More Ideas for Ceilings

Here is the second article in the series that is all about ceiling treatments and options. If you missed the first article, click here: Ideas for Ceilings. Is there something about your room that just doesn’t feel finished? Or maybe you want a quick update that won’t break the bank or take up a lot of your time. Why not try one of the following ideas to improve the ceiling in your room. 4. Install layered drywall If you want to add some architectural detail to an otherwise boring ceiling, consider installing a layered drywall treatment. This is an especially … Continue reading →

Ideas for Ceilings

Is there something about your room that just doesn’t feel finished? Or maybe you want a quick update that won’t break the bank or take up a lot of your time. Why not try one of the following ideas to improve the ceiling in your room. 1. Add a celling medallion Installing a ceiling medallion is quick, easy and inexpensive. A ceiling medallion is usually installed underneath a light fixture, from an in-ceiling light to a hanging chandelier. Expect to pay between $25 and $85 in the home improvement store for a standard plastic or foam medallion. Plaster medallions are … Continue reading →

What is a Tablescape?

The term tablescape is often used interchangeably with terms like tabletop arrangement or centerpiece. However, a true tablescape is actually a bit more complex. While tablescapes often adorn the center of the table, they are more than centerpieces. They are design plans, an overall look that addresses the entire table or surface as well as its surroundings. Every item is chosen specifically to complement not only other items on the table but also other elements of the space. A tablescape should also incorporate elements of the season or occasion. A breathtaking tablescape display can set the mood for the entire … Continue reading →

Painting Techniques of a Different Stripe

You have probably seen, or maybe even tried, the painting technique of marking off equal width stripes and painting them different colors. Another great look is using the same or a very similar color in different paint finishes to achieve a subtle, striped effect. While these are great ideas, why not bump it up a notch? Instead of just evenly sized, wide stripes, why not mix it up with some narrow stripes or create your own striped pattern? Start by measuring so you know you’ll be able to fit the number of stripes you want on each wall. Mark off … Continue reading →

New and Improved Temporary Decor: Removable Wallpaper & Borders

You may have heard of new products called removable wallpaper, some of which are referred to as “non-wovens.” They have a non-woven fabric backing and are easy to apply and remove. There are other similar products including simple wallpaper borders, some of which can even be re-used if removed properly (gently, and all in one piece). While some people aren’t real big on wallpaper borders, they may find them to be a bit more appealing when living in a bland apartment or other rental, because they can add some color and brighten things up a little without doing any damage. … Continue reading →

Lighter Fare: Window Treatments

In previous articles on lightening up for spring and summer, window treatments were mentioned. Removing heavy drapes and curtains or simply opening them up and adding sheers were some of the recommended changes but if you would like more ideas, read on. If you want to let the sunshine in but have concerns regarding privacy, even during certain hours, consider adding blinds, shades, or matchstick shades to close when privacy is needed. When you want to open the windows or simply let more light in, retract the shades or blinds and use lightweight treatments such as sheers, valances, or window … Continue reading →

Non-standard Doorways and Windows

Determining how you should dress non-standard windows and doorways requires a bit of creativity. Arched doorways and windows, and other different shapes give a home a lot of character, but a hexagonal or rounded shape can leave you wondering how to treat the opening. While you can create treatments that fit the shape, doing so tends to be a little awkward. For windows, it’s usually best to leave the top area open and simply run a curtain rod straight across at the first area in which there are parallel lines, or in other words, just below the rounded or hexagonal … Continue reading →

More Paint Tips

Yesterday, I posted a couple of blogs regarding painting your home’s interior and exterior. I also listed a few popular color choices. Today my sister-in-law (our resident interior designer) called to tell me she read the blogs and had a few more ideas. I often defer to her suggestions so this phone call was not at all unusual. According to my lovely sister-in-law, “Eco-Luxe” is another hot color palette this year. As its name suggests the colors reflect all that is natural. The colors include Wildwood Stables, Giant Sequoia, Spruce Hollow, Water Fowl, Timbermine, Woonsocket Bronze and Bulldog. The colors … Continue reading →

Custom Touches Add Personality to Your Décor

When people approach or enter your home, do they feel your personality? Do they immediately get a sense of what your family is like, or what some of the interests of your family members are? Consider trying some of these ideas to help make your home truly reflect your family: Custom Curtains and Shower Curtains Here is a really cute idea from Home Made Simple. It’s called the Picture Perfect Shower Curtain and it shows you how to display favorite photos by making a customized shower curtain. This idea could also be used as a window treatment, by replacing the … Continue reading →

Whimsical Touches for Plain Bedding & Fabrics

If you had to choose solid colored bedding in order to get the right color, or if you are incorporating hand me down bedding into a younger child’s room, you don’t have to settle for plain, solid bedding or other fabric treatments. There are some really simple ways to dress up plain or existing treatments to give them new life and to add some fun, whimsical touches. Novelty Buttons Check out a local fabric store, craft store or notions section and look at all the cool buttons. They do cost a little more than typical buttons, but there are some … Continue reading →