Is your home decor drab or lacking in color?  This House Beautiful article is here to save the day! Conquer your fear of color with these tips for home decorating.  Spruce up your bathroom design with a splash of brightness by incorporating colorful bathroom accessories or switching up your bathroom wall color.  Break out of your shell and be adventurous with your decor in all areas of your home by implementing some or all of these tips.
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Whether you want orange in the entry or blue in the bathroom, here are some of our best tips to brighten your home.

Start Small

If you’re afraid to go bold, try starting in the smallest room. It’s not as much of a commitment, plus you’ll spend less time and money. This tiny — but cheery — bath in a New Jersey home makes a strong statement. “Powder rooms are places where you can gild the lily. We used a loud geometric in a bright ocean blue to give it a slightly over-the-top feeling,” says designer Mona Ross Berman. Wallpaper is Recessed from Studio Printworks.

Temper Hot Colors With Cool Ones

Because orange can be too intense on its own, Berman added blue accents in the mudroom. “It’s such a welcoming color. Orange feels like a younger, fresher version of red,” she says. “But it can be a hot color, and I needed a little bit of cool as balance, to cut through the heat.” Wall color is Benjamin Moore’s Fresno. Anchor pillow by Jonathan Adler.

Balance Glossy and Matte Surfaces

In this Beverly Hills living room, designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard choose Jean de Merry slipper chairs in Schumacher Sargent Blush silk taffeta. “Silk enriches every hue,” he says. For every glittering color, however, there has to be a matte one to offset it: “You must balance the ethereal with the earth.”

It’s Okay to Mismatch

For the kitchen of a Missouri lake house, designer Rhoda Burley Payne’s client choose a pistachio Aga range. Unsure what to do with the cabinets, Payne decided to paint them in a similar color. “We did them in a green that blended, but didn’t match.” Subtle differences in hues make for a more sophisticated palette. The cabinets are in Benjamin Moore’s Everglades, thinned to a stain so that the grain of the pine shows through. Wall tiles are by Flores Grandes.

Keep Pink in Check

To create a modern living room for a Capitol Hill row house, designer Barry Dixon choose a pink and brown palette. “It’s both masculine and feminine. They set each other off,” he says. The dark browns keep the pinks from appearing too frothy. The French Club Chairs are by Niermann Weeks and a Tuscany ottoman is by Stewart Furniture. Bell lantern by Chameleon.

Choose One Color, But Use Many Hues

Creating an idyllic bath for a Long Island home, designer DD Allen choose a blue palette but did not limit herself to one shade. The custom watery blue of the polished Venetian plaster walls picks up the blue in the floor tiles. Waterworks Classic Undermount tub. Venetian Plaster by JJ Snyder Studio. Architecture by Michael Pierce.

Add Contrast to a Neutral Palette

To make the master bedroom of this Alabama home more dynamic, designer Betsy Brown choose bright white bedding and a white lampshade. “A room of creams and beiges needs something stark and shiny white. You have to interject elements that add intense personality,” says Brown. Walls are Rockport Gray by Benjamin Moore. Saber Leg ottoman by Formations. Cashmere blanket from Suite Dreams.

Source: House Beautiful

Now that it’s autumn, it’s time to consider revamping your home decor style.  The latest fall trends are in and a rustic-refined mix seems to be the latest hit for the season according to this Detroit News article. These latest fall trends can spruce up your home decor, especially within the bathroom. Enhance your bathroom design with some rustic or nature-inspired bathroom accessories and you will be set  for the season with a fabulously decorated bathroom.
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The change of seasons is a good time to gauge what’s happening in the world of home decor, especially if your surroundings could use a little boost. Jackie Schwartz, owner of Home Interior Warehouse — Furniture and Design in Walled Lake, shares some hot options for the home this fall.

“There is a significant trend of mixing rustic and refined furniture and accessories in a room,” says Schwartz, whose store is celebrating its 21st anniversary in October. For instance, you might pair a classic sofa silhouette with rustic tables that are family-friendly.

More distressed looks are in but paired with sophisticated, dressier accessories such as mirrored pieces, beautiful pillows and even antique mirrors. Even light fixtures are mixed.

