You CAN Teach a Dog New Tricks; or Simple Updates to Old Furnishings

Simple pieces have an advantage over the more extravagant because of their “update-ability.”  Here are a few tips on ways to update simple pieces of furniture in your home, without setting foot in your local Home Depot.

 

Wondering what to do with that plain veneered dresser in your guest room?  Update your pulls with vintage style knobs to change the whole vibe of the dresser, while giving it that quality associated with the past.  You can find knobs and pulls at your local vintage shop, thrift stores, or even better...at estate sales!

 

If your style is more contemporary go for some bakelite knobs, which can be found at a fleamarkets or online at Ebay.  Also looks for knobs in nickel, chrome, Corian, or even rubber to pull off that modern feel.

 

If your style is traditional, look for knobs that have already stood the test of  time.  Typically these knobs will be composed of ceramic, glass, wood, copper, and pewter.  A classic oak or maple  knob could be just what the doctor ordered.  And just what your end table needed.

 

[image by apartment28]

So, You’re Expecting? 8 Style Tips for Preparing the Nursery #Nesting

Congratulations, you’re expecting!  Now what?  If you’re like most parents, you’ll want to have the nursery finished well before your little bundle of joy arrives.  But don’t think you’re limited to pink for Polly or blue for Billy.  

Here are some design tips and tricks for making sure baby’s room is as inspiring for little minds as that Baby Mozart you’ve been playing since your first trimester.

1. Play with colors: try a gender-neutral green or cheery chartreuse as opposed to traditional pinks and blues.

2. Have fun with window treatments: embrace playful animal prints or other happy designs.  

3. Hang a bright mobile over baby’s crib to encourage play and color in the room.  

4. Room Essential: Rocking Chair.  Room Consideration: Day Bed. Just in Case.

5. If your nursery will be minimally furnished, go big with a light fixture or wall art.

6. For a classic nursery, pair pale yellow walls with white furniture and a braided rug.

7. Bold textiles, like an animal print rug or colorful bedding liven up a white-walled room.

8. A floral quilt and assorted pillows can bring together a little girl’s room seamlessly.  

[image by Kenziepoo]

Create an Inviting Space with Simple Items and Deceptively Easy Decorating Techniques

Decorating on a budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for white walls and outdated pieces.  Using some simple techniques, you’ll find thateven with limited funds, you can still create a welcoming space, without blowing the next family vacation.

Tea Party, Anyone? You might have an tiered metal stand stashed somewhere in your kitchen or pantry.  Instead of leaving it to collect dust, display some decorative fruits in it, or maybe some other items you’ve been meaning to show off.  

No Curtains? No problem.  Instead of investing in wall coverings, consider re-purposing old shutters and using them to frame a window.

Digital Artwork?  In the bathroom?  Yes.  Search wallpaper murals for creative decorating ideas for the powder room.

What to do with that hand-me-down chair?  Consider a recovering- depending on the size of the chair, you may be able to get away with smaller amounts of fabric.  Smaller amounts = smaller price.  Consider sewing a small pillow in a playful fabric to complete your project.  

Every heard of Ross or T.J. Maxx?  If you can brave the overwhelming amount of both inventory and shoppers, you may be in for a rewarding surprise when you visit.  The secret is to finding out when deliveries arrive each week.  Shop early and often.  You really never know what you’ll find at these stores.

[Image by Shandi-lee]

9 Home Style Updates You Can Do TODAY!

Need a room re-do in less than 24 hours?  Here are some tips to update a style in any room...right now!

1. Break up dining chairs: use them to flank a side table, or move 2 of them into your bedroom or living room.

2. Update your lamp shades: you’ll be surprised how quickly this small change can make such a big difference!

3. To lighten up a piece of dark furniture, paint a bright color on the inside.

4. Create a collection: whether it be mirrors, picture frames, candles, teacups...and remember, odd numbers often look better grouped together.

5. Decorate your personal space: put as much effort and enthusiasm into your personal spaces as you do into places that others will benefit from.

6. Take an object that is special to you and include it in your study, bathroom, or bedroom to inspire your while decorating.

7. Define a cozy space: hang curtains in a doorway to close off a bigger space or create a more intimate area in a smaller space.

8. Change your light fixture: similar to updating your lamp shades...instead of a traditional fixture in your kitchen, try hanging a lantern instead.

9. Ditch matching pillows: or anything, for that matter.  Remember, decor should “go” together, but it doesn’t always have to “match.”

[image by Ed Bierman]

Affordable Home Style Secrets from the Pros!

Does your living room need a pick-me-up?  Is your bathroom looking a little too blue these days?  Here are some tips from design professionals on ways to update and revive any room in your house!  

Re-cycle your own Items!

 Could those chairs be repainted and used outside?  Can that kitchen table be “coffee sized” and relocated to the sunroom?  Use your imagination and creativity to turn old pieces into updated styles.  

New Uses 

Look beyond an item's traditional uses: try tablecloths as throws, wallpaper as framed art, or an old kitchen chair upholstered and turned into a favorite reading chair...   

Flower Power

Never underestimate the significance of fresh flowers!  Try your local farmer's market for great deals.

Show Your Varied Tastes.

Avoid being “too balanced” or having too many matching sets.  Arrange an odd number of pillows on your couch, or group together complementary colors of candles in different sizes.

Get Creative with Your Bookshelf Settings

Stack books horizontally and vertically for a more playful look!

 

[image by  Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi]