Think you don’t know what your decorating style should be?  While many of us try hard to conform to what’s “in” or trendy, we all have a decorator within us.  There are many ways you can discover the decorating style inside you, if you pay attention to your surroundings.  Here are a few tips to help you find the right style for your home, and it’s waiting right inside yourself.

Pay attention to your “vibes” everywhere you go

It’s really easy to identify your own personal style preferences.  When you visit a friend’s house or a restaurant, pay attention to how you feel.  Are you relaxed and comfortable?  Do you feel a bit on edge?  Does the environment make you want to stay a while?  Look around you and see if you can identify why you feel the way you do, whether it is the style of the furnishings, the colors used in the decor, or the way the area is arranged.

Realize that you are born with certain tastes

You already have an innate sense of style whether you are aware of it or not.  Think about it; you know what you like in terms of clothes and accessories.  The way you dress demonstrates your distinct taste and style.

When shopping at an antique store or art fair, you respond to certain things.  Pay attention to what those things are.  You are naturally attracted to certain styles and colors, to certain pieces, whether in clothing or art work.  You know what you like, and no one has to tell you.  You also know what you don’t like!

The tastes you have in home decorating have a great deal to do with those things you were exposed to as you were growing up, and to your life experiences. We are all naturally attracted to places that make us feel comfortable and relaxed.

Start consciously noticing your surroundings, and go with your “gut” instinct

In order to really bring out your true decorating style, start paying attention actively everywhere you go.  Whether you are at the office, the grocery store, a restaurant, art gallery, someone else’s home, anywhere, notice everything around you.  Either you like it somewhat, really like it, or not care for it at all.  Never second guess and tell yourself “maybe” you like it.  Go with your first instinct; if you don’t like it, you don’t like it.

Colors, shapes, textures and patterns all play a part in decorating your home.  By paying attention to your surroundings, you will notice those shapes and colors that are truly striking to you, and which you don’t care for.  You can also take a clue from the clothes you wear.  Are they classic, subdued or a bit on the wild side?

Start being more conscious of your surroundings and you will find that it’s easy to discover a decorating style for your home which is comfortable, relaxing and makes you feel most at home, and, of course, it will be a beautiful reflection of your personal taste.

You see the pictures in magazines and online; homes decorated in a look that is oh-so perfect and polished.  No regular person could achieve this look, right? Wrong.  If your rooms seem to be missing something or are a little on the “blah” side, these tips from the pros will help you give your home a whole new look.  Your friends will think you hired a professional designer to come in and re-vamp your residence!

This isn’t complicated, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money.  It’s the simple ideas that we overlook most often.

Never use decorative items simply to “fill up space”

So many people do this.  There is a blank space on the wall that just needs a little something, so you hang a picture or other piece of wall decor.  Never fill a space with anything that fits.  What you choose to hang in that bare spot should be really special or meaningful to you and reflect your personality.  It is better to leave the space empty until you come across something that really strikes you than to fill it with any old thing.  Remember this rule:  If it doesn’t add, it takes away.

Grouped items should follow a theme

Wall groupings, objects placed together on a shelf, table or mantle – these items should always relate to each other or follow a theme.  What you do not want is a hodge-podge look that appears as if you just threw in a little of everything.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that every piece must be a horse or flower.  You might display a horse, lasso and miniature cowboy boots, or you might choose items that all follow the same color scheme.  A lamp crafted of brass, sitting alongside a family picture framed in brass and brass coasters create an elegant touch.

The point is, all items in any type of grouping should follow a theme of subject, color or texture.  All items in a grouping could share a color, such as red or pumpkin, or share a texture such as smooth, shiny or brushed.  Remember this tip when grouping items together in your home, and you cannot go wrong.

Clear out the clutter

Nothing looks worse than a home filled with clutter.  Sure, we all love our little whatnots and knick-knacks, but too many simply collect dust and look messy.  Your focus is to make your home appear beautifully decorating and pulled together, so clutter must go.

If your living room tables and the mantle above the fireplace are filled with small accents, eliminate until you are down to just a few.  In the kitchen, take everything off of the counter top which you do not use on a regular basis.

Are your walls covered with family photos?  Some people hang dozens of smaller pictures on a single wall.  While this holds emotional value, it gives your home a messy, disorganized look.  Split the pictures up and hang groupings of 3 in various places in your home.

These tips will help you create a home that is beautiful, organized and comfortable.  Use these tips from the pros, and everyone will envy your style savvy!