“We are seeing very casual iron-look lighting fixtures adorned with crystals,” Schwartz says. French-inspired accessories, such as pillows with French writing, are popular this season. “We are seeing more artifact-inspired accessories. There is a focus on anything worn and weathered with a little glitz mixed in,” she says.

Nature-inspired accessories, specifically botanicals and birds, are another hit.

Neutrals with grey and taupe are very strong. “Grey is the new brown in home decor,” Schwartz says. “If your personal style calls for color … it’s all about red.”

The key to remember is that a little red goes a long way and the hues can be mixed. Anything from wine shades to plum and lipstick red work well for accessories, accent pieces and accent walls.

“Red makes such a strong impact,” Schwartz says. “Even in a neutral palette, adding a few red accents can create a sense of warmth.”

For instance, even a bland piece of furniture flanked by red lacquer urns will make the room come alive.

For faux floral arrangements, it’s all about being natural. “We love the variety of high-quality silk flowers that are botanically correct,” she says. “Single elements in a vase are popular now vs. a traditional bouquet. Clean, simple and dramatic use of one kind of flower is popular, too.”

When it comes to patterns, anything animal print continues to be strong. Schwartz has seen a rise in demand for woods. “Hardwood flooring is more mainstream; it’s available at every price point,” she says. “People are paying more attention to their floors and walls as a backdrop for their furnishings and accessories.”

For the full Detroit News full article click here.

Don’t fret if you have a small living space, this eHow article is just for you!  No matter the size of your walls and rooms, this article teaches you everything you need to know about home decor ideas for small areas.  Learn how to be more efficient with the space that you have and decorate it accordingly.  You can also apply these ideas to your bathroom decor.  Whether your bathroom is large or small, there’s plenty of different bathroom decor ideas that you can incorporate into your bathroom design. Embrace the following decor ideas for small spaces to revamp your home and bathroom today!
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Small spaces create challenges for those living in them. People worry about small spaces feeling cramped, but the trick to making a small space warm and inviting begins with careful consideration of the walls. Knowing the right colors for the walls, utilizing as much as possible of the available space, and following a sense of boldness in the decor can actually make decorating a small space fun and rewarding.

Colors

While it is true that lighter colors can make spaces feel larger, it isn’t necessary to paint a small room solid white. In fact, using a variety of colors and textures on your walls can liven up your place and give it extra charm. You can layer colors by using different shades of the same color for a sense of variety.

Use paint or wallpaper to add decorative elements to your walls. Horizontal stripes force the eye to observe the length of the room, making it appear larger.

Choose one wall and paint it a color that draws from another piece in your décor, suggests Home and Garden Television. This color connection will give the space a sense of harmony.

Boldness

Small living doesn’t need to be too safe. If you have a favorite piece of artwork, display it. The most important thing to remember when decorating is keeping things to scale. When working with walls, look at the objects in your room as well as your windows. Use artwork that isn’t so large that it overwhelms a room. Similarly, don’t use pieces that are so small, they look like miniatures rather than art you wish to proudly display. Use collections to make different areas in the room feel unified.

Mirrors are nice additions to small rooms because they visually enlarge spaces. One way to make any room feel larger is to line the wall opposite a window with mirrors, says House Beautiful.

Efficiency

Small spaces demand you think efficiently when decorating, and this includes what you put on your walls. Use pieces that offer you double usage. Shelves are not just useful; they are decorative if you use them for displaying items as well as books. They are also versatile, in that you can place them high on a wall and make use of otherwise unused space. Floating shelves replace small tables that can take up space. Don’t forget shelves that fit above doors and below windows to help you keep things organized.

Hanging storage areas are also winners in small spaces, as they can be decorative and functional.

