Decor Ideas Savvy Sisters

Get Started Decorating
You have your new place and now you need to fill it. Before you begin a decorating project you first need to determine your resources, what is your ideal living environment, and how much you can afford spend to pull it all together. Here are some questions to ask yourself to understand where you are and what you are planning to do with you living space. How long do you plan to stay in your present home? What type of lifestyle do you lead? (entertain guests, late nights, holiday guests) What activities do you do in each room? Do you have children or are you planning to start a family? What are their ages and needs? How much space do you need for leisure activities? (office, study, sewing, reading, TV). Is there enough sleeping space for everyone and any guests? Do you have enough storage? Do you know your style? Count your rooms and list multi-purpose uses (example, homework, bills, computer). Write down the furniture you currently own, what you like and what you dislike. (Be ready to get rid of what you don't want to make room for what you do want.) Have you considered a color scheme, or do you have a favorite color? List color any pieces of furniture, fabrics or finds that would be a good start to develop a color scheme. How much do you want to spend either monthly or annually on your interior environment ? After answering these questions you should have a fairly clear picture of what you are working with or without. Use this outline to help you establish your living style and plan. Steps To Success 1. Create a file of clippings and samples that show the style and colors you would like to use in your home. 2. Draw a floor plan or sketch of the room you will be decorating. 3. Use "take inventory" questions to evaluate your existing environment. 4. Create a Budget that works in with your financial situation. 5. Plan a schedule of what you will be doing when.

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Q: Ideas on updating decor to follow current trends? What colors are popular and what are some ways I can do small updates without breaking the bank? Master bedroom ideas? - Tiffani Clinger

Color Pulse 2010
We’ve all heard it before. “If you don’t learn from past mistakes, you’re condemned to repeat them.” And, “what goes around comes around”. Well according to industry experts, the same holds true for paint colors. I recently attended Benjamin Moore's “Color Pulse 2010” at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Our speaker, Mary Hoffman, and the other color specialists with Ben Mo have determined that those lovely mauves, olives and golds of yesteryear are fighting for a comeback. They’ve already started to appear and will feature even more prominently in fashion and design as we head toward 2010. Think Brady Bunch kitchen and you can envision what we may be in for. God save us! I am happy to report, however, that there are some encouraging color notes coming up. Look for resurgence in blues which have fallen out of favor for a number of years. The real color story will come from purple which is reportedly going to be THE color for 2010. Guess I was ahead of the trend when I chose shades of purple for my logo in 2004. Who knew? Among others, here are some trends to watch for: 1- Expect yellows to be influenced by green with caramel reemerging. Gold’s and other metallics will also have a strong presence. 2- Reds will be blackened with purple and blue undertones. Red and white combos will be popular. 3- Greens will be fresher fusing with yellows and away from the sages. 4- Tonalities of beige and gray will also reclaim former glory. You know what though? While it’s nice to be trendy, I wouldn’t run out and paint my living room purple just yet. Even if that is the color for 2010, I’d say it’ll probably be short-lived. As with other trends, if you wait long enough you’ll be “in”. Albeit somewhat boring, it’s always safe to stick with a favorite beige, taupe or tan and throw in a vase or pillow to pay homage to the current color trend.

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All due respect to trends, I most often recommend that my clients pick colors they like and never be afraid to experiment. Ben Mo also says that "individuality" is a strong trend on the horizon. People will be seeking “one-of-a-kind” looks in clothing, home decor etc.... I say, why not leave your mark with color? After all, it’s only paint! Jeffery Rice, PIR, PRS Decor Designs, Inc. Crystal Lake, IL www.decordesignsinc.com

Home Decor Trend Forecasting for 2010
As a designer, one of the first questions I’m usually asked is, “What’s the hot new color/style going to be?”. I answer with predictions made by industry forecasters but the “hottest” new colors in fabrics and accessories are usually available only through interior designers. Forecasters are usually a year or two ahead of when the colors will actually be readily available to the average consumer in department stores. Pantone is a leading color forecasting company and designers put a lot of trust in their predictions. I’ve pulled the following information from Pantone’s predictions as well as other industry sources. If you want a cutting edge look, try one of these:

Color Predictors for 2010
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Neutrals for Today. The rationale for this palette is that when the economy is weak and people are worried, they retreat to an easy, comfortable design style and embrace more neutral tones. Shoppers don’t want to risk spending money on a trendy color. Colors in this palette include Taupe Gray, Silver Gray, Charcoal Gray, Tea and Champagne Beige and Angora. The Color Association predicts gray will be THE color of the season. To keep rooms from being too cold, think natural influences like Zinc, Stone, Mica, Silt and bring those textures and warmer tones of gray into your rooms.

