouse or a duplex, when you decorate you need to make the most of your space. Decorating for small spaces can be complicated but certainly not impossible. Choose furnishings and decorative elements that do double duty as storage solutions and space creators. Work with your color schemes and pattern choices to make the most of your decorating style.
Tissue paper is a versatile medium for creating centerpieces. It is inexpensive, comes in many colors and can be decoupaged, fluffed, folded and cut. The resulting creations can be elegant or casual to fit your event or decorating style.
Using metropolitan decorating ideas in your home, condo or apartment allows you to bring some elements of big city living home. The size of your community does not matter in terms of decorating the inside of your home. Big city decorating, especially in European and Japanese cities, often reflects the concept that small spaces can be interesting and functional. When you see a good decorating idea that reminds you of big city living, you can try it in your own residence to see if it fits your style.
Water displays present an interesting feature, either indoors or outside. They are designed to complement surrounding landscapes or styles and can add enjoyable water sounds to your home, as long you install and maintain it correctly. If you have a water display that you enjoy but are not sure how you should decorate it, you can turn to several different options for reliable water-based decoration.
The 1920s offer a wealth of ideas for decorating based on everything from fads to crime. The Jazz Age can give you ideas for décor based on the influence of everything from flappers to bootleggers. The decade was not described as "roaring" for nothing, so do your research and come up with other ideas if none of the following are enough to transport you back to a time when Americans were dancing the Charleston as they unknowingly sped toward the Great Depression.
For friends of expecting moms and dads, decorating onesies is a helpful and thoughtful way to show you care. The decorated outfits will provide the new parents with clothes their baby will need, while reminding them of your friendship. Decorating onesies also provides a creative group activity for a baby shower.
Bookcases aren't just for storing books. Whether your bookcases are built into the wall or free-standing, you can make them an integral part of your home décor. Jazz the shelves up with color, collections, artwork and photographs. Don't forget to enhance bookcases with festive décor when decorating your home for the holidays. Use the shelves to display miniature Christmas trees, fresh flowers or other greenery depending on the season and occasion.
Celebrated around December 21st, the Winter Solstice, Yule is a holiday that honors the first day of winter. Some believe that this holiday is where many of the current Christian Christmas celebrations originated as many of its decorations are similar to traditional Christmas decorations. If you are planning to celebrate Yule this year, don't forget key decorations that pay tribute to old customs and rituals.
The decor of a business space can set the tone for a customer's experience of your company. The way your facilities look communicates information about your corporate personality, professionalism and the level of creativity or flexibility of your team. As you plan decor, consider how you want your business to be represented and how you can carry your brand identity into the physical space.
Keep it simple. You do not have to fill your house or apartment with decorative objects to give it character. A minimalist approach to design means stripping away as many "things" as possible and leaving the "thing" itself as the main attraction. Open floor plans make an ideal minimalist model. Grouped with functional design, minimalist decorating ideas may also include design features that accent a room without overpowering it.
You may be so preoccupied with getting the proper licenses and childproofing your home to serve as a daycare center that you forget about another important consideration -- the decor. The right decor helps parents feel comfortable, to say nothing of the children who will spend many hours in your home. Before you begin decorating, consider your options.
For more than 50 years, rock 'n' roll has been here to stay, creating a distinctive style in each decade that moved beyond music into fashion, décor and pop culture. Decorating for a rock 'n' roll party begins with selecting a decade of music to feature, then picking props inspired by or actually from the era.
Measuring a townhouse or a duplex follows the same procedures to determine the square footage as any other residential dwelling. While there are many methods available to figure out square footage, the most accepted standard in the contracting and real estate industries goes to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). However not a requirement in either industry, the standard gains the most acceptance as conceived by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center.
An ordinary room can be transformed into an extraordinary one when decorative crown moulding is used. Crown moulding comes in different widths and styles and can be used for a variety of purposes.
You don't need to keep your jewelry stored in an old shoe box or scattered across the kitchen counter or on your dresser. Jewelry left out in the open can get lost, damaged or dirty and jewelry left in shoe boxes can get tangled or scratched. There are containers that you can use to keep your jewelry stored and organized in a decorative way.
You either just bought a brand new flat screen television or you already have one and you want to spruce up your décor. Whatever situation you are in with your flat screen TV, there are ways to spice up the aesthetic appeal of your TV by setting it back in the wall space, hiding it behind doors or decorating around it.
A wooden tray is blank slate that you can decorate to suit an individual, a room or an event. Craft and hobby stores often have a variety of unfinished wooden trays that will suit any project. Prime and paint or stain the tray before you add the decorations and embellishments.
Decorate your water bottle to make it distinctive from other people's bottle and to create a personal style statement. You can decorate your water bottles with stickers, paint and paper cutouts. If you use the right adhesive, your decorations will stay in place, no matter how often you use the bottle.
Extending your decor to the area above kitchen cupboards serves several purposes: It gives you additional space to decorate and gives your kitchen visual depth and interest. Decorating above your cupboards also gives you the opportunity to display pieces of art, family heirlooms and dishes that are rarely used.
Towel hooks present an opportunity to add an unexpected touch of style and color to the decor of a room. As you plan your decorating scheme, consider items that can be combined with hooks or made into hooks for a whimsical or bright towel-hanging system. Choose items that can be replaced easily with seasonal changes or decor alterations.
From a simple one-room country building with a modest spire to an imposing structure with an elevated ceiling, stained glass windows and wide aisles leading to an elevated altar, churches vary widely. While adorning the space for weekly services is traditionally the responsibility of a committee of the congregation, others need guidance. There are a few rules for church decoration. Church calendars of events and time honored traditions for both religious services and for secular events provide some clues.
Daycare centers provide a safe, healthy, monitored environment for children during those hours of the day when their parents are not available to provide the constant care kids require. Daycare centers should be appealing, not just to the parents, but also to the children they serve. Make the space inviting with daycare decorating ideas.
The proper decoration of a gallery enhances the visual experience of the presented art. For the art lover, the right display of pieces adds to the enjoyment of a work. Whether it's a sculpture, painting or photographic piece, the environment in which it is placed makes a difference in overall quality.
Proper decorating of a nursery creates a healthy, safe and inviting room for your new baby. In anticipation of a child's arrival, the nursery becomes a point of interest. Modern technology has taken the guessing out of choosing blue or pink, leaving parents with the ability to plan well ahead of time. The best results for the nursery come when you combine your budget with your imagination.
Nothing feels better than figuring out a way to recycle something so you don't have to throw it away. When it comes to decorating, it may seem like there's nothing you can recycle for the home but when you stop and look, there are many ways to salvage some items from the trash bin. All it takes to turn trash to treasure is an imagination. Once you figure out how easy it is, you'll be inspired to do it all the time.
Whether you are the previous owner of a feathered friend or just enjoy the look of decorative birdcages, you can find many ways to embellish them to add to the décor of your home. Birdcages come in many types of materials and shapes. You can find birdcages inexpensively at garage sales, thrift stores and estate sales to adorn with craft items to enhance the style of your home.
The utilization of kites as decorative pieces can be done creatively and with great purpose for your home. Besides adding the feeling of wide, open space to your home, a kite can add interesting colors and shapes to any room. They also can be used to add texture to a neutral room as kites come in many sizes, making them perfect for wall decor.
With the help of a few basic craft items, you can transform a basic canvas bag into a fashionable tote for books, groceries, art supplies, beach gear or makeup items. Enhancing an inexpensive tote bag with decorative items will instantly upgrade its appeal. Keep the personalized bag or give it as a thoughtful birthday or holiday gift.
Decorate any room in your house with a jungle theme. The function of the room will determine the way you implement the jungle theme. For example, a baby's jungle-themed nursery will be quite different from a luxuriously exotic living room. Use color, texture and animal print to create the jungle experience you want.
The great state of Florida is a wealth of inspiration for home decor. If you like old world charm, southern comfort, the relaxing atmosphere of the beach or bold tropical flair, you can find it in Florida design. It doesn’t matter whether you live in Florida or not, you can feel like you are on vacation with Florida-style decorating.
With a simple grapevine garland, you can add a point of interest to any room. Grapevine garlands are affordable and versatile, making them a wonderful addition to your home decor. As you put the finishing touches on your interior design, consider integrating some grapevine garland accents into your plan to give your space a distinctive, finished look.
Antique sewing machines might be nothing more than junk to some, but they are small garden decorative treasures to others. There are plenty of interesting planting ideas using antique and recycled objects that otherwise would be considered garbage. Antique sewing machines provide one of the most vintage and charming ways to plant. Antique sewing machines with rusty iron and old wood will add a naturally organic decorative touch to an otherwise dull backyard or interior space.
The retro look of a 1950s home interior is an interesting way to decorate your home. Decorate the entire home with the '50s decorating style, or use it for one room in the house. The furniture style of the 1950s was simple and without a great amount of ornamentation. Plastic and chrome was widely used in the accents pieces during this decade.
If your child is a huge fan of the popular cartoon character SpongeBob and his friends from Bikini bottom, decorating her bedroom or bathroom with a SpongeBob theme can make a huge splash. The room can be completely encompassed in the theme or include a few detailed items to convey the theme, yet not allow SpongeBob to take the room completely over.
If music inspires you to flights of design fancy, use it to decorate a teenage bedroom--or the entire house. A musical kid will love a mix of function and funk--vintage concert posters are a good start for a bedroom makeover. The piano demands a little respect, so design the room around it. And, if your idea of decor is larger-than-life, copy a master stage designer and live in an opera set.
Vertical blinds are convenient and wonderful for privacy, but some people find them rather unattractive. In particular, the top bar (called the headrail) that the blinds hang from and slide along is usually not more than a solid strip of plastic. Luckily, if you want to dress up your vertical blinds, there are some ways you can make them more attractive without interfering with their functionality.
Scandinavian interior design has a clean modern look with a casual appearance. The home decorated in the Scandinavian style is simple minimalist design with light colors. Scandinavian homes are wide open and airy, making the best use of natural sunlight. To create the look in your home, you must select the colors, fabrics and simple furnishings to create the modern and slick look of a Scandinavian-style home.
File folders are one of those workplace essentials that one must have to keep a project organized. Without file folders, paper-related chaos would no doubt ensue. However, the use of decorated file folders will definitely increase the enjoyment factor of any project. Standard manila folders can be used for each of these ideas, or the ideas may be adapted to fit other styles of folders.
If you love Christmas, let the world know by your mailbox decor. When decorating your home for the holidays, don't forget to extend the festive flair to your yard. You can transform your mailbox from boring to eye-catching using a few simple craft items. Use the mailbox's decor to welcome guests into your home for a holiday party or keep it up all season long.
From towering, century-old stone steeples to airy, modern sanctuaries, Baptist churches come in a plethora of styles. Regardless of when your church was built, creating a warm, welcoming environment can be vital when attracting new worshipers or holding on to the regulars. Decorating plays a large role in the impression your church makes. Each room serves a different purpose, so keep this in mind when embarking on a Baptist church makeover.
Many people enjoy creating a lovely exterior for their home in the front of the house and in the rear. From the color of the paint on the house to the landscaping design of the backyard garden, every detail reflects on your home. One area that you may have overlooked in your exterior creation is the mailbox. Decorating the mailbox can add to the appearance of your home and show the world that you care about every small detail.
Paganism, which is a blanket term for a religion that includes the Wicca religion, is often associated with witchcraft. The Pagan religion is a nature-based religion that includes everything from the natural elements of our planet to the solar system. Pagan decorating conventions are often nature based, mixed with the magical elements often found in the Wicca religion.
Hay bales make perfect natural building blocks. For their rectangular form, decorating project ideas seem almost endless. Smaller bales fit into outdoor or indoor decor. Large round hay bales may take more imagination and work, but they too can be the basis for some dramatic fall decor.
