When decorating your home, working with a budget can sometimes present trouble, especially if it’s a small one. However, budgets are necessary, no matter how hard they are to stick to. When decorating a home, no homeowner should have to go into debt. If you take the time to set a budget and follow these simple tips, then you will end up with a wonderfully decorated home that was still affordable.

Make the Decorating Budget Firm
You don’t want to set a decorating budget and then forget about it when you actually start shopping. Keep in mind that you are setting a budget for a reason. It’s not necessary to do all your decorating at once. It might be better to do some of the decorating now, and then once you save some more money, revisit the room to add more items later. It’s best to stick to your budget firmly, no matter what comes up.

You Will Have to Give a Little to Get a Little
Sticking to a firm budget requires you to be flexible and willing to compromise in some areas. You’ll have to go the cheaper route for certain less crucial items, if you want any more expensive pieces that you just have to have. For instance, you might have to spend less on the window treatments or picture frames if you’ve fallen in love with a coffee table or lamp that takes up a third or so of your budget.

Don’t Worry What Other People May Think
It’s so easy to get caught up in what other people will think and say. However, if you spot the perfect figurine for your décor, who cares if it’s at the local discount store? Unless you say something, no one’s going to know what you paid for items in your home. You need to keep in mind that not everything in your room needs to be of the highest quality. So don’t worry about what others may or may not say. If you like something and it’s inexpensive and it fits in your budget, then go ahead and buy it. Many people find that their least expensive item will garner the most positive attention in a room.

Invest in Quality for the Big Items in the Room
When creating your budget, you need to be sure that you’re allocating the majority of the money toward the larger items like a wood bed in a master bedroom or a dining room table. This way, you’ll be able to afford quality that will last. Window treatments or other décor just don’t need as much money put into them as items such as wood furniture, flooring, and artwork. You will ensure that those larger items will last longer and look better when you invest in quality products. In the end, you might have a high end sofa with inexpensive decorative pillows on it, but as long as you have kept to your final budget, then that will be just fine.

It’s usually very tempting to want to go over your decorating budget, completely forgetting about what you can afford. Unfortunately, when you do that, then every time you walk into your redecorated home or room, you are going to have negative thoughts about that debt. In the end, negative thought might lead to you not being able to enjoy being in the space. If that becomes the case, then what was the point of spending all that money? By sticking to your budget, not only will you save money, but you will retain your peace of mind.

Tags: budget decorating, decorators, home decorating, Interior Decorator, interior decorators

Oftentimes people believe that in order to change the look of a room, they have to do a drastic redecorating project. However, this is not true at all. Here are some simple and easy steps you can take to create an instant makeover in just about any room in your home.

Paint the Walls of the Room
One of the most popular way to give a room an instant facelift is to paint the walls a completely different color. The color that’s on the walls of a room basically styles the whole room. If you paint a blue room tan, for instance, that color change will alter the light in the room. This, in turn, affects the way all the other objects in the room appear. The great thing about painting is that it’s not hard to do. That fact that it’s a do-it-yourself project makes it quite inexpensive. Make this a weekend project. By Monday morning, you will have a whole new look in that room.

Use Slipcovers on the Furniture
If you love your furniture but are tired of the fabric, slipcover may be just the solution for an instant makeover. When you add a slipcover to a piece of furniture, you can dramatically change the décor. Some of the most dominant objects in any room tends to be the furnishing, and thus when you change the pieces, it will be very noticeable. Even better, it only takes about ten minutes to install slipcovers. Slipcovers come in a range of prices, but for the nicer ones, you may have to spend a little bit more money.

Hang a Piece of Art on the Wall
If you have a large bare wall in the room or one you don’t like very much, you can change the look by hanging a large piece of art there. By adding a large piece of artwork, you can really change the entire focus and style of the room. The piece of art can actually become your new focal point. The art will also cover much of the color on that wall, which can also work to change the look of the room. Just be sure you don’t waste your money on any old piece. Be sure you invest in something you really like and want to have around for a while.

