Home Decor HD

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.

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

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

Great design ideas for your bathroom design or remodel project. Here are ten of today's top trends in bathroom remodeling.
Here are ten trends in bathroom design projects for you to consider...
1. Sinks and vanities for two. Even in smaller bathrooms, the trend is for each person to have their own personal vanity space, sink and storage area. Each can be customized to suit individual preferences and use.
And, they don't have to be side-by-side, either. The bathroom remodel can be designed to place them where they fit best. Here are some excellent choices in Bathroom Vanities and Bathroom Sinks.
2. Vessel sinks perhaps with faucets that protrude from the wall, are increasingly popular with bathroom design projects. There are many beautiful designs, shapes and finishes of vessel sinks to select from that can create a dramatic statement in the bath.
3. Larger showers are high on the list for many bathroom design and remodel projects. The bathtub is leaving (if necessary), and the space used to create a airy shower space with lots of glass, similar to a spa.
4. Deep soaking tubs are beginning to take the place of jacuzzi tubs for some homeowners. They are looking for a quiet and relaxing soak without the noise of jacuzzi jets.  
5. Amenities creating additional comfort such as small refrigerators and TV's are finding their way into more bathroom remodel and design projects.
People are looking at the bathroom as a true place of relaxation, and more than a quick trip in and out, so they want to have certain amenities readily available.
6. Lots of natural light is not really a new thought, but is becoming more of a priority with homeowners. Windows and skylights are being added into bathroom designs, and some remodels include taking an adjacent space and folding it into the newly remodeled bath, to add both space and natural light.
7. Create a private space for the toilet with walls or half walls. Give the toilet area its own private space, and, locate that space where it fits best in the room.
8. Better quality tile has taken the place of linoleum and that awful shiny glazed tile of years past, in today's bathroom remodel. You don't have to spend a fortune to have good quality stone or marble tile in the bath.
9. Heated floors are on the list for many homeowners who want to step out of the shower onto a warm, cozy floor. Some options for creating a warm bathroom floor are rather economical, so check out the possibilities even if you can't allocate thousands to this upgrade.
10. Grab bars in the shower are a request of more homeowners today, and not just seniors. There are many more options available to make grab bars fit the decor of the bath, and the increased stability and safety is making them a part of the bathroom remodel design.



Find more resources and Bathroom Remodel Ideas here!

Bedrooms are unique areas of the home. They have a specific purpose and can be treated in a very functional manner, with not much thought for bedroom interior design and decor.

However, most of us want, and need, a haven that we can retreat into and feel safe, secure and content. They can even evoke a scent that reflects the people who reside there, such as signature fragrances and aftershaves that linger, for example, and that is also a comforting feeling. (You know...you smell your scent in a good way!)

So how do you go about decorating a master bedroom? There are several key decisions that need to be made, and all are of equal importance in your bedroom interior design and decor.

First, determine how your furniture is going to be placed in the plan for decorating a master bedroom. Is the space large enough to accommodate a sitting area? What size bed do you have, or plan to have, and will it fit comfortably into the room?  


Decorating for a master bedroom, and other rooms, includes determining the focal point of the room. When you walk into the space where are your eyes drawn? 

It could be the largest wall in the room, it could be out a window or door wall for a beautiful view, or possibly a lovely fireplace. Whatever the case, place the bed so that it is on the focal point wall or facing the focal point whenever possible.

You might consider painting the focal point wall an accent color, either a deeper shade of your selected wall color or another color in your palette. Just remember as you select there shades that the overall effect of decorating ideas for the master bedroom is soothing and calming.


Avoid overcrowding your master bedroom with furniture and clutter. If you have inherited an antique bedroom set that can barely be squeezed into your space, eliminate one of the pieces and use it in another room. 

Utilize the drawers in nightstands, dressers and the space in your closet to keep thing out of sight. Scout around your house or do some shopping to find unique pieces that can be used as storage.

Read more about Decorating a master bedroom
 

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.

What comes to mind when you think of a farmhouse?

I imagine a large, two story wood sided home with a wide covered porch, lots of windows that are simply adorned, green grass all ‘round, mature trees and a big,big blue sky overhead. No fancy figurines or fountains adorning the entry area; just pots of colorful flowers, a well used porch swing, and a duo of colorful rockers with an old barrel in-between to serve as a small table.