It's time to fill the space between the top of your cabinets to your ceiling. Many homes have space between the top of the cabinets and the ceiling to make the home feel larger and roomier as well as to provide a designated area for adding decorations to the room.
There are a lot of creative ways to decorate indoor trees throughout the year. Some of the trimmings are traditional, some innovative; some are quite time-consuming---but spectacular---while others go up or come down in a matter of minutes. Adorning an indoor tree, such as a ficus or a fruit tree, for example, creates a sense of whimsy within a space.
Gazebos can be a great luxury in a yard. These often simple structures can be extremely natural-looking with stained and preserved wood, or they can be elegantly painted, usually a shade of white. These lawn adornments also serve an entertainment function; if you are having a large event on your property, gazebos offer both shelter and a focal point around which to arrange the event. Decorating your gazebo can make it a part of the event even more. Many outdoor weddings incorporate gazebos decorated with tulle into the ceremony.
Hawaii boasts such an interesting history with its Polynesian influences. This culture introduced many of the decorative elements found in Hawaii today. However, it's not just the cultural influences that inspire Hawaiian decorating--it's also the state's natural environment. With Hawaii's sapphire-blue waters, chain of islands, grass skirts and abundant greenery, the decorator trying to recreate a Hawaiian motif in his home or yard has a multitude of options.
Longaberger baskets are known for their quality and beauty. The company is most famous for their hand-crafted baskets, but they also make and sell other home accessories as well, including pottery. Longaberger baskets are sturdy and functional, but they are also highly attractive and can be used in the home for decorative purposes.
There are few insects whose presence is quite as commonly welcomed as that of the beautiful butterfly. Just the fleeting touch of this creature's feet instantly makes the area where it lands more attractive. Re-create this effect in a more permanent fashion with homemade butterfly decorations. The basic shape of this insect can be rendered in whichever craft medium you like to work with or wish to use in decorating your home.
A Disney decorating theme is broad enough to satisfy any taste, and is varied enough to accommodate any budget. You can be subtle by using colors and accessories that only imply a certain Disney theme, or you can go all out and use murals, prints and decorations that center around your favorite movie or character. Disney themes can be customized to suit a baby's nursery, a toddler's room or even a young-at-heart adult's room. Set your budget before you begin to avoid going over - once you get into the Disney flow, it may be hard to stop.
If you've already put some time and consideration into your dollhouse hobby, chances are you've been thinking about collecting or building miniature accessories. A good looking dollhouse should be decorated with the same aesthetic detail as "real life" interior designs. If your dollhouse's interiors are looking a little sparse or uninteresting, spice them up using a few miniature versions of classic decorative items.
Animal shelters house abandoned animals until they can be adopted by new families. Shelters are often utilitarian buildings, but decorating an animal shelter can make it feel more welcoming to potential adopters and raise the spirits of those who volunteer and work there. Choose decorating options that best reflect your shelter's tastes and space.
SpongeBob is a great character to use in decorating, especially in kids' bedrooms and play areas. The bright colors and fun antics associated with this popular character will delight any child, and decorating with SpongeBob and other characters from the show is an easy project for any family. Choosing the right way to decorate with SpongeBob is simple.
Decorative birdcages come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Whether they are vintage birdcages or large Victorian aviaries, they can be used to add a striking focal point to your home. Use the natural shape of the birdcage itself, whether it has a rounded top, a sloped top or paneled cage sides, to create a decorative centerpiece for your home.
Whether you use a clipboard as a go-anywhere desk or to keep track of stats on a playing field, the sturdy device can be a bit bland in its store-bought state. Instead of settling for a plain clipboard, get a little creative with decorations. Express your artistic style or make your clipboard a way to show off your hobbies and interests, instead of just a place to secure papers.
Burgundy is associated with opulence and elegance, but also has roots in nature; many plants and flowers bloom in this color. Making careful decorating decisions with burgundy can create an intimate, cosy vibe. Burgundy may have blue (cool) or orange (warm) undertones; it is best to stick to one or the other when decorating a room.
Colorful art deco-style met more traditional wood furnishings to create an almost whimsical feel, according to RetroPlanet.com. The art deco influence was key in kitchens and bathrooms, where vibrant colors and clean surfaces were important while heavy wood furnishings, reminiscent of prewar decor, were used in family rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms.
Pinecones are plentiful when they drop during the late summer and early fall, but you can often find pinecones on the ground throughout the year. Decorating projects with pinecones include holiday decor as well as items that you can use inside and outside your home year-round.
Four basic styles are common in home decorating: formal, eclectic, contemporary and traditional, according to the Pemberly Furniture and Interiors website. The formal style exemplifies the fact that homeowners enjoy the finer accouterments that life can offer. A few basic guidelines will steer you in the right direction when incorporating a formal decorating style into your home.
Many people decorate the interior of their homes, but forget to decorate the exterior. Decorating the exterior of your home adds curb appeal and may increase your home's value. Take into account all outdoor buildings when decorating your home's exterior. Undecorated outdoor buildings become an eyesore, drawing attention to them.
Invite an aura of whimsy into your home with a star theme motif. Use star decorating ideas throughout the rooms of your home and across several design aesthetics. Whether you are enamored with rustic country style or have an affinity for astronomy, star decor adds an element of the fantastic into any home design.
If you like to spend time browsing antique shops, thrift stores and home decor stores, you can find knick-knacks for living room decorating. A treasure decorating scheme might include many items for placement on shelves, table tops and walls. Look for items that you may find in a treasure box in the belly of a pirate ship. Even if pirate treasure isn't the scheme you've got in mind, treasures work wonders for a living room.
There is much about New Orleans that lends to home decor. In the melting pot that is New Orleans, romantic Spanish style courtyards are found attached to French provincial properties. Bright and funky decor mimics the feel of Mardi Gras and brings in the color and mystery that surround Haitian, African Creole and Caribbean influences. Add a dash of grand southern style and you have the decorative essence of New Orleans.
The old world charm of Tuscany, Italy provides the perfect palette for creating a warm atmosphere in every room of your home. Putting together a home reflecting the simple elegance of Tuscany--whether you're looking for the beauty of the Tuscan landscape or the Tuscan cultural influence--offers you an array of decorating options to bring a taste of Italy to your living environment.
Decorating a room or house in the style of the Middle Ages adds a richness and luxury to a space. Stone castles with large banquet halls, long dining tables of dark wood and images of knights can all inspire medieval decor. Whether decorators want to stick to a few medieval pieces or completely redesign their houses in the historical style, a medieval motif makes a bold and unique statement.
Wreaths make an eye-catching and classic decor item for the front door or above the fireplace. However, you need not let traditional styles of decorating wreaths--such as a single red bow on a Christmas piece--limit you in any way. When it comes to adorning a wreath, your options are boundless.
By putting effort into decorating your commercial space, you can set the scene for business success. While the principles of aesthetics are unvarying, the way in which the space will be used calls for a different type of decorating than you would find in a residential setting. With attention to detail, you can craft a commercial space that is inviting to potential clients and comfortable for workers.
With all the options available to consumers, people can spend a lot of time and money decorating the inside of their homes and landscaping the outside. Foundations also should be taken into consideration when decorating. Some houses have tall foundations that allow the house to sit higher; a house on a hill may make one side of the foundation appear very high. Decorate your foundation to fit your landscaping.
Breakfast nooks are small spaces in or next to the kitchen that are designed for casual dining, according to Better Homes and Gardens. In many cases, the space is just large enough to fit a table that will seat four. These small areas lend themselves to cozy decor and should be decorated to match or complement the adjoining kitchen.
The interior designer who's serious about fairy tales weaves a space to welcome the fey folk and spark the imagination. An old shed at the back of the garden becomes a folly for a fairy princess. Holiday glitter and sparkle transform nature into a celebration. No home is complete without a small door or two that are big enough for fairies and small enough to tantalize anyone who believes in them. Fairy tale decorating is all about turning the mundane into magic.
Although it can be tricky to create a home away from home in a college dorm room, particularly on a student's budget, sticking to a few basic design principles can make it easier. Make sure you know what the college's rules are in relation to decorating; some colleges will not allow you to paint the walls, for example. Try to create a personal style within those limits. If you have a roommate, you will, of course, have to consult her and together come up with a design that you are both happy with.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific requirements when it comes to mailing packages. While it's fun to be creative with the design of the package, there are some things you need to keep in mind before decorating a package to mail. There can be nothing that might catch on the post office equipment, such as ribbons, according to the USPS website. In addition, the delivery and return addresses should not be obstructed from view.
Many people gravitate toward a surfing-inspired decorating style, which merges elements of nautical, coastal and retro styles with a heavy dose of accessories drawn from the laid-back, beach-centric surfer lifestyle. Whether you are a surfer who wants a pad that reflects your passion or if you just like to daydream about living in Hawaii, borrow style inspiration from the tools and associations of surfing.
Velvet is a powerful fabric that has transformative power when used to decorate a room. Velvet possesses a rich hue and supple texture, giving an added dimension to any decorating scheme. Merlot velvet is dark red--using it strategically and sparingly in a room will make it a paragon of elegance. Too much velvet, however, will overwhelm a room.
Stairways represent unique challenges to people decorating their homes. By necessity, they have different height planes and oddly broken up wall space compared to the rest of the house. However, with a little forethought, these drawbacks can become the strengths of your staircase-decorating efforts. When decorating this area, being bold enough to try new ideas makes the difference between the staircase you can decorate and the one you can't.
If you're long bored by the metaphysical question of "why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway," put your driveway to better use than brainstorming by decorating it. A blacktop driveway can go from steamy hot in the summer to a place for families to gather for fun any time. Instead of covering up your driveway with your car, show it off as a usable space by thinking "outside the house."
Stretch your decorating budget by shopping for bargains at your local thrift store. With a little TLC and a few crafty renovations, you can update and repurpose used furniture and accessories into new decorating ideas for your home. Wood furniture is a prime candidate for transformation; no matter what condition you find the piece, you can give it new life to suit your decorating style.
If you live in Florida or own a vacation home in the state, you may want to decorate it in a way that expresses the laid-back, tropical lifestyle of the state. If you live outside of Florida but have fond memories of the state, such as vacationing there as a child, you may want to incorporate some of those memories into your décor. Fortunately, regardless of whether you favor a homey, country look or clean, contemporary lines, you can incorporate a little bit of Florida into your home's décor.
You may want your home to reflect your world travels or just enjoy the flavor of a little foreign influence on the design. Consider elegant, eclectic and enlightening ways to add international elements to your home decorating. Borrow simplicity from Asian design or contemporary versions of Bauhaus. Go minimalist or channel Frida Kahlo for maximum color and ethnic art.
Covering a worn area in your carpeting with a large full-size rug or a smaller area rug is an effective way to cover the damage. Using rugs is necessary if you cannot afford new flooring or if you are renting a home. Rugs add warmth, color, style and texture to your home. They can transform the look of a room and are available in decor trends that will fit your home, whether it is contemporary, country, eclectic or Victorian style.
Inexpensive and versatile, grapevine wreaths are an ideal base for a variety of festive craft projects. Due to the wreaths' twig-like construction, greenery, flowers and other decor items can easily be attached to create customized door and wall decor. Save money by designing your own seasonal wreaths to enhance holiday party spaces or to give as gifts.
You custom-painted your bike when you were 10, and every one of your coffee mugs has a handmade personalized design. Nothing you touch remains plain and unadorned, so your computer should be the same. Even with colored laptop and netbook cases, most computers are very plain-looking. Design a new computer style with your own tastes and passions in mind instead of settling for plain and boring.
Whether you have found a set of vintage golf clubs, spend every waking hour on the golf course, or just like golf decor, some simple tips can help you blend a touch of golf into the design of a room. A sport that has roots dating back at least to 15th century Scotland and possibly much earlier in human history, golf has long been a theme of classic decor. Feature clubs or displays of logo golf balls and tees to bring golf into a room.
Embrace the experience of having your own home all to yourself by decorating your bachelor pad to reflect your style, taste, lifestyle, and personality. Your bachelor pad is like a blank canvas just waiting for you to pick up your paintbrush and illustrate to everyone around what's important to you.
The way the space around us looks can drastically affect the way we feel in it. When it comes to decorating, this understanding is the inspiration for many design concepts intended to soothe the mind and spirit. When creating an interior design meant to reduce stress and promote calm, use colors, shapes and items understood to soothe the mind and spirit.
Encourage science learning at any age by creating a decorative display in your classroom environment. Use simple art materials such as felt, tissue, paper, and markers to create imaginative science bulletin boards that reach for the stars, teach about the life cycle of a plant, or depict the chemical world.
The zebra's natural black-and-white stripes make a bold decorative statement, whether you're channeling classic styles or modern twists. If you're down with this iconic African equid, declare your appreciation for the black and white by decorating your home in zebra print. When used in moderation or as part of a unified theme, zebra stripes are classy--break the rules, however, and your decor might just look tacky.
Enhance a Halloween bash with cute decorations and plenty of sweet treats. Decor items featuring festive candy pieces can also double as charming party favors. When creating inspired Halloween decorations, forgo a traditional jack-o-lantern and transform a pumpkin with unexpected touches such as craft items, sparkly accessories and whimsical toys.
Mudrooms keep the home and family organized, and provide storage for jackets, backpacks and other frequently-used household items. Mudrooms are versatile, and you can create a mudroom in any size space, including a small space such as one wall or corner within the doorway of your home. Accented with decorative accessories such as a vase of flowers, a mudroom can become an inviting room that welcomes you as you enter the home.
It's typically a difficult job to cut down a tree; the removal of a stump is just as difficult, if not more so. Although these stumps can be problematic, they can also be made into art for the yard. With a little creativity, it's possible to turn a tree stump into focal point of an area. Decorating tree stumps can be a physical process, so it may be helpful to have an assistant.
They called the Wright Brothers crazy for suggesting that man could fly. They called Van Gogh crazy for suggesting that paint on canvas could be thick and vibrantly colored. (And also for cutting off part of his ear.) They probably called the first person to decorate their kitchen by hanging a large wooden spoon on the wall crazy, too. The lesson to be learned here is that no matter how many people call your decorating idea crazy, what they really mean is that you are a trailblazer who should be admired.
John Deere is a respected manufacturer of farm equipment but, clothing, home decor and more are available with the John Deere logo or tractor scenes. Using John Deere accessories in your home will give it a casual country appeal. The style will make you reminiscent for simpler times when honest hard work and family values was the core of homes.
When it comes to interior decorating, men often prefer a straightforward approach to design. Comfort is usually a higher priority than the room's aesthetics. If you are decorating a room with a man's tastes in mind, it is typically best to keep the design simple. Clean lines and functional pieces work best in a masculine décor scheme, and frilly, lacy accessories should be avoided at all costs.
If you know a volleyball lover, throw her a themed birthday bash that celebrates her passion for the game. Enhance the party table with volleyball-inspired items such as decor pieces and edible items. When designing a bedroom for a sports enthusiast, consider using a volleyball theme complete with whimsical bedding, wall decor and lighting elements.
You may spend a lot of effort brainstorming decorating ideas for your home, such as the walls, rooms and floors, but you've got another option waiting for potential decoration as well--your stairs. Stairs may be a few steps that lead up to your home or multiple flights taking you from top to bottom of your residence, but they offer extra decorative space waiting for your personal touch.
Next Halloween, set down your carving knife and turn a pumpkin into an inspired work of art using craft items. Rather than transforming the pumpkin into a traditional jack-o-lantern, enhance it with unexpected pieces such as sequins, gems and ribbons. Use the artistic pumpkin to spice up dinner tables, porches and doorways.
Paper lanterns can function as serious home design solutions, adding a note of lightness as well as light to a room's decor. Or they can show up as party decorations for an alfresco evening on the patio or a formal reception in the parlor. They work in every room of the house--from the kitchen to the dining room to a study or bedroom. And many collapse for easy storage when they are not in use.
Spider-Man spins a web, any size, and that web can be spun all over your room with Spider-Man decorating ideas. Whether you want to add a hint of the superhero to a wall or redo an entire room inspired by the Wall Crawler, incorporating Spider-Man and his rogue's gallery can freshen up any room.
A house decorated in the Renaissance style can evoke an aura of elegance and class in a way that no other style of decor can. Whether it's a room or an entire house, it's easy to incorporate the look of Old World elegance with all the modern comforts and technology of home.
Corkboards are very versatile. They are used everywhere from school lockers to dorm rooms, in children's bedrooms and even in upscale offices. Plain corkboard, however, is rather boring in appearance. You can cover the cork when you pin up the items onto the board, but go a step further if you really want your corkboard to have presence. Dress up your corkboard by decorating it before you use it.
Swamp-style decorating involves using rustic, weathered and found objects to create a comfortable, casual style that would work well in a seaside cabin or a Cajun restaurant. Colors, fabrics, decorations, wall and floor coverings should work together to create a harmonious look and a shabby chic feel.
You could put all those extra canning jars left over after canning this year's fruits and vegetables in storage to collect dust until next year. Or, instead of waiting to use those jars until next year, decorate and put them to use. Use the decorated jars to hold odds and ends around the house, as candle holders or as a gift giving container.
French Provincial, or French Country, decorating has long been a popular style for interior decorators and home makers alike. The actual time period this style refers to is the late 17th and early 18th centuries in France. This decor offers soft shades, textures and color and lends itself to a warm and charming environment. French Provincial decor involves an attention to detail often missing in modern decorating styles. To conjure visions of French Provincial style, think of flowers, small trinkets and vintage photographs in elaborate frames.
If you went to school in the 1980s, you probably carried a Trapper Keeper. These popular notebooks, which were made by the Mead Corporation, were decorated with the faces of celebrities and cartoon characters as well as abstract designs. By the late 1990s, the Trapper Keeper fad had faded. In 2007, however, Mead released a new version of the Trapper Keeper that features a cover that you can decorate yourself.
No matter what breed of horse you own, you need to provide him a safe and secure place to get out of the wind, rain and cold. For many horses, that place is the stall, and as a horse owner you can make that stall as beautiful as it is practical. By adding a few well-placed accessories, you can transform a plain stall into a show place.
Whether your home is a modern construct or a historic structure, decorating in the early American style can help add a more natural, classic look. The early American style typically refers to American decor before the Colonial period of the late 18th century, but in some cases, the term can even include parts of the Colonial period.
Decorating a room in a theme inspired by an exotic location such as the rain forests of Borneo or the Australian outback is a fun way to bring a dream destination into your everyday life--or just spice up your decorating scheme. Whether or not you plan to visit Australia one day, you can borrow decorating inspiration from the creatures and colors of the vast, harsh interior of the continent.
Use handmade decor pieces to give your Christmas tree a charming, heartfelt touch. Make a holiday tradition of creating ornaments, garlands and other tree decor pieces with your kids. Start with basic items, such as candy and glass ornaments, and transform them using craft items and a little imagination.
The interior design of sunny Spain draws on an expansive tradition of bold and earthy Mediterranean colors, rustic country-style furnishings and ornate Moorish architecture. Select Spanish elements that balance hard and soft, dark and light, detail and simplicity. Elements such as lighting, furniture, floor coverings, textiles, paint colors and tiles can all contribute to a rich yet rustic, Spanish-inspired look.
A tri-board or tri-fold board is a piece of cardboard or foam board that has three sections. Two vertical folds keep each of the three sections separate. Kids commonly use such boards to make displays for school projects. However, because they come in different sizes and are essentially a blank canvas, you can use them for a variety of decor projects.
Whether you're going green or you just like the rustic look, you can use recycled or reclaimed barn boards to decorate a wide range of spaces in your home. You can use barn boards in a decorative fashion for almost any project where a normal board is used, including shelves, craft projects and other decorative pieces. Don't use old barn boards for architectural support, in case the board is weak. Purchase kiln-dried barn wood. Kiln drying kills bugs.
Polka-dot decorating accessories can enhance a space with either youthful whimsy or grown-up sophistication. The color of the polka dots will set the tone for the style. Pastel-hued polka-dot decor is ideal for spring-inspired party tables and children's bedrooms. Darker-hued dots can add elegance to a room, while bright, vibrant patterns will infuse a space with a casual, carefree vibe.
If you'd like a light, fresh and airy decor for your home or apartment, consider an island theme. Its rich, beach-inspired color scheme, use of natural materials such as wood and focus on palm trees, botanical accents and tropical themes create an environment that provides a careful balance of stimulation and relaxation.
Update a worn or boring mirror with festive Halloween decor items for a customized look. If you want to continue using the mirror after the holiday ends, use removable craft items for a temporary look. Handmade Halloween-inspired mirrors are ideal gifts for October birthday celebrants, or for anyone who loves the haunted holiday.
Jars filled with sweet or savory treats make delicious gifts. Decorated glass jars will give the gift an extra-special touch. Spice up a basic Mason jar with easy-to-use craft supplies and a little creativity. Customize the jar to coordinate with a party or special event theme, a holiday or the gift recipient's favorite color.
A valance is a type of curtain that fits over the top of a curtain rod---an extra decorative element. There are many different styles of valances, from squared off, rectangular styles to draped, flowing styles to ones decked out with trim. Sheer valances allow you to have the benefits of valances made with other types of fabric, without losing light from the window.
If you have a stack of vintage linen napkins or even larger and wider vintage linens, then consider putting them on display in your house. You can showcase vintage linens in unique ways, including framing them and hanging them. Get the most use out of your heirloom linens while still preserving them by displaying them in thoughtful, creative ways and using materials you already have at your house to accomplish this.
Create a retreat for yourself and your family by decorating your home with a style, colors and objects that you find pleasing and comforting. Home decor means nothing if it doesn't function and make you feel at ease in your surroundings. Your home should include elements that show off your personality, not that of your neighbor, best friend or the designer who decorated the model homes down the street.
A finial is a decorative element at the top of fence posts, lamp posts, lamps, stairway posts and at the ends of curtain rods. Finials add a finishing touch to the overall design of the interior or exterior post or rod. Look for metal or wood finials designs at home improvement, design and specialty stores.
If you are searching for the perfect look to suit your swanky new club, you must ensure that your nightclub will attract as many people (and as much money) as possible. The interior design of a nightclub can often mean the difference between a full house and an empty dance floor. Here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing.
In any decorating scheme, it's the details that bring a finished look. Shell relief tiles make the perfect detail to bring a subtle pop to your beach-side theme. Relief tiles have a raised design to add texture to your decor. Shell relief tiles work well in traditional wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. These beautiful accent pieces also translate well to less expected spaces like living room baseboards, borders for windowsills and as wall art in the form of mosaics.
Dolphin-shaped decorations can be a terrific decorative idea for anyone who loves these extraordinary creatures or the ocean in general. There are a wide variety of display options that can be used to showcase your love of dolphins. While you can purchase dolphin-related artwork and craft items, you can also make them yourself.
Pearls are a wonderful way to add a little bit of nature's beauty to any decor. Pearls can help you achieve an elegant decor style, and can be used in a variety of ways for decor. If you want to use pearls to decorate an area, learning some creative methods can help you play up the luxurious look of pearls in any room.
Whether you live in the northwoods or just wish you did, northwoods home décor uses plenty of natural colors, materials and accents. A northwoods theme creates an inviting space that is comfortable for everyday living, yet elegant enough for holiday celebrations. Easy to do on a limited budget, you can pull your accessories from yard sales or your very own attic. Focus on the things you love the most about the northwoods, and you are well on your way to a home transformation.
