Archive for 2011

Living Room Ideas to Create Your Unique Space

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 Living Room Ideas and Makeovers 



Living room ideas are easy to come by. They’re everywhere.

Just look on any home decorating website, online magazine (e-zine), in-store magazine or watch one of the many decorating and design programs on TV. (There’s probably an app for it too, but I’m not that iPhone savvy.)

If you do a Google search for ‘living room ideas’ there are about 88 million web pages that you can choose from.

There is so much information available on the subject. So, why it is still a difficult decision to take these photos, tips and advice for living room decorating and make them work for you? 

 Your home, your living room, your lifestyle, your budget....all of these things are unique to you. If you look at a hundred photos and websites, and watch just as many DYI shows on TV just filled with living room ideas, none of them will exactly match your needs.

So what do you do? No worries! 


My advice to you, as well as my design clients, is to first determine what YOU need in YOUR space, by answering a few simple questions.

1) What is your budget? I know, a simple, boring question.
And, it’s not fun to think about the money. It’s more fun to think about buying things, painting, arranging furniture, etc.
But do it anyway. Decide how much money you have to invest in your living room project, before you get excited about purchasing something.

2) How do you use this room? Traditional use...informal...TV or no TV...children?...aging parents?...pets?...multi purpose function?..none of these?

I have seen living rooms with pool tables in them, living rooms used as dining areas, home offices, etc. 

Decide how your living room best fits your lifestyle and make your decisions from there with regard to the type of flooring, wall color, furniture fabric...right down to the lamps and end tables.

So before you determine that you absolutely need a new sofa, two side chairs and a set of end tables/ coffee table, give yourself a little time out and answer question #2 honestly. You might come up with a totally different direction for the space.

3) What furniture stays, what furniture goes?
Be realistic about answering this question and you will have a solid starting point for your living room design, or living room makeover.

And, how you answer this question is a direct result of your response to the first two questions as well. Your budget and lifestyle use of the living room will dictate how much furniture, if any, you will add/replace.

I’m always an advocate of using what you have first, particularly if you are decorating on a budget.
And, the furniture doesn’t have to be in the living room at the moment. 

Take a look at pieces in other rooms of your home and see if they might have a new purpose in your living room.You can create a fresh look with existing pieces by moving them around your home.
Living room decorating and design ideas


Now, here are three things you should NEVER do when considering living room ideas.


Find out what they are by reading more about Living Room Ideas

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Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

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The best Christmas tree decorating ideas and tips to help you create a beautiful Christmas tree!
It's easy and free, so find out more now!

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.


Christmas Tree Decorating Idea #1:
THE TREE

First, decide what kind of tree you will use, real or artificial, and what size will work the best in your space.

I'm always an advocate of natural looking artificial Christmas trees.


As for the size of your Christmas tree, make sure you are taking into consideration:
1) the size room it is going into,
2)ceiling height and
3) the space allocated for the tree.  


Whether your tree goes together branch-by-branch or in two to three main sections, here is a very important piece of advice: make sure that you fully open and 'fluff' each branch before putting it into the trunk of the Christmas tree.

When I put our Christmas tree up, I literally take each branch and pull every piece of greenery out, rotating some greenery above the branch and some below.  


Christmas Tree Decorating Idea #2:THE LIGHTS

Your next Christmas tree decorating idea is a fool proof method for putting the lights on the tree. It doesn't matter what style of light or color you select; follow these steps and it will be absolutely beautiful.
NOTE: If you have a pre-lit Christmas tree,icon feel free to skip this portion!

First, make sure you test all of your lights before putting any of them on the tree. It's not a 100% guarantee that you won't have any issues down the road, but at least you'll know they work.


You should have a strand of 100 lights for every vertical foot of the tree. So if your Christmas tree is 7 feet in height you should have a minimum of 700 lights. I use more than that on my trees - my 8' tree has about 1,200 lights on it because I put them very close together and enjoy that look.