Rearrange the Furniture
When you simply rearrange the furniture in a room, changing the layout, you can give that room an instant makeover. Begin by looking for a new focal point in the room and working from there. You can completely change the dynamic of the room by changing the focal point from the entertainment center to the window or fireplace. You’ll be much happier with the results if you take the time to sketch out on paper what you want before you go moving furniture and heavy objects around.

All of these are simple and easy ways to give any room in your home an instant makeover. If you’re looking for a totally different look, you might even try putting two or three of these suggestions together.

Tags: budget makeover, decorating makeover, decorators, Interior Decorator, interior decorators

It can be difficult to decide how to utilize bookshelf space, whether you have a built-in bookshelf or just have a large freestanding one. Most people prefer their bookshelves to not only be a storage place for their books but also an area that adds style and personality to the décor. Here are some different ideas on easy ways to utilize a bookshelf and make it part of your décor.

Decorate the Bookshelf with Books
Placing books on your bookcases might seem like a simple common-sense thing to do, but this doesn’t mean you randomly place your library up on the shelves. As a matter of fact, you may discover you’re not even using the bookshelf for most of your books. A great way to decorate a bookshelf is to use interesting and antique books, as these will lend the space a lot of personality. These might even be old books you uncover at a used bookstore or even a flea market. You might also consider using modern-day coffee books or art books. Use the books that best fit the kind of style you’re going for.

You also need to consider where you’re going to place the books. If you don’t want the whole bookshelf to just be books, then just pick out certain areas of the shelf where you can arrange and display interesting books. You can hold the books in place with stylish bookends. One way to get really creative is to arrange some books horizontally and others vertically. Or you can take another approach and arrange the books by color or size. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to create an atmosphere.

Decorate the Bookshelf with Picture Frames
Depending on what style you’re going for, you can put actual photographs on the bookshelf or framed works of art. Some people may prefer to put photos of their family up on the shelves, whereas others will opt for framed paintings and professional photographs. Just be sure to use frames that match the style of the room.

Decorate the Bookshelf with Figurines
There are thousands of different ways to use figurines to decorate a bookshelf. You want to choose figurines for this space that fit in with the style of the rest of the room. You can use the figurines to hold up books on the shelf, or you might use them for display only. You want to find figurines that appear to go together, but at the same time you don’t want them to be exactly the same. The term “figurine” is a general one and includes such things as little knickknacks, statues, and craft pieces.

Decorate the Bookshelf with Plants and Flowers
A great bookshelf accent is a simple vase filled with flowers or even a small houseplant. This is a great way to add some different colors to the area. It also works to lighten up the space. You don’t want to ruin anything else on the shelves with leaking water or forgotten leaves, so if you use real flowers and plants, just be sure you’re taking care of them.

Decorate the Bookshelf by Adjusting the Shelves
You can really create a distinct space that has a personal touch by adjusting the shelves of your bookshelf to varying heights. For instance, create a shelf or two that are big enough so you can fit taller books or even a plant. You might have a small space just right for smaller books or figurines on another spot on the bookshelf. Whatever you decide to do, adjusting the shelves is one of the best ways to add some real style to the space.

Remember, a bookshelf doesn’t have to be boring. Use your creativity and you can create a unique bookshelf for any room in your home.

Tags: bookcases, bookshelf, Decorating, interior decorating

Are you not sure how to proceed when it comes to decorating your home? If so, then here are 10 decorating do’s and don’ts to help you get started.

1. Do be sure to draw out a floor plan design before you touch any room.
The floor plan of a room should include it’s dimensions and any windows, doors, and other special features. Take the floor plan with you when you go shopping. This way you can be sure anything you want to buy is going to fit. And lastly, remember to measure!

2. Don’t rush when planning your décor. Be sure to take your time and give some thought to what your really want.
You want to make sure that your personality is getting incorporated into the style of the room. It’s important to think things out and not just follow a whim, so you don’t regret things a short time later and end up back at the drawing board.

3. Do identify the focal point of the room. You want to have this figured out before you start placing items.
You can choose a variety of things to be the focal point, from a fireplace to a window to a piece of furniture like a wood tv stand.

4. Don’t arrange the room so any pathways are blocks. You want people to be able to move around the room with ease.
Maintain natural pathways in the room. Things should flow well so that people are comfortable and the room feels natural.

