Great Home Decorating Today Blog

May 15, Budget Decorating Ideas Save the Day!

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:34:16 GMT

Budget decorating ideas can create something beautiful from just about anything, if you are willing to think creatively. My husband gave me the most beautiful bouquet for Mothers Day. We looked all over the house for a vase, knowing that we had several to choose from. Ultimately we determined that our vases went the way of some other household items that never made it to our home when we moved about 9 months ago. (I think Goodwill received an extra donation!) So, we looked for anything else on hand that might serve as a receptacle for the bouquet. And, the result is the photo you see here. My hubby took an empty plastic Smirnoffs Vodka container, cut off the top, and voila! The flowers fit in perfectly, and we even were able to color coordinate the roses to the label on the bottle. How cool is that? So there you are, Budget Home Decorating on Mothers Day!

May 11, Decorating With Color and Some Cool, Soft Shades from Sherwin Williams

Fri, 11 May 2012 19:25:32 GMT

Decorating with color can be perplexing for some, downright stressful for others. I find it often when working with clients in my design business. People are terrified of making a 'bad' color decision, particularly with wall color. Sometimes a client will live with white walls for a long, long time...you know, that dull, builder grade flat white that does absolutely nothing for the interior of the home? I see that a lot. There are so many beautiful shades available today, with more being created all the time. I found some beautiful, soft shades of color on the Sherwin Williams website and want so share some of them with you. Here is Spinach White, SW6434 if you love it like I do. This is similar to the wall color in the photo above. If you peek toward the rear of the photo past the kitchen you'll get a glimpse. This is Taylor Morrison model home in S. Fort Myers, FL. I took a client (real estate hat on) there recently and immediately fell in love with both the floor plan and the wall color.

Here are a couple more beautiful colors that I found:

I really love the softness of this shade, A La Mode, #SW7116 by Sherwin Williams. I once did a client's kitchen and family room combo in a color very similar, and it lent a soft hue to the place that was very relaxing. The kitchen cabinets, trim and base were all done in an off white and it looked beautiful.

Just a hint of green in this color, Honeydew, #SW6428. Soft, muted shades of green are one of my favorites when decorating with color. It can help to bring the outdoors inside, and always has a calming effect for me.

If you would like to learn more about your color choices, read Color Personality and gain some helpful insights.

May 5, Dining Room Decorating Ideas and Resources

Sat, 05 May 2012 12:44:30 GMT

Decorating the Dining Room is a different type of project than it was 20 or 30 years ago. Back then, the dining room was usually a formal area in the home, with a matched dining set, crystal chandelier and floral painting on the wall. And yes, I do remember that far back in time, although I was much younger then. :) Today, the dining room may have its own formal location, could be a part of the Great Room, might have a special place in the home designated by pillars or partial walls, or in in a small home the dining area could be located right off of the kitchen. A multi purpose dining room is not uncommon these days, either, with a portion of the space dedicated to a home office, possibly a sitting area, etc. I see the changes in function and dining room decor as a great opportunity to have fun and express yourself, lifestyle and decorating style. No need to have a matched dining set, although if that is the look you enjoy, there are thousands of styles and price points to choose from. And it's a great look, too, particularly if you are not confident with the idea of putting different pieces together. You really can't go wrong with a dining room set. I always enjoy the 'unmatched' look, and like to see different elements put together, so I'll search for a dining table first, for example, then look for some cool dining chairs to put with it. Or I might find the table/chair set, then look for a unique sideboard and accent piece to offset the dining set. Whatever works for you, have fun with the search for dining room decorating!

May 2, Contemporary Home Design and Decor

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:39:04 GMT

Contemporary home design and decor is the style choice for those who enjoy clean, bold, colorful and sleek surroundings. No frilly accents here, and many times the 'less is more' philosophy can be seen at its finest in a contemporary styled home. The photo shown is courtesy of a local resident who, along with my husband (the remodel expert), created a sophisticated contemporary home with use of color, shape, texture and lighting, all essential elements of this style. You can take this decorating style into every room of your home, including Contemporary Kitchen Design. If you are drawn to the clean, bold look of the photo shown here, and are looking for a fresh design statement in your home, Contemporary Home Decor might be the style for you!