I also use a multi-outlet surge protector to handle all of the lights, stringing together no more than four strands of lights. It makes turning the Christmas tree lights on and off very simple - just flip the switch on the extension box.

Christmas Tree Decorating Idea #3:
THE GARLANDS & ROPING

Now for the next Christmas tree decorating idea - the garlands or roping for the tree. Of course, this is optional depending on the style of tree you are creating.
There are many different types of garland available, and it's a point where your creativity comes into play. You can fashion Christmas tree garland out of just about anything that suits the style of your tree.

  • Traditional Christmas tree roping found in the 'tree trimming' section of your favorite holiday store is always an option.
  • There are many types of beautiful, wide ribbon that has wire inserted into it, so you can shape it as you rope it around the tree.
  • Beads, fabric, silk floral roping, faux berry/natural element roping, etc.
  • Use your imagination!
Beads and narrow roping usually looks best when draped, or swagged, around the tree. The top of the tree should have smaller swags that get larger as you go down the tree.

Christmas Tree Decorating Idea #4:
THE ORNAMENTS


Yes, we are finally to the most fun part of the Christmas tree decorating ideas - the ornaments. Here is a really important tip, so listen up!

Gather all your Christmas tree ornamentsicon and separate them by size, style, etc. so you know what you have to work with. It takes a few minutes to do this but is well worth the time.

Hang your larger ornaments first, using the lower part of the tree for the majority of those. Save the smallest ornaments for the upper portion of the tree.

If you have both matte finish and shiny finish ornaments, be sure to vary them around the tree.
Hang the ornaments on the inside of the tree as well as the outside, just like the lights (although the majority of ornaments will be near the outside of the tree).

Step back and look at your handiwork as you progress, to keep things evenly distributed.
I always like to use fillers on my Christmas trees to cover the inevitable gaps that occur between layers of branches. I use a variety of silk flowers and greenery, birds nests, etc. You can literally use any type of 'filler' that you want, depending on the theme of your Christmas tree.

These decorating ideas will help you create a beautiful Christmas tree. If you want even more details, ideas and tips, read Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas here!














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Christmas Party Decorations to Complete Your Holiday Entertaining

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Christmas party decorations create the festive holiday atmosphere that turns a good time into a memorable event.
From the holiday decor to the music playing in the background, to the fresh scent of evergreen or gingerbread cookies...plan your Christmas party decor and theme in advance so all will flow together.

There are two simple methods for creating the foundation for your holiday party decor. Use a theme, or select a particular color palette.

Your theme could be a particular figure or item that is identified with Christmas, such as angels, snowmen, Santa, reindeer, nativity, etc.
 
Or, you might decide to create your holiday event around a movie, such as It's a Wonderful LIfe, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer or White Christmas.

Selecting a holiday color palette for your Christmas party decorations is another way to create a memorable and festive atmosphere inside and outside of your home. There are always the standard red and green of course, but think about what you already have on hand for holiday decor.

If much of your Christmas decoration material is gold and white, for example, consider using those colors for your party theme, or add one more color to them for a trio of holiday colors.

Once you have selected the theme and/or color palette, here are some ideas and tips for you to create a festive holiday home for your party:

Start with the exterior of your home. How can you make the entrance and walkway festive and become part of your Christmas party decorations?


Lighting up the walkway with paper bag candles, small Christmas treesicon on the front porch with white lights, a dusting of 'snow' (if you live in the south where there is none), holiday music playing for guests as they approach your entry...all these are ways to create the holiday atmosphere before guests walk through the front door. 

Use your selected figure/item to create your own memorable entrance.

The front entry door itself is always a blank canvas waiting for adornment, and a holiday party is no exception. 

If you're not sure what to do and want to maintain a level of sophistication, a safe choice is always a beautiful, fresh evergreen wreath. Or, a natural looking wreathicon that looks great and won't ever drop a pine needle works for me!

Your wreath does not need a great big red bow, either. Sprinkle some gold glitter on it and enjoy the simple sparkle that it creates.