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Included in with neutrals, black and white continues to have a strong presence. This season you’ll see lots of graphic, bold black and white patterns available and combined with a single bright accent color like hot pink or bright yellow. While these rooms look fabulous and daring in magazines, I’ve never met a client bold enough to use this combo in even one room. But I am of the opinion that every room is better with a touch of black – a single piece of furniture, some accessories or picture frames. Every color sings it’s best song against black. According to Pantone, shades of gray will be the new neutral.

These dove gray walls are a beautiful backdrop for the soft blue gray bedding. (via O at Home)

Not for the faint of heart, this painted brick fireplace is a showstopper. What I particularly like in this room is the soft blue rug that interjects something unexpected and calming.

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Global Style and Color. For some, the reaction to a slowing economy is just the opposite of above – they want to escape to luxury and exotic looks. Benjamin Moore paints (also a good industry color forecaster) predicts the New Luxury with rich deep tones like Glowing Umber, Summer Plum, Wild Orchid and Granite. The use of gold returns – rich, shimmery, gold metallics to be the jewelry in a room. Silvers will cross to pewter and platinum tones.

A global color palette embraces deep jewel tones.

Your design color palette can extend to your place settings. This setting embodies the rich colors and shiny golds you'll be seeing in 2010.

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Bold and Bright. Pantone and Benjamin Moore both also offer a palette that includes such unusual pairings as Lavender, Acid Green and Chipmunk Brown or maybe Mimosa Yellow, Strawberry Ice and Little Boy Blue. You’ll find colors like Salsa, Bronze Metallic, Mesquite and Midnight Navy. This trend is defined as “the irreverant direction that has been and continues to be influenced by Japanese anime”. Try using these colors with a hint of metallic in them to be really forward-looking.

To embrace the freshest palette, try some unusual color combinations. Bright and whimsical in color and pattern (via O at Home) A bright and whimsical color sheme and style where all the colors are held together by the striped rug. White calls and furniture give the colors room to glow. (via O at Home)

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Mother Nature. The desire to be eco-friendly not because it’s the ‘cool’ thing to do but because we believe it is our responsibility drives this color palette. Earth tone based colors are often thought to be dull and lifeless. Not so – think of the richness of fruit and vegetable colors like eggplant, tomato, paprika, lemon and apple.

Always a winning alternative because earth colors are so warm and easy to live with.

This room showcases the brighter earth colors we can use to spice up our rooms: paprika, orange, goldenrod and rich browns. (via Veranda)

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Nothing New Under the Color Wheel
Neutrals: Gee, what a surprise! Instead of Glorious Beige we’re now being offered Silver Gray. The quiet, soft palette of any neutral is always in style whether it’s based on beige, taupe, tan or gray. If you want to update your neutral palette, add some gray – just a little – and you’ll be right there at the cutting edge of design. If your home is primarily light beiges & tans, just choose a warm charcoal and it will blend beautifully. If you’re primarily dark brown, choose a shimmery silver gray for contrast. As always, when working with neutrals, play with texture to keep the room from being boring. A charcoal palette may seem dark but can be rich and enveloping. (via Elle Decor) This bedroom uses lighter gray the flooring, walls, drapes and bedding combine to create a cocoon of calm. Notice how the bed frame is a warm tan, showing you can blend the 2 neutrals. (designed by Vincente Wolf)

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How about a little black and white with your yellow? (via O at Home) Global: There has been a version of global colors and ethnic design for years. Most recently Moroccan and Indian colors and stylings have been popular. Since most other cultures of the world embrace color and pattern and texture much more than we do, this is always a bold, dynamic look. Rich jewel tones are the cornerstone of any global design (with perhaps the exception of Asian influenced palettes). This year the forecasters are predicting a Russian influence with a decline in all things Asian. The new twist to this year’s Global look is the emphasis on luxurious finishes and textiles like velvets and satins.

Vibrant jewel tones representing a Global palette work beautifully with this classic bench shape. Eggplant, plum and caramel are just yummy!

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This bedroom is another example of rich ethnic colors and textures (though not Russian inspired). Or should it be included in the earth tone palette? One of the best things about design is that the label doesn't really matter if you like it. Bold: This is perhaps the most variable palette and most recently has been the terrific light blue paired with chocolate. This year’s predictions of a lighter, brighter, fresher range of colors is encouraging and tantalizing. The industry insiders are saying this style will include graphic patterns reflecting tech influences and an element of whimsy. Watch for innovative, fun designs in this style. Let your inner “wild side” flourish. This color scheme plays with lime green and watermelon calmed by lots of white. The lighthearted floral in the near chairs is charming and the bold color is carried to the far end of the room. In the family room of the same house you see another playful use of bright colors and notice that the drapes in the far dining room carry the color scheme throughout the house. (via Traditional Home) Earth: We’ve all lived with earth tones since we were old enough to recognize colors. Remember Avocado? Avocado was reinvented and renamed Moss Green and now will show up again named something new and inspiring - spurring us to try the hot new color. Sand, Teal and other watery tones, Rust and versions of Olive Greens have been reworked, renamed and reoffered year after

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year. That’s because they work. They’re comfortable. They’re easy on the eye and easy to build a room around. If you’ve already got an earth-toned palette, it’s very easy to update with the newest tweaks of our favorite colors. Watch for pattern on pattern, florals and a focus on eco-friendly inspirations like bark, cardboard and felt.

