Tag Archives: decorating tips

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips, Part III

Maybe you would like to try something different this year instead of decorating the Christmas tree the way you usually do. Even if decorating together is a tradition, family members can still help with creative decorating ideas. In fact, your loved ones may just come up with some awesome ideas of their own. You can also try some of these ideas: You may decide to use all one color or theme of ornaments. Start with lights and garland that coordinate with the ornaments you would like to use. A monochromatic Christmas tree can be very elegant. On the other hand, … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips, Part II

Once you have your Christmas lights and garland in place, begin fluffing and arranging the boughs on the Christmas tree. This is especially important if you have an artificial tree, because branches can become bent and look less realistic. Once the tree is appropriately shaped, you can begin adding ornaments. Sort through your ornaments and set aside any that need hooks. It is always a good idea to have extra hooks on hand for ornaments or for use with creative decorations. Check for cracks and scratches on glass or ceramic ornaments. Throw away any that are not in good shape … Continue reading →

Christmas Tree Decorating Tips, Part I

Are you ready to put up your Christmas tree and start decorating? Some people already have or are getting ready to do so. I know people that start way early, some that put the tree up the day after Thanksgiving, some who wait until the 1st of December, and still others who barely get the tree in place in time for Santa to stock presents beneath it on Christmas Eve. While decorating the tree can be a lot of fun, and making a plan helps, so try some of these tips to get started: Check your Lights Before you spend … Continue reading →

Affordable Nursery Ideas

Decorating a nursery is more joyful than decorating any other space in the home. Getting the baby’s room ready is an exciting time, the prelude to wonderful new experiences. Of course, you want your baby’s room to be gorgeous, but let’s face it; not everyone has a fortune to spend creating a nursery that looks like a page that fell out of a magazine. That’s okay! Creativity goes a long way. You can create a wonderful, comfortable nursery for your baby without going into to debt to do so. A fun idea, one that will also help stimulate your baby … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: September 17 – 23

It’s officially fall (or autumn depending on the term you prefer). Kids are back in school, the weather is changing along with the leaves, and holidays are on the way. Our focus has turned from summer fun and gardening to home and family and preparing for events to come. We’re already thinking about special occasions that will arrive soon, and there’s no better time to start preparing. Begin by getting all those Weekly Cleaning Chores and Monthly Cleaning Chores out of the way. Then you can move on to something a bit more fun such as decorating and adding some … Continue reading →

Make Your Small Bathroom Feel Larger

While some of these tips may help free up a bit of space, they probably won’t add much in the way of square footage in your small bathroom. Still, they will help make it feel larger and less confining. A great way to make a small bath feel more spacious is to remove shower doors, especially those that are not clear glass. Remove the entire structure, clean the area thoroughly, and hang a shower curtain rod and curtain in its place. While most people close the shower curtain after use to allow it to dry, it is a good idea … Continue reading →

Change the Feel of a Space with these Decorating Tips

Sometimes, a few touches go a long way. Try these tips to change the look and feel of almost any space in your home: Cool Down I’m not talking about the temperature but about the color. If you have a space that’s filled with warm colors, adding a touch of a cool color may help create balance. A burst of blue or silver or even white can help bring the heat down a notch if it is overpowering. Adding a piece of artwork, some accessories, or a couple of accents such as a rug or pillows in cool colors may … Continue reading →

Home Design Trends—Where Do We Go From Here?

There’s nothing like starting your new year out with a home-improvement look that’s on it’s way out. I’ve spent the last week or so discussing decorating trends. I was inspired by a friend who recently created an interior masterpiece (and she doesn’t complain when I come over and drool on her newly tiled floors). My friend is not the only one jumping on the remodeling bandwagon. According to research conducted by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, in the past decade, almost 30 million homes have been “significantly upgraded.” The study revealed that the fastest-growing segment of the market … Continue reading →

Remodeling On A Budget—The Kitchen

I love strolling through home improvement stores and taking mental notes of all of the luxuries I hope to add to my own home… when I win the lottery. Kidding aside, I often bemoan the fact my house lacks the luxurious updates that my friend’s enjoy. I figured it would take nothing short of a financial miracle for me to add the improvements I dreamed of. However, last month I learned how wrong I was. One of the dad’s in my daughter’s playgroup is an architect who happens to have the inside track on how to make remodeling more affordable. … Continue reading →

Spending Valentine’s Day At HOME

If you have a spouse who is employed as a truck driver, traveling salesperson, active duty military personnel, firefighter, flight attendant, or pilot then you may find yourself spending Valentine’s Day at home without a date. If you are lucky, you may be spending it at home with extended family or close friends. If you are like me, you will be spending it with your favorite 2-year-old. My daughter and I are each other’s dates this year… and we are already preparing for the big day. As you “Blues Clues” fans well know–“It’s love, love, love day” and my toddler … Continue reading →