Three Global Designs for Baths

International design is becoming domestic style with the clean simple lines, the classic features and the new to us innovations that have been around in other countries for quite some time. Let’s take some bathroom ideas from three well-proven styles and adapt them to our modern sensibility for beautiful, functional and innovative bathrooms. Middle Eastern Flair A bathroom that adapts the flair of the middle east is full of interesting texture and design, from exotic tile patterns that echo the ancient past to bright and vibrant oranges, blues and reds that spice up a space. A focus on seating areas … Continue reading

5 Kitchen Cabinet Materials

If you don’t know where to start when considering a remodel of your kitchen cabinets, you’ll love this article. It is all about the five different materials you can use to create your kitchen cabinets. You are no longer just limited to wood (although we’ll cover that, too), instead check out all of your options in these five different materials before you design your dream kitchen. Today’s kitchen cabinetry comes in a wide variety of options to suit anyone’s tastes and budget. Here is a quick description of the options in kitchen cabinet materials. You’ll be surprised by all of … Continue reading

Decorating Furniture and Accessories with Wallpaper

Wallpaper ends can be used in so many fun ways to dress up your home. Wallpaper is not just for the walls. And if you can get a hold of some free wallpaper, then these decorating projects won’t cost you a thing, except maybe a little spray adhesive. To create a custom look that is perfect for a formal, Victorian or Regency-style room, consider using wall paper on a wooden valance as a window treatment. The wallpaper will fool the eye into thinking that you have a fabric valance or swag. A wallpaper border looks especially nice with this idea. … Continue reading

Getting Free Design Ideas

It is always exciting when you have the opportunity to decorate or redesign a room. We are slowly making our way through repairs here at our house and are almost ready to decorate our family room. And, we have three sets of friends who are making big moves to new homes and will need to think about designing their spaces. So short of hiring an interior decorator, how can you get some design ideas? Look to the following places for free design ideas. Catalogues Catalogues of home items are filled with pages of professionally designed spaces. Naturally, the companies that … Continue reading

Quick Pantry Design Tips

Having an organized kitchen pantry can make those hectic evenings so much easier. You can just grab what you need for a quick dinner prep. Whether your pantry is large or small, you’ll be able to incorporate the following design tips to build or improve your pantry. The quickest way to build a pantry, other than by purchasing a stand-alone pantry, is to take over an existing closet and then install shelving. One great way to do this is with wire shelving, which is both inexpensive and easy to maintain. The narrow shelves are just right for a reach-in pantry, … Continue reading

Overhaul Your Pantry

When you open your pantry, do you find a tumble of cereal boxes, cleaning products and snacks? As homeowners, we tend to stash everything that we possibly can into a pantry. There is something about being able to stash it and close the door that can make a pantry quickly become a mess. A pantry can be so much more. You can have an organized food pantry, or an extended butler’s pantry that is truly functional. Turn your pantry into a purposeful space with the following tips. If you have a large, walk-in pantry, consider moving the microwave, the mixer … Continue reading

Sea Tones for Spring

You may remember a blog I posted a few months ago about creating a room decor that was inspired by the beach. Well, it seems that home decor has finally caught up with me. Sea tones are definitely coming around as a popular decor for spring. You’ll find colors, fabrics and accessories that are all inspired by the sea. Obviously, I appreciate this look. It is calming, relaxing and restorative. The natural elements that are incorporated into the look lend a bit of authenticity. It brings me back to my days living in a Connecticut shoreline town, were sea breezes … Continue reading

Suspended Artwork

Suspended artwork is a classic look that is also a hot trend right now. It is rare when those two things come together, so take advantage of a new look that will be able to stay with your decor for years to come. Suspended artwork gives the look and feel of art that is hanging from the wall, or suspended by a visible hook or fixture. You may have seen this look in country decorating magazines. It is a favorite way of hanging art for Martha Stewart, who usually showcases her frames as being suspended by ribbons. To update the … Continue reading

Decorating on a Penny

Want to update your room without spending a lot of money? Try these ideas that are cheap but look fabulous. 1. When in doubt, paint. Paint is a relatively inexpensive way to change out a room, update a room or brighten a room. If you do the labor yourself and get free paint, then it won’t cost you a dime. Click here to learn about free and low cost paint. 2. Throw pillows instantly add some color to a room without a huge expense. Make the pillows yourself to get a custom designer look for a frugal price. Throw pillows … Continue reading

Bring a Spring Planter Indoors

You can bring a little touch of spring into your home with this dramatic display that will give your room a new look that makes a dramatic statement. What you will need for this idea is an outdoor planter vase. There are many options to chose from. You can purchase an outdoor planter specifically for this look, or just utilize a planter that you may already have on hand. Choose a planter vase that will suit your favorite arrangement. For a bold flower, choose a bold planter. Small delicate flowers, such as miniature tulips would benefit from a petite pot. … Continue reading