The epitome of the new 'vegetable inspired' earth tones combined with natural textures and art create a very inviting space.

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Tan, caramel, brown and creamy white make a stunning bedroom. A little pattern and a globally inspired chair again defy a label: Is it neutral? (yes) Is it earth-toned? (yes) Is it globally inspired? (yes) You pick.

Go With What You Love
In the final analysis of color and style and trends, your home needs to reflect you and your interests. With the massive amount of paint color choices available, you can easily create any environment you choose. And change it whenever you like. So while the forecasters may influence what’s available to furnish your home, if you don’t like it, find your own path. As you can see from this smattering of photos, the most livable solution will likely be a blend of styles/colors creating a space that is uniquely your own. It will be personal to you and you’ll love the welcome your home extends to you every time you return. Do you follow the home furnishing trends or do you have a defined style or color and stay with that look? Are you adventurous in trying out one or two trendy items or do you stick with classics? How do you introduce “hot new” colors or items into your home?

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Q: Decorating Do’s & Don’ts, Choosing Color & Window Treatments – Marnie Kiehl

Do’s & Don’ts of Decorating
Top Do’s
Mind Your Budget- Create a budget. Cut a disposable monthly expense (out to eat) and put in a decorating fund. Master the Art of Display- Not too much; not sparse: find the right blend Embrace Color & Use It Wisely De-clutter: Shop Smart for Storage Loosen Up a Little/Have Fun Transform a Space With Light Watch and Learn From Experts- see what you like in Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs, Home & Garden magazines, model homes, etc? Keep a catalog of pictures and articles and refer back to them as you create your space.

Top Don’ts
DON’T THINK THAT YOUR COLOR CAN STAND ALONE. Color is one of the best ways to unify a space. Just because you chose a bold color doesn’t mean you stop there…continue with the room's design plan. No matter what the hue, wall color needs to be picked up in furnishings and decor. Choose a color palette, and use it to help guide the room's design. DON’T LIVE WITH OUTDATED FURNITURE If you can't afford to replace your old, mismatched furniture, give it new life with washable slipcovers. Transform sofas and chairs with a neutral slipcover. Re-cover chairs 13

with an accent upholstery fabric, and reupholster the ottoman the same way. If you've never upholstered, a simple ottoman is a great starter project. DON’T HANG A SMALL PIECE OF ART ABOVE THE GIANT SOFA Always consider scale when hanging artwork on any wall. Bigger is almost always better, especially on focal point walls or when art is hung adjacent to a large piece of furniture. Don't forget about the frame. For more of an impact, invest in a substantial frame or geometrically place a smattering of frames of different textures and complimentary colors. DON’T FILL A ROOM WITH FURNITURE JUST BECAUSE… Just because you have an open corner doesn't mean you need to put something there. Be cognizant of space between pieces. In a bedroom, a dresser drawer should not hit the bed when opened, for example. Give yourself and the furniture room to breathe. DON’T DO BEDS IN A BAG Thinking outside the box (or bag) is always a good idea when decorating. All-in-one bedding makes for easy decorating but that's about it. Mix and match to show personality and visual interest. Be creative with pillow placement, but don't go overboard. DON’T LIVE WITH OUTDATED FIXTURES Updating fixtures is an easy way to make a huge impact throughout the home. When shopping, carefully consider size; small fixtures get lost in large rooms. When hanging, consider lowering lights into a space. Fixtures hung above dining room tables should be low enough to cast a lovely glow at mealtimes but not obstruct the view of diners. If cost is an issue, invest $5-$10 in a Rustoleum spray paint and spray your fixtures. Shop Craiglist, Lowes, Home Depot for closeouts and sets. DON’T DO PLASTIC FLORALS The plastic flowers perched atop a column are dated and boring. Sell or donate them both and use the money to buy a fabulous vase. Fill it with handpicked flowers and greenery from your yard. Great alternatives are dried flower arrangements, sticks and picks, berry wreaths and garlands.