You walls say a lot about your style preferences, individual taste and personality.  Well beyond ordinary pictures and candle sconces, metal wall art gives your home an individual, unique look that ranges from artsy and modern to warm and cozy.  Depending upon the style of decor used in your home, metal wall art can be selected in wrought iron, copper, bronze, and aluminum.  Here are a few ideas that will help you choose which type of metal wall art is right for decorating your home.

Metal wall art creates visual impact for your home

Today you can find clocks, mirrors, wall sconces, candle holders, murals and signs crafted of tin, bronze, brass, wrought iron and more.  Whether your look is elegant, abstract or country and western, there are accessories to suit your needs.  Finding such items is easy; they are available at both high end design stores and at side of the road boutiques.  Just keep your eyes open and you will acquire the perfect selection.

Love an abstract or contemporary look?

Just as abstract thoughts have no definite edge or boundary, the same is true with abstract metal wall art.  No definite shape such as square, round or oblong, just a unique, elegant look that allows the mind to flow when someone gazes at the wall art.

Graphic and geometric patterns combined with sleek lines create a contemporary look.  Bold colors or simple black and white creates beautiful wall art that adds interest and a focal point to the room.  Vibrant hues make contemporary wall art perfect for designing a wall with the look of a fine art gallery.

All things old and traditional – western metal wall art

If you love an old, traditional look with an English flair, western metal wall art fits the bill.  Usually crafted in shades of brown, red and gold, you can find horses, leaves, trees, depictions of the sun and other aspects of nature that bring a warm, rustic look to your home.

Wrought iron offers flexibility and lasting style

Wrought iron wall art never goes out of style, and is suitable for many decorating themes.  Whether you have a country-western style home, or one that is designed with Tuscan style, you will find wrought iron metal wall art beautiful and lasting.

Wrought iron wall art is typically used in homes that are designed in a country-western theme as framing for pictures, candle sconces and even hooks to hang cowboy hats upon.  In the Tuscan style of decorating, you will often find wrought iron wine racks for the wall.  In the living room, a huge mirror framed in wrought iron makes a powerful statement when hung alone on one wall.  This is one metal which is used in decorating that never goes out of style.

Old tin signs for a country style, French café, bistro or primitive kitchen, bronze and aluminum shapes for modern/contemporary styling and wrought iron for just about any style of decor you could imagine.  Metal wall art makes decorating the walls of your home easy and affordable.

Is your deck just a deck, bare of any color or personality?  Many people forget about their decks when decorating their homes, but your deck is actually an extension of the interior.  If you relax or entertain outdoors frequently, why not make your deck as enjoyable and appealing as the inside of your home?  These tips and ideas will help you transform your deck into one that stands apart, and offers privacy and appeal.

Add a quirky or personal touch

If you like a look that leans toward quirky or classic, add a whimsical touch with a monogram on the wall of your home that adjoins to the deck.  A large letter in a bold color that complements the rest of the deck decor is interesting and unique.

Drape a large vinyl “curtain” along one side, pulling it back with a tie crafted of wood or other rugged material for a unique look.  Hanging light fixtures and greenery add further to a setting that is relaxed and private.

You can also consider building walls made from lattice and allow plants to grow up and over, creating a natural curtain which can be adorned with interwoven mini LEDs.

Is elegant your thing?

If you prefer a look that is out of the ordinary, think outside the box.  A table and chairs made of wrought iron and topped with shatter-proof glass is beautiful and elegant.  If there is a tree limb or pergola nearby, hang a chandelier from a limb or rafter to further enhance the look!

Continue the wrought iron theme with candle holders and other accents.  You may want to consider an outdoor fireplace which will add a warm ambiance on nights that are cool and crisp.

Create a warm glow – and a cozy setting

If you enjoy your privacy and prefer a setting that is intimate or romantic, create the look with lighting!  Scattered lighting creates visual interest and intimate spaces.  Hang lanterns if you have a roof over your deck, or buy lanterns that are built on a stand similar to floor lamps.  Scatter candles around the perimeter of the area.

For additional privacy, consider a rock or brick wall along one side of the deck to help block the view from the outside.  Build the wall about waist high; it is the perfect place to set clay flower pots, greenery and candles!

While it may seem impossible, you can actually create a room outdoors that is just as comfortable as those inside your home.  Add comfortable furnishings such as a sofa, chair and tables; hang curtains from rafters.  You can even add throw pillows and comforters, as long as you remember to bring them indoors when weather is bad.  Make sure the fabrics you select for curtains and furnishings are weather-proof.

There are no limits to what you can do with your deck.  Depending on your style preferences and budget, you can achieve any look you like.  Flip through magazines and you will find that there are hundreds of things you can do to make your deck anything but average.