Source:  eHow

Now that the summer is nearly over it’s time to start thinking about your home décor.  The time has come to start replacing your summer decor with autumn decorations and accessories. This freshome article is full of great autumn decorating ideas that can be used throughout your entire home.  Remember to also change up your bathroom decor by adding a fall themed shower curtain, autumn colored bath mats, and seasonal bathroom accessories like soap dispensers and tooth brush holders.
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The return of cooler temperatures, fall colors, and nature changing before our eyes is all the evidence we need that autumn is officially here.  Adding autumn touches of décor to your home will help you transition into the new season with excitement of the passing of the year. From the exterior to the interior of your home, fall décor colors can be rich and robust or subtle and subdued.  Choose your style and see how these 15 decorating tip and ideas will make you want to jump into a pile of leaves to celebrate autumn!

1.) Display artwork that depicts fall themes/colors: In your front foyer or located on a predominate wall; fall artwork can change the mood in your home instantly.  Consider nature themes with fall colors in oranges, rusts, and golden yellows. If you prefer more abstract art, oil paintings with browns, reds, and burnt umber will make a statement without being obvious.

2.) Dining room table centerpieces/settings can welcome in fall: Depending on if you want to go formal or casual for your table, choose colors that reflect your home décor and the season.  Consider using red and yellow apples for an informal organic and edible centerpiece.  Remember, the centerpiece doesn’t have to be stagnant, add or detract from it throughout the season for added visual interest.  For more formality consider place settings and table linen that has hints of fall colors and themes.

3.) Dress up your front porch with fall inspiration: Use tall corn stalks, raffia, or straw to wrap around entry porch columns and mailboxes. Use thick colored ribbon in deep oranges and browns to contrast with the straw. Carry these same materials into lanyards or garlands around your front door and entry.

4.) Use your fireplace to showcase seasonal décor: Your fireplace mantel has been waiting for this season! Whether you look in your yard, or you travel to an arts and crafts store, dried leaves and pine cones make great décor. Small pumpkins, gourds or dried leaf vines, and colorful candles will brighten your mantle and spirits.

5.) Cooler temperatures mean cozy sitting areas: As the temperatures begin to fall, bring out the fall colored throw blankets to place on couches or in adjacent baskets. Complimenting fall colored throw pillows will complete any cozy nook for you cuddle up and enjoy a good book.

6.) Bring the aromas of fall into your home: Fall decor can be visual but it also involve your other senses like smell.  Pumpkin pies, cinnamon apple cider, and first burning of your fireplace are all welcome aromatic ways to make your home feel full of autumn inspiration. Consider using  candles, incense, or boil a pot of spices – cinnamon sticks, cloves, and nutmeg to instantly transport your home into fall mode.

7.) Use your imagination with fall D.I.Y. projects: Fall is the perfect time to visit home improvement stores and arts and crafts stores for inspiration. Look for workshops and home decorating tips being offered for free at these locations.  Fall decorating cable television programs on home improvement networks are also a good resource for grabbing inspiration.

8.) Fill jars with seasonal colored items: For simple and inexpensive display items, fill mason jars or decorative glass jars with candy corn, or other colorful novelty items.  Try filling various sizes with colorful dried beans, or healthy after school snacks for the kids.  Décor can be functional and beautiful!

9.) Welcome guests with a beautiful autumn wreath at your front door: Simple grapevine wreaths are gorgeous on their own.  If you prefer more adornment consider adding pine cones, leaves, berries and corn husks to your wreath.  If you have a large home with many windows that face the entry of your home, consider placing matching wreaths hung from these windows as well.

10.) Bring fall to the exterior of your home with light: Luminaries are not just for the winter holiday season, they are perfect for fall too as the sun starts to set earlier in the afternoon. Battery powered candles placed inside paper bags with sand in the bottom, makes perfect luminaries.  For the traditional type, place candles inside bags and light individually at dusk.

11.) Change slipcovers over furniture for simple color change: Colorful slipcovers can quickly and inexpensively add color to any room.  Slipcovers can be formal or casual depending on the weight of the fabric and color. Decide on which fits your décor, and consider formal dining room chair slipcovers, as well.

12.) Alternate accessories in individual rooms: Add fall colors to every room in your house by changing throw pillows, area rugs, bed and bath linen to fall colors that blend with your décor. Try grouping small pumpkins on a kitchen counter top to add instant color and fall inspiration to an ordinarily boring counter top.

