Great Home Decorating Today

Why not put on your home's 'summer wardrobe' as well? Even where I live in sunny southwest Florida, we have our seasonal changes. It is getting warmer and more sultry every day!

Here are some simple and cost effective ideas for 'summerizing' your home:

Keep these two thoughts in mind as you plan:

1) Consider a theme if it appeals to you...beach, patriotic, retro, floral, geometric, vintage, etc.

2) Make sure the colors you choose complement your current color scheme, then consider bringing in a new accent color for the season.

• Brighten your living area with colorful accent pillows, area rugs, perhaps a slipcover for an upholstered piece, picture frames, glassware and other small display items and collectables.

  While you're at it, rearrange the furniture for some fresh perspective!



• Make your dining/nook/kitchen area blossom with colorful, shapely place mats, serving dishes that can do double duty as display pieces, a special set of summery place settings (maybe non-breakable so they can travel outdoors to the patio, lanai or backyard), and a fresh flowering plant in a uniquely patterned pot.
• Bedrooms can come alive in a subtle and relaxing way with soft colored and light weight bed coverings, sheer window treatments to let in the natural light, a couple of cushy scatter rugs and some new artwork that brings the outdoors in.

Decide on your strategy , then check out discount stores, flea markets and antique shops for bargains if you want to get the most for your money.

If you just don't have the time to shop, go online and see what might appeal to you. Here are a couple of great shopping sites with unique and colorful wares for many types of decor styles and a variety of price points: