Great Home Decorating Today Blog

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Jul 19, 2010, New! Home Decorating Article Gallery

Home decorating articles just for you! Find an ever-growing collection of helpful tips, advice and education on a variety of home and garden topics that will help you create the beautiful home that expresses your unique lifestyle.

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Jul 17, 2010, Simple Window Treatments Using Vintage Hankies

I have used vintage handkerchiefs as a window treatment. I folded each hankie corner-to-corner, creating a triangle. Place the hankie over the rod (just

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Jul 15, 2010, Tips for Understanding Color in Home Decorating

Today I want to talk about color palette selection and understanding colors, and so was searching the internet for a helpful 'color wheel' information website I could pass on to you.

Here is what I found...most of the info. is too technical and forces you to take it several steps further and do some of your own analyzing in order to make use of it in home decorating.

Good information, of course, but unless you want to understand the 'what, why and how' of color, your eyes will probably glaze over after a few minutes of reading.

Here is the easy and simple way to gain a better understanding of color, and how to put a color palette together: Use a great resource, like the book I refer to and utilize as a reference... The Color Scheme Bible by Anna Starmer.

Very well laid out, simple and easy to understand, with lots of photos and many, many diagrams of potential color combinations.

Whether you have a color palette in mind, or have no idea where to begin, you'll find a great resource in this book.

Check it out and see what you think

Jul 13, 2010, Ideas for Modern Window Treatments

Modern window treatments are one of the key elements in completing a room. Learn how to select the best fabric and style for your space.

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Jul 12, 2010, My Design Closet

Here's a tip from the Design Closet files:

Is there a room or space in your home that is looking a little tired and in need of a decorating pick-me-up??

No worries! Here is a fun, simple and easy to create faux finish that won't strain your budget. And, it can be completed quickly (like, "faux finish the entry this morning and have company this evening" fast)

Click here for the details!

What's in your design closet?

Jul 9, 2010, Ideas for Family Room Decorating

Ideas for family room decorating that will help you get the best use from the space you have. A little planning and interior design forethought will yield great results!

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Jul 7, 2010, Have Fun With Color!

Do you like the idea of colorful rooms in your home but are unsure of what shades to select, and how to combine them into a color palette that you'll be happy with?

Here is a great source for you:

www.bhg.com/coloraroom

From Better Homes and Gardens, this site lets you experiment to your heart's content with a variety of decorating styles and rooms in the typical home.

You select from a large palette of shades and can put them on the ceiling, walls, trim, floors, and even furniture!

It is a lot of fun and can show you how different color combinations will look when put together.

There is also a section on exteriors, and another with window treatments.

Give it a try...I know you'll have fun!

Jul 6, 2010, Selecting the Right Furniture for Your Space

Many clients I work with have a hard time putting pieces together in a room. They lose confidence if everything doesn't match...are afraid of making a 'bad' decorating decision.

The most interesting rooms are those that include a variety of textures and finishes.

Maintain some type of consistency in the selection, such as wood tone, shape, element and/or color, and you'll find some intriquing combinations of furnishings and accessories.

Take a look at the pieces I've highlighted on my web page titled 'Furniture for Small Spaces'for some general tips and ideas.

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Jul 4, 2010, Ebooks Online for Great Home Decorating Ideas

Ebooks online with great home decorating ideas on a variety of helpful topics. Easy, fun and fast!

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Jul 1, 2010, Budget Friendly Tuscan Dining Room Ideas

Budget friendly Tuscan dining room design ideas. Capture the feel of an authentic Tuscan dining area without spending a lot of money. Read on for some great design ideas!

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Jun 29, 2010, Color trends and schemes, color personality & decorating with color

Color trends in home decorating, plus everything you need to know about color schemes, color personality and decorating with color!

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Jun 25, 2010, My Design Closet

Here's a tip from the Design Closet files:

Cut the legs off of a table (flea market or garage sale find, or just plain cheap find!) that has the shape you want, and use it as a coffee table.

Or, use two small end tables in front of the sofa. There is no magic height requirement as long as it works for you and your lifestyle.

What's in your design closet?

Jun 23, 2010, Decorating a Master Bedroom

Thinking about decorating or redecorating the Master Bedroom?

Well, here are some great tips and ideas for you, to get that project going!

Think of this as one-stop-shopping for general bedroom decor and interior design ideas, including bedroom makeovers.

Use one tip or all of them...create a beautiful space that relieves stress at the end of a long day!

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Jun 22, 2010, New - Ebooks at Great Home Decorating

Many of us love to have Interior Decorating Books that we can hold in our hands, turn the pages and study over and over again.

But, there is definitely something to be said for the convenience and 'instant gratification' of an Ebook.

I'm going to be adding a variety of Ebooks throughout the site, and also provide an easy access page to see the entire collection.

The first is for those of you who enjoy Tuscan Decorating. If you want to see more details click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Jun 19, 2010, French Country Dining Room Ideas

Ideas for French Country dining room decor and style. Rustic simplicity or more formal country dining, find tips and help for creating your unique space.

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Jun 17, 2010, Country Furniture

Country furniture style defined, to help you create the casual and comfortable look you desire. Read on to learn more about the size, shape, finish and fabric choices for country style furniture.

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Jun 16, 2010, Get Ready for Summer!

Summer is just around the corner...for some of us it's already in the 90's and sultry hot every day. (I'm not complaining - I'd rather be warm than cold!)

Here are a few quick tips for creating a cool summer look inside your home.

Remove your dark colored area rugs, pillows and other accent/decor items.(I would consider removing all existing accents - just leave the big pieces in the space).

Select two light or bright colors that will complement your current color palette - one color could be cream or beige.

If you're not sure what colors to use, stop into the nearest paint store and study the color chips to find a combination that appeals to you.

Now, find some home decor items of your choice in those colors to use as accents in the room. Shop according to your budget, from flea markets to discount stores to higher end shops...whatever works for you.

Choose anything that fits your decorating style and lifestyle, with a goal of introducing something unique into the space. You'll be amazed at how these minor design changes will affect the appearance of your room.

Have fun!

Jun 15, 2010, Attention Cottage, Country & Shabby Chic Lovers!

Every so often I come across a website that has such unique products I have to take the time to share this with everyone.

First, I love a great bargain like everyone else. It's fun, plus for me is a feeling of accomplishment when I come across something I love and it costs next to nothing.

Other times I want well made, unique, heirloom quality pieces that aren't found in every discount retail store across the country.

LaylaGrace.com is exactly that...beautifully constructed furniture, bedding, home decor and accessories, from lighting to kitchen to window treatments and more.

Graceful, flowing lines, soft fabrics, muted shades of painted furniture as well as natural finishes....it's all there for your cottage, country and shabby chic decor. Very unique collections and pieces (wedding gift registry, too)

I will warn you, however, that once you start perusing this site you'll be hooked!

Jun 13, 2010, My Design Closet

Here's a tip from the Design Closet files:

Books of any size or type are great for adding interest to any decorating vignette.

If it suits your style, use vintage books. They are great conversation starters!

What's in your design closet?

Jun 12, 2010, French Country Bedroom Ideas

The best ideas for French Country Bedrooms. Find out how to create your private retreat with the beauty, rustic simplicity and enduring style of this well loved decor.

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