Popular salons succeed not only because of superior hair and beauty care, but because of their inviting, creative atmospheres. By tailoring the design of your salon to fit your personality and appeal to your customers, you will maximize your business and provide clients with a positive salon experience.
While Elvis Presley is known for being a music icon, he is also still a bit of an idol for some people. Elvis-themed decor can be difficult to pull off without looking tacky. Luckily there are a number of things you can try to show your love for Elvis and still have a great looking house.
Go into any library and you'll see thousands of books stacked against one another on a metal shelf. While this method of displaying books is practical in this setting, a home bookshelf is a totally different story. Whether the bookshelf is free-standing or built into the wall, you can decorate shelving to include pictures, contrasting paint, horizontal and vertical book placement, pottery and wood sculptures.
Many baby nurseries look the same: blue or pink walls (depending on the gender of the baby), stick on animal-themed border along the top of the walls, and matching furniture and crib bedding. While there's nothing wrong with that look, there's nothing particularly original about it either. If you want a one-of-a-kind nursery, tap into your interests, talents, and decorating inclinations. Ditch the all-pink or all-blue color scheme. The baby won't mind.
Mosaic tiles have been used for centuries as a decorative covering for floors, walls and furniture. Whether you purchase ready-made mosaic tile patterns or you design your own with loose pieces, mosaic tiles can be used to create any picture or design. Use mosaic tiles in various areas of the home to add color, style and intricate detail.
Ideas for decorating the bathroom can hard to concoct. First off, you may only have a little bit of space in which to work. Secondly, very little furniture can be brought into the room. However, you can come up with many ways to decorate your bathroom that will make it just as inviting as any other room in your house.
If you have a stall--such as a horse's stall or a beautician's stall--consider decorating it for the holidays or special events. A stall is essentially a small booth that a person or animal occupies for a specific reason. Show the personality of the stall's owner with a few simple decorations.
Mirrors add light, shine and sparkle--not to mention the illusion of space--to any room. Mirror tile designs in particular make a big impact, yet are easy to install. The lightweight, thin glass comes in 1-foot squares, and affixes simply to the wall with double-sided tape. Even a novice do-it-yourselfer can complete a dramatic mirror tile project.
Many people associate contemporary decor with minimalist decor. While the sleek surfaces and open spaces of minimalism remain popular elements in interior design, its offshoot, monochromatic decor, also has a following and allows more diversity in your color scheme choices. In recent years, green design has influenced contemporary decorating, updating the popular mid-century modern look with sustainable building materials and a preference for natural tones. Other contemporary styles, such as international fusion, eschew the clean lines and celebrate the diversity of imported furniture and accessories available locally.
Hurricane vases come in a variety of sizes but are recognized by their resemblance to a large and long drinking glass. Some hurricane vases have stems, while others are colored or frosted. You can find hurricane vases at any department store, thrift store, secondhand store or even at garage sales. You can use hurricane cases for all sorts of decorative ideas around your house or for special occasions, like weddings or birthday parties. By decorating a hurricane vase, transform it from a plain old vase into a work of art.
Unless you purchase an entire bed set with your mattresses, you are likely missing a decorative headboard. The good news is that you don't have to purchase an expensive headboard. You can create your own headboard using paint, fabric and many other inexpensive items. Creating your own headboard provides a way to add your personality into your bedroom. Your bedroom should be about you, and it is a room that you should love to be in.
Decorating a closet is not only an excellent way to keep your personal items organized, it's also a way to showcase your personality. By using a few key items and adding some flair to the basic pieces, your closet will quickly become a place you look forward to dressing in. Closets do come in a variety of sizes but they all need the basic items to keep them organized and updated.
There are two ways to approach decorating with a Hawaiian theme. The kitschy, "we're throwing a party" style is one way to use a Hawaiian theme. The other way to incorporate a Hawaiian theme is with décor that reflects the beauty of the Hawaiian islands, using products native to the region.
When decorating a space, homeowners have the option of hiring a professional interior designer or doing it themselves. Homeowners who choose to decorate themselves are left with complete creative freedom. Decorating your own space can also help to save on money and time. Self decorators can create unique interior spaces by creating a color scheme, researching design experts and reupholstering furniture.
"Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!" This is truly one of the feel-good songs of the winter season, and it makes a great springboard for decorating ideas. Decorating with a snow theme is simple. Ideas can be large, fill-the-room elements or several small ones that you put together to create a snowy whole.
When decorating a room for a surf fanatic or beach lover, a surf theme can be a fun option. As you decorate, take surfboard elements and mix them with other beach elements to evoke the feeling of an oceanside retreat. Choose items that reflect your favorite parts of surfing and the beach.
Having a washer and dryer in your home is a definite luxury, allowing you to do your own laundry whenever you want without dealing with the hassle of transporting your clothes to a laundromat or searching high and low for quarters. On the other hand, unless you have a separate laundry room in your home, a washer and dryer can be clunky items in your kitchen or bathroom that can quickly become an eyesore.
If you want to bring the spirit of Australia's Outback into your backyard, consider setting up an "outback shack." This can be a small, rustic cottage that is decorated with Australia-themed decor. You can use the cottage as a place to entertain guests, as a studio or office, or even as a shed for extra storage.
Decorating for a big event such as a wedding, baby shower or other important party can be made simpler--and less expensive--by using tulle with various lighting options. Tulle, a thin and lightweight combination of fibers that includes cotton and silk, creates a romantic feeling. When combined with twinkling lights or candles, the result can be an ethereal atmosphere.
If you have a collection of vintage silverware, then you may want to put it on display. There are many ways to creatively display a collection- depending on the decor in your house. Try to use display cases and other items that you already have and try to think of creative ways to get your silverware in the direct view of your guests by thinking outside of the box.
Garlands are a long wreath used to decorate homes and objects during the holidays or as an everyday decoration. You can create your own garland by braiding together various materials to match the theme of your decor. Alternatively, if you are working on a budget, revamp an old garland to create a new look.
If you or your child is enchanted by the classic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz," use it as bedroom decor inspiration. Design the entire space around the movie, or use elements of the film to accent existing bedroom decor. Use specific movie locations, scenes, color palettes and characters to create a style, such as glamorous, country or fairy tale-inspired.
The area behind a stove top is often exposed to fluctuating temperatures and humid conditions. Steam coming from pots on the cooking surface may pool in the area if the air circulation isn't adequate, so selecting decor that holds up well to moisture and changes in temperature for this area is essential. You may also be limited in space, particularly if you have cabinets or a vent unit over your stove top.
If you are passionate about deserts, decorate your home with Southwestern motifs. A motif is a pattern or image depicting a specific culture or landscape. Visualize a desert sunrise or sunset, or native wildlife, when designing a Southwestern decor theme. Southwestern motifs and spicy earth tones can be used to enhance any room in your home.
Karaoke bars are places where people go to sing and have a good time. They are social settings that are loud and promote a fun atmosphere. There are many different ways to go about decorating a karaoke bar. Ideas on decorating include the theme, design, wall décor and lighting.
There are two types of funky, one that is the original 1970s look and another that is inspired by the 1970s, but has a contemporary appeal. The original 1970s style uses furniture and fabrics that include colors such as brown, orange-rust, mustard-gold and avocado green. The contemporary version uses brighter colors. Each look would be complemented with animal prints and a shag rug.
Incorporate the exotic feel of Africa into your home by decorating it accordingly. Whether you have been to Africa and have been seduced by its beauty or just admire the decor, there are limitless possibilities from which to choose. When looking for African decorating ideas, consider that the use of fabric and texture is important.
Decorative trim in a home adds beauty, ambiance and makes the home stand out. Varieties of decorative trims are available; casings for doors and windows, chair rail molding, crown molding and, for an unusual look, stripe molding for walls. Wallpaper trim is an inexpensive way to trim a room by either placing the wallpaper between the ceiling and the wall or creating distinctive stripes.
When thinking of gothic decor, many people jump straight to thoughts of black on black. However, black doesn't necessarily define gothic style, nor is it the sole style option. There are several subcultures within the gothic community, and each subculture can lend to a different decorating style. Gothic decorating can range from a few well-placed gothic pieces to a full house of gothic-inspired furniture and decor.
With their beauty and natural appeal, seashells are a popular decor item and theme for beach houses and summer homes. Because seashells have unique patterns, shapes and colors, it is tempting to show them off. Indeed, there are several ways to incorporate seashells into home decor. Begin by using seashells that stand out as being exceptionally beautiful, or unusual, and try some of the seashell decor ideas listed below.
Coastal decor brings together a variety of styles ranging from natural to tropical. Create the perfect coastal decor in your home by focusing on paint colors, flooring, furniture and fabric. With a little creativity, you can fashion a coastal inspired home that not only is beautiful, but suits your lifestyle.
At the core of Tuscan design lies a centuries-old love of beauty, function and quality craftsmanship. This decor remains one of the most popular and timeless design styles. Images of charming rustic villages in Tuscany evoke design images of warm, vibrant colors, antiques and solid wood furniture that lasts.
If you have ever visited the ocean or relaxed near the seashore, you have probably wanted to bring that experience home with you. While you can't bring those fresh, salty waters indoors, you can savor the inspiration of cool breezes and azure blue skies as you create a seaside sanctuary to enjoy year round.
Moose decor is one of the most enduring rustic decorating styles devised. A favorite because of the appeal of the moose's size and dignity, moose images have been selected to adorn massive national park lodges and tiny forest cabin retreats. In addition, the comic aspects of the long moose face, the sometimes awkward-looking body, and the oversize antlers have lent themselves to caricature in the form of amusing ornaments.
Hip decorating ideas infuse a space with a fresh and young mood. Hip design mixes funky, artistic, retro, and kitsch elements to produce a lively and eclectic look. Bold patterns, such as over-sized dots and tiny zigzags, mix with unusual color combinations, such as aqua and tan, to keep the style looking anything but ordinary.
Using canopies is a creative way to decorate your room, specifically your bed. Canopies are structures that let fabric flow onto a bed. Some canopies fully enclose a bed, whereas others highlight certain parts of the bed or the room. Canopies can be any color and can be made of many different types of fabric.
Primitive decor uses items that can be handmade without the aid of fancy tools or machines. The style largely consists of ancient tribal arts, natural materials, earthy tones and rustic designs. Common primitive materials include stone, wood, leather, reeds or grass and rough cloth. Primitive themes include animals, plants, geometric patterns, celestial bodies and ceremonial symbols.
Decorating your home is personally satisfying, as well as a whole lot of work. Whether you are starting from scratch or just updating your current decor, think outside of the box a bit when updating your interior. Perhaps you have budget constraints or just want a home that looks unique. Either way, utilize some innovative decorating ideas to make your home a haven.
The right drapery can become the focal point of the room or can add a subtle quality to the entire decor. However, choosing the right drapery based on fabric and color is only part of the fun when decorating. Go one step further and add some style to the drapery itself with attractive drapery decorating ideas.
Ethnic décor uses inspiration from a single group, or assorted groups, of people that share a common and distinctive culture. Ethnic decorating can use items from a general ethnic group, such as African, or a specific ethnic group, such as Nigerian. Stick with one ethnic theme or mix several themes to create an eclectic design.
Lake house decorating is all about casual, carefree and easy maintenance. Your time at the lake house should be filled with fun and family activities, not worrying about the upkeep. Choose styles and colors that you enjoy, with ease of care in mind, and you can spend time at your lake house creating many happy memories.
The rooster motif in home décor is a colorful way to add a touch of country charm or European elegance into your kitchen, living room or den. The rooster has many symbolic meanings that can inspire use throughout the home. For example, the ancient Greeks saw the rooster as a symbol of victory and the sign of the gods Apollo and Zeus, while the Celtic and Norse people viewed the rooster as a messenger from the Underworld. Whether you want to use the rooster image as homage to cultural roots or its spiritual history, any room can benefit from this…
You spend more time in your work space than you do in any room of your house while you are awake, so make it a pleasant environment. Your work cubical should be comfortable and decorated with things that personalize your space. A cubical is just a box until you make it your own.