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DON’T OVERLOOK YOUR MANTLE AND FIREPLACE AS A FOCAL POINT The fireplace is clearly an asset, yet it gets lost or forgotten oftentimes. Think about scale, and enlarge a favorite family photo to hang in a place of honor above the fireplace. Flank the piece with a few choice accessories. DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE BLINDS… Some windows, like those that frame breathtaking views, do not need to be covered. Most bedroom windows do not fall under that category. While these blinds are great for light control and privacy, they do not take the place of curtains. Hang treatments ceiling to floor for instant impact and a romantic feel. DON’T GET STUCK IN THE DECADE YOU HAD MONEY TO DECORATE IN…LIKE THE 80’s or 90’s Decor from this opulent decade can be characterized by pastel color palettes, floral patterns and over-the-top details like these upholstered walls. Finding a fabric you love is great. Just don't cover every inch of a room with it. DON’T MISMATCH PATTERNS BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE SAME COLORS IN THEM… Mixing patterns is something that good decorators do well. A plaid sofa will fight with a busy, more traditional floral. When mixing patterns, choose patterns in varying sizes within the same color palette and style. Blend in neutrals to give the eye a rest. DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU CAN DO THE ENTIRE RE-DO: If you have a room that every inch needs to be updated, if you have a bathroom that's an eyesore, if you have a kitchen that need immense updating… renovate it one step at a time. Start small and replace the mirror, fixtures, and appliances, paint the cabinets, replace the hardware. Take down that old wallpaper or border. Hang lush shower curtain, curtains, add fabric to the chairs....

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Window Treatments
from Threads #93, pp. 57-61 Today's look in window treatments ranges from a simple length of fabric arranged over a rod to elaborate draperies reminiscent of those in historic mansions. Whatever the style, the basic approach to design is the same. And as a professional designer and installer, I've learned the tricks for creating treatments that are appropriate, beautiful, well constructed, and suited to my customers' needs—whether they're traditional draperies or unique window treatments that incorporate couture dressmaking techniques. These procedures can be helpful to you, too, if you want to make your own window fashions. I'll elaborate more on the couture techniques in a future article, but for now, let's take a look at some design fundamentals as well as some tried-and-true workroom techniques to get you started creating effective window treatments for any room. Start with the elements of design Window treatments come under the heading of applied design, which means they must be practical as well as beautiful. For a professional designer, the elements of design—color, line, texture, form, and space—represent tools of the trade in the designing process. Color: Choosing a color scheme is usually one of the first steps in the design process, because color can be used to create a focal point and set the mood in a room. Colors like coral, red, and peach, for example, create a cozy feeling and are a great way to Treatments may vary in style and manner warm up a north-facing room. Cooler blues of construction, but the basic components and grays might be more welcome in southare the same. facing rooms. Bright colors against a light background can fill up a wall, but those same colors against a dark background will not appear as bright or large. And window treatments placed against a lighter value of the same color blend into the wall. Keep in mind that colors may change from the light of day to evening.

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Line: The element of line is second only to color in defining mood and feeling. Vertical lines add height and dignity to a room and are considered more formal. A window treatment using strong vertical lines will carry the eye upward and can disguise boxy or odd-shaped windows. Horizontal lines, on the other hand, create a casual, restful feeling or can be used to give a sense of breadth or size and a relief from bold vertical features, like paneling or moldings. Diagonal lines attract attention, causing the eye to follow them in each direction, but they can be distracting if not bordered by vertical lines. I suggest using them as a detail rather than the focal point in a treatment. Curved lines keep window treatments from looking too stiff. Using bands, borders, trims, and contrast fabrics are all ways to emphasize line. Vertical lines add height and create a feeling of dignity and formality. Horizontal lines are more casual and give a sense of breadth and size. Diagonal lines attract attention and are best used as details or supported with vertical lines. Curved lines soften the mood and keep window treatments from looking too stiff. Bands, borders, and trims are a good way to emphasize line. and smooth silk, produces incompatible effects. Texture: The surface texture of a fabric can also convey mood. For example, chenille, denim, and linen are more casual, while smooth, shiny silk and moiré are more formal. Nubby, coarse textures absorb more light, creating shadows and making the colors look darker in value, while shiny textures reflect light and tend to look lighter in value. Combining several textures adds variety and interest, but juxtaposing strongly contrasting fabrics, like corduroy