Apr 29, Mothers Day is May 13, 2012

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 12:09:00 GMT

Mother's Day is coming soon...two weeks from this writing, in fact. My mom lives about 1,200 miles from me, so our gift giving is typically done the long distance way for special events such as Mother's Day. That means I have to plan ahead, shop for something that can be shipped (or that I can wrap relatively easily) and get it off to her in time for the special day. How about you? Is it time to decide what to give Mom for Mother's Day? Don't wait until the last minute, particularly if you are like me and send the gift rather than delivering in person. Here are a couple of great options to help you get started: The image shown is of a stunning Waterford Fleurology Glass Lily Flower. It is a great companion to any vase, and guess what? It will never wither and die, so will always stay just as beautiful as the day your mom receives it!You'll enjoy free shipping & FREE gift wrap on all orders at Waterford, Wedgewood & Royal Doulton so no worries on that end. If your mom would enjoy a different type of gift, how about checking out the many options that Target.com has to offer? Always a great variety, always well priced. Shop for Mom - Spend $50, Get Free Shipping on Select Items at Target.com Whatever you decide to do for you mom on Mother's Day, do it soon! :)

Apr 27, Shabby Chic Decorating Ideas & Resources

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:44:46 GMT

Shabby Chic decorating continues to be one of the most sought after pages on my website. Why is this? I think it is the overall casual yet elegant look and the ability to create an interesting and unique shabby chic decor on a limited budget. Shabby Chic style is similar to cottage style decor and is known for white, distressed painted furniture, soft floral colors in pale shades of pink, blue and green, vintage accessories and comfortable, slip-covered furniture. You'll probably find fresh cut flowers, antique lace tablecloths, scented candles and crystals hanging from the antique chandelier. Shabby Chic home decor includes a mix and match of fabrics such as stripes, florals and checks, tea stained fabrics and flea market finds. All in all, you will be comfortable and at home with Shabby Chic style of decorating if you enjoy a soft, floral, feminine style of decor. Shopping for furniture and accessories can be quite fun, as the style has become such a part of the design industry since its inception in 1989 by Rachel Ashwell. In fact, you'll find a really nice selection of Shabby Chic Furniture and much more right here on this site. Yes, I did that just for you :) So enjoy learning more about this much loved style of decorating, and maybe you'll find some shabby chic accents that will work for you!

Apr 23, Eco Friendly Home Decor

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:23:10 GMT

Eco friendly home decor is something that many of us have not put much thought into, myself included. If I am working on a decorating and design project, I generally consider size, shape, color, texture, budget etc. But I have to admit that considering if this item is eco friendly...not so much. So, to further educate myself, and hopefully some readers here and there, I have created a new section of Great-Home-Decorating.com dedicated to Eco Friendly Homes. It has truly been an eye opener for me to see just how many products are available that are environmentally friendly. Everything from Window Blinds to Towels for the Bath, if you put a little effort into it, eco friendly home decor products area everywhere. If you are willing to commit to making environmentally friendly decisions when decorating your home, my advice would be to take things one at a time. Most of us don't have the ability to literally swap out all of our home furnishings, accessories and daily living items with eco friendly replacements. So, make one Eco Friendly Home Decor decision at a time and you'll be on your way to creating an environmentally friendly home!

Apr 20, Wesley Hall Upholstery Now Offered Through One Kings Lane

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:30:32 GMT

I am so excited! I just received my daily email from OneKingsLane.com which I look forward to immensely) and read that they are introducing a line of Wesley Hall furniture. Why is this such good news? Well, back in the mid 1990's I worked as a Designer at a small boutique furniture shop in Michigan, and Wesley Hall was our premier vendor for upholstered furniture. I have fond memories of their quality construction, attention to detail, innovative designs, superior customer service and overall love of their product. We always looked forward to the new fabrics and lines that Wesley Hall would produce...it was kind of like Christmas morning when our local rep would arrive with the new fabric swatches and photos of the upholstered pieces for us to review and use for our showroom orders. So, that is why I am so very excited to share this fantastic, well made upholstery with you! Make sure to take a few minutes to see what Wesley Hall has to offer you at One Kings Lane!

Apr 19, What is Your Home Decorating Style?

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:56:50 GMT

Do you know the answer to the question, 'What's your home decorating style?' Does it really matter? Does anyone really care? Well, even if no one else gives a second thought to my own interior decorating style, I certainly care about knowing what decor direction to take and maintain in my home. I like to see some element of consistency from room to room in the furniture style, shape and size, color palette, etc., so it sure it helpful knowing what my decorating style path is, and staying on that path. Our home is moving toward a contemporary style with vintage accents, which is a far cry from our lodge style log home in Michigan, or the tropical decor we had established in our Florida residence six years ago. It is a process for us, as we are not without budget constraints, so we have done some selling and buying of individual pieces to arrive at where we are today. So, how about you? Do you know what your home decorating style is? If not, take this simple interior decorating style quiz and find out right now!