 Inside, make the Christmas tree a focal point of the Christmas party decorations, and follow your chosen theme and color palette. The key is to tie everything together so your holiday decor is consistent.

Read more about Christmas Party Decorations! 

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Country Home Decor (b)



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Home Decorating Basics : Updating Lamps



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Fall Home Decor



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Fall Home DecorBetter TV shows you how to create an interesting and beautiful centerpiece for your table top this fall.

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Home Decor Trends - Bedroom



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Home Decor Trends - BedroomIn this video www.WatchMojo.com checks out some new styles and trends in home decor.

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Home Decor Haul



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Home Decor Haultweet me =) www.twitter.com blog www.nicosisneros.blogspot.com

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Christmas Decorating Using a Theme

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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 silk holiday flower to use as a theme throughout my decorating...I placed these flowers in different areas as accents to my holiday decor.

My holiday silk flower for the theme

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.




Holiday Village Houses
I took our Christmas Village houses and placed them on a simple accent shelf...adding bits of evergreen and several of my theme flowers, with a couple of Santas nearby. Note also the placement of the houses...I angled them differently and placed them on each shelf to create an interesting display...not lined up like little soldiers. The holiday flower on the top of the unit is resting on some small antique books, to keep things interesting.

My piano was a place where I could do a few things with small white lights, my favorite snowman and glittery evergreen tree, and of course a holiday flower to keep the Christmas decorating theme going.

Piano dressed for the holidays
I have a holiday picture that I love and just couldn't find the right wall spot for it this year. I decided to use it as 'music' on the piano...and I love the way it looks! You might not be able to see all of the detail, but the picture has a snowman in it which compliments my snowman on the piano.

Holiday 'music' on the piano
To continue my holiday decorating theme I placed my beautiful holiday flowers in two more locations. First, nestled amongst some greenery on an end table in the living area.

Then I placed another near my faux wood santas on the snack bar...just enough to complement the trio of santas, but not overdone.

Holiday display on end table
Santas on snack bar















All in all, our home is decorated for the holidays in a simple way, nothing overly ornate or over-the-top. But there is a consistent holiday decorating theme using decor that I love.

Here are more great Holiday Decorating Ideas

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Expressive Signs Vinyl Wall Quotes And Home Decor



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HOME DECOR PRODUCTS



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Unique Home Accessories - Deckmyhome.com



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UK Readers...Win a Full Bathroom Suite

 
Attention UK readers! How would you like to win this beautiful bathroom suite? I know I'd jump at the opportunity. Offered by BetterBathrooms.com, the suite is valued at over £2300rrp and includes what you see in the photo.

How do you win? It's easy! All you have to do is guess how many sprouts fit into the Design Freestanding Bath





Follow the link below for all of the details and to enter:  

Good luck!

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White Elephant Haveli: Indian Home Decor



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Guest Post - Keep Thanksgiving Decorations Simple and Stylish

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The holidays are fast approachingand soon the scent of turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie will permeate theair. It is a time for retrospect and giving thanks for the good things in life,but also a time of celebration where decorations are in order.

Instead of wasting time and money on inexpensive dollar store honeycomb turkeysand resin pilgrims, create classic and beautiful thanksgiving decorations withlittle to no trouble. Thanksgiving decorations are not highly commercial, butthere are ornamentations that are easily made. Thanksgiving bridges the periodbetween the beginning of fall and Halloween and ushers in Christmas and otherwinter holidays. Celebrate it with stylish decorations in fabulous fall colors.

Color Choices
Fall and Thanksgiving occur the same time deciduous trees start to change fromgreen to earth tones including gold, orange and red. They create a starkcontrast with the forest green of pine trees. Use brown, yellow, orange and otherearth tones in Thanksgiving decorations or go bold and add navy, forest green,burgundy and even a dark purple. Take advantage of complementary andcontrasting colors pairing dark blue with orange or try forest green andpurple. Yellow's contrasting color is purple and complementary colors are greenand orange. Instead of yellow utilize metallic gold colors. Red is complimentedby orange and purple. Red's contrasting color is green, which is more aChristmas combination, so try to separate them until after Thanksgiving.