Some people use professional decorators to design and execute décor in their homes. Other people prefer to do all the decorating themselves. Hiring a professional decorator can be rewarding, but creating homemade items for your home can be much less expensive and also very satisfying. By making homemade decorations for your home you can make exactly what you want, which can sometimes be hard to find in the stores. Unleash your creativity and decorate your entire home with your own homemade ideas.
It was impossible for pharmacist Frank Robinson to know, when whipping up the first batch of coca-cola in 1886, that in the years to come his simple beverage would become a worldwide phenomenon. With the drink's popularity, few collectors items have become more popular than those bearing Coca-Cola's red and white logo. Coca-Cola is an American tradition, its products widely available collector's favorites. Consider Coca-Cola for your fun, comfortable space make-over.
Disney princesses are popular with young girls. Look to the princesses for inspiration when decorating a princess fan's space. Choose a decorating scheme that focuses on one princess, or include colors and themes associated with several princesses.
French decorating motifs, including rustic Country French, are a popular choice among interior decorators and individuals who enjoy a romantic yet comfortable living style. Add a taste of Provence or a certaib "je ne sais quoi" to your decor with distinct lighting, oversized antique furniture, and lush draperies. Flea markets are a common resource for locating items to help you decorate.
Although rented tents and pavilions for outdoor special events such as weddings have all sorts of special touches from windows to special trims, they still are relatively plain to behold. In order for your tent to match the theme of your event, you will need to decorate it in various ways that don't take forever to set up, since you will only have the tent set up for a limited amount of time prior to the event.
Your front yard is the first part of your home that visitors see. If you are looking to sell your home, or if you just want to enhance the look of your front yard, then consider lawn decoration ideas that will help your lawn stand out. You can use very basic lawn decorations, or you can choose to invest time and money for more elaborate designs. Be sure that you plan your decorations in advance, and try to develop a look that complements the style of the rest of your home.
African American culture is a rich fusion of communities. Corriece Gwnn, founder and publisher of Home of Color: The Magazine of African-American Living & Style, describes the tastes of African Americans as mainly "eclectic." She observes, though, that the propensity for color and for objects that honor African identity are common features in homes. There are a number of decorating ideas that celebrate the artistry and uniqueness of African American culture.
The Craftsman (or Arts and Crafts) Movement in the late 19th and early 20th century was a direct reaction to the excesses of the Victorian era. It highlighted simplicity in design and décor. Craftsman bungalows were functional and furnished sparingly with plain but well-crafted pieces designed for practicality. Large windows with simple treatments highlighted nature, and focal points were built into the architecture rather than added later.
Setting the tone for fall weddings, home decor and holiday celebrations, including Halloween parties, can be as simple as displaying pumpkins in a strategic setting on the front porch or using some as flower pots to create centerpieces. Add another dimension to a pumpkin display by including tulle and twinkle lights to create a glow. Explore the possibilities for implementing pumpkin decorating ideas.
"Race cars have inspired the imagination of countless young fans, going all the way back to the days when cars were first pitted against each other," reads the Auto Racing & Car Themes page on the Kids Decorating Ideas website. But that fascination does not always end with childhood; instead, it lasts a lifetime for many men and women and manifests itself in ideas for decorating with race cars.
Not just for kids, frog decorating schemes can be quirky and funny or part of an elegant and sophisticated botanical design. Rana tigrina (Latin for frog genus and species) themes don't even have to be green; frogs come in every color. For kids, pick fat frogs with friendly faces. For adults, choose a theme based on moderate use of frogs and frog imagery that maximizes the color palettes they inspire.
Bands come in all shapes and sizes. Some bands play rock music, some jazz, and many people associate the word "band" with the traditional marching ensemble at a local school. An image of Dizzy Gillespie blowing his trumpet incorporates a jazz theme into a room. If you prefer a marching band style, you can create designs that enhance the illusion of marching. Regardless of taste, a musical decor will step up the look and make your room something that highlights the band music you enjoy.
Decorating with photos allows you to make use of favorite snapshots; display your own unique interests; and be creative with color, balance and proportion. Just as furniture placement takes some planning and effort, so does wall decorating and photo placement. Kieran Juska, interior design writer for "Ladies' Home Journal," suggests making paper templates ahead of time to make sure your design fits, has impact, but is not overwhelming or lost within the in wall space.
Laboratory decorations should reflect the importance and joy of scientific innovation, create a warm, nourishing work environment, and not interfere with the work. Some decorations that are suitable for home environments, such as long, billowy curtains, can pose safety hazards in a laboratory environment, so choose decorative accents carefully. That said, there are still plenty of safe decorating options that will liven up any lab.
Plenty of people want to live in the City of Lights---or at least want to import some of that sophisticated, distinct style to their living spaces. The Paris look requires less money than you might think. Having a good "eye" (or a decorating article) at your disposal works just as well as having a fat wallet. These ideas will help import some of that Paris je ne sais quoi to your pad.
Music is beauty for the ears, so create an environment for learning music that is pleasing to the eyes as well. The addition of decoration to your music classroom will not only enhance bleak classroom walls, but it can also serve as learning aids and inspiration. Whether you purchase decorations, make them yourself or have students help make them, your music classroom will come alive with their addition.
When it comes to decorating your home, there are many routes you can take. If cute is what you are aiming for when decorating a child's room, your room or a common room in your home, there are several ways you can achieve such a look.
Daisies are cute little flowers that can bring a smile to your face, thanks to their perky and clean look. Decorating with a daisy theme can be a fun idea to use for a variety of things, be it a child's room, a party or just around the house. Learn some fun daisy decorating ideas to really give your home, or party, a fun spring appeal.
The southern United States coastal region along the Gulf of Mexico is famous for bayous, the slow streams threading their way through dense vegetation, with sounds of crickets, the splash of alligators and the call of swamp birds. Bayou shacks, mid-sized homes and plantation mansions in and around New Orleans, La. inspire decorators to easily replicate the experience of bayou life, whether the decorating items are homemade, from thrift and dollar stores, or from department stores.
Dining al fresco is an ideal way to enjoy warm weather. The necessities for outdoor dining include a barbecue grill and tables and chairs. If you plan on inviting your friends and family over for a cookout, make your outdoor dining space comfortable, inviting and festive with some imaginative decorating ideas.
The exterior of a house shouldn't have to be bland or uninteresting. There are plenty of affordable exterior decorating ideas that will add spice to a house without breaking the budget. Anything from a new coat of paint to a string of fairy lights can transform an outside area from drab to fabulous with cash to spare.
Decorating with a rich shade of navy blue adds a soothing air of stability to your home decor. The depth of color in navy blue paint and furnishings anchors a space, whether you use it on the wall or on the floor. Navy blue calms a room with sophisticated elegance, summertime freshness or shabby chic style, depending on the other color choices you make for the space.
You don't have to own a beach house to enjoy interior decorating with a seaside theme. You can bring the ocean to any indoor location with a combination of earthy colors, natural materials and casual designs. The theme offers a wide variety of hues, not just blue and brown. Coral pink, seaweed green, cloud white and stormy gray are just as "nautical" as water blue and sand brown.
Despite careful attention to yards, patios and porches, homeowners tend to leave their carports unadorned. It’s a waste to neglect that much outdoor space. When you decorate your carport, you only need move the car to have extra space to host an outdoor party, or an attractive spot for alfresco dining. If your carport faces the street, you’ll enhance your home’s curb appeal.
Afrocentric decorating is a great way to make your home feel warm and alive. It is an increasingly popular design aesthetic in the United States, so you should not have much of a problem finding some beautiful African and Afrocentric pieces to decorate your home. The best way to begin your new room or home design is by imagining what you would see on a trip to Africa. What would you see in an African cosmopolitan hotel? What pieces would you see in a small village? What colors jump out at you? There are lots of different changes, big and…
Your home is your castle--undoubtedly, you want its design and decor to represent your taste. If you enjoy comfortable, plush fabrics, consider using faux or real fur to spice up your space. From solids to prints, fur accents will add interest and drama to any room in your home.
Inspiring consumers to purchase high-end, handmade soaps from a soap store instead of picking up a cheap bar found at the supermarket store mandates creativity. Susan Miller Cavitch, author of "The Soapmaker's Companion" explains that a significant component of success won't derive from the soap's quality, but from aggressive marketing. Thus, how the store is decorated can contribute to the business's success.
You may not be able to afford deep red rubies, pale yellow citrines or dark blue sapphires, but that doesn't mean that you can't use them as a decorating theme. Precious gems are luxurious, elegant items, and choosing to give a room or even your whole home a precious gem theme gives it an air of extravagance.
Having a home along the coast is the dream of many families. Cool ocean breezes and the sound of crashing waves makes a coastal home feel like vacation every day. Even if you don't live at the beach, you can give your home the feeling of coastal living.
Your foyer, or front entrance, is the first thing most people see when they enter your home. This space should be decorated in the same style as the rest of your house, or at least the main living areas, to provide a natural flow and order in your home. The entrance should also be functional and meet the needs of you and your family.
Adding rocks to your garden makes it stand out. Every garden has a problem area where keeping plants may be difficult. This is the perfect spot for a rock garden. Using rocks in landscaping is eco-friendly, and beautiful. There are many decorative rock ideas, and you can choose to do a full landscaping project using rocks, or just strategically display a few interesting rocks around a particular area.
A large bowl filled with fruit adds color, texture and pleasant smells to your home. But a big bowl can become a container for all kinds of unusual, beautiful treasures. Your large bowl will sit well on your dining room table, on your kitchen counter, at the end of a window seat or on the end of a bookshelf.
In some ways, decorating a townhouse is no different from decorating an apartment or a house. You begin with choosing a theme, be it a style or merely a palette, and then integrate furnishings and accessories that are both useful and stylish. However, whether you own or rent, there are some key decorating strategies that can make a fundamental difference in how the space feels.
Using butterflies in a decorating theme lends a sense of whimsy and natural beauty. A colorful butterfly is a joy to behold and can brighten and add cheer in any room. Add a taste of the peaceful outdoors with faux butterflies indoors.
First and foremost, lake cottage decor should be a sea of tranquility. Furnishings, fixtures and accessories should achieve a harmonious balance between form and function. You can achieve this look by determining your needs for your living space, setting a budget, and then prioritizing which rooms or pieces can be focal points. Because lake cottages tend to be small, it makes more sense to emphasize one or two focal points per room, and allow smaller accessories and details to continue your design theme.
Decorative pillows are not just for the couch or overstuffed easy chair in the front room. Decorative pillows add an element of comfort and style to your home. Use a standard pillow form found in the sewing section of any fabric store as a solid base to work on. Since decorative pillows tend to be in the public spaces of a home, make sure that they are made of non-allergenic polyfill rather than feathers. Feather pillows are hard to wash and can trigger allergic reactions in people.
Decorating your home or office doesn't have to include buying a new living room set, paintings from a gallery or expensive fresh cut flowers each week. If you search through what you already have, utilize your and your friends' crafting abilities, cut out clutter you don't want on display and choose potted plants that will last, you'll be well on your way to creating a comfortable living or working space full of items with meaning--and a wallet still full of money.
Many parents cringe at coming up with new and creative ideas for decorating their tween's room. Their child is done being a little kid but yet not quite ready to enter the teenage realm. While it may sound like decorating your tween's room could be challenging, it doesn't have to be. The key is to incorporate the latest trends from popular home decor stores with what your tween shows interest in.
When it comes time to decorate your recreational vehicle (RV), think about how often you plan to use your RV, where you expect to drive it and what makes you feel the most comfortable when you travel. For many RV enthusiasts, certain decor styles just seem to fit the nature of this mode of traveling, all of which can be achieved by any do-it-yourself decorator.