Apr 16, Front Porch Decorating Ideas

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:30:02 GMT

Front Porch decorating is more than just throwing a welcome mat on the ground with a pot of geraniums next to it. Your front porch creates the first impression of your home and what family and friends will find once they step inside the front door. So why not put some thought and effort into creating a front porch that says something about you, your lifestyle and decorating preferences. The weather has warmed up, Spring is in full bloom with Summer just around the corner. Think about the colors, textures, furniture (yes furniture, if the front porch is large enough), accessories and container garden items that can enhance the beauty of your front porch. It doesn't have to cost a fortune to have some fun with the front porch decor. Find lots of Front Porch Decorating ideas here!

Apr 15, Log Home Decorating Ideas | Log Home Photos | Log Home Vacation Rentals

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:25:47 GMT

Log Home Decorating Ideas and Pictures. It's fun to dream and even better to plan! Log home vacation rental information, too

Apr 12, Decorating A Home Office

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:45:35 GMT

Your office at home may be an area set aside for work only, or it may be part of another space, such as the dining room or guest bedroom. Whatever the situation is at your home, decorating a home office will help to create a pleasing work atmosphere (I'm up for that one!) plus be consistent with the decorating style you have already established in the rest of your home. One of the most significant decisions you'll make is the desk, and there are so many styles, shapes, sizes, configurations, price points...it can be very confusing. So make it simple. Determine 1) the size of desk that will fit into your space, 2) what type of computer will be used on it, 3) what storage requirements the desk will need, and 4) your budget. If you think in logical steps for this or any home decorating project, it makes things easier to digest, plan and budget for. I love the desk pictured here. It's meant for a laptop because of the petite size, but you get storage one one side plus a very cool Mission style, and that can fit into a number of decorating styles. Spend a few minutes reading more about Decorating a Home Office , and be sure to check out my home office shopping area as well. Just click on the link at the top of the page or scroll past the article and you'll be right there. The desk pictured above is on the second line, left side, if you want to find it quickly. If that is not your particular style, size or function preference, there are many more to choose from!

Apr 10, What's All the Fuss About Wayfair?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:40:38 GMT

If you have been online today, you've probably seen the articles about Wayfair. Although many readers may not recognize that name, I have been marketing Wayfair (formerly CSN Stores) online products for several years, as they fit so well with the home decorating ideas expressed on this site. So I was pleased to see that the developers, who started with a single website in 2002, have grown to a half-billion dollar per year business. Pretty impressive. How does Wayfair do this? In the past, they had a separate site for just about any home decorating and lifestyle good that you can think of. In 2011 they consolidated most into one huge website...Wayfair.com. Now, they reportedly have a staff of over 1,000 and a catalog of more than 4.5 million items from 5000 brands, and are continuing to carve out a niche in the online home furnishings and decor market. What does this mean to you? Choices, and lots of them, for just about anything you could possibly need for your home. I have always found many of Wayfair's products to be competitively priced, too, which is a big plus. Whether your budget is unlimited or tightly controlled, contemporary to cottage, you'll find something cool at Wayfair. Curious? Find out more about Wayfair and see for yourself:

Apr 8, An Eco Friendly Home Starts With...You!

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 00:23:55 GMT

An eco friendly home is an energy saving and environmentally friendly home. How does your home fit into that description? Learn some simple ways you can create an eco friendly household. Great-Home-Decorating.com is dedicated to providing simple and inexpensive home decorating ideas to help you create a warm, inviting, inspired and unique home. So why the section dedicated to environmentally friendly homes and living? It’s simple, really. Creating an eco friendly home is about more than light bulbs, hot water temperatures and recycling. Rather, let’s carry the concept and the responsibility further, and create an awareness of eco friendly home decorating. Eco friendly furniture, accessories, paint, flooring, lighting...I could go on and on...and as a matter of fact, I will :) This is the first in a series about creating an environmentally friendly home, in both day-to-day living and also in home decorating decisions and selections. Let's begin with an Eco Friendly Home ...are you ready?

Apr 6, Cottage Chic and More at One Kings Lane

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:32:29 GMT

Just received my daily email from One Kings Lane telling me all about today's new sales, sales ending soon, upcoming sales events and more. The current special, Cottage Chic, caught my eye, as many of my readers enjoy this type of casual home decorating. So here you go...you have two days starting today, 4/6/12, to find the perfect Cottage Chic piece for your home! Find Cottage Chic at One Kings Lane Now! If you miss this particular sale, no worries! There is always a huge selection of very cool, unique items for you to choose from.

Apr 1, Patio Decorating Ideas...Spring is Here!