5. Do settle on a specific style and decorating theme for each room.
Remember, just because you have a country bedroom with oak bedroom furniture doesn’t mean your kitchen can’t be modern.

6. Don’t choose the color of the walls with only a paint chip.
Rather, narrow down your choices to one or two colors, purchase some sample sizes, and paint a few areas of the walls. Paint doesn’t not always look the same as a paint chip and is rather influenced by the light of the room. You might also find that although you like a certain color in small areas, it doesn’t really appeal to you when it’s painted on all the walls in the room.

7. Do try to use contrast in the room to add some character and interest.
By placing a contrasting piece of furniture against a wall, you can highlight that piece and make things more interesting. You need to remember that the room doesn’t all have to match. In fact, contrasting colors are a great way to decorate.

8. Don’t leave out the small details.
Once you get through the big items on your agenda, consider all those smaller aspects that can really add to the look of the room. Candles, shelves, baskets, flowers, figurines, and pieces of art can really pull a décor together. So don’t leave these items out of your decorating plan.

9. Do ignore other people’s opinions about your room.
If you like the room and it feels comfortable to you, then that is all that matters. Just because a guest doesn’t like something doesn’t necessarily mean that you should go ahead and change it. In the end, this is your home, and as long as it suits your personality and taste, that’s all that matters. So go ahead and get creative.

10. Don’t overcrowd your décor.
Remember, you don’t have to display every object or piece of artwork you’ve ever owned. After all, you don’t want your home to have a cluttered look. If you have more things to display than you have display space, then change your décor items every once in a while. Then you can display the items you love but not all at once.

Be sure to follow these 10 do’s and don’ts, as they will put you well on your way to creating a stylish home that fits you.

Tags: decorating tips, decorators, Interior Decorator, interior decorators

Decorative molding is a great addition to any room, as it works to highlight certain features and enhance the décor. Not only can it add style and character to the walls, ceilings, and floors, but best of all, it gives any room a finished and attractive look. Following are some tips as to where in your home you can use decorative molding.

Use Decorative Molding around the Ceiling
The most common area to use decorative molding is up around the ceiling. One popular decorative molding is crown molding, which gives a sophisticated and polished look to the walls and ceiling. The molding is hung right where the wall meets the ceiling, giving a decorative touch to an otherwise uninteresting area of the room. You should be able to find this type of molding in a range of sizes, anywhere from 3” to 12” in width.

Use Decorative Molding along the Floor
The flooring space is another common place where decorative molding is used. This is installed similar to ceiling molding, except it’s placed where the floor meets the wall. By concealing the area where the wall meets the floor, it gives the room a finished look. This type of molding is called baseboard, and it’s not only decorative. It also works to protect the wall from things like scratches and scrapes incurred from furniture and other objects.

Use Decorative Molding along a Wall
Another way to use decorative molding is to create what is known as a chair rail. This is a section of molding that is added all around the length of the room at a height that’s usually slightly lower than the middle of the wall. People will often then place wainscoting or paint the lower half of the wall. A chair rail is a great way to add some style and interest to a wall without going overboard.

Use Decorative Molding around a Window
Installing decorative molding around a window works to highlight that area and really plays up the beauty of the light coming through. What’s great about this is that the decorative molding will also seal any gaps between the window and wall. This is a terrific, energy-efficient way to keep air from escaping or entering the house. Remember that you will need to find a sill that matches the rest of the molding to fit the bottom part of the window.

Use Decorative Molding around a Door
Decorative molding also works great around doors. If you already have decorative molding around a window, then try to match with that the molding you choose for the door. Just like with the windows, the molding will cover any gaps between the door and wall, hiding any blemishes and adding style and appeal to the room as well.

These are only a few suggestions as to how decorative molding can be used in your home. If you use molding in more than one place in a room, you do need to be sure that the molding all matches. You can really pull together a room by using molding with the same color, width, or design, creating a cohesive look for your home.

