About Interior Decorating

How to Care for Bed Linens

2009-07-14T11:11:56Z

Buying bed linens tends to overwhelm me even more that caring for them, especially if I am shopping with my husband. I like to combine colors and patterns versus using same color sets, so sometimes I feel like I am carrying all my existing bed linens with me when I go shop for new ones! And dealing with the "I am not going to sleep in this color linens!" is not usually helping, either.

There are so many different colors, patterns, fabrics, and prices for the linen pieces you need. And for as many different choices available, there are as many different ways of caring for them. Colors must be protected, fibers must be treated just right.

At least we do not need to be puzzled about how to care for each of the linen choices. Read more Tips to Care for Your Bed Linens
Photo: (c) Bed Bath & Beyond

What Should You Put at the End of Your Bed?

2009-07-13T11:11:13Z

If you are fortunate to have a large bedroom you might be wondering what piece of furniture to place at the end of your bed.

Whether you're looking for beauty or function, there are lots of ways to use the extra space. You can find interesting pieces at tag sales or flea markets or choose a special piece for your bedroom.

Depending on the amount of space you have, you're sure to find the perfect piece on our list of the top 10 things to put at the end of a bed.

And if you happen to have a very small bedroom where even a second nightstand is not an option, do not despair. Just think of all the money you are saving by not having to decorate a big bedroom! Read more Top 10 Things to Put at the End of A Bed
Photo: (c) FurnitureGuide.com

Before You Move Into Your New Home

2009-07-11T11:11:01Z

If you are moving into a new home this summer, congratulations! If your new home is a brand new house, and if you are moving from a very organized, Zen-like home, you may not need to do any work at all. Lucky you!

However, more often than not, moving into a new home does require a lot of work. Not many people would describe the moving experience as fun. In fact, I read somewhere than moving homes rates as high of a fear for people in North America as the fear of public speaking and death.

The move to a new home can completely consume your time and energy: the planning, the packing, the moving, the cleaning... And there are always many unexpected challenges, too!

When you arrive in your new home, you're faced with even more challenges. It may seem a small thing to decide where to put the best china or everyday dishes, but after all the work moving out of the old home, the last thing you need is another big decision or another major project. Read more What to Do Before the Moving Truck Arrives: Great Tips for Before You Move Into Your New Home

15 Great Ways to Revive a Boxy Room

2009-07-10T11:11:22Z

Do you live in a little square apartment? Or have a plain, boxy room that is becoming a real decorating challenge?

A lack or architectural features and a feel of being in a box is an unfortunate fact of many modern homes. Entire neighborhoods have "cookie-cutter" homes with identical or similar floorplans, exteriors, and finishing treatments.

You do not have to settle for standard, boring and more of the same. There are many ways to add sparkle to boxy rooms, and here are some of our favorites. From recessed lighting to new baseboards and a contrasting trim - you will be on your way to a great living space in no time. Read more How To Revive a Boxy Room or a Small Square Apartment
Photo: (c) Glenna Morton

Budget (and Beautiful!) Art for Your Home

2009-07-09T11:11:23Z

Looking at bare walls can be boring. Even the words look kind of similar - bare and boring - don't you think?

If your finances have been blown on a move, wedding, furniture, or other necessities, you have to get creative and make some of your own budget artwork.

If you already know what style of decorating you like, you're in luck. It will make it much easier to select subjects, colors, mats, and frames for your art. Read more Add Art to Your Home without Spend a Fortune
Photo: (c) Coral Nafie

Is It Time for New Finials?

2009-07-08T11:11:39Z

Is your drapery treatment fine but the drapery hardware old and tired looking? Instead of changing out the whole window treatment when it's in good shape, freshen up the look by changing out the finials on the end of the rods.

Many homes have a simple round ball at the end of the drapery rod. This is a case where simple can be very boring. If you're changing your home to a Tuscan Style or French Country Style, just paying attention to your finials can bring a dramatic change to your room decor.

You can cover the rod with a tube of fabric or paint it in flat, dull black and cap it off with a black open wrought iron finial. Hang the stationary drapery panels from black wrought iron rings. Voila, an instant (and easy!) change. Read more How To Change the Look of Your Drapery Hardware with a New Finial

Add Art and Design to Your Bathroom Walls

2009-07-07T11:11:43Z

If you miss the look of the wallpaper in a bathroom - do you really? - you can go for an excellent alternative.

Stencils on the walls in a bathroom can be more practical than wallpaper, since the paint could not peel in even the most humid of environments.

You can get creative and try words on the walls to remind you of favourite quotes. You can choose inspiring words, energizing or relaxing, the sky is the limit when it comes to stencilling with words.

If you decide to use patterns, use stencils sparingly as each motif is important. Read more Decorate Bathroom Walls With a Mural or Stencils

Add An Element of Surprise To Each Space

2009-07-06T11:11:39Z

To avoid a boring look, it is good to change your decorating style in the middle of a room. Consider adding one element of surprise in each space.

When you walk into a room that is perfectly decorated you get the feeling that things are just too perfect. And perfect can get very boring very quickly. Sometimes all that's needed is a little surprise - something that doesn't really belong there but adds a touch of whimsy.

In this type of situation, go for the unexpected. Read more How To Change Your Decorating Style in the Middle of a Room

July 4th Holiday Special

2009-07-04T11:11:31Z

If you are doing some patriotic holiday entertaining, be sure not to miss these easy centerpiece ideas. Start with a plant or simple arrangement and add a few flags and a bow. Easy, simple, terrific!

Find ways to use red, white, and blue for holidays and every day, as well as explore some great home improvement projects, decorating info and tips.

Happy 4th of July! Read more Patriotic Decorating Ideas for All-American Homes

Decorating with Denim Blues

2009-07-03T11:11:45Z

Denim jeans are probably your favourite item of clothing. It seems like they go with everything from white and black, to florals, to red and camel. By adding just a few accessories, you can wear the same jeans in the office and later at a chic cocktail party.

Can the same versatility be applied in your home decor? Yes, for sure.

A sofa or chair covered in denim is a good place to start. It's classic, soft, and practically begs you to sit down and stay a while. Choose pre-washed fabrics for the softest feel. And keep your chair out of direct sunlight or you'll find it fading in all the wrong places.

Baskets and wood boxes also fit well with a denim scheme. Use natural wood tones or try painted styles in barn red or navy blue. Denim fits comfortably against walls of white, camel, and yellow. You can repeat the denim blue colors in your window treatments, pictures, and accessories. Read more How To Decorate with Denim Blues