Decades ago, a majority of homeowners wouldn’t dream of mixing patterns.  A living room would be decorated with floral patterns, stripes, plaids, geometric or abstract patterns, but they were never mixed.  Today, mixing patterns is all the rage – but you have to know how to do it correctly to achieve an appealing look.  Mixing patterns adds depth and interest to any room, and gives it a unique style that is rich and beautiful.

One basic color plus white equals eye-catching

You can easily accomplish a beautiful look for any room by using white and a single color, such as blue.  Paint the walls bold blue, add white furnishings and wall hangings with various patterns.  An upholstered white chair embellished with bold blue flowers is striking with striped white and blue curtains on a nearby window.

Throw in an ottoman with geometric blue and white design; add some wall art and you have a spectacular room!

Bold, vibrant color plus various size patterns is striking

If you enjoy a bright, cheerful room these ideas are great for the kitchen.  Mix up shades of bold, dark yellow with orange, deep red and pumpkin shades.  A large hanging for one wall filled with big, bold flowers creates a focal point for the room.

Add further interest with a small-scaled pattern, such as a striped or checked runner for the table.  A bright yellow table and chairs gives the room a lift; add a splash of white here and there with smaller accessories such as a vase filled with white daisies or ceramic whatnots.

Coordinate colors for a look that is soft and pleasing to the eye

In the bedroom, think of colors that are directly across from one another on the color wheel, such as red and green.  Then go a bit further and think of colors with a common hue.  For example, pink is a lighter shade of red, yellow shares a hue with green.  Mix patterns and solids in shades of yellow, pink, green and red for a look that is colorful yet soft.

An easy way to mix patterns in the bedroom is with bedding and throw pillows.  A round, oblong sage green pillow, sold bright pink pillow, square plaid combining all of these colors and a flat round pillow decorated with a huge pink and green flower create a look that is interesting and attractive.

For a pulled-together look that is attention-grabbing, mix patterns of small, medium and large sizes which help to maintain balance.

If you remember to coordinate colors and throw in a good mix of solid colors through walls, floors and furnishings, you can mix and match any patterns you like to create rooms that are far beyond ordinary.

The most beautiful rooms are often those in which you let your imagination run wild.  Be creative, and try out those ideas that are floating around in your head.  You just might find that it’s easier than you think to design rooms that are full of texture and interesting patterns!

If you love the look and ambiance which a European bistro or cafe has to offer, you can incorporate the look in your own kitchen.  The atmosphere is sophisticated while warm and exquisite.  If you’re tired of the current decor in your kitchen and dining room, these tips and ideas will help you create a whole new look that will have guests clamoring to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine.

Select the base colors first

Before you begin purchasing any furniture, textiles or accents, decide what colors you will use.  Buttery yellow, soft tan, and orange and red hues are typically found in a bistro setting, along with black wrought iron accents and furnishings.  Wine tones also work well, as you may decide to use wine bottles, grapevines and grapes in the decor.

For the walls, consider a dusty tan or soft yellow.  These colors are delicate and add to the ambient atmosphere.  Since they are lighter in tone, they will also help prevent the room from looking too dark or small.

Choose seating next

The next biggest feature in the room besides the wall color is your furniture.  Bistro style seating will add further to the appeal of the room; think wood or wrought iron in black or white.  Most bistro style sets are designed on a smaller scale.  A round table that seats two to four people offers an authentic look.  Of course you will want to take the size of your dining room in to account when making this decision.

Add depth to the walls

There are many ways you can go when it comes to the walls in your bistro kitchen.  Generally speaking, you will find artwork depicting wine, cheese, grapes and grapevines; any type of canvas artwork or tin/metal signs with food or coffee work well in this environment.

You may want to consider a small wrought iron wine rack that hangs on the wall; chalkboards offering up the day’s menu also offers an authentic touch.

Accents pull the look together

To finish off the look, consider candleholders, lamps and fruit baskets.  A small table lamp with a dark toned, beaded lampshade adds a romantic, soft look to the room.

Design a beautiful centerpiece for the table by using a basket or glass bowl in an amber shade.  Add plenty of real or artificial fruit which include plenty of plump grapes gracefully spilling out over the edge.

Baskets filled with fresh bread, wine motifs, food, cheese, candles, and cafe style curtains – all of these things meld together to create an atmosphere that is intimate, warm and inviting.  As far as flooring goes, stone, ceramic tile in earthy tones or natural wood floors add to the natural appeal.  Even linoleum is suitable if you use natural, earthy colors and patterns.

Decorating your kitchen in a European bistro style is fairly easy, and will give the room an entirely new look and atmosphere.  Look through magazines and online to get even more ideas, and have fun creating your new kitchen.