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:23:39 GMT

Patio decorating ideas for outdoor living. Yes, it's time! Some areas of the country may still experience a chilly day or two (well, maybe more than two, but you know what I mean), but winter is over and it's time to think about the patio, back yard, container gardens, outdoor furniture and all that good stuff. Maybe you are planning for a larger type of patio or backyard project this spring and summer season...gazebo, pergola (as pictured above), new decking...so many great things to do with the exterior living area of your home. A couple of quick points with regard to decorating the patio area:
The exterior of your home, patio included, is an extension of the interior, and the decor style, color palette, etc. should have some flow and consistency. This is particularly important if your patio is enclosed and can be utilized as another room in your home. I live in Florida and most homes have a lanai, which is like a patio with a roof over it and screened walls, so it can become very much like another room of the home. You can select furnishings and accessories that are appropriate for patio and outdoor living, while maintaining the consistent look of the rest of your home. Not sure what I mean by this? If you are thinking about purchasing a patio set, table and chairs for example, envision this set in the nook or kitchen area of your home. Would the overall finish, color, style, fabric (if applicable), etc. fit with your home's decor? If you can say, "why, yes it will!", then it is probably a great choice in patio furniture for your home! Okay, time to grab a sweater, step out to the patio and garden area and start planning!

Mar 28, Arranging Furniture Made Simple

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:37:57 GMT

Arranging furniture is not difficult to do, but many struggle with it. Sometimes the challenge comes from room size vs. furniture size and/or the sheer multitude of pieces that one wants to shove into the space. I showed a home the other day that is spacious in terms of square footage, the furnishings and accessories were nothing but the best, so it should have been a winning combination. Unfortunately, you could probably furnish two complete 4,000 sq.ft. homes with the stuff this homeowner had jammed into every nook and cranny. I was itching to remove at least half of the furnishings, maybe more, rearrange the furniture into interesting groupings and placements, then let my buyers view it again. It takes away from both the beauty and function of a room or home when the furniture arrangement is not the best for the space. So what do you do to arrange your furniture in a way that will complement the space, provide the function needed AND look great? There are two actions that will help you with arranging furniture, particularly in a living room, family room, enclosed porch, home office, etc: 1) Take everything out of the space that is not necessary for the function of the room. This is not rocket science, but sometimes you are blind to the extra pieces of furniture and unnecessary accessories that have found their way into your living room. They've been there so long you don't even notice them anymore. 2) Use the 'hexagon method' for arranging the furniture. We'll use a living room as an example. Pretend that your room has a hexagon (six sided) shape around the perimeter of the area, so instead of the standard four walls there are six, smaller 'walls' or lines on the floor. Take the windows, door openings and other pieces like TVs into consideration, and place your largest upholstered pieces on the hexagon 'lines'. What you have just done is arranged your furniture at some angles and pulled it away from the straight walls, which can bring a totally different design look to a room, and give a fresh perspective to those seated in the room. Finish off the space with some interesting, perhaps dramatic, colorful accessories that suit your decorating style and you have a brand new look for your living room. Want more details? Read more about Arranging Furniture here!

Mar 26, Rustic Kitchen Design Ideas

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:27:15 GMT

Rustic kitchen design ideas to create an authentic, functional and casually integrated space. Thoughts on design for rustic kitchen cabinets, flooring and color palette. Planning for a rustic kitchen? You might live in a log home, cabin, country style abode, casual country cottage, or perhaps a conventional home, maybe Cape Cod style, and you want to use color, texture and design to create a rustic feel in your kitchen/nook/dining areas. Learn more about using these key elements to create a rustic kitchen design no matter where you reside!

Mar 24, Home Staging Tips and Ideas

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 12:03:02 GMT

I see the inside of a lot of homes as a Design Consultant and Realtor in the Fort Myers Beach/Fort Myers area of Florida, and understand the relevance of first impressions when it comes to home interiors and exteriors. Here are some home staging tips and ideas for you that can be particularly helpful if you are getting ready to sell your home, perhaps are hosting a significant event, or maybe you just want to create a better overall look for your own enjoyment and satisfaction. Whatever the reason, these simple Home Staging Tips are for the most part budget friendly and can be accomplished by most. Honestly, the biggest problems I encounter are the two C's...clutter and cleanliness. Most of us don't even see half the stuff we have sitting around in our homes because it has been there for so long, we're almost blinded to the effect it has on the overall look of the home. Take some photos of your living room, dining area and kitchen, for example, and look closely at them. If your eye can't settle and sees a bunch of things popping out at it, you might have a little too much going on and need to remove some clutter. The other issue of cleanliness does not imply that homes I see are disgusting and dirty. No, it is more a matter of the deep cleaning that most of us don't have time, or want to do, very often. These are just two of the home staging tips and ideas you need. Find out more about Staging Your Home!