Decorate a room with a movie theme to show off your love of the silver screen. Go as small scale as you wish by only incorporating a few touches, or create a whole space using all of the star-studded ideas. This theme is perfect for a theater room or anyplace you choose to watch your favorite films. You can surround yourself with decorative reminders of why you love the action of timeless stories brought to life.
Children's forts, or playhouses, are typically entertaining outdoor structures that give kids personal spaces to play and spend time. There are many different styles of forts, from mini log cabins to rustic tree houses and rugged boy hideouts to girly princess houses. There are many different ways to decorate a fort based on its overall structure and style. The key is to include your child in the planning and execution, which lets him know you value his choices and opinions.
It is easy to find PVC pipe at your local hardware or home improvement stores. It is the white plastic-like piping that comes in a variety of sizes and has a large array of connecting adapters. Plumbers use PVC pipe to run water lines because it is easy to work with, inexpensive and lasts for a long time. Once you experiment with a few PVC decorating ideas, you may start to have a whole series of other ideas to decorate your home.
Coffee drinkers often have empty coffee cans laying around the house or sitting in the garage. Spend some time this weekend turning those old cans into a decoration to use around your home or give as gifts to family and friends. Use an empty coffee can to make a miniature garden, a pen and pencil holder or a cookie jar for yourself or someone you care about.
If you are looking for a masculine decorating theme that is perfect for boys' rooms, family rooms and dens, look no further than a railroad theme. Imbued with history, railroad themes work well in a variety of home designs and never go out of style. From actual model trains to railroad signs and art, a railroad theme may be the perfect solution for your decorating challenge.
Storage baskets and bins are a decorative way to organize your home. Use baskets and bins to keep a linen closet neat, organize CDs, movies and books, file photographs and paperwork, or corral toiletries and makeup. You can find baskets and bins in many sizes and shapes in stores, or purchase them at thrift shops and garage sales. Decorated baskets and bins can become an attractive part of your home furnishings.
If you live in a rental space, you have likely faced some decorating challenges. While you want to make your rental a home, you may not be able to paint or drastically alter your space. Also, if you are in a rental apartment, the architecture may be bland and uninspiring. However, there are many things that can be done to create a home for yourself. Be creative and look for solutions that will turn your rental unit into a haven. You can even create a theme for your rental if you are drawn to that. Before you begin decorating your…
Not everyone wants to decorate in a conventional style, such as modern or shabby chic. If you desire a decorating style that is a little bit strange, try one of these ideas. Bizarre decorating makes your home memorable and expresses your unique tastes, interests and personality.
Primitive decorating is a decidedly personal decorating aesthetic. It can be sparse with carefully chosen items or cluttered with many loved whimsies. Primitive decorating gives new life to the old and allows you to create a warm and friendly space. There is no wrong or right way to do it; it is simply what appeals to you as you create a space you are proud to call home.
Hunting home decor features woodsy furniture designs and pictures of animals such as elk, deer and bears. This type of decor is ideal for a log cabin or retreat home. However, a sportsman who loves the thrill of a hunt might also want to decorate his office or certain parts of his home with this type of decor.
There are several considerations to take into account before buying a flat panel television. Examine the room in which the flat panel will go and think about the size of the room. You do not want a TV that is too large or too small for the room, because it will overshadow the decoration in the room. Ensure the television works with the flow of the space. You must then decide how you would like to display the flat panel, whether on a stand, in a cabinet or mounted on the wall. When displaying a flat panel television, the decor…
The ocean has a tranquil effect on many people. Decorating in an ocean theme can bring the beauty and majesty of the ocean to one or several rooms in a home. Whether you hope to fully capture the essence of the ocean in your bedroom, or just bring simple reminders of the ocean into a room in your home, decorating with ocean-themed elements will bring peace and calm to your home.
Decorating with bamboo items helps to create a clean, natural look. Bamboo, which is the world's fastest-growing woody plant, is a naturally renewable resource. Increase your eco-consciousness by purchasing furniture constructed of bamboo, rather than slow-growing hardwood tree species. Bamboo pieces will enhance a bathroom with a spa-like ambiance, or infuse a living room with casual elegance.
The Wiggles are a popular children's performance group originally from Australia. Since their debut album in 1991, the Wiggles have acquired a dedicated fan base of children from all over the world. Because of this, a Wiggles-themed room can be the perfect choice for a small child. With some classic color choices, fun accessories and Wiggles merchandise, you can easily design a room to fit your child's needs.
Feminine decorating usually has a theme that is obvious and powerful. Is feminine decorating often in pink? Maybe. Is it flowery? Perhaps. Certainly, feminine decorating can also be sweet, airy, flighty, whimsical, and include a dash of classic looks. Let's take a look at some great feminine decorating ideas.
Greenery and pinecones are popular decorating motifs year-round, but especially during the winter holiday season. The natural elements and subtle colors of pinecones and greenery compliment many different decors and are neutral enough not to clash with most decorating tastes. There are several ways to decorate your napkins with pinecones or greenery including using paint, sewing or affixing found items, or decorating the napkin via use of napkin rings.
Choosing a carpet for any room is a process that involves combining decorating ideas with the purpose of the area. Other factors that should be taken into consideration are traffic, lighting and budget. Within these parameters many interesting decorating effects can be achieved, such as focusing a room around a special handmade carpet and changing a carpet to alter the mood of a room.
In classic Greek and Roman architecture, a colonnade consists of a line of columns often joined by arches. This architectural feature has an imposing formality. In homes, half-columns can modify the look by attaching them to walls or creating a line of only a couple columns framing a doorway or garden path. Colonnades also show up frequently in wedding decor, framing the space in which the bride and groom stand. You can decorate colonnades to highlight their sculptural features.
Decorating with inspirational themes can make a home seem more peaceful and relaxing. Christian themes of peace and angelic beings are good approaches to achieve those goals. Decorate a prayer room or your entire house in a Christian motif. Combine recognized Christian symbols as well as colors from peaceful nature like blue and green.
Using Japanese kanji characters as a decorating element can be quite dramatic, adding a bit of glamor to your home on a small budget. Kanji characters can add an interesting visual focus to a room. There are many ways to incorporate Japanese kanji into your decorating theme.
If classic furniture styles seem a tad too fussy and contemporary decor a little too cool, then transitional style may strike a perfect balance. This understated style packs a punch with interesting juxtapositions, such as traditional carved wooden furniture with lighter frames, lower profiles, modular design and minimal ornamentation. Transitional decor is expansive rather than restrictive, so feel free to pair family heirlooms with a large-format abstract painting or to illuminate the room with a combination of recessed lighting and a classic chandelier.
Gardeners decorate their homes with all kinds of flower art, and sailors use a nautical theme for their furnishings. There's no reason football fans shouldn't follow suit. You can find a range of furniture and accessories to decorate your home, whether you love the game in general or want to demonstrate your allegiance to a particular team.
Aprons are more than just protective garments used for cooking. These versatile smocks also prevent spills and stains from damaging clothing while completing do-it-yourself crafts, cleaning or even working on an automobile. Personalizing an apron with decorations gives it a special look and distinguishes which apron belongs in which area of the household, such as the kitchen, craft room or garage.
Switch plate covers for light switches in your home are usually generic rectangles of either cream or white. They may come in other colors to go with the wall color in a particular room, but may not match exactly. If you are looking for some extra flair in your home, those covers can be decorated to accentuate each room's specific décor.
Commercial flag poles can still represent that company or institution that they stand at. There are ways to decorate a commercial flag pole to represent your company and make it stand out or be uniquely part of your building.
Using decorative metal signs in your home is a way to display a bit of your personality nd your home's style. You can use decorative metal signs in any room of your home, and in many different ways. You may want to explore some ideas for how decorative metal signs could be featured in your home.
Decorative pillows, also called accent or throw pillows, are a creative way to breathe new life into your decor. They are inexpensive to buy and surprisingly easy to make. To make a round pillow, first cut enough material for whatever size pillow you desire, plus a half-inch seam allowance. Then stitch the material together, allowing for the half-inch seam. Leave a small opening through which you can stuff the pillow. Use any filler you prefer: scrap pieces of cloth, down feathers or cotton balls. Finally, stitch the opening closed, and your pillow is complete.
A fireplace is often the focal point of a room. If you cannot or choose not to use your fireplace for fire, you can still keep the fireplace as the main attraction in a room. Use your personal interests, taste and color preferences to guide your fireplace decorating decisions.
Whether you are building a new house, or remodeling an existing one, it is easy to study various decorating ideas to get a sense of the interior design style that you want in your home. Take a little extra time organizing your search for the materials and decor elements that suit your tastes, so you do not waste valuable time trying to find them during the last days of your home improvement project.
Walk-in closets are large enough to hold plenty of clothes, but many are big enough that you can also decorate them. Some simple décor can change a plain closet into one that is more interesting and tailored to your specific tastes. Achieving the new look can be as simple as using inexpensive items or ones that you already have.
It's easy to incorporate Silly-Feet decorating ideas into your next kids' birthday party theme or adult get-together. These little cupcake baking vessels add whimsy and fun into any decor. Fill these colorful baking cups with your favorite cake mix, throw on a cookie sheet and bake. Add frosting and other embellishments to fit in with the rest of of your decorations. They are made of silicone, so they can be used time and time again for all of your celebrations.
Delft Blue is the name of a particular type of pottery that originated in the 17th century in the city of Delft in the Netherlands. It developed as Dutch potters were influenced by Chinese pottery, which was being sold mainly to Europe's royalty. When political problems ended porcelain trade with China, the sale of Dutch pottery began to increase. Delftware includes several themes and many pieces suitable for use in decorating your home.
If you want to add a feeling of fun and sun to your interior, Caribbean decorating is for you. This style looks perfect as a whole-house makeover, although you can also focus on a single room or an outdoor space such as the patio, porch, deck or garden. Approach this style with a sense of adventure, and do not be afraid to play around with color.
There is no single style that defines European decoration, and perhaps this is a good thing. With so much to choose from, there is a palette and an interior design approach that can appeal to everyone. If you emphasize the handmade and the artisan over the factory-made, your home will have the look of a quality European interior. Then add some key colors and pieces to reflect your preferences.
The worst possible destiny for a niche is that it become a repository for keys, mail, random bits of hardware and pocket change. Niches are easy to decorate, and they carry big impact. The key concept behind decorating niches is not that they coordinate perfectly with your interior, but that they display something that has a personal connection for you, and that communicates your individual style.
The most common method of displaying a picture is to have the picture framed and hang it on the wall. For a more interesting effect, skip the custom framing and create a frame right on your wall. By using different types of molding, you can create a room with a view.
Church pews can be utilized in just about every room of a house. The typically rustic design of a church pew coordinates with country cottage and shabby chic decor. However, church pews can be used with all furniture types, including modern pieces. They can be functional or decorative. Church pews give any room an inviting feel and can be accented with colorful pillows and throws.
Tie dye never seems to go out of fashion. Use all the colors in the rainbow, or stick with two or three. The one rule to follow is to have fun and be creative.
Creating a contemporary restroom will add value and allure to any home. Replace existing hardware and fixtures with modern designs, and update with sleek toilets and bidets. Choose items with metallic finishes, such as shiny gold and chrome, to create a modern look. Paint walls in a neutral tone, and choose towels and rugs in sophisticated shades such as black, white and icy blue.
Whether you are decorating an actual barn renovated to be a living space or just want to create a barn-like theme in your home, the aesthetic you should aim for goes by many names. American country, folk art primitive, cottage, rustic and even shabby chic styles overlap with barn style. The best aspect of this decorating theme is that it welcomes flea market finds and family heirlooms, do-it-yourself projects and handcrafted items.