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Accurate measurements are invaluable for Form: Lines joined together create shapes. In my experience, rectangles are the most well-planned window treatments. Rooms preferred shape for window treatments as and windows vary, but this "designer's well as objects in a room, like tables and dozen" key points to measure provides a chairs. You can turn a square-shaped useful guide. Draw a sketch of the window, like a sliding glass-door unit for window and wall; use a steel tape example, into a rectangle by extending its measure; and work from left to right, drapery onto the wall beyond the edges of measuring first widths, then lengths. the glass. And you can soften the stiff feeling of rectangles with curving drapery lines. Space: Boundaries create space. For example, walls define the room as well as the window and determine where and how a particular treatment can be installed. Moldings, air ducts, and furniture are also part of the space and must be considered as you design a window treatment. Because space influences the type of design and details you may want to use, precise measurements are a crucial part of planning window treatments. To be sure you measure accurately and include every aspect of the window, refer to the measurement chart at right. When you combine the elements of design with the principles of design--balance, emphasis, rhythm, and proportion or scale -- you can alter the look of a window or room to achieve most any effect. Let's look briefly at those principles. Balance: This principle refers to how and where the elements are used in the window treatment and/or in the room. It considers the visual weight of objects, that is, the amount of space they appear to occupy. Formal balance is symmetrical, projects a sense of dignity, and is usually less interesting than the asymmetry of informal balance, which pairs different objects of the same visual weight, and conveys a more subtle, spontaneous, and casual effect.

Balance results from how and where you place the elements of your design. Use symmetrical balance for a more formal effect, or asymmetrical placement on the window for a more spontaneous, casual look. Emphasis: Generally there should be one obvious focal point in a room. Before choosing a window treatment, decide if you want that treatment to be the focal point or a backdrop for emphasis elsewhere.

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Rhythm: This principle directs the eye as it moves around the room, through the repetition of line, form, color, or shape and the progression (the gradual increase or decrease in size and direction) of these elements. Proportion and scale: These principles address relationships of size. Proportion refers to how the elements within the treatment or room relate to one another as a whole. Scale refers to how the size of an object compares with the size of the space it's in.

It's essential to maintain good proportion within the window treatment and keep the whole treatment in scale with the room. Designers avoid dividing a window in half and instead use proportion guidelines like the Rule of Fifths or Sixths to create more dramatic effects. Design considerations When I design window treatments for clients, I take into account the design fundamentals I've just outlined, as well as other considerations, the first of which is style. Be aware of your own preferences in terms of style—that is, formal, classic, contemporary, casual, and so on—but also take into account the latest fashion in interiors. And try to be consistent with the period and architecture of the house as well as the specific room and its special characteristics. Choose simple treatments for small spaces and more elaborate treatments, like layered draperies over sheers, for oversize spaces. Create treatments that flow visually for multiple windows, and, if there are disparate windows in the room, try to unify them by accentuating their common elements. Consider the shape of the window and hang

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draperies with a visual reference point, like the window sill, the apron (horizontal trim below the sill), or the floor, following the proportion guidelines I'll discuss in a moment. And try not to make design decisions that will present maintenance nightmares. Get out the sketchpad Working on paper is a way to visualize your design and plot out measurements. Use graph paper and start by drawing the window, then sketch in your treatment, considering all of its components: the drapery length; the heading, or top portion of the drapery, the top treatment, or valance, that runs horizontally across the top of the window (such as a festooned swag made with draped folds of bias-cut fabric and that may include a cascade or sidepiece that's pleated or gathered and mounted over or under the swag); and tiebacks that hold the drapery lengths off to the side of the window. Although there can be exceptions, the following proportion guidelines hold true for most situations: Try not to divide the length of the window in half. Instead, use the Rule of Fifths or Sixths. For example, if you want your window treatment to include a swag, divide the total length of the treatment by five or six to give you the swag's finished length. Here's a good rule of thumb: For treatments mounted just above the window, divide by six; for ceiling-mounted treatments, divide by five. A cascade should be at least twice the length of the swag drop, and its long point should fall into the bottom third of the window for the best look. A second rule of thumb—the rule of threes—which I learned many years ago in design school, maintains that objects placed in threes, or multiples of three, are the most pleasing to the eye. If you're planning stationary drapery panels, use a ratio of two-thirds panels to one-third window. And use that same ratio when using two colors or two fabric prints, for example, and a 60%, 30%, 10% mix when using three. Using three colors or prints allows you to use one color or print as a statement, one as a contrast, and one as complement. Will it work? Before your design can become a reality, you need to consider how and where you'll mount the rods for your treatment. Do you want them on the window frame or on the wall? Placing them on the frame is not as good a choice as on the wall because gaps can occur at the edges of the drapery panels, and the headings may show from the outside. Ideally, consider mounting the rods so the treatments extend at least 4 in. up from the top and to each side of the window. Before I plan to install rods on a wall, however, I examine the wall's surface to determine whether it's drywall or plaster, because that might affect installation, especially the choice of mounting screws. When you're satisfied with your designs, it's time to make some patterns. You don't need actual patterns for long drapery panels -- they can be cut directly from the fabric using your measurements--but I recommend making patterns for top treatments with special details. Some designers make their patterns using lining fabric instead of paper, which works especially well for large treatments. It can also be used to model the treatment on the window. Keep in mind as you calculate your dimensions and make your patterns, that you need to make allowances for hems, headers, seams, fullness, and pattern repeats. You