Mar 22, Cheap Wall Decor and Other Budget Friendly Wall Decorating Ideas

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:55:04 GMT

Cheap Wall Decor...hmmm...it sounds kind of tacky, doesn't it? You're probably picturing those black velvet paintings sold on the side of the road from the back of an old van. But cheap wall decor ideas don't mean tacky, tasteless, unsophisticated or uncool. There are so many things you can do with paint, artwork, collections, fabric, posters, wall decals and more, to create an interesting, finished and dramatic look in your home. For example, the photo you see here is a collection of Nouveau Scroll Tiles that are wall decals 7" x 7" each, so the collection covers a nice area on the wall, for a grand total of $30 plus shipping. How is that for decorating on a budget? And it is a very cool looking design as well. Here are more specific examples of Cheap Wall Decor, including my own little storefront of wall decals. Take a peek and see what will work for your home!

Mar 20, Curb Appeal Ideas for Your Home

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:10:04 GMT

Today is the first day of Spring, so rejoice! Many areas of the country have had a mild, mild winter, some have had it much rougher. But no matter where you live, this is the time of year when we all feel a sense of renewal.

So here is something for your To-Do list today. It's called the Walk Away test: Step outside of your home, walk down the driveway to the curb, count to 5, then turn around. Take a long, slow look at the appearance of your home. Be objective.

Consider the exterior just like you would a room inside of your home.
Does it need 'cleaning'? For curb appeal purposes that may mean a fresh coat of paint, trimming the bushes and trees, planting some flowers, etc.
Does the driveway need power washing?
How about the porch? That is a critical area of many homes and makes a statement to visitors about what they will find inside.

This is particularly important if you are thinking about selling your home. Commit to taking the time to do the 'walk away' test mentioned above, then read more about Curb Appeal Ideas

Mar 15, Window Treatment Ideas for Your Home

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:53:21 GMT

Window treatment ideas to help you create the decorating style and lifestyle statement that fits your home. I get calls from design clients quite frequently, and one of the most asked questions is, "what do I do with my windows?!?" There are no magic answers when it comes to finishing the windows in your home, but there are some basic questions that I ask, no matter the size and shape of the window, style of home, or allocated budget.

1. What do you want the window treatment to accomplish? Do you want...privacy?...to enjoy the beautiful view?...create a dramatic statement in the room?...complete the interior decorating style and theme? 2. What is your budget? This is huge. Custom window treatments can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars versus shopping for ready made. If the budget for your window treatments is not very large, stay with ready made. You might be surprised at the selection available now, particularly when shopping online. How these questions are answered will give you some specific direction and eliminate Window Treatment Ideas that will not be the best for you. One window treatment that I find works in many, many styles of homes is a very simple idea, and that is the use of faux wood blinds. Not expensive, look good, provide privacy and can be dressed up or dressed down, depending upon the style of home. Place fabric panels on each side, hung from a decorative rod, and you have a beautiful window treatment!

Mar 11, Have You Heard About One Kings Lane?

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 12:17:58 GMT

Have you heard about....One Kings Lane? If you haven't, you're missing out on some great online shopping deals. One Kings Lane is an elegant, curated online sales site. Anyone can join for FREE, and as a member enjoy spectacular, hand-picked selections of top-brand and designer items at up to 70% off suggested retail prices. The specials and sales change regularly, but you can see what's coming ahead by checking the One Kings Lane calendar...it's a pretty cool way to shop! They are categorized and detailed well, so you can peruse those of interest to you.

For example, on the day of this writing there are two Tastemaker Tag Sales, which are collections of items put together by top designers, Mirror Image (you guessed it...mirrors), Simple Chic, which is a collection of accent and occasional tables. I love the term Simple Chic, too! Let's see, there is also a special sale from Luigi Bormioli, with classic stemware and barware, and Inspired By Nature, a collection of bucolic accents and decor. A sale category I saw today for the first time is pretty exciting to me. It's called The Trend Sale Report and offers four categories of sale items based on current design trends. Very cool. There is always 'Downstairs' for the clearance items, too! And, you have the opportunity to see each sale category that is ending, and when. Last but certainly not least, you will see upcoming special categories including the date that they begin. You can even mark your calendar to remind you of the start of a particular sale category from within the One Kings Lane site! I have to admit that I look forward to the daily email telling me about current and upcoming sales, and I get a LOT of emails. I have learned one important fact, though, and that is to check in early and often on a sale that I am interested in, and if I see something I like, purchase it. Quantities are limited and once an item is gone, it's gone. Sign up for your free membership at One Kings Lane today and see how this cool online shopping site works. You will love it!