Tags: ceiling molding, crown molding, crown moulding, Decorating, interior decorating, molding, molding decorating

Murals are a fabulous way to add some interest and style to a room’s décor. Murals can be used in many different types of rooms, from the kitchen to the bedroom. This is a very popular way to add some design to a large area. Read on for some basic tips on decorating with murals in your home.

What Is a Mural?
When you paint or draw any type of design or picture directly on the wall, that is called a mural. A mural can be anything at all, from a picture of a beach scene to a pattern of dots or stripes on the wall. In terms of application, murals can be painted on, drawn on, or even stuck on the wall.

Tips for Painting or Drawing a Mural on the Wall
If you are going to attempt to paint or draw your own mural on the wall, then be sure to research your supplies first. Only use paint that is suitable for wall murals. You also need to be sure that it can go over whatever surface you may be painting on. If you’re not confident in your artistic abilities, there are other ways to create your own mural. For instance, many home décor and arts and crafts stores offer stencils and also pictures that you can blow up and trace on the wall. More often than not, a stencil is a wise decision, as not many people can freehand a large mural.

Sticking Your Mural on the Wall
If you are not able to draw or paint very well, you can always use decals or wallpaper murals instead. You pretty much just have to hang these murals on the wall, but they look just like real painted-on murals. For wallpaper murals, all you need is glue and water, as they are hung just like regular wallpaper. Decals are more like stickers and come with an adhesive already on the back of them.

Hire a Professional to Make Your Mural
A professional artist is always an option for creating a mural, especially if you’re not working within a tight budget. If you have a very large mural you want done or if you are not in the least bit artistic, this is a great option. Just be aware that this approach can quickly get expensive, particularly if the mural ends up being large and intricate. Depending on the size of the space and the level of detail, some murals may take a few days. Therefore, you want to be sure that you budget accordingly.

Where to Add Murals in Your Home
Just about any room in your home will benefit from the addition of a mural. You might consider adding a great nursery mural to welcome a new little one. Or you might want to add a mural to that large empty wall in your dining room that fits the style of the room. You might consider adding a mural to the bathroom or kitchen as well. Remember, a mural doesn’t have to be huge and it doesn’t have to be the only thing on the wall. You just want to be sure that it’s somehow highlighted in the room.

With so many options, you don’t necessarily have to be artistic to add a mural to your home. You can always go the wallpaper or decal route or even hire a professional artist instead. Murals will add some design style to your décor and are also a good way to demonstrate your personality in your home.

Tags: Decorating, interior decorating, murals, Painting

Homeowners often become overwhelmed when it comes time to choose a color scheme for a room. The tricky part about choosing a color scheme is that once you choose one color, you then have to decide what other potential colors to put in the room as well. So what’s the best way to choose a color scheme? One of the best tools to have at your fingertips is a color wheel.

What Is the Color Wheel?
Sir Isaac Newton was the first to use the color wheel. He performed an experiment with a prism. What he discovered was that pure white light had a wide spectrum of reflective colors. People have been using this spectrum of colors ever since. Known as the color wheel, it’s helpful for decorating and classifying colors.

The Classification of Colors Using the Color Wheel
The colors on the color while are basically classified into three different categories. 1. The primary colors consist of red, yellow, and blue. 2. Next are the secondary colors, or orange, green, and violet. These colors are created by mixing the primary colors. 3. Then you have the tertiary colors, including red-orange, yellow-orange, blue-green, and yellow-green. You combine the primary colors with the secondary colors next to them to create these colors.

Monochromatic Color Scheme Explained
A monochromatic color scheme is just like it sounds. This approach to color involves picking one color and then using only that color for the entire room. The key to this color scheme is to use varying shades, from light to dark, of that color. You can also use white in the color scheme, which will help break up the color.

Analogous Color Scheme Explained
A analogous color scheme will include anywhere from two to six different colors in the décor of a room. Here, you use colors that are adjacent to one another on the color wheel. For instance, the color red would use orange or purple as accent colors, since they are the colors next to red on the wheel. Start with your main color first, and then you can choose between you accent colors.