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can follow standard workroom practice described below, or go a step beyond to create a couture finish. Workroom standards There are no universal criteria, but custom drapery workrooms usually have certain standards for constructing window treatments. Here are the most common practices as shown in the drawings: • Fabric pattern repeats match. • Seams are serged. Drapery weights are used on seams and corners. • Double-side hems are 1-1/2 in. finished (form them by folding the fabric to the wrong side 3 in. from the outer edge, then bringing the edge to the fold and press again). Double bottom hems are 4 in. finished (formed like side hems), and all hems are blind-stitched in place. Custom-window workrooms follow basic • Pinch-pleated headings are usually 4 in. standards when creating a window high, have three-finger folds in each pleat, treament. and are stabilized with buckram. • Lining is used where applicable and is 1 in. shorter than the face fabric of the drapery or valance. • The minimum-fullness standard is two and a half times the finished-width measurement for mid-weight fabrics and three times for sheers. Couture touches These workroom standards are only guidelines, of course, and you can expand on these to add a couture look to your treatments. For example, in today's larger homes with bigger windows, 4-in. headings seem too small, so use a 6-in. heading or larger for better proportion. And if you're pleating the drapery panels, use four to five fingers in the pleats rather than three. Increase the double bottom hems to 5 in. Traditionally drapery panels are set 1/2 in. off the floor. But the current look is to stack panels on the floor, that is, add 1-1/2 to 3 in., depending on the length of the panel, so the panel doesn't puddle on the floor but breaks at the top of the hem, like a man's pant cuff breaks at the ankle.

Swags can overlap in any arrangement or abut. Cut swags on the bias for softer folds, and use an odd number of swags for the best Increase the fullness to three times the look. finished width (three and one-half times for sheers). Line all draperies, except sheers, and for luxurious treatments, interline them

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with a flannel-like interlining (found in better home-decorating fabric stores). I also set my window treatments apart with hand-sewn trim and dressmaker details -- techniques I'll talk about in a future article. Whether you follow tradition or expand upon it, I hope these guidelines are helpful. Pair them with basic sewing skills to create fabulous window treatments.

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Color
When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. While you may feel that there are so many choices you're bound to find the right one, you may end up feeling that there are so many choices you don't know where to start! The tips here will really help you if you feel stumped by this important choice. After all, the paint color will set the tone for the room. Be Patient It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall room scheme. Paint is available in literally an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive. Get ideas but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper, and fabrics are finalized. Coordinate Decorating Samples When you go shopping, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Be sure to take everything with you wherever you go. No telling where you might see something wonderful. Really Study the Colors You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection. Tried and True Formula for Colors If you're working with a print fabric, you'll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces. Trim it Out More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, doors, and windows. If you're feeling brave, consider the palest shade of color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright color for trim. Choose the Paint Finish for the Job Consider which paint finish might be best for your project. Matte or flat finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier finishes will reflect more light. 23

If you're searching for the perfect paint, the tips here will be helpful. Warm or Cool? Colors are often referred to as "warm" and "cool." Orange, red, and pink are considered "warm" colors, while blues, greens, and violet are thought to be "cool." Knowing the theory behind color can help you select the right tone for the feel you're trying to achieve. White is Not Always White Trying to find the perfect white can be a challenge! Beiges and off-whites have subtle color, so compare paint chips to your fabrics and flooring to determine if a warmer pinkish or yellow-toned white -- or a cooler, bluer white -- is best for your room. Keep Notes as You Shop It's a good idea to make a note on the back of the paint color cards, telling yourself the name of the store where you picked it up, and the paint brand whenever this information isn't printed there already. Since most home centers and hardware stores carry more than one brand of paint, you may discover the perfect color, and then find you can't remember where you got the sample! Then you'll have to start over. Ugh! Shed a Little Light The best way to get a true view of a paint color is to look at it in many lights. Take the paint chip outside to see it in natural light. Look at in under an incandescent and fluorescent light. Best yet, take the paint chip, fabrics, and accessories to the room in which they'll live. Check out the colors there. Measuring Works Magic Take your room measurements with you to the paint store or home center. The professional at the store will help you determine the correct quantity of paint to buy for your job. Or you might use your numbers to consult one of the handy online paint estimators to get an idea of how much paint you'll need for your project. Remember primer and trim paints. Ask, Ask, Ask! For helpful paint advice, go both online and to your local paint store. Tell the paint professional about your project and goals for your decorating project. Ask which paint products they recommend, and why. Get information on specialty paints such as lowodor, stain-killing primers, chalkboard paint, washable paint, and many more. Custom Color Matching If you want to achieve a perfect match or find a truly unique color, your paint store or home center offers custom color mixing. This makes it possible to bring in a fabric swatch, painting, or other color reference, and have a paint color created to be a perfect match. Visit Home Depot or Lowe's or call a local hardware store to inquire. Look Up to the Ceiling Light colors are usually most pleasing for a ceiling, because ceilings are seen in shadow.