Now, keep that picture in your mind, because those elements are the foundation of farm house decorating style:

• Wood surfaces - distressed, painted, rubbed...this is an integral element in farmhouse style interiors.Consider wood flooring that is casual and not overly shiny in it’s finish. Or, get an authentic feel, literally, with reclaimed barn wood, for example, for floors, cabinets, etc.
  Use wide wood trim such as pine planks around doors and windows.
  Bead board wainscoating is commonly found in farmhouse interiors, so use it generously where desired.
• Furniture - continues the use of wood as an element, with farmhouse style dining tables, vintage storage cabinets and kitchen cabinetry with reclaimed wood faces.Comfortable upholstery is the choice here, with simple patterns and lines. Nothing overly ornate or fussy in farmhouse decorating, yet not too stark and cold, either. keep the fabric colors somewhat muted, with brighter accents here and there, but not overtaking the space.
  Use wood with a bit of iron (such an an iron bed or table base) to keep your upholstered pieces company.
• Colors - are natural and not overly bright for most of the home’s decor. Think of the natural elements outdoors...earth tone browns and tans, soft greens, blues and yellows, shades of taupe...the interior of your farmhouse decor should be a continuation of the outdoors.
• Collectables - are found in farmhouse style, but not in a cluttered and over-the-top way.
A vintage tea cup collection might be displayed in an open cupboard or kitchen cabinet that has had it’s door removed, but the little treasures are not found in every nook and cranny of the home. Use some restraint and remember that simple is good.

Read more about Farmhouse Decorating

 
Tuscan paint colors represent the natural beauty of an Italian countryside. Learn how to create the Tuscan color palette that will compliment your home.
If you have made the decision to create your own personal Tuscan style home and decor, you've already established a Tuscan color palette. The key is to decide how to use these colors:

• Golden Yellows




• Terra Cotta




• Olive/Sage/Leafy Greens




• Natural Brown/Ochre




• Warm Orange




• Vibrant Blues




• And...a touch of White

Here is a tip to make things a little easier and something that I always suggest to my clients:
Find a piece of fabric, a magazine picture, photo, or a simple combination of something that will provide a visual example of the Tuscan paint colors you are going to use. (I know someone who carried a very small 'bouquet' of silk flowers in the shades of her selected color palette and it worked well for her!)

Or, visit your local paint store and look for the color samples that are offered in combinations, and hone in on the selections that emphasize nature, natural colors and the beautiful shades found in the photo on this page. You may find a sample palette that is quite close to the Tuscan color scheme.

Once you have your palette in hand (literally), you are ready to decide how to use these beautiful Tuscan colors in your home.

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.


The more natural light a space receives, the more intense color can be used on the walls, if desired. To keep the living room light, choose yellow or gold tones. For a vibrant energy, choose red or orange tones.
The natural shades of brown, ochre and even sage/leafy green can be a great choice as well. Think about the colors you really enjoy seeing, because the wall color will be quite prominent in the space.

If you are a person who likes things a little more neutral overall, use warm golds, light browns or consider an off white with undertones of tan or gold. Then, use the more vibrant colors in accents, possibly in an area rug, artwork, pottery or on an accent wall.


Remember that white is almost always found somewhere in Tuscan colors, along with natural browns and brownish reds.

Combine your Tuscan colors with natural, nubby fabrics, colorful accents and you can create an authentic Tuscan look in your home.
  Read more about Tuscan Paint Colors

Log Homes...a dream for many and a reality for some. Why? Well, unless you are going to cut down your own trees, harvest them, dry them, do the prep work and THEN think about the design,build and log home decorating process, you have to hire someone else to handle all of these things. And it is not for folks who are looking to build the most cost effective home available.

Log homes, particularly the beautiful, custom homes you see in magazines (and on this page)filled with log home decorating ideas, are more expensive than conventional homes.

There are ways to build a log home that are more cost effective, such as pre-built kits for smaller log homes. So, don't be discouraged, just be realistic. Enough of that - let's talk about the fun part - Log Home Decorating!

You can decorate a log home or you can decorate a home interior with log decor furniture and accessories, so there is more than one way to accomplish the lodge style look. 

As with other styles of decor, log home decorating is a style with different avenues. There is rustic decor, lodge style decor, country style, even a contemporary log home style, to name a few.

Read more about living in and decorating log homes

Garden Fountains are a great way to personalize your patio area. Not only are they interesting conversation starters, the calming effect of the sound of flowing water can transform your ‘ordinary’ patio into a haven of relaxation!