13.) Start preparing for Halloween: Whether you celebrate this holiday or not, the colors and symbols can be incorporated in your home decor inside and out. Use pumpkins and  shades of orange and black throughout your home to get ready for this holiday in October.  If you opt out of the scary Halloween theme, throw a festive ‘welcoming autumn’ party to have neighbors and kids welcome in the passing of the seasons.

14.) Plan fall activities with family: The fall is a great time to celebrate homecomings for school sports, attend sporting events and pick apples in orchards! Involve your family and enjoy the outdoors before the cold winter creeps up on us!

15.) Hang heavier drapery and curtains: Now that the cooler temperatures are settling in, prepare your home by switching out the lighter fabrics for heavier ones.  Deeper colors and heavier fabrics will feel warmer and hold more air out of the room.  Changing to fall shades to match your decor will bring instant color from floor to ceiling.

Enjoy the fall with these 15 decor tips and ideas.  Bring in warmth and enjoy your home before it is bustling with activity for the winter holiday!

Source: freshome

Are you looking to add more personality to your bathroom? An easy way to do so is by decorating your bathroom shelves.  You can add a lot of different items to give your bathroom a more personal touch.  You can add things like candles, sea shells, decorative hand towels, and more.  The opportunities are endless and I found this great doityourself.com article that provides excellent bathroom decor tips for your bathroom’s shelving.  Discover the following bathroom decor tips and incorporate some or all of these ideas into your current bathroom design.
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Although a bathroom is used for a limited period of time daily, it does not mean that they should not be decorated. Particularly, if lot of people visit your home, then it becomes necessary to decorate your bathroom aesthetically. If your bathroom is spacious, then it can be decorated in many ways, but the task becomes challenging when space is limited. This problem can be resolved by installing bathroom shelves in appropriate places, and placing decorations on those shelves.

Try some of the tips given below to decorate your bathroom shelves in an economical way:

Items that Can Be Used For Decoration:

* Colored bottles of various shapes
* Feng Shui items
* Candles
* Hand towels
* Synthetic plants
* Glass bowls
* Gel beads
* Acrylic crystals
* Towels
* Robe/towel hooks
* Lava lamps
* Porcelain/Terracotta sculptures or dolls

Decorating Bathroom Shelves

* Depending on the color scheme of your bathroom, purchase or find some colored bottles. Place them on the shelves and instantly add colors to your bathroom. Capped bottles can also be used for storing perfumes, bath oils or salts.

* Feng Shui items, such as bamboo plants, not only increase the energy flow in bathrooms, but they also spruce up its looks. Bamboo plants do not require much care or sunlight. Hence, they can be placed on indoor shelves to enhance the overall look of the bathroom.

* Placing scented candles on bathroom shelves serves two purposes – they look pretty on shelves and when lighted, create a soothing ambiance in which to take long, relaxing bubble baths.

* If the shelves are installed closer to the sink, then place some colored towels on them.

* Since bathrooms do not get ample natural light and become humid when used, live plants cannot be placed on the shelves. Instead, place synthetic decorative plants on the shelves to add that touch of green.

* Crystal glass bowls give a rich look to a decor. Place them on shelves or near the sink.

* If you have guests staying over at your place, you can fill a large crystal bowl with water and decorate it with petals and floating candles. Acrylic crystals or gel beads can also be placed in crystal bowls to give a classy look to your bathroom.

* Small bathrooms usually do not have hooks or hangers for placing towels and robes. Install decorative hooks below the shelves for this purpose.

* Do you enjoy long bubble baths during evenings? Apart from scented candles, placing a lava lamp on one of the shelf will heighten the overall experience.

* Beautiful and small sculptures made of  terracotta or porcelain dolls can be placed on the topmost shelf to create an earthy feel.

Source:  doityourself.com

Wishing that you had larger rooms in your home?  Some people may feel limited in their home decor options when it comes to small rooms, but that does not have to be the case!  Whether your living room, bedroom, or bathroom is smaller than average, there are plenty of decor ideas available out there.  For example, in a small bathroom, you should minimize as much clutter as possible.  Your bathroom design and decor should follow a certain theme and remember that dark colors make any room look small.  Follow these Decorating Sense decorating tips and you will be on your way to finding small room decor success in no time!
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Whether you live in an apartment, sold your house for a condo in the city or simply have smaller rooms in your home, decorating areas with limited space can be a challenge. But by following some simple rules, you can easily utilize the space you have while still projecting your personal style.