Brown may seem like a dull color for decorating, but it can be livened up in so many ways.  When you think brown just think of the expansive spectrum of colors within the family.  Sand and cream shades, copper, beige, chocolate brown and even gold tones all stem from the world of brown.  If your decor is based on brown and you want to brighten things up a bit, this article offers plenty of easy tips.

Contrast with light colors

Nothing is more beautiful than chocolate brown leather furniture, but it can make a room look dark if you aren’t careful.  To offset the deep shade of brown, use accents that include white or ecru.  White window treatments brighten up the room.

Consider painting the walls ecru to make the room look more open and spacious.  Soft white throw pillows and casually placed accent rugs on wood floors add contrast and interest.

Ever considered pink and brown?

Mauve shades are beautiful and rich when combined with brown, especially in a bathroom.  If you have chocolate brown towels and a matching bath rug, throw in some interest with a mauve and white shower curtain.

If your bathroom is large, consider a dark wood vanity topped with pink or mauve and white accents.  A white glass vase filled with pink flowers adds a punch of color.  Overall, use brown tones as the base adding small touches of mauve, white and pink for the best effect.

Animal prints with leather

Back in the living room, leather prints such as leopard look fabulous with chocolate brown furnishings if you like an exotic appearance.  Throw pillows, blankets, rugs and even pictures can bring the look together.

With this decorating theme, brass or gold picture frames, candle holders and other accents add an occasional bright touch.

Love a warm, relaxed look?

If a comfortable, inviting look is what you’re after, decorate using other warm colors found in nature.  A brown sofa and love seat look beautiful with burnt orange, golden yellow, green and rusty red shades.

A large sand colored area rug is beautiful with brown furnishings when edged in bold stripes of burnt orange, red, country blue and green.  Use these colors throughout your decor in throw pillows, candles, wall art and more.

Brown and blue is another beautiful combination, and one that is perfect for those who prefer a modern look.  Light blue geometric or abstract patterns splashed on throw pillows and other accents liven up the look, adding a contemporary appeal.

As you can see, there are dozens of ways to liven up a home that is based on brown shades.  Don’t throw out your furniture – just add a few accents, paint the walls and you have an entirely new look!

Use your imagination and create a look that is uniquely yours.  Nearly any colors work with brown, so have fun decorating your home with color.

The kitchen is the heart of many homes; it’s where families enjoy meals and time together.  Guests also tend to congregate in the kitchen, so you want it to be as beautiful and inviting as possible.  If your kitchen/dining area has had the same old look for a while and you’re ready for a change, this article offers some helpful tips and ideas.

Start with a fresh coat of paint

Your walls and ceiling are the “canvas” of your kitchen.  Before you do anything else, freshen them up with a coat or two of paint.

Ceilings look best when painted in a flat white.  This makes the room appear airy and open.  For the walls, choose any color that suits the decorating theme you have in mind.  Always remember that dark colors absorb light, so if your kitchen is on the small side you may want to stick to light paint colors.

You don’t have to use white of off-white for the walls; in fact, a bright cheery yellow, soft orange or sage green may be perfect, depending on the look you want to achieve.

Keep the cabinets in mind

If your cabinets are wood, keep their color in mind when shopping for paint for the walls.  The last thing you want to do is paint the walls a color that will clash with the cabinets.

The cabinets can be given a makeover as well if you cannot afford new ones.  If they’re wood, simply sand the varnished layer off, paint with white wood primer, and then finish with any color you like.  Adding new knobs and hardware will also freshen up the look of your cabinets.

If you like a rustic, worn look then simply sand around the edges after painting your cabinets.  Focus upon those areas where they would naturally “wear”.

Dress up the floors

Kitchen flooring can be expensive, but if you can afford it the beauty added to your home is priceless.  There are all kinds of options from ceramic and stone tiles to hardwoods, laminates and vinyl.  If you can install it yourself, you will save about half of the total cost.

If you cannot afford to replace your kitchen floor, consider painting it instead!  Not many people realize it, but you can paint old linoleum or vinyl.  Give it two or three coats of paint, then add about 3 layers of a protective top coat.  You can even stencil “patterns” on the floor before you add your top coat; just paint those patterns in colors to match your decor.

Once you have completed your remodeling project, clear out the clutter.  Clutter makes rooms look messy.  Clear the counter tops of any small appliances that you don’t use often.