Mar 9, Beautiful Bathrooms and Other Bathroom Design Ideas

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:07:26 GMT

Beautiful bathrooms don't just happen...they are created. Most of us don't have a solid vision of what type of bathroom design we want to create from Day 1, so one way to compile your own unique beautiful bathroom plan is to use photos. Pinterest is a great new way to accomplish this, and you can share ideas with family and friends. When pondering your Beautiful Bathroom, think about what specifically attracts you to certain photos and rooms that you have seen. It could be the color, the architectural details, the particular type of cabinetry, flooring, window shape in the space,lighting, etc. Details, Details, Details...remember that. And, a beautiful bathroom does not automatically mean an expensive, extravagant space. I have seen awesome and beautiful Bathroom Design Ideas implemented that are not full of high ticket items and selections. It is all about how you put everything together that makes the bathroom beautiful.

Mar 7, Great Color Combinations Create Your Decorating Statement

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:14:25 GMT

Great color combinations in decorating seem to be elusive for many...mysterious and tough to put together. Why? I find that some clients are so afraid of making a mistake when choosing color combinations, they end up with a house full of beige walls. Great color combinations are not only possible for you, they are not that difficult to put together. The biggest decision you'll make is where to put the colors. Walls, furniture, accents...makes a huge difference. Let's take the color combination of tangerine (2012 color of the year, by the way), aqua, lime and white, and visualize our living room. If you put white on the walls and accent with the other colors in furnishings and accessories, you'll create a very different look and feel than if the walls are tangerine. So the placement of color is huge in the resulting look and feel in your space. Learn more about putting color together and find examples of Great Color Combinations.

Mar 5, Tuscan Decorating Begins With Tuscan Colors

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:11:21 GMT

Tuscan Decorating is consistently one of the most popular style categories on this site. Why? I think it is because of the rustic simplicity combined with earth tone bold colors that attract so many home decorators. What makes this style of decorating, of living, so inviting is the blend of natural elements in a way that is casual and welcoming, not too formal, but with a sense of graciousness even in its simplicity. Tuscan style includes elements such as stone, wood, iron, terra cotta tile, water (such as a garden fountain), and of course those beautiful Tuscan Paint Colors: Golden Yellows Terra Cotta Olive/Sage/Leafy Greens Natural Brown/Ochre Warm Orange Vibrant Blues And...a touch of White Alway keep in the forefront of your design and decor planning that Tuscan Decorating is the utilization of natural elements...simple...not pretentious...colorful yet not overbearing. Combine your Tuscan colors with natural, nubby fabrics, colorful accents and you can create an authentic Tuscan look in your home.

Mar 3, Tropical Decorating Ideas for Your Home

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 12:29:04 GMT

Tropical decorating is a style that I am quite familiar with, having lived in Southwest Florida for six years. A good number of my design clients love tropical decor, particularly those who are here seasonally. Tropical colors can be bold and dramatic or soft and subdued. A guest bedroom in our first Florida residence had a Tropical flair that was designed like this (not the room in the photo, but there are some similarities!): The walls of the guest bedroom were painted a medium shade of bronze-brown, floors were bamboo wood, window treatment was a simple off-white sheer tied back with a delicate silk leaf greenery, ceiling fan with faux bamboo paddles, simple palm tree sketches with brown frames on the walls, slim silk palm tree in the corner and a taupe iron bed with the bedspread in cream, green and brown with a muted palm tree pattern. There was nothing in this room that shouted 'tropical style', but the combination of colors and the understated palm tree theme fit very well in my Florida style home. You can enjoy a tropical theme in the bathroom, too. Follow the link to find some interesting ideas and thoughts.

Mar 2, Pillows are Great Accessories for Bedroom Makeovers

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:11:08 GMT

Bedroom Makeovers really can happen in a weekend, if you plan ahead! I'm not talking about major remodel projects such as installing new flooring or a spur of the moment shopping excursion for new bedroom furniture. Those are decisions that take time, effort and budget planning. But a beautiful bedroom makeover can be created in a weekend with forethought and planning. One way to create new life, add color and texture to a bedroom, or just about any room in your home, is with accent pillows. And I don't mean your average, every day, ho-hum pillow that disappears into the background. Boring. I am referring to accent pillows in unique shapes, sizes, textures and colors that have life and personality. Where to find such items? I have just the place for you, and you can shop from the comfort of your own computer. (Don't you just love online shopping? No drive time!) Pillow Decor has a product to fit just about any style, color palette, texture desired and budget. If your budget can handle it, you'll find the coolest accent pillows at Pillow Decor. Check it out here:

See what I mean? Your bedroom makeover might just be created around the cool accent pillows you find! Have fun, and be sure to read more about these other helpful bedroom decorating ideas.