As with many other types of outdoor decor, these fountains are available in a wide variety of materials, shapes, sizes and prices ranges.

When planning for your fountain, think about the space available for the piece. If your patio area is quite small, a wall fountain can be a great choice. It won’t take up any of your precious floor space and will provide the same qualities of a traditional garden water fountain.

For birdwatching enthusiasts, consider a combination birdbath and water fountain. Again, sizes and price ranges are available for just about any budget.

If your preference is to keep the family pets at bay, consider a type of fencing around your garden fountain to protect the area. Or, go ahead and let them quench their thirst!

 Read more about Garden Fountains

 If you love the look and characteristics of several different decorating styles, you’ll be happy to know that there is a method to pulling a cohesive, stylish, unique and naturally appealing look to your home.

Eclectic decorating style combines the elements of two, sometimes more, distinct decorating styles and creates a unique, unduplicated look that is unmistakenly individual.

Notice that I didn’t say, “throw anything and everything you like into a room and you’ll end up with a fantastic eclectic style space.” You’ve probably been in one of those rooms before, and your first instinct is to turn and run.

With a style of decor that is defined as eclectic, there is a method to the creation of the space. While you are mixing and matching styles, there are three main elements that you will use as guidelines.

First, think function...color...shape. Use one or more of these elements to create your eclectic space.

Next, combine two styles with accents of a third, as a general guideline. Don’t throw too much together.

Finally, find the commonality in the pieces you’ve elected to use in this space.


Want all the details? Read more about Eclectic Decorating Style

'Til next time,
Candi

4th in a series on Home Office

Many people have the desire and the need for home office space, but just don’t have the square footage available for a room set aside for this purpose.
No worries! Take these small home office design ideas and tips and incorporate the best for your particular setting, budget and usage needs.

Find the most practical space in your home for your small home office:


1) A closet - walk in or otherwise
2) A nook, or inset area created by built in bookshelves, for example. 
3) A corner of a room or space
4) Any area that you can carve out of an existing room

• Keep the size of the desk, files, shelves, etc. consistent with the size of the space you are working with. I know it sounds obvious, but do your homework to measure carefully and visualize the results before making purchases.
• Use shelving, bookcases and other similar types of storage to use as much height as practical for your home office supplies and equipment.

Keep organization and minimal clutter as your two top priorities. If you don’t use something regularly, it doesn’t need to be within arm’s reach.

Read more about Small Home Office Design Ideas

Front porch decorating is really not that much different than decorating the inside of your home. Your style and flair can be expressed through color, placement and accessories. 

In fact, by doing this, you create the expectation and introduction of what your guests will see when they enter your home.
So if you’re perplexed or unsure of how to go about your front porch decorating, no worries! 

Decide what your overall decorating style is and stay true to that theme with this project. Country, contemporary, shabby chic, urban, eclectic...use the same selection process for the front porch as you do for your home interior.


Same goes for your color selections, whether it be flowers, containers, furniture, paint, etc. Think about permanent exterior colors of your home...siding, stucco, brick, roof, trim...then consider your interior color palette. Try to blend the two with front porch decorating selections that complement both.

Consider the steps, the front door, trim, the porch floor itself and the porch ceiling, if applicable. Would a fresh coat of paint freshen things up? How about an accent color?

Think about the porch elements themselves. What type of floor does your porch have? Would it benefit from a change? Pavers, real or faux stone, composite deck material and even tile are just a few suggestions. Speak with a professional to see what options will work for your particular home.

Is your front porch large enough to accommodate some type of seating? How about a bench, a pair of chairs, porch swing, etc. Think about the type of piece that will represent your decorating style as well as the element is it made from and the color of the finish.

...read much more about Front Porch Decorating 

Til next time,
Candi

Defining interior decorating styles can be confusing, but they don't have to be! If you take a little bit of time to read more about the various interior design styles you'll have more confidence as you decorate your home. 


Your decor decisions will be somewhat simpler because you'll know which interior decorating style you are looking for.
 
Whether you love to spend hours pouring over magazines, searching for those creative home decorating ideas, checking out the latest in interior design trends at the stores, or shopping online from the comfort of your home...defining your own unique inspired interior decorating style will certainly bring some joy to your heart! I know it does mine.

So, find a comfortable place to relax with the beverage of your choice  
(I happen to love a great cup of coffee during the day and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio in the evening...) and enjoy learning about, and possibly defining for the first time, your interior decorating style! 