Keep It Simple
Thanksgiving decorations do not need to be complicated. The cornucopia is atraditional Thanksgiving symbol that represents plenty. Cornucopias are easy tofind and made from many different materials. They are made from grape vines orbasket material and are usually inexpensive yet stylish. Fill the cornucopiawith artificial fruits, vegetables and nuts and place it in a place ofprominence on top of a bed of preserved leaves. If a cornucopia is notavailable just use a basket and fill it to the brim or lay it on its side withthe harvest falling out. If a more dramatic, elegant decoration is desired,spray paint the artificial fruits with gold, bronze and silver spray paint.

Cover end tables or dinner tables with Thanksgiving theme fabric that has theraw edges stitched under. Cover plain sofa pillows with fall flavored fabric.Throw a few colorful gourds on tables to give them a splash of color. Removeregular curtain tie-backs and replace them with fall inspired ribbon. Placepreserved or artificial fall leaves under the regular bowls or nick-knacks thatusually style the room. Hang Indian corn or corn husk wreaths from doorsfestooned with big orange ribbons.

Re-use
Most Thanksgiving decorations are also suitable for Halloween. Turn ceramicjack-o-lantern faces to the wall and keep them up until the end of November.Keep the orange twinkle lights aglow all through two months. Instead of usingorange bows on wreaths and Indian corn, use burgundy ones and use them on Christmaswreaths. Place burgundy or forest green candles on a plate covered withartificial fall leaves for Thanksgiving and replace the leaves with evergreenboughs for Christmas. Fill a large glass container with small gourds,cranberries and nuts and replace the contents with Christmas ornaments later.

Keep decorations simple to allow for extra time needed to prepare Thanksgivingdinner. Reuse decorations for either Halloween or Christmas to minimize storageand use what is available to save money and avoid a cluttered look. With just alittle effort there will be less money spent and more time to socialize withfamily and friends during the holiday. 

Submitted by Elliman Real Estate: Featuring NY apartments.Written by Julianna Lundblad (@juliannanyc)


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Guest Post - Beach House Style

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Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for the Arcadian Lighting blog, a great source for inspiration and trends in lighting fixtures for your home. I love getting out and guest blogging at great design blogs so I'm happy to be here at Great Home Decorating today to write about great beach house style. The beach house look is all about chic, relaxed style inspired by the coast: easy, breezy and stylish. Enjoy!

Beach House Style
This living room has great beach house style. Slip-covered seating in natural linen covers and pops of seaglass inspired color give this living room a cool, coastal style.

Beach House Style 
Beach house style is all about relaxation. Casual style slip-covered furnishings mixed with natural elements and beach finds make for a beach house that is stylish and relaxed.

Beach House Style 

This beach house style bedroom is full of great beach house style tips. Grass cloth on the walls, a tropical style ceiling fan and light colors all add that beach feeling to the room.

Beach House Style
This bathroom has great beach house style. Blue and white make for a crisp color combination. Beach inspired design elements like coral and starfish adorn the walls. The entire space is beautifully lit by matching ceiling light and wall sconces.

Beach House Style 
 Soft blue is a soothing color for a beach house bedroom. Mixed with loads of white, it is a classic seaside color combination that works with any blue, from sky blue to navy.

Beach House Style
Light woods in this living room open up the space and make a great backdrop for the stunning sea view. Light upholstery and the light wood give this living room an open, airy feeling.

Beach House Style
An airy dining area that is dominated by white with a few touches of blue, like these stylish pendant lights, is the perfect beach house dining space. Light, airy and casual with loads of style is perfect for beach house living.

Beach House Style
Stripes are a great pattern for beach house style homes. Wide or narrow, the stripes can be blue and white or multicolor with a nautical theme--perfect for a beach house.You don't have to own a beach house to get this sea-inspired style! Check out Arcadian Lighting to find lighting fixtures that you can use to create your own coastal interiors!

Here are more great Beach Home Decorating ideas!

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