Feb 14, Tropical Bathroom Decor and Themes Ideas

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:34:41 GMT

Tropical bathroom decor and themes ideas for your tropical style home. Find ideas and resources here, many simple and budget friendly.

Feb 12, Decorating Small Spaces - Best Ideas for Small Rooms and Homes

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:23:42 GMT

Here are the best ideas for decorating small spaces! Simple and easy to implement, these small space decorating tips will help you design a small room or an entire home.

Feb 11, Shabby Chic decorating ideas for beautiful Shabby Chic home decor

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:07:14 GMT

Shabby Chic decorating defined, including how to decorate with shabby chic furniture and accessories. Do you want to decorate shabby chic style? Find out how now!

Feb 9, Dining Room Decorating and Design Ideas

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:27:21 GMT

Inspiring dining room decorating and design ideas to help you create the dining room that fits your unique lifestyle! Why settle for traditional when you can create a memorable space for dining

Feb 2, Bedroom Decorating Ideas, Makeovers, Designs, Color Palette

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:41:11 GMT

Bedroom Decorating Ideas for any style decor or budget. Everything you need for beautiful bedroom decorating is here!

Feb 2, Tropical Kitchen Design

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:53:50 GMT

Tropical kitchen design and decor ideas for decorating tropical style. Find simple and easy to implement ideas and tips for tropical kitchens. What descriptive words and colors come to mind when envisioning tropical decor? Perhaps lush, green, casual, beautiful, natural, wood, rattan, wicker, colors of the sea, sunsets, bamboo, flowing. I’m sure you have thought of some words that aren’t on this list, but you get the idea. Tropical kitchen design and decor should take those visions and turn them into a reality, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can spend as much or as little as your budget will allow. Here are some ideas for tropical kitchens that will help you create your own piece of paradise, right in your own home!

Jan 12, Color Trends 2012 for Home Decorating and Design

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:48:07 GMT

Color Trends 2012 include Pantone’s color of the year, Tangerine Tango as well as their ‘Top 10’ color picks. Find out more about how to use Tangerine Tango in your home decorating and design.

Jan 8, Cottage Decorating Ideas for your Cottage Home Decor

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:13:56 GMT

Cottage decorating is not only a design style, it can play a significant role in a simpler, less stressful lifestyle. How does cottage home decor influence us day to day? Read on to find out more!

Dec 10, Country Style Bathroom Ideas

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:25:23 GMT

Country style bathroom ideas that are simple, easy and practical, plus budget friendly! Find the best tips for country bath decor. Country style in your home is a great way to design a space, particularly if your home is either older or styled with architectural details that represent a bygone era.

Dec 9, Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:48:35 GMT

The best Christmas tree decorating ideas and tips to help you create a beautiful Christmas tree! I love the Christmas holidays and put up the Christmas tree early in the season. My philosophy is this - Christmas only comes once a year, so I want to enjoy the sights, sounds and scents as much as possible. We're usually pretty well decorated for the Christmas holiday by the time Thanksgiving weekend rolls around, then enjoy the holiday decor through year end. No matter when you decide it's time to do the holiday decorating, the Christmas tree is the centerpiece of traditional Christmas decor. There isn't really a 'right' or 'wrong' way to put up a Christmas tree, but there are some Christmas tree decorating ideas that will make the task a little easier and result in a beautiful Christmas tree. Read on to find out what these four simple tips are, and you'll create a beautiful Christmas Tree this holiday season!

Nov 30, Christmas Decorating Using a Theme

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:23:52 GMT

I have just finished my Christmas decorating. Yes, I like to get my home decorated for the holidays right after Thanksgiving, so we can enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of this time of year. No snow in southwest Florida, so I still see palm trees swaying outside. But inside it's festive! My holiday decorations have remained essentially the same for several years, so I use what I already own and try to change things up each year. This year I selected a beautiful holiday flower to use as a theme throughout my decorating...I placed these flowers in different areas as accents to my holiday decor. The Christmas tree you see is relatively small and slim...nothing fancy here...but I created an evergreen 'rim' around the tree skirt and added one of my holiday flowers to enhance the look and begin my Christmas decorating theme. I used the same beautiful faux flowers throughout my holiday decorating and am very pleased with the results...click on the link below to see more detail and photos Would you like to share your holiday decor ideas and photos with our readers? It's easy...just go to Holiday Decorating and submit your holiday home!