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If you'd like the ceiling to match the wall color, buy ceiling paint one or two shades lighter than the wall color (on its color chip). Or, dilute your wall color with white paint in a ratio of 25% color to 75% white. Try it on for Size When you think that you've really chosen your perfect color, buy a pint of paint to do a test patch. This will prove to be excellent insurance for less than $10.00. Paint a 12-48" square on a board or directly on your wall. Look at it during the day, morning, evening, and night. How does it look with with the room's flooring, wall coverings, and fabric choices? If it isn't right, get another pint and try again. We like to test three colors at once to save time. You'll undoubtedly find the right color. See the Plane For the most accurate color representation, view paint samples vertically (up against the wall) and view carpet samples set flat on the floor. If you do this, you'll see how the colors will look when they're applied to your space. Color Contamination Once you've gotten your test sample up on the wall, notice whether the color you're testing might be adversely affected by other colors in a room. For example, if your room is currently painted pink and your test patch is beige, it is likely that the pink will reflect onto the beige, changing the color. The same would go for blue or yellow. Or if there are colored curtains on the windows, their color will reflect onto your new paint. To get the best idea of how the room will look. place the painted sample up on the wall and place the flooring samples on the floor. Test the color in a room with the same exposure to sunlight. Find a room that is neutral. Let It Dry Wet paint color often looks different from dry paint. Don't panic when you first see the paint applied to the wall. Let it dry, then check it with your other samples (fabric, tiles, carpet) to decide if it looks right. Paint can also look out of place in an empty room. Bring in a few room elements (a chair, painting, or window treatment) to see how it all works together. Always Have White Around Having some extra white paint, carefully sealed in a container, can never hurt. Use it to lighten some paint that's too dark. Or use it to dilute your wall color by 3/4 for use on the ceiling. Just make sure to use the same kind of paint (flat latex for example), mix thoroughly, and make enough of the new color to finish the project. It will be impossible to mix up more later. Give It Time Getting used to a new room color might take a few days. A new bold color may seem overwhelming at first. Put some furniture, flooring, and fabric in the room. You'll probably be pleasantly surprised to see that your new color harmonizes with other room elements.

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Q: Favorite, budget saving places to shop? - Carmen Westover
TJ Maxx Ross Marshalls Overstock.com Pier 1 World Market Ballard Designs Pottery Barn Pottery Barn Kids TIP: add 68 in front of the sku to find special sale prices.
EXAMPLE: The actual item for the pink wooden toaster is 14-8484024. To find the item number, Add the product into the cart. Then view the cart/basket. Then, add 68- item number into the search box (in this case, it is 68-8484024). It should come out: PINK WOODEN TOASTER - reg $49 (still shows this price on regular page) # 68-8484024, $19.99 + Free Shipping Add this into the basket and you have your discount! (not all items are discounted)

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Q: Decorating on a budget? – Jen Valko
Home Decorating: Decorating Bedrooms on a Budget By Kathy Wilson It’s no secret that people tend to put decorating bedrooms on a back burner. It seems like the first area of your home you decorate is always the most public. I think we should all remember that home decorating is about creating a home for you and the ones you love, and making a wonderful refuge by decorating bedroom areas is a must! You can decorate on a budget with a little creativity and elbow grease! Here are The Budget Decorator’s top tips to decorating bedrooms on a dime! Get rid of all clutter! The bedroom is supposed to be a restful place, and how can any of us rest with a weeks worth of laundry piled on the dresser, or all those things you dump in the bedroom because you need to speed clean, and you know you can close the bedroom door? Spend one afternoon and dive in, or split it up into several afternoons and do one area at a time. Find a place for everything, and put everything in its place! Good storage for the bedroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Under bed storage can include inexpensive plastic tubs, or you can even cut sturdy cardboard boxes down to the proper height so they can slide easily under the bed. Store off season clothes, craft supplies, even extra linens under the bed. Create a theme and color scheme for your bedroom, and let it reflect who you are. You will save a lot of money when decorating bedrooms by having a plan to keep you on track. Name your theme, even if it’s something simple like, “Cool refreshing modern”. Now whenever you make a purchase or a decision for your bedroom, all you have to do is ask yourself this question…does it fit with my theme? If the answer isn’t clear, don’t’ waste your money! You don’t have to replace all your bedding when decorating bedrooms in your home. That can be prohibitively expensive, and it isn’t necessary. Once you’ve chosen your theme and color scheme, purchase flat sheets in the size of your bed. Sew or fuse along three side and insert your old comforter, then add Velcro or buttons to close the third side. You’ve created a duvet cover for just a few dollars to give your room a whole new look! Make the bed the focal point of the room. Hang something dramatic behind it, or drape some fabric from the ceiling in a swag to give the feeling of a canopy bed. Wall art for the bedroom can be creative, and should fit in your theme. At a loss? Pick up 8-10 picture frames from Ross, make your own, dollar store, fill with scrapbooking paper in your colors, and hang gallery style right above the bed. Home decorating doesn’t have to be expensive!

