Design & Decorating Ideas

Once the company is gone, the stockings unhung and the holiday decorations put away, your home may look a little drab. The start of a new year is the perfect time to freshen up your interior space.…

A fireplace is often the focal point of a room. For that reason, many home decorators give a lot of attention to the space. Dependent upon how you use your fireplace, the space in and around it can…

A gel fuel log is a faux piece of firewood that serves as a holder for cans of flammable gel. If you have a gel fuel log that you want to use as a decoration, you can put together a wooden craft…

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…

Bungalows are typically built for a small number of residents. They tend to have one to three bedrooms, which are traditionally on the smaller side. Bungalows tend to have plenty of built-in storage,…

All elementary school students in the United States study ecosystems. The jungle ecosystem, also called a rainforest, is always a favorite because of the exotic jungle wildlife, such as monkeys,…

Recessed floor-to-ceiling shelving allows for extra storage or display units without having to sacrifice floor space. Use this type of shelving in almost any room in the home for all kinds of items…

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…

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…

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…

Futons provide a fairly thrifty option for people who need seating and sleeping solutions. Whether you live in a studio and use the furniture daily, or you use it for seating in a spare room and the…

Make your armoire look as good on the inside as it does on the outside. If you use an electronics or computer armoire, chances are it's open more often than it's closed. It doesn't do anything for…

Western cabin decor involves western-theme decorating, such as combining symbols of the old West with rustic home furnishings. The western theme and cabin decor share elements with country decorating…

Architecture, appliances, window treatments, rugs and accessories have evolved since the space-age-inspired 1960s. Then and now, the materials, colors and shapes in a home affect the mood the space…

Husband and wife design team Charles and Ray Eames presented their lounge chair in 1956. The sleek, comfortable chair features molded plywood and leather. Its contoured design and built-for-comfort…

If you live small home, a loft can expand your living space and give you new options in your tiny house. Small houses could range from spaces small enough to fit on a 7-by-18-foot trailer to 500- to…

Although a hallway might seem like nothing more than a narrow connecting pathway, by adding a small desk, you actually can turn the area into a functioning space. To conserve room, use a table with…

Classic interior styling dominated Europe long before Europeans started migrating to the U.S., yet the lines, textures, colors and shapes that glorified Greece, Rome and other early societies reappear…

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…

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…

A quinceanera is a special celebration that commemorates a Hispanic girl’s 15th birthday. Most quinceaneras include a toast of bubbling cider to the birthday guest of honor. With some creativity…

Frost is reminiscent of the picturesque, relaxing winter break where you can watch the snow slowly fall from the sky. However, frost can cause a negative impact on your home. When frost melts, the…

Finials are decorative, architectural ornaments used to top posts, roof corners, domes and other structures. Columns can also be decorative, but they are usually functional, supporting arches and…

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.…

Few things evoke softness and warmth like wool. A colorful wool scarf is the perfect accessory for winter days, adding just the right touch of fashion to an otherwise practical cold weather ensemble.…

A foyer is the room just inside the front door. A shoe bench in this area serves as a place to sit down to take on and off your shoes. Some shoe benches also lift up and have storage underneath.…

Turn your house into a home with the installation of a sandstone fireplace. A more rustic version of the traditional red brick fireplace, sandstone fireplaces work indoors as well as out. Choose from…

The differences between construction techniques and materials can induce confusion. For instance, “floating wall” refers to a type of wall, and "cement board" refers to a type of…

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…

Hallway decorations provide a great opportunity to create a focal point in your home that reflects your personality and style. Brighten your hallway walls with a variety of decoration ideas. Whether…

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…

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…

The 1960’s bi-level house with its typical lower-level garage, small, scattered windows and a smack-in-the-center front door has a load of updating potential. Add curb appeal to your older…

Give visitors to your home a favorable first impression by greeting them with a welcoming foyer. A foyer that features dark woodwork on the floors, wainscoting or trim may make the space feel small…

Decorating your porch for Christmas can create a nice little welcoming area for guests. Learn about Christmas porch decorating ideas with help from an author, magazine editor and lifestyle expert in…

Outdoor fireplaces add an elegant touch to your patio. Roast marshmallows with friends in October or light a fire for a cozy ambiance that will bathe you in romantic light. Whether your fireplace is a…

A bridal tea presents an opportunity for brides to spend time with the ladies in their wedding party and give thanks for all their hard work and support. These casual gatherings typically occur a day…

If your home’s decor is the star of the show, the foyer is the opening act. A two-story foyer provides a grand space in which to treat guests to a grand first impression. Decorate this space…

Granite and slate are natural stone materials that can add a striking look to many rooms in your home. The pairing of Kashmir white granite and blue slate in particular, however, creates the most…

Loft stairs are often basic and plain. You can add flare to your loft stairs by placing decor on and near the staircase. Often loft spaces are decked in contemporary decor, and simplicity becomes the…

Shower doors keep water from splashing into the bathroom and provide privacy for the person inside. Glass shower doors can be frosted or clear. Since the shower takes up a large portion of the…

Wainscoting is decorative paneling attached to an inside wall. The most common version is a wide panel along the bottom third of the wall, but the term applies to any kind of paneling or facing.…

The mantel above a fireplace is a traditional spot for decorating because it forms a natural shelf. Spicing up the fireplace mantel with an unusual accent material, such as sheet metal, will not only…

Whether you're building a stone wall or fireplace on the interior or exterior of your home, plenty of choices are available. The overall style of your home will dictate the fireplace design. All…

If you love Aesop's fables, which are short stories that feature kid-friendly characters, decorate your child's bedroom using your favorite tale as inspiration. Not only will the space look charming,…

Wood or coal is placed on fireplace grates made of steel rods to keep the flammable materials off the floor and to help air circulate around them to prolong a toasty fire. Elevating the smoke will…

Many men are shocked to see just how small the average starter condo is. At the time in your life when you are most concerned about making a good impression, you may find it difficult just to maneuver…

You may have your entertainment room decked out with your team's gear and memorabilia, but that naked door also has enough space for decoration. Decorating the door lets people know where your…

Columns fall into two categories: functional and decorative. Functional columns act as a support beam for a porch roof or an awning whereas a decorative column has no purpose beyond decoration. Some…

A staple of Southern architecture, the simple shotgun style house derives its name from the fact that one could shoot a gun straight through the front door and have the bullet sail out the back door…