International decorating styles are becoming more and more popular in homes across America. One particular style that is drawing attention lately is Indian-style decor. India, with its opulent and exotic style, vibrant colors, and rich textures, gives the perfect inspiration for an exciting look that will work in any room in the house. By carefully choosing your colors, fabrics, and accessories, you can create as subtle or dramatic a look as you prefer in a beautiful Indian style.
Your love of books is a wonderful way to decorate every room of your home. Books used as decoration communicate that the homeowners are part of an educated gentry who prefer the adventure to be found within the pages of a good book rather than on cable TV. If you love books, you can use them as décor throughout the house.
Celebrate warm summer nights by inviting friends and family to a backyard barbecue party. Create a festive atmosphere by using twilight inspired hues, fresh cut flowers and charming country decor. Use soft lighting elements, such as paper lanterns and string lights, to cast a warm glow across the party space. You could also hold a tropical themed bash by setting up a tiki bar and lights, and decorating with bright, vibrant shades.
Decorating your own lamp is not only more fun than buying a pre-decorated one, it is less expensive. This is also the best way to get a lamp that will perfectly fit into your home's décor. There are many inexpensive, relatively easy ways to decorate a standard lamp.
A split-level home can feature dramatic architectural details and breezy, open spaces. Unfortunately, the unique design of split levels often poses many decoration traps for home owners. Rather than work within the architectural advantages and constraints of a split level, people resort to filling the space with a hodge podge of items, or restricting the entire interior to a monochromatic palette. Consider some alternatives when planning your decor in a split-level home.
Lofts are an increasingly popular choice for apartments, especially in urban environments. Old factories and other such buildings are being converted into living spaces and offer amenities that include open, flexible floor plans; large windows with amazing views; and modern, industrial interiors. However, loft dwellers have to contend with the exposed duct work that is often present in these spaces. While the effect can be a positive one, there are a few successful strategies for decorating exposed duct work you should try.
Although considered a strong color, red is more versatile than many people believe. When used judiciously, it can energize a room and make your guests feel welcome. A focal point like a couch in a red tone is also expressive and inviting.
Bring a bit of the wilderness into a room with a rain forest decor. This style is not just for children's bedrooms. You might dedicate an accent wall or a display shelf to thematic art and accessories, or dress windows with tropical print textiles. A rain forest theme room provides a fun and colorful backdrop for entertaining. Extend the look to a patio, deck, garden or porch for summer evening parties.
Lush colors, rich textures, and details such as beading, mirror insets, pom-pom trim, and metallic thread are hallmarks of gypsy decorating. It's a simple proposition to add new textiles to a room to give it a gypsy touch, or you can add furniture, fixtures, and accessories to transform your home into a gypsy retreat. Finish off the look by adding your own vintage pieces, decor projects, ethnic souvenirs, and art collection to make your space uniquely yours.
Balinese home decor borrows the best aspects of Asian decorating traditions--natural materials, craftsman details, modular shapes--but punches up the look with a tropical palette. You can devote a room or an outdoor area to Balinese accessories, or you can transform your home into a corner of the tropical rain forest. Either way, make the look your own by adding family photographs and favorite artwork in stained wood frames.
Tuscan style draws its inspiration from the colors, textures and elements of Italy's countryside, where earth tones, plaster, stone and wrought iron are the rule. Walls are textured, and floors are often tile or wood that have stood the test of time. Furniture is simple and solid, and rooms have a rustic and warm appeal.
Gone are the days where all textiles had to match and all furniture had to coordinate. These days, the eclectic approach is popular in home decor because it radiates authenticity and originality. Use pieces that express your unique design aesthetic and stop worrying about whether or not certain furniture, finishes or accessories will fit. Incorporate favorite art and some do-it-yourself (DIY) projects to make the space yours.
Bamboo has been used for centuries in ways both practical and aesthetic, and its versatility makes it ideal for just about any decorative scheme. Bamboo elements are attractive and can bring warmth into a room while also stimulating a sense of well-being.
Even though your hallway is often a space just passed through, that doesn't mean you shouldn't decorate it. Decorating your hall allows you to keep a welcoming look going throughout your home. By placing a few décor touches in a small space, you can add a little something extra to your home and give it a finished look.
Bring the most breathtaking spectacles revered by golfers into your home with multi-panel murals. When matched with other dominant furnishings in a room, a framed golf mural can serve as a constant, comforting reminder of the game without having an overpowering permanency to them. They can be moved as decor plans evolve or as wall coverage needs change.
If you like a decorating theme that emphasizes hand-crafted items, natural materials and warm tones, Native American decor might work for you. The best aspect of decorating in a Native American theme is that it is simple to add a few key accessories and textiles for a quick update, or you can invest more money and time in a full makeover for the room or home. Extend the theme out to the garden by using earthenware pots to hold cacti and other flora and fauna native to the Southwestern United States.
Ladybugs have long been the cherished allies of farmers. As National Geographic's website explains, "ladybugs voraciously consume plant-eating insects, such as aphids, and in doing so they help to protect crops." Children however, are attracted to ladybugs due to their bright colors, association with making wishes come true, and their screen alter egos in films like Francis in "A Bug's Life." A charming room can be created based around a ladybug theme.
Originating in Spain, Greece and Italy, Mediterranean decor can be simple and functional or very formal. Often called Spanish modern, this style evokes the countries north of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a warm, vibrant style reflecting the beauty of sea, sky and earth and emphasizing regional materials.
Centerpieces are attractive or ornate decorations for the center of a table, typically used for meals or formal dining experiences, and they help set the mood for an event. Like the events for which they are used, they can be formal or informal, elegant or whimsical, or they can be used to make a statement. Centerpieces are often included on tables for holidays, corporate events, weddings, showers and other celebrations, and are typically customized for each event.
Wildlife imagery spans the age of human history. Ancient cave dwellers sketched wild animal drawings on rock walls. Their descendents wove exotic bird tapestries, carved rock animals, cast bronze bears and painted animal skin with silhouettes of deer and lions. Artistry of wildlife brings nature to the home. Wildlife decor fits every budget and every space.
Airplanes have long drawn the admiration of children and adults alike, and some home decorators prefer to translate this fascination into themed decor. From window and lighting fixtures to bedding, airplane decor is readily available, can be easily made and lends a distinctive aviation feel to almost any home.
If you have returned from Egypt with a collection of ankhs or yearn to turn your space into something more regal and palatial, Egyptian style is for you. Before diving into this design theme, however, note that you have a few options. You can integrate antiques and handicrafts from Egypt, which is the most expensive option. Another choice is to buy reproductions of Egyptian artifacts. Finally, you can use faux finishes, architectural elements, furnishings, fixtures and accessories that reflect an Egyptian influence, regardless of their actual origin.
Fishbowls offer several surfaces for decorating: the internal environment, the external surface, the bottom platform, and the top opening. The purpose of decorating is to increase the eye appeal for viewers and provide environmental variety for the fish. Your room setting will also influence your decorating decisions. This article is limited to aquariums that are round or spherical in shape and used for freshwater fish and plants.
The heart of Moroccan design is vibrant colors and patterns, tiled courtyards and elegant rooms. If you have fallen in love with all things Morocco, you might be inspired to bring some of that aesthetic into your own home. With the rise of Internet-based importers, it is easier than ever to create your own personal corner of Fez or Marrakesh.
A safari conjures images of exploration and traveling. An African or jungle landscape often comes to mind. Safari travel is basic and down to earth. Safari decorating lends itself to outdoor decks, indoor parties, home dens or business environments. With a few basic elements, you can create a safari atmosphere.
Patriotic Americana decor is more than just decorating with red white and blue. This kind of decorating style comes in many different shapes and designs that can decorate any room. This decor fits best with a country inspired home setting, although it can be used for entertaining and outdoor decorating as well.
Americana decor is a popular style of country decorating. Many people who are patriotic wish to reflect their patriotism by incorporating it into the decorating style of their homes. Americana decor is generally achieved by using the colors of the flag on the walls, flooring and fabrics of a room and then embellishing these colors with country accents in an Americana theme.
Celestial décor centers around the idea of the heavens and its celestial bodies. There are many interpretations about what the heavens are. Astrology, astronomy, day sky, night sky, mythology---each hold a different celestial point of view. Knowing the central purpose of the room being decorated may help narrow a celestial theme's focus---dining, sleeping, library, children's room or entry. Creating a sophisticated theme can be a challenge when working with celestial décor ideas.
It's August and you're ready to redecorate. With a few simple changes you can reflect the month of August in your home by incorporating the scent and feel of nature.
You do not need to own a vineyard or a million dollar wine collection to create a home resplendent with wine decor. The key to wine decor is to use accessories and furnishings artfully to create a sophisticated setting. You can add wine decor to the kitchen or make it more of a full home makeover. It also works well in outdoor spaces, such as decks, patios, porches and gazebos.
Soccer banquets are a time for recognition of hard work over the season. Create the perfect soccer environment by using your imagination and remembering to incorporate playfulness into the decor.
Oil warmers have become popular home fragrance and décor items. If you would like to feature oil warmers in your home's décor, there are many options available concerning theme, color, and style. No matter what colors you are decorating with, or the theme of your room, there is an oil warmer that will fit in nicely.
As any parent knows, making the toys work in your child's room is a challenge. There are always too many and many kids want their favorites not only easily accessible, but on display. Use your child's toys to decorate, making toy storage cute as well as practical. Some of these toy decorating ideas can even be used elsewhere in the house either to create a space for your children in a public area or display favorite collectible toys.
You can use tulle as a simple decorating accent in bedrooms, over doorways or around windows. It is easy to make a tulle canopy for a bed or sheer window treatments for a sunroom. Strips of tulle can be hung between curtain panels or used as a background for a swag above a doorway. Tulle can add a wispy bit of creativity to almost any room.
Antique grocery shopping carts can still be found at swap meets, thrift stores and garage sales across the country. The earliest shopping carts were made of wood slats, but most that you see for sale today are early metal ones that consist of two baskets: a smaller one on top and a larger one on bottom. Functional and interesting, they can be decorated and used in a wide variety of ways. How you decorate yours is limited only by your imagination and supplies.
Nantucket is a small island located 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Create a Nantucket theme in your home or guest house by using coastal and beach-inspired decor and colors. When thinking of the island lifestyle, images of sea grass, sand, crisp white and blue colors and the ocean come to mind. Use these natural elements to create a sophisticated, beachy retreat.
Ribbons can add a feminine touch to a nursery or little girl's room. Decorating with ribbon also adds texture to adult living spaces. Use ribbon throughout your house. You may have several spools of ribbon in your craft or sewing room, or you may have inherited a box of ribbon from a relative and you don't know how to use it. Apply the ribbon by sewing or using fabric glue. Decorate with ribbon to add color to your room.
Chinese decor has a beauty all its own, with vibrant colors, patterns and textures. Many items used in Chinese decorating have symbolic meanings, but others are prized simply for their attractiveness.
You want the decor of your cafe to be an extension of your establishment's personality. It is a visual aid in conveying this to your customers. The word "cafe" denotes a feeling of small and cozy. Picture walls of eclectic decorations with matching table linens in the fashion of Bohemian Greenwich Village. This look can be tapered to your individual color scheme and tastes. You can decorate in a theme of some of your favorite things or offer space for individual artists to show off their work.
Minimalistic decor styles that use a muted color palette, such as Zen, do not suit everyone's taste. Homeowners who wish to create a space that emphasizes color and detail should consider an Arabian-inspired decor.
If you are a cheerleader, decorate your room in a way that celebrates your passion for the sport. Choose paints and decor in shades that reflect your team's colors and items that show off your school pride. Whether you are a high school or college cheerleader, or if you are an adult wishing to relive your school days, personalizing your private space to reflect your favorite hobby will make your room an enjoyable place to spend time in.