Nov 25, Interior Decorating Styles & Ideas

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:15:48 GMT

Learn more about interior decorating styles, (take the style quiz! and find out which design style suits you! )Pictures, ideas and tips

Nov 20, Budget Home Decorating Ideas For Every Room in Your Home

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:20:00 GMT

Budget Home Decorating ideas - easy, cheap, free - how good is that? They're all here!

Nov 15, Home Decorating Books from Kindle

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:47:31 GMT

Yes, the holidays are rushing toward us and along with the home decorating comes the holiday gift list. What to do...hmmmm... Well, here's an idea or two for you, and it doesn't take any travel time to accomplish. How about a Kindle book, Kindle gift card, or a Kindle itself? I've compiled a nice group of home and interior decorating books and created my own little Kindle store for you. Check it out when you have a minute, and get some Christmas shopping done, too!

Home Decorating Books from Kindle

Nov 6, Christmas Decorating Ideas

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 12:38:29 GMT

I know...how can it be that time of year again??? Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and after that it's a whirlwind to the holidays, including Christmas. So now is the time to start gathering those Christmas Decorating Ideas. Christmas tree decorating, holiday decorating, wreaths, candles, Country Christmas ideas...it's all here for you. Keep this link handy and take some time to create your 2011 Holiday Decorating Plan!

Oct 27, Do It Yourself Home Decorating

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:14:05 GMT

Do It Yourself Home Decorating? You bet! Simple steps are all it takes. Learn more now!

Oct 25, Room Makeover Ideas

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:37:47 GMT

Room makeover ideas and photos to inspire you with your own redecorating project! (Here is a peek at the finished makeover project. What follows is how we got there.) How many times have you gazed across your... (you fill in the name of the room) and said to yourself, "I have GOT to do something with this room!" Probably more than once, right? Well, here is a beach condo redecorating project that will give you some inspiration and ideas, no matter what style of home you live in or the type of room to be the object of your makeover. I live near Fort Myers Beach and so the majority of my design clients live in the Fort Myers and Beach areas of southwest Florida. My clients, Amy and Brad, live in the Chicago area and own a condo on the north end of Fort Myers Beach that they use as a rental as well as for their own family. The condo community is in a very desirable area of the island, so my clients wanted the interior of the home to reflect that. Read all about what we did to turn their ho-hum beach condo into a memorable and unique vacation experience!

Sep 30, Curb Appeal Ideas to Enhance the Beauty of Your Home Exterior

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:52:41 GMT

Curb appeal ideas and tips for homeowners who are preparing to sell their home or just want to create the most inviting atmosphere for family and friends.

Sep 16, Farmhouse Decorating

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:59:09 GMT

Farmhouse decorating is casual, informal and rustic with elements of both country and cottage style incorporated into this look. Find out more about creating a farmhouse interior in your home.

Sep 14, Cottage Chic Decorating Ideas

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 10:45:21 GMT

Cottage Chic decorating ideas for your comfortable, casual home. Create a relaxed, welcoming space combining vintage finds with new pieces. It is a style that offers versatility and is easy on the bud

Sep 4, HGTV's Design Star to Feature Tiny Houses on 9/5/11

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 11:16:46 GMT

Do you know what a 'tiny house' is? Probably for some, the answer is yes and for others...'a tiny what?' Tiny Houses are very, very small structures that offer a complete livable home in them, sometimes with very custom finishes. The creator, Steve Weissman, has an entire collection of Tiny Houses available. Because of their size, the budget is also much small than a conventional home. It is truly amazing how versatile and complete a Tiny House can be, as well as how people use them in their lifestyle. On Monday's episode of Design Star, the 3 remaining designers will compete to design a tiny house. Now THAT will be an interesting challenge! Click here to visit Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. Before Design Star airs on Monday, September 9th at 9 pm EST, the three Tiny Houses used in the project will be announced. So bookmark my blog and click on the link above to find out which houses will be featured. This should be fun!

Sep 1, Special September Savings at LaylaGrace.com

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:39:45 GMT

I'm very excited to offer an exclusive discount that can't be found anywhere else! Save an EXTRA 10% off all Layla Gayce sale prices during the month of September with promo code saleonsale. Layla Grace offers quality products for your home and family that are not only beautiful but also unique. And, there is a Gift Registry, too! Check it out today and see what Layla Grace can add to your home and lifestyle!