“Small rooms are not lost space,” comments Shari Kagermeier, academic director of interior design, The Art Institutes International Minnesota. “Planning ahead ensures the room is functional and utilizes organizational elements that can cut the clutter to create a clean look that makes the space appear larger.”

Here are some ideas to consider when decorating a small room:

Plan Ahead

Think about what function you want the room to have. Will it be a guest bedroom, an office, a reading den or an exercise room? Once you determine how the room can function, you can start deciding on furniture and other decorative elements.

Cut Clutter

Nothing makes a small room look smaller than clutter. A wall full of pictures or tables full of magazines give the visual effect that the room can’t hold everything that it should, and therefore looks smaller in size. Remember that openness and neatness create a space that looks larger.

Furniture

The key to choosing furniture is to make sure it is size appropriate and multifunctional. Overstuffed chairs and couches are better for larger rooms while a loveseat or rocking chair might be better for small spaces. Measure the room before you choose furniture to make sure it will fit.

Also look for pieces that serve multiple purposes so you can stay organized and remove clutter. End tables and shelves often have built-in drawers for storage. Even couches are multifunctional. For example, Natuzzi offers sofas that have a comfortable pull-out bed without the typical center support bar. Additionally, the sleeper sofas are designed for easy opening and a clutter-free sleeping space. Not only do the upholstered components remain attached to the bed as it unfolds, but built into the sofa frame are storage areas for pillows, linens or other useful items.

Decor

Accent pieces are a good place to add color and patterns to your small room. From casual-country to Asian-infused, develop your room theme through the decorative details. Remember to minimize decorative pieces to eliminate a messy look. A vase, one piece of wall artwork and several accent pillows will add a lot of style without overdoing it.

Lighting

A small room needs to be adequately lit because light does a lot to visually open up space. If you are able, consider built-in lighting such as track or recessed elements. If not, use lamps that are smaller sizes and do not have large shades.

Thick and heavy curtains keep out the natural light, so light and airy curtains are key for smaller rooms. Another popular trick is to decorate with mirrors. This not only makes the space appear larger, it helps reflect the light throughout the room.

Color

Dark colors and intricate designs are not suitable for the walls of smaller rooms. When painting, choose a lighter color that opens up the wall space and also reflects the light in the room.

For the full Decorating Sense article click here.

Part of the fun of owning a home is the opportunity to make it your own. Redecorating rooms in your home is a great way to freshen it up, change your mood as well as the rooms, and add your own personal design style. Bathroom decorating is no different, but there are so many aspects you can change and tons of options to choose from. If your bathroom needs redecorating but you aren’t sure what you want to do, this is a great article for you from bathroomdecortips.com.

Bathroom Decor – What To Do

Decorating is something which can be fun to do and change the entire look of your home without remodeling. The bathroom alone offers a wide array of decor options, any of which can give your bathroom a welcoming new look. A new shower curtain can change the look of your bathroom with one simple addition. A lot of people will take on remodeling when they want to make a more drastic change to their bathroom such as new sinks or cabinets for the room.

Making Changes to Your Bathroom Decor

It has long been known that shopping can improve your mood – thus the phrase “retail therapy”. If you are shopping with a goal in mind, then you won’t be purchasing things which will do nothing for you, which will save wallet. It can be hard to determine sometimes which items are important and which are simply a waste of your time – unless you have a certain decor decided upon for your bathroom. You should first come up with a plan for your bathroom’s new look, then go shopping and stick to the bathroom decor plan you have decided upon.

Bathroom Accessories – So Much to Choose From

A lot of people are simply unaware of the possibilities offered to them by bathroom decorating; nor do they realize that this room can be both fun and inexpensive to redecorate. Depending how much effort and time you are willing to put into your bathroom’s look, this investment will vary. There are many choices for fun and attractive bathroom accoutrement which can completely change the look of your bathroom. You no doubt have a bed and bath shop in your area which sells many different items for your bathroom decor – shopping at these locations can be a fun and interesting experience.