A decorative centerpiece on a table makes the room feel stylish and complete. Floral arrangements are always beautiful, but there are so many other choices. Centerpiece decoration ideas don't have to be intricate or difficult to create. Sometimes the simplest of ideas are the most unique and appealing.
You can refresh your home with just a few small changes, such as a picture arrangement or splashes of color on the walls or furniture.
Part of the first impression your company makes to new clients or partners is how the building's decor looks and what that does to the general look and feel of the building. Whether you are decorating for a holiday or whether you are concerned about the overall look of your commercial building, it is something that you should put a great deal of thought into.
Most little girls dream of being a fairy-tale princess like Cinderella. In fact, the story of Cinderella, or very similar tales, has been told for hundreds of years to little girls all around the world. Your little one can experience a part of that dream by living in a room designed around Cinderella's story. With simple or extravagant touches, you can make her room fit for royalty.
Most people have a collection of cherished pictures, whether they are photos of family members, pictures of special places or gorgeously painted works of original art. No matter how beautiful the pictures are, however, if they are not properly displayed they will not show to their best effect. One small picture on a large wall feels empty and too many pictures on a wall or table can look busy. Decorate with your pictures in ways that will show them off, not overwhelm, underwhelm or crowd them.
Tribal masks are an authentic artisan element for home decor. You can group them thematically, integrate them with other art and artifacts, or use more detailed or larger masks as a single focal point. Use these tips to maximize the visual effect of decorating with tribal masks.
Fifties decorating is a vintage style that appears to have a timeless appeal. It's hard to not love the bold, striking colors and clean-lined furniture of that era. The Fifties bring to mind memories of the good old days which people love to re-live again and again. Fifties decorating is great for interiors, and many people recreate 1950's kitchens and rec rooms.
If you prefer a bohemian, ornate decor with plenty of bold colors and patterns, why not consider decorating in a Persian style? Famous for its rugs, Persia also is home to richly beautiful home furnishings. Invest in a few key pieces for a Persian flavor, or indulge in a full home makeover.
Move over cheesy holiday lights, as rope lights are all the rage. These versatile and attractive lights, which come in rope-like strips, can be easily attached to any surface with circular clips and don't have to be reserved just for the holidays. Several strands can be attached to create longer lengths. Some strands can even be snipped to shorten. Check package instructions for particulars and have fun.
Wainscoting is a type of wall decorating first used in America during colonial times. Traditionally, it was used to cover the lower third of a wall in order to protect it from water damage arising from a cracked foundation. Today, it is used to add architectural interest to any wall. Wainscoting can be as simple as a flat panel, a panel with a raised design or beadboard, which features vertical lines about two inches apart. It usually is topped with molding, which is often called a "chair rail."
There's a stereotype of the common bachelor as a messy, unorganized man with a messy, unorganized house full of electronic toys. While this may be true for some bachelors, not all bachelors are cut from the same cloth. Some men enjoy decorating and cleaning. Others may not enjoy it, but they want a place that will shine that will attract the opposite sex. While every bachelor is different, there are some decorating techniques that you can do to make your bachelor pad a true home.
There are many ways to decorate a den, and they depend, in part, on the size and use of the den. Some dens are small home offices. Others are huge family rooms. Some are more like formal libraries. Although there are a wide variety of den styles, there are some ideas for decorating that work for every type of den. Use these ideas to begin the decorating process, and finish with techniques that make your den your own unique haven. Dens are one of the most personal rooms in the home, and your decor should reflect this.
Hockey fans are some of the most passionate sports fans around. Whether they are players themselves, or they just love to watch the mayhem, hockey fans love to express their loyalty to their teams. Using hockey items in decorating parts of your home is a fun way to celebrate your enthusiasm. You easily can transform a game room, den or bedroom using hockey items and memorabilia. Put a toothless smile on your hockey fan's face with hockey decor in your home.
Wild life decorating can make an urban apartment or a home in the woods a warmer and more inviting place. Bringing the outdoors in with artwork and accessories celebrates the natural world and provides a comfortable environment for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you desire a theme room or just a hint of wildlife art in your home, here are some ways of achieving a wilder abode.
A koi pond can bring a splash of serenity to any yard. That serenity can be further enhanced and expanded to create a showy oasis that highlights the pond as the centerpiece of your yard. You can opt for a natural look that helps the pond blend into the style of the surrounding landscape or go for a wild and eccentric look that will make your pond stand out.
In the 1939 film, Dorothy Gale is transported to the Land of Oz, and in order to get home must travel the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City to see the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The first glimpse Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion get of the towering city of green says it all: the Emerald City is a magical place for the young at heart. Create your own magical space with these decorating ideas.
Converting your attic into additional living space may be one of the most cost-efficient ways to add value and enjoyment to your home. Once you've decided to go forward with the project, what should you do with the space? Proper thought and planning will help turn what once was an underused area into one of great function and beautiful form.
A tween's locker offers a space of originality at school. Check the school's rules before doing anything. Cover the inside door with contact paper. It offers colors, hides graphite and comes off easy. Magnetic locker accessories can be found at most department stores around back-to-school time. Hang a car air freshener to keep locker smelling fresh. Have a place for extra pens and other supplies. Remember to clean up mess in locker at the end of the year.
If you're someone who lives, breathes and sleeps movies, there's no shortage of decorating options to transform your media room or your home into an Oscar-worthy set. Whether you have the resources to acquire a genuine artifact at a film studio auction or plan on using inexpensive reproductions to create some Tinseltown glam and mystique, this guide provides tips on how to get started.
The interior design of a business is just as important, if not more so, than the exterior architecture. Businesses that cater to repeat clientele, such as hair salons, especially want to portray a favorable atmosphere that spurs their clients to keep coming back. There are many decorative themes that coincide perfectly with hair salons. A decorative theme can sometimes make or break a hair salon, along with the service, of course. Make your salon stand out and be recognized, earning top points.
When it comes to figuring out how to decorate a garage, you are not stuck with unpainted, construction-white walls and concrete floors. There are quite a few decorative options that you can incorporate into any workspace or mechanic shop. It's all about organizing in a way that is visually appealing and adding decorations that fit into the functionality of the room.
Animal print in clothing and home decor transitions in and out of popularity, but it's a classic style that's easy to incorporate into your home. A splash of animal print is preferable over an entire theme room as the quality of the animal print can seem busy and chaotic when en-masse. Whether you want to add just a touch of animal print or go all out with a theme room, here are some ways to take this classic design motif and use it in your home.
Courtyards are wonderful areas to create intimate settings for dining and relaxation. Depending on the size of your courtyard, you can include a table and a seating area, or place benches around the perimeter of a small courtyard space. Add a fountain, plants and specialty lighting to decorate an elegant and soothing destination for visual appeal and entertaining.
You can create a lounge in any area in your house. Lounges are less formal than a living room but still can be elegant. These rooms are a place to hang out and relax. Put a lounge in a finished basement, family room or any unused space in the house. Lounges can be modern spaces or have a retro flair.
Cape Cod decor is common in the eastern part of the United States. You may know this decorating style for its warm, cozy feeling. You can recreate a Cape Cod room anywhere in the world, even in an apartment. This style of decorating is somewhat neutral and traditional, so it will be appealing to many of your guests.
When you think of Americana decorating, all things red, white and blue come to mind. While this is one element of Americana decorating, it is hardly the only way to decorate in this design style. Americana decorating includes almost anything from American history--not just those things thought of as typically patriotic. Patriotic items, however, should not be excluded.
January is a time for new beginnings, and that includes new decorating schemes. It's time to take down the Christmas decorations, but what should replace them? Many people are daunted by trying to decorate during the winter months. But there are several things you can do to enliven your home in January.
A Harley Davidson decorating theme can turn any room into a memorabilia showcase. Here are some tips for decorating with Harley Davidson accessories, and bringing some of the carefree feelings of a day on the bike into your home or garage.
Baskets are a great way to add interest to any room. Easily decorated, they can be used to enhance your decor, or they can be used as packaging for gifts to friends and family. Decorating a basket can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish to make it. The inherent makeup of a basket, with the woven texture, allows items to be added to the weave or just tied to the handle. No matter the reason, your basket decorating should reflect what you will be using the basket for.
Decorating a house on a budget can be a challenge. Fortunately, this is a challenge that can be met with a little imagination and a bit of hard work. Even the smallest of budgets need not stand in the way of making any space look and feel like home. With as little as $20 (or even less) you can transform the look of a piece of furniture or an entire room. Paint a room any color you wish. Make your own stencils. Give new life to old wood furniture with sandpaper and stain.
Your backyard cannot be ignored when it comes to decorating. In so many ways, your backyard is an extension of your home. Just like the inside of your home, your backyard should reflect your personality, taste and decorating style. Turn your backyard into the space that you want it to be, and make sure it serves the purposes you want it to serve.
Cottage-style decorating calls to mind casual living, cozy rooms and comfy furnishings. It's a look and feel that's all about making small spaces big on style. And about closing the door on formal and pretentious design. Cottage style is popular today because the look is easily attained and allows for the use of hand-me-down items, fun collectibles and unexpected finds.
Baker's racks were originally designed to cool pies and other desserts. They consist of several open-air shelves (metal or wrought iron, to allow air to flow through) which are set on top of a wide counter. Under the counter are drawers. Often the shelves are graduated in size, with the shortest on top. Today, baker's racks are still used in the kitchen, but can be found used in other rooms as well, and even outdoors in the garden.
Paneling can make a room feel dark and dated. Faux wood paneling can give your room a busy feeling. Removing paneling can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Decorate your paneling to give your room a fresh look. You can paint your paneling or decorate around the wood tones to incorporate it into your room.
The only rule in decorating is that there are no rules. Whenever you decorate your home, it should be the way you want it. You are the only one who has to live with it on a daily basis, so decorate it any way you like. Let your personality, tastes and unique style shine through. You can decorate anyway you like, no matter how strange or unusual it may be.
Plant ledges are usually set into a wall at ceiling height or sometimes shoulder height. Although they are traditionally used for plants, there are other things they can be used for. How you decorate a plant ledge is limited only by your imagination. Get your creative juices flowing.
The entryway to your home offers the first chance to make a great impression with visitors. Entryways come in all shapes and sizes, but regardless, they should set an inviting and warm mood right at the front door. By focusing on colors, aromas, and functional decorative items, your entryway will create a perfect first impression.
You're laid back and easygoing with a free spirit, or at least that's how people often describe you. Now you want your home to reflect that same sense of style and you want it to inspire a relaxing feel. Bohemian style is becoming increasingly popular, and it's a very creative way for you to express your inner hippie.
You have decided to decorate in a cowboy theme and now you are stuck. Are you one lasso throw away from scrapping the idea? Don't do that. There are many creative and imaginative ways to decorate using a cowboy theme without it looking like a cowboy movie from years ago. Enjoy your time decorating and turn your house into the home you have always wanted.
Furniture is an expensive investment. You may be afraid to try daring DIY projects on items you paid a lot of money for. Transform pieces that you find by the roadside or inherited from family and friends. Decorated furniture can make a statement in your room no matter your personal style or wall color.
Bookcases offer functional display space. Bookcases can serve as storage in a bedroom or be part of an entire library. An entire wall of bookcases in a room may look cluttered and messy. Here are a few ideas to decorate them with flair and order, an endeavor that can be both rewarding and inexpensive.
Gourds are traditionally used during the autumn season to bring the colors of harvest into the home. Versatile, plentiful and easy to grow, they can be used in a functional, yet decorative manner. Gourds can be used when fresh, or they can be cleaned and dried. Get ready for fall by using gourds to decorate every room of your house.
Consider this scenario: You see a decorating idea in a magazine, perhaps the perfect sofa, color scheme or centerpiece how-to. You're sure you can find it again, but then you can't. Here are tips for tracking your decorating inspirations.