Complementary Color Scheme Explained
The complementary color scheme is one of the more popular approaches to color design. Essentially, you begin with a main color (such as yellow or red) and then go directly across to color wheel to find its complementary color. For yellow, for instance, the complementary color would be in the purple family. For the color green, you would look in the pinks. This can always be played with a little bit. Try mixing the family of colors: it could be green and pink, or it could be green and red.

Triad Color Scheme Explained
Another very popular design for homeowners is the triad color scheme. Here you use three colors that on the color wheel form a triangle together. One triad combination would be orange, green, and purple. Make one of these colors your main color and use the others for accent colors, or choose two colors and then accent with the third.

Remember also that both black and white are neutrals. So you can add them to any color scheme without changing that scheme too much. By playing around with the color wheel and some of these color scheme suggestions, you will be able to come up with some great options for the rooms in your home.

Tags: color, color scheme, color theory, color wheel, coloring, Decorating, interior decorating, interior painting, paint, Painting

When decorating a kid’s bathroom, it’s easy to get carried away. But you do need to be sure that the room is functional as well as fun. You don’t need to undertake a big remodeling project to create a perfect bathroom for a kid. Often, all that’s needed in a great decorating plan that makes sense. When it’s time to decorate a kid’s bathroom, keep in mind the following tips.

Get Your Kid Involved in the Decorating
By giving your child a say in decorating a room, you make it much more likely that he or she will use that room and keep it clean and organized. When it comes to choosing colors and a scheme for the bathroom, consider your child’s opinion (if he or she is old enough). See if your child would be interested in helping you paint or making art projects to hang on the walls. They will be much more enthusiastic about the bathroom if they are involved in any aspect of the decorating.

Always Remember Safety First When Decorating
When designing your child’s bathroom, it’s important to keep issues of safety in mind at all times. It’s so easy to get caught up in planning and implementing the design, and then realize belatedly that you’ve created a safety hazard. This is particularly important for younger kids and toddlers. If there are younger children in the home, remember to add things like a non-slip tub mat and safety latch for the toilet. It’s also a good idea to add safety locks to the cabinets to keep medications out of the reach of little hands.

Be Sure to Add Plenty of Storage and Organization Space
If you want your kid’s bathroom to stay clean, then you need to provide a designated space for everything in the room. By providing your kids with plenty of storage and organization space, you will make it more likely that they’ll clean up than if they don’t have a place to put their stuff. Place smaller bins and baskets in the cabinets and drawers to help organize them. Also keep in mind that your storage and organizational spaces can be decorative ones as well.

Add Style or a Theme with Small Touches
Kids grow up so fast. It’s therefore often smarter to decorate the room in a neutral manner, keeping the walls and flooring plain. You can then add stylish flair to the room with smaller décor items. After all, wallpaper borders and shower curtains can easily be changed later on. Other smaller décor items that will add instant style are towels, baskets, and artwork.

Get Creative with the Decorating
Remember that this is a kid’s bathroom—not your dining room or living room. Therefore, you can get creative—even go a little crazy—with the décor. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when decorating this room. It doesn’t need to match the style of the rest of your décor, particularly since the only people who will probably see it are you and your kids.

Both parents and kids can have a lot of fun decorating a kid’s bathroom. By keeping these tips in mind, you can be well on your way to creating a great kid’s bathroom.

Tags: bathroom decorating, Bathrooms, Decorating, interior decorating, kids bathroom

There are dozens of different design styles that you can choose from when you decorate your living room. It’s important to remember when decorating your living room that you want to like the style and be comfortable in the room, since you’ll most likely be spending a lot of time there. Here are some different living room design styles for you to consider.

Mission Design Style
Built using the traditional materials like oak and cherry wood this style adds a bold and and elegant look to any living room. Started at the turn of the last century, the Mission or Arts & Crafts style has endured for decades due to its simple designs that were a direct response to opulent Victorian area furniture that was popular at the time. Inspired by minimalistic designs of the Japanese, the British and American influences made this style unique blend of East and West. Whether you’re decorating an entire living room or simple a getting a view accent pieces like a Morris chair or an oak coffee table this style is perfect for every home.