Take the Interior Decorating Style Quiz

So you have a teeny, tiny bathroom and want to make it more user-friendly? It can be a challenge to accomplish, particularly if your budget won't allow for anything more than cosmetic adjustments. We'll discuss both small bathroom makeovers and decorating a small bathroom the inexpensive way!

Small bathroom makeovers usually entail ripping out the old and installing the new. If you are replacing fixtures as part of your small bathroom design project, replace them with fixtures that take up as little space as possible.

For example, if you are removing an existing sink/cabinet combo,replace it with a pedestal sink. If your project to create a beautiful bathroom includes replacing the bathtub, consider if this bathroom can function effectively both now and in the future with a shower unit. They take up less space and serve the same purpose. Corner showers can work well, depending on the layout of your bathroom. 

Create different layouts on paper, nothing fancy, to see what options you might have to open up the space a little bit. Be sure to get a professional opinion and estimate, however, before taking any action on your ideas. You want to make sure your pocketbook matches your creativity!

The next step in your small bathroom makeover is to consider the floor and tub/shower area (if this is a full bath). It's usually a good idea when decorating a small bathroom to keep the floor tiles light and neutral in color; the same goes for tub/shower tiles if applicable.

How about the entry door to the bathroom - does it open and close easily or is it in the way? My folks have a powder room that is so small, they took the door off and replaced it with a bifold door that almost disappears when open. And the fact that it does not swing into the little bath is a plus, too.

Bathroom color selection when decorating a small bathroom can be a daunting decision for some. Here is my philosophy with small bathrooms: use any color you want. The room is really small, so you may as well have fun with it. Keep the floors and ceiling light in color and have fun with the rest!

Read more about Small Bathroom Makeovers 

So you are going to be moving into an apartment or condo and aren't sure what to do? Need some great apartment decorating ideas?

No worries - there are some questions you'll need to have answered and a few decision to make, but with the home decorating ideas to follow, you can do it!

First, find out from your landlord if the walls can be painted, and if you need to obtain permission for the colors selected. Then, make sure you can hang artwork, etc. on the walls - most of the time this is not a problem. 

Before you start your apartment decorating, assess what you will be bringing into this residence. Some may have more furniture than will fit, and others may not have any furniture at all. Your goal with furnishings is to have enough in the rooms that you will spend time in, to be comfortable and to express your unique lifestyle. If you don't have much furniture, don't worry about furnishing rooms that you may not use.

It's better to have two or three rooms that are finished and comfortable for you than to spread your furnishings amongst all the rooms, and none of them look complete. Another consideration is to look for furniture designed for smaller spaces.

Wall color can make a huge difference in the overall warmth and effect a room has on its occupants, so painting the walls a color other than 'apartment white' is highly recommended. 

Even if you use an off-white shade such as Bone White or Navajo White (standard off-whites no matter what brand of paint you select), you will create a welcoming atmosphere for you and your family or guests. If you really love color, select something that is bold and colorful for the walls and have fun with it!

Want more ideas? Read on for all the details about apartment and condo decorating. 


Til next time,
Candi

Country kitchen furniture ideas to help you create your personal traditional or cottage country home!

You’ve seen the photos...cute little country kitchen with red checked, ruffled gingham curtains at the windows, rooster collections on every windowsill, oak kitchen table and chairs with matching hutch in the corner, braided rugs on the floor...all we’re missing is the fully clothed faux goose. Oh, there he is...on the porch.

No intention to offend, but the cutesy days of country are pretty much over and done with. If you love it and that is your lifestyle, kudos to you! For most country home decorating lovers, though, interpretation of the style has moved up a few notches into the 21st century.

Traditional and Cottage Country kitchen furniture will always exhibit at least some of these timeless characteristics:

Casual...A true country kitchen will always have the ‘come on in and sit awhile’ flavor to it

Distressed...Here’s one of the great aspects of cottage and country style furniture - it loves everyone’s budget.

Painted...Your table might be light oak, chairs painted a distressed pewter with deep red seat cushions, a buffet that echoes the chairs, mirror above it in light oak...you select the color scheme

Mix and Match...Not only can colors be combined, but remember that you don’t have to use all wood pieces in the kitchen.

Variety of Shapes...Your country kitchen furniture does not have to consist of a rectangular farm table and straight back dining chairs


Want to know more? Read all the details about Country Kitchen Furniture

Til next time,
Candi