One option many choose is replacing their toilet seat with a more decorative option. Although a lot of people don’t really think of a toilet seat when they think of bathroom decor, a decorative toilet seat can accent the decor of your bathroom. There are a lot of possibilities which combine functionality with an exciting look which fits your decoration scheme. These seats come in many different styles, even fun ideas like animal themes!

Other bathroom decor accessories give you a wide spectrum of possibilities too. Shower curtains are available in nearly any color and patter you could imagine. You can find one in a design which is perfect for you. Redecorating your bathroom can be fun and easy. It doesn’t matter what decor or color scheme you are looking for in your bathroom, you can find it either on the internet or at your local bed and bath store.

Source: Bathroom Decor Tips

Do you feel like your bathroom needs redecorating or renovation? Are you having trouble deciding where to start? Trust me, you are not alone. I spend a lot of my time scouring the internet for bathroom decor ideas and new decorative bathroom accessories for homeowners like you.

During my search I found this Inviting Home article that offers a number of great tips for anyone looking to revamp their bathroom, so I figured I’d share it. Hopefully this will help you formulate a plan and bring you one step closer to your dream bathroom.

Bathroom Decorating

There are a lot of simple things you can do when decorating your bathroom to give it a special touch and add vivid personality. For example, when you change the color of the towels in the bathroom, you can transform the feeling completely.

Just like with kitchen design, the bathroom’s hard surfaces should be balanced by soft touches. A tiled bathroom can be softened with a stack of terry-cloth towels on an old wooden towel rack. You want to create a bathroom where you can clearly wash away your tension and worries and emerge rejuvenated.

The contrasting textures of the water, the soap, the towel, the flower bouquet in the front of the mirror, potted plants in a clear glass containers, and the light coming through the window all play together to create a unique, fulfilling textural experience.

To contrast the many hard surfaces of a bathroom, soften hard edges with a simple white eyelet shower curtain made of the same fabric as the curtains for the bathroom windows. Fluffy white towels stacked on a stool or chair and hanging from a towel bar, and two hooded hanging terry-cloth robes, will complete the atmosphere of endearing innocence, providing a subtle pattern that does not intrude upon a bathroom’s simplicity.

Bathroom Decorating Tips

1. The stone’s natural variations provide a visual contrast to the smooth, crisp white tub and crown molding. Classic style, graceful curves and green plants create a relaxed garden-like setting in this bathroom. A little extras make the bathroom complete. Aromatherapy candles set a romantic mood and produce therapeutic scents.
2. Adding architectural details like ribbed columns and large crown molding will give you results that are anything but ordinary. Beautiful wood carving with scrolled leaf design applied above the bathroom window creates interest and enriches the bathroom’s textures.
3. A soft swags of the bathroom’s window treatments and fluffy colorful towels will soften-up the appearance of hard and shiny surfaces in the bathroom.
4. You can enhance the bathroom’s textures and introduce color by hanging framed art above the bathtub. The moister-resilient wallpaper with horizontal stripes will also make a bathroom ceiling appear higher.

Source: Inviting Home

Are you an outdoorsy person?  If so, you’ll love these home decor tips I found over at freshome.  Bring the outdoors into your home with plants, natural lighting, earthy fabrics, and even fruit!  It’s time to get creative and leave your drab decor behind.  A really great and cheap solution for the summer season would be to hit the beach and bring home some sea shells, sand, and even rocks to add to your outdoor decor theme.  Also, don’t forget to bring the outdoors into your bathroom by changing up your bathroom accessories, like shower curtains and soap dispensers.
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The outdoors has a natural appeal to humans. The sky, earth, water, and other outdoor elements make us feel refreshed, calm, and one with the earth. How do we get these elements from the outdoors, inside of our home? The obvious way is by bringing plants into our living space. Although, a wonderful idea, here’s 10 other simple ways to bring the outdoors in.