Contemporary Design Style
Typically, a contemporary living room will have very neutral colors and elements with just a few pops of color and design here and there. For instance, you might have a dark gray sleek couch in the room with two purple throw pillows added to it. The lines of the room should be kept soft and rounded. You want the room to look very minimalistic. Another approach to a contemporary living room is to keep the colors monochromatic and then add a splash of white here and there to break up the color.

Cottage Design Style
When you use a cottage design style, you want to aim for plenty of color with graceful patterns and lines. Cottage style usually brings floral patterns and pastel plaids to mind. A living room decorated in cottage style should look both comfortable and inviting. Comfortable and plush furniture with puffy pillows work great with this decorating style. Great colors for this design style include: cream, pink, light green, and light blue.

Romantic Design Style
A romantic design style is a great way to create a formal look for your living room. A living room decorated in a romantic design style will use light and airy fabrics. Expect to see a lot a white, cream, silver, and other pastel colors in this décor. You can add a twist to things with some touches of floral. You can also add some interest with a lightly colored area rug or a few decorative pillows. You want the furniture to be delicate and light, and not overbearing in any way.

Eclectic Design Style
If you are having a difficult time settling on just one design style for your living room, consider choosing a few different ones that are your favorites. With an eclectic style, you can incorporate several different design styles into one room. For instance, your walls can appear modern, while your furniture might look like it can from a cottage style room. However, there are certain ways that you should pull the look together. Make the room appear more cohesive by using common colors, textures, or patterns in the décor.

Once you figure out what you want from your living room, you will be able to figure out what design style might be appropriate. For instance, if you want a more formal room, then you might go with something like a romantic design style. On the other hand, if you want a more casual space, then a cottage-styled room might be a better fit. Just remember to find a style you can live with and won’t want to change in just a couple of months.

Tags: decorators, Interior Decorator, interior decorators, living room, living room decorating, morris chair, morris chairs

If you’ve never worked with an interior decorator before, you may find that it’s a real eye-opening experience. While it’s true that not all decorators and the projects are the same, here are a few key tips to consider when working with a design professional.

1. Express Any Ideas, Wants, or Styles You Want for the Project
You need to be sure you clearly communicate to your interior designer your desires for the project—unless, of course, you are giving them free reign to do whatever they want to your home. For instance, if you have a certain style in mind for the décor, then you need to be sure you tell the decorator. Before the project starts, be sure you are both on the same page when it comes to styles, ideas, and what you want. In the end, this will save you both time and money.

2. Set a Firm Budget with the Interior Decorator
You need to set an enforce a firm budget with your decorator or else you may find yourself spending more than you wanted on your décor project. Be sure to stress to the decorator that this certain dollar amount is what you can afford and you don’t want to go over it. Be sure to get this budget amount in writing. Then the decorator can’t come back and say you never told them a specific limit for expenses.

3. Be Honest with the Interior Decorator
Honesty is really important in this situation. If the designer comes up with a plan for the project that you aren’t crazy about, be sure to let them know right away. You don’t want to go along with a plan you’re not happy with just because you don’t want to hurt the person’s feelings. Keep in mind that this is your home and you are going to have to live in it. Not being honest with the decorator about your true feelings for any plans or ideas that come up may be something you end up regretting.

4. Gather Visual Aids for the Decorator If Possible
Try to gather visual aids of what design elements you’re looking for, such as photographs and diagrams of what you want. This is often the easiest way to express to your designer what you’re looking for in terms of design. Handing someone a picture and telling them this is the style you want is always easier than trying to sit and explain it to them verbally.

5. Stay Involved with the Decorating Project
You can’t expect everything to turn out just as you’ve envisioned if all you do is hand the interior decorator a few pictures and leave them alone for a week. This doesn’t mean you have to constantly supervise the work being done, but you need to make sure that you monitor the progress daily to be sure your directives are being followed. When you just let the interior decorator work without regularly checking out the progress, you may find that the result is not what you had pictured.

Working with an interior decorator can be such a great experience, particularly if you yourself have difficulty coming up with great ideas and plans for your home. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be able to make certain that you get the best possible experience with the decorator you have chosen.

Tags: Decorating, decorators, interior decorating, Interior Decorator, interior decorators