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.

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!

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.

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.

With the current condition of the economy, many people just do not have the money to give their home an entire makeover.  If you have grown tired of the current look of your living room, fabric is a great medium and can be used not only to inject bold color, but add texture as well.  This article offers a few ideas for decorating your home with various fabrics.

Spiff up a table

Whether it’s your living room coffee table that needs a lift or you want to add color in the dining room, fabric is the way to go.  Even if you cannot sew a stitch, you can create a colorful and texture-filled runner for a coffee table or dining room table.

It’s simple to do; just cut a long narrow length of fabric (about 12 to 18 inches wide) and make it one foot longer than the length of the table so that it can drape over the ends.  Use pinking shears to create an artsy look, or fold edges under about 1/4 inch and sew a straight seam which can easily be done by hand.

Give your furniture a whole new look

Have a coffee table that you don’t really use?  Whether it is currently in your living room or put away in storage, you can easily convert it in to a beautiful ottoman.   Simply get a piece of fabric that is two feet longer in length than the table, and a foot wider.  A piece of plywood or foam board, cotton batting and carpenter’s glue is all you need to create a unique and eye-catching ottoman!

All you need do is to hot glue the batting to the plywood or foam board, then wrap the entire thing with the fabric of your choosing.  Once you have this part done, just glue or screw your new “upholstered” piece to the top of the coffee table, and you have an ottoman with character.

Add a splash of color to the walls

If your walls are bare or you just need to add something a bit more colorful to enliven them, fabric is one solution.  Buy a picture frame you like (or use one you already have), remove the picture, and hot glue a brightly colored piece of fabric to the cardboard backing that comes in many picture frames when you purchase them.  If the cardboard is missing use a piece of matting you find at the craft store instead.

This is the perfect way to give your walls color and texture; from abstract or bright geometrics to delicate floral patterns or bold stripes, you can create any look you like for your particular decor theme.

As you can see, it’s easy to add color and texture to your home with fabric.  With a little creativity, you will be able to think of all kinds of ways to use fabrics throughout your home to add impact and give your rooms a fresh, appealing new look.  You don’t have to be a seamstress to add personality to your home!

Nothing is more traditional than French country decorating when it comes to creating a look that is elegant yet casual.  Vibrant yellow makes the room pop, while cornflower blue helps to temper the look with its calming effect.  If you’re looking for a decorating theme that makes your living room beautiful and elegant yet simple, comfortable and inviting, you just cannot beat French country decor.

Yellow walls are the perfect backdrop

When decorating your living room in French country, yellow is the perfect color to set the mood.  If you love the sunny freshness of bright yellow, go all out!  Those who want a more subdued look should consider a softer butter yellow, or even a cream shade with yellow undertones.

Create a light, sunny look or warm cozy appeal

If you’re looking to create a room that is vibrant and filled with light, choose a white sofa and love seat.  This will make the room look bright and airy, offering a cheerful atmosphere.

Those who prefer a look that is a bit more cozy and relaxing may choose to skip the white furnishings and stick with blue, particularly if they choose a more subdued shade of yellow for the walls.

Continue with the theme throughout the room

Every aspect of your living room should be considered when decorating in a French country theme.

For the windows, think blue drapes or curtains that match the rest of the blues in the room.  A blue and white toile pattern is a good choice.  Also, consider tying the curtains back with white or yellow cords for contrast.

Coordinate the throw pillows, blankets and other accessories in your living room so that everything looks pulled together.  If you chose a blue sofa and love seat, consider soft yellow throw pillows with cornflower blue piping around the edges, or even a small floral pattern which incorporates the colors in your theme.

Don’t forget the floor!

Many people forget the floor when it comes to decorating their homes.  The floors are just as important to the completed look of the room as any other element.

Wood floors are particularly suited to the French country look, but don’t worry if you have tile, stone or carpet.  Accent rugs can work wonders when it comes to pulling a look together.  Solid colored cotton rugs placed in strategic areas help to bring the floor in to play, creating a finished look.

Keep accessories to a minimum, using only those things that make an impact in the room.  Freshen up the room with a blue glass vase filled with daisies, tulips and yellow roses.  For the walls, consider simple French countryside prints with shades that complement the room, framed in rustic wood.

Creating the French country look is simple, and lends an air of elegance to your home while being relaxed and inviting at the same time.  When you’re after a look that is easy and comfortable, yet striking and appealing to all who enter, consider the combination of cornflower blue and various shades of yellow.  No other decorating theme speaks “fresh” quite like French country.

In decades past, country decorating could mean anything from Americana to a rustic cabin and anything in between.  Today, contemporary country sparks a whole new feel in your home; the look is refreshed, relaxing and comfortable.  If you love all things country but are looking for something a bit more inviting and trendy, here are a few tips that will help you to achieve the contemporary country look in your home.

Place the emphasis on comfort

You never want guests who visit your home to worry about spilling something or making a mess.  For this reason, it is a good idea to choose washable slipcovers and pillow cases for the sofa or love seat.

Make sure there is plenty of comfortable seating available.  A large square table is the perfect centerpiece for a grouping of furniture; it’s also the perfect place for guests to put their feet up and enjoy the conversation.

A well defined color scheme is essential

In the past, many people used a number of colors when decorating their home in the country theme.  Country blue, sunflower yellow, rustic red, brown shades, gold, warm shades of orange – mixing too many colors can be too much.  A defined color scheme, in which one or two colors dominate, is much more appealing to the eye.

When you begin your decorating with a clear idea of the colors you want to use, it makes the entire process easier.  Choose basic blue and white and then add interest with a splash of terracotta or putty here and there.  Bold stripes of blue and white in furnishings when contrasted with a putty colored floor and stone work in terracotta or other stone shades is striking and beautiful.

In the kitchen, keep it simple

A contemporary country kitchen isn’t what you remember from your grandmother’s house, where roosters and sunflowers ruled the roost.  Today’s country kitchen includes simple surfaces and open spaces.

Shaker-style cabinet doors add charm, while a farmhouse sink adds an authentic touch to the ambiance.  If you have plenty of storage space in other areas or a large walk-in pantry, you may want to eliminate upper wall cabinets altogether for a spacious, clean look.  A few well-placed wall shelves will work wonderfully for storage, especially if ceramic dishes or other attractive kitchen ware is displayed.

White cabinetry and a floor consisting of large blue and white alternating squares is stylish yet offers a vintage appeal that is comfortable and inviting.

Contemporary country decorating leans more toward clean lines

In old-time country decorating, many accents and accessories were used.  Quite the opposite is true in contemporary country decor; clean, uncluttered lines are the rule of the day.  Counter tops should be clear of any items that are not used daily.  Instead of hanging pictures or decorative shelves on the walls and filling them with what-nots, put your dishes on display.

In the living room, use accents sparingly.  The look you are striving for is one that is simple, uncluttered and comfortable.

Light, no-fuss colors and comfortable furnishings provide a look that is relaxed, beautiful, and beckons your guests to sit down and stay a while.