Add an accent rug by the door if you have an entrance in your kitchen, and one in front of the sink area.  Decorate the walls, add a fresh new centerpiece to the dining room table and you’re done!  You have an entirely new kitchen, and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Decorating an apartment can be a challenge.  Some landlords aren’t too happy when you make changes such as painting or replacing window treatments, while others don’t mind as long as you ask them.  If you’re ready to make your apartment your own so that it reflects your personality and style preferences, here are a few easy ideas that will help you accomplish the task.

Paint the walls if it’s allowed

The easiest way to give your apartment a fresh look is with wall color.  If your landlord agrees, use bright colors to make the spaces look larger.  A bold splash of yellow or pale melon on a single wall gives the room a fresh, cheery appeal.

Use wall art to make a statement

Blank walls are boring; to put it mildly.  Inject depth and interest into the living room by adding wall decor with a rustic, old time feel.  If you cannot afford to buy pictures or prints for the walls, make them yourself!

Take your own photographs and have the ones you like best enlarged.  Consider using a sepia or black and white finish for a unique look.  Purchase inexpensive picture frames made of wood or metal to complete the look.  You may even consider crafting the wood frames yourself, or giving the ones you purchase a worn finish by sanding and whitewashing.

Think outside the box when it comes to furnishings

One thing you want to avoid, especially if you have a small apartment, is bulky over-size furniture.  Consider sleek furnishings that are designed on a smaller scale, even low-flung sofas and chairs with no arm rests.  Large throw pillows are perfect for extra seating when you have company; after they leave, simply stack the pillows in a corner for a punch of color.

Salvaged items can be used in a variety of ways.  One way to create a unique coffee table is to use an old wooden door.  Paint it, sand it, give it a fresh coat of stain or create any look you like.  Use large terracotta pots as the “legs” for the table, and you have an interesting yet beautiful conversation piece.

Make your apartment appear larger with this easy trick

Find an old window, preferably one without the glass.  Have a mirror cut to fit the window frame, and then hang it on the wall directly across from the existing window.  Hang curtains around the mirrored “window”, and even add a shelf below it to create a makeshift window sill.  Instant window – and the reflection of light in the mirror will make the room appear much larger than it really is.

These are just a few tips that will help you create a look for your apartment that is fresh, appealing and totally original.  Your apartment doesn’t have to look like every other apartment in the building!  With a little creativity and a few great finds, you can decorate your apartment in fresh style without spending too much money.   Most importantly, have fun, and enjoy your living spaces.

A bedroom that has been decorated in bold, rich colors is warm and inviting – and perfect for inducing sleep.  On the other hand, it can look as dark as a cave because of the colors you chose.  How can you retain the ambient, relaxed atmosphere of the room and still cast a little light on the subject?  This article offers some helpful tips and ideas that will allow you to put a few bright spots in your cozy bedroom.

Years ago, people wouldn’t dream of decorating a bedroom in warm shades of pumpkin, chocolate brown, rust, mahogany or dark blue.  Now, it’s all the rage.  Intense color for bedrooms is in, and the look is rich, elegant and appealing.

Be absolutely certain before you paint walls a dark color

If your bedroom is on the small side, it will look even smaller when you paint the walls a deep shade of burgundy or pumpkin.  While the look is beautiful, you may want to stick with a rich medium beige or gray tone for the walls.  Neutral colors tend to make deep, dramatic colors pop.

Flood the room with light, both natural and artificial

One of the easiest ways to let light in to the room is to use window treatments that are light in texture and color.  Dark colored curtains will block some of the natural light so you may want to consider shades or blinds which you can open fully during daylight hours.

The artificial lighting you choose is important as well.  Bedside reading lamps on a nightstand, accent lighting to showcase wall art, and strategically placed floor lamps help add to the ambience while lightening up the mood a bit.  Keep in mind that dark colors absorb light, so it will take more light to compensate for the dark colors in the decor.

Even small accents can make an impact

If you do have dark burgundy walls or for that matter any dark shade, why not display that hip artwork you love so much?  A dark wall is the perfect backdrop for wall art consisting of bright, bold colors.  Abstract paintings, geometric designs, even bold, brightly colored floral prints look amazing against a dark background.

While it may seem minor, removing the clutter from a room will make it appear brighter, simply because it is more open and spacious.  Take away all of the small knick-knacks, and remove tables or other items that aren’t necessary.  The more open you keep the floor, the more spacious and airy the room will appear.

Hang a mirror framed with wood, brass or a gold finish on the wall for additional light.  The mirror will reflect not only the natural and artificial light, but the room itself, making it appear brighter and more open.

Even when you love deep, rich shades for the bedroom don’t be afraid to use small touches of lighter, complimentary or contrasting shades occasionally for an added pop.

These ideas will help you lighten up the overall appearance, while keeping the rich, romantic and elegant look intact.