1.) Bring in Natural Fibers, Textures and Patterns: Wicker, Rattan, Hemp, and Jute are all materials that are inspired by nature. Choose these materials in your furniture for a comfortable oasis to relax. In decor – baskets, rugs, and even lampshades will bring the outdoors to your relaxing space.

2.) Use colors that are inspired by the outdoors: Green’s remind us of the earth, grass and plants. Blues are refreshing like water and the sky. Yellows evoke a sense of freshness, like the sun and fresh flowers. Neutral tones such as whites, tans and beige’s make your interiors feel natural, and clean. Use these colors on your walls, window coverings, bedding, and decor.

3.) Use natural flooring instead of man-made flooring: Wood, cork, bamboo are all flooring materials that feel warm, natural and inviting under foot. By bringing these flooring choices into your home, your body will appeal to the organic elements of natural flooring, instead of cold man-made materials.

4.) Use elements found in nature in your decor: Rocks, sea shells, jars of beach sand, wood, and straw are just a few elements which you can incorporate into your everyday living, to bring the outdoors in. Try adding photographs and murals of these elements if you don’t have the real thing on hand.

5.) Entice your senses with outdoor cues: Woodsy incense, and floral potpourri scents are always a treat. Sounds of rain, wind, and the beach are used in luxury spas to make the body feel relaxed and in tune with nature. This same feeling can be brought into your home.

6.) Let in natural light: Natural light is absolutely free and it makes humans feel wonderful! Replace heavy drapery with lighter fabrics and/or sheers.  Let natural light into your home daily, and see how the outdoors pours into your space.

7.) Open your windows and breathe in fresh air: As humans, we require fresh air to feel alive and at peace. Bring the outdoors inside by installing screens in your windows, and turning the air conditioning off occasionally and letting in fresh air.

8.) Ensure all windows have a gorgeous view: If you have overgrown bushes, or trash dumpsters blocking your view, clear it up! Bring the outdoors in by enjoying views of landscaping, pools, or just your kids playing out in the yard.

9.) Decorate with fruits and vegetables: The latest interior décor trend is to decorate with food. Use lemons, limes, and mint for a visual and aromatic outdoor inspiration!

10.) Choose eco-friendly materials for your home: Bedding, towels, cleaning products, and even paint, all come in eco-friendly varieties.  Try using earth friendly products on a daily basis; you’ll feel closer to nature, and the earth will thank you.

Source: freshome

Have you been thinking about updating your home with new decor, but lacking in the decorating ideas department?  TLC posted a helpful article on home decorating tips that provides great new decorating ideas to incorporate in your home. From your floors to the walls, this article has several tips to help you kick start updating your home decor.
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Decorating one room often affects adjoining rooms, so it’s important to integrate new decorating ideas. If you’re content with the space next door, draw on its colors, furnishings, and overall flavor for ideas. Maintaining a similar palette will foster cohesion.

If the adjacent room is scheduled for a fix-up at a later date, consider it in your initial plans when picking paint or fabric. If you’re hoping to eventually add rooms or remodel other areas of the house, be careful not to put structural elements or plumbing in places that will obstruct future endeavors.

Consider these easy-to-do, unifying tips:

-  Blur boundaries by painting rooms the same color, or employ different shades of a similar color with slight tonal variations. You could use pale yellow, golden yellow, and cream in one room. Combine deeply saturated colors (green) with lighter versions (sage).

-  Install similar flooring such as sisal, wood, or tile. Floors can also be married by color; for instance, wed light brown tile with a deeper brown carpet. If you’re unable to replace the flooring, merge rooms with like-colored area rugs.

-  Repeat texture throughout the space. Think velvet drapes in the dining room, velvet-upholstered chairs in the study.

-  Employ similar patterns: Dining room chairs with black-and-white-checked fabric could mirror the kitchen’s checkerboard floor. Call in different patterns in the same color range, or combine similar patterns in reverse: a raspberry-toned fabric with jolts of white and blue here, blue-toned fabric splashed with raspberry and white there.

-  Tie spaces together with architectural elements: wainscoting in the bath and bedroom, chair rails and crown moldings in the living and dining rooms.

Not only should rooms be visually pleasing, they should also be adapted to the way you live your life.

Source: TLC