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You can use stencils and fabric paint to create linens with a luxury touch. Stencil fleur de lis, vines or flowers, or another motif to match your theme along the top edge of your sheets and outer edge of your pillow cases. You can even use the same stencils and paint to add a border to your duvet cover. Remember, less is more. Remember, paint & vinyl embellishments are your friends when decorating bedrooms! Color creates mood, and where better to create a mood? Cool colors such as blue and green or violet are calming and relaxing…keep the colors light to give the bedroom an airy feel. Warm colors such as reds and yellows give a room energy and passion. If you can’t afford to paint the whole wall, paint just the wall behind the bed for impact. Check the paint counter for cans of paint discounted because they were mixed and not sold. Don’t forget the windows. If all you have on your windows are white mini blinds, you should try softening them and adding some style. Sheers are very inexpensive, or you can sew or fuse simple rod pocket curtains or a valance in a color to coordinate with your bedding. Now for the jewelry of decorating bedrooms! Accessories! Add throw pillows to your bed for pattern and color. (Not too many ladies…) Pick up some pretty ceramic picture frames at the dollar shop and add them to the nightstand. A simple and inexpensive rag rug on the floor offers a feeling of comfort. Candles, of course, and a vase to fill with flowers, all which can be found inexpensively. When home decorating, decorating bedrooms can often be left by the wayside. Don’t let this happen to your home, we all need a refuge from daily life! Home decorating on a budget can be creative and fun, so decorate the bedroom! 5 Cheap Bedroom Decorating Ideas by: Kathy Burns-Millyard When you're looking for ways to redecorate your bedroom easily and cheaply, you might feel at a loss of where to start. It's easy to do though, and here are six quick decorating ideas for your bedroom that won't break your budget: 1. Move the Furniture - Yes, something as simple as rearranging the room can make a huge difference in how it feels. This is one of the easiest ways I know of to make a room feel new... and it doesn't cost a dime. Try putting your bed in a corner instead of against a wall too, this gives the room a more homey, intimate, and elegant touch.

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2. Change the Walls - The most common way to change your walls of course, is to simply paint them. And it doesn't really matter if you paint them a new color, or simply put a fresh coat on - both will make major differences in how the room feels. You don't have to actually paint the walls to make them different though. You could instead put up an attractive wallpaper border, or stencil some designs on as a border instead. Borders can be placed at the very top of the walls, or around the middle area instead, to create a more old fashioned, rich and elegant look. 3. Change the Bed - Buy a new comforter, duvet, or bedspread. Better yet: Buy an entire new set complete with sheets and pillow shams. If you're not able to buy an entire set, then get just one or two items. The bed covering and pillow shams make the largest difference, so I'd suggest starting with those. 4. Hang Prints on the Wall - The idea here is to put framed prints on your wall. These can be photographs, artwork, or even posters. They don't have to be expensive, and in fact you may already own photos or prints that just need new frames or mats. Some people like to create wall hanging arrangements of family photos in their bedroom, but I personally dislike that idea. The bedroom is a private place, and having the feeling that family members are watching you there can be disconcerting and uncomfortable. 5. Put in a new lamp - Bedside lamps are particularly cozy, and they're useful as well. Small bedside lamps or even nightlights can be quite inexpensive when you shop around for them. You could also put new wall sconces about your bed, dresser, or on either side of a wall mirror for additional elegance.

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Q: This is in my living room downstairs.

This wall is so big and overwhelming. I

know I need something above the chair to balance it out and I feel like there needs something below the three pictures. And, I'm not sure if I should lower them.... – Jen Richardson

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Q: A question I do have is for nooks.

I'm not sure if that is what they are

called. I have four of them in my house. Any great ideas as to the dos and don'ts on decorating them? Two of them are located in my living room, one at the end of the hall, and the last one in my daughter's bedroom. Here is a picture of one in my living room. – Carmela Healy

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Easy to overlook, wall niches offer a great opportunity to add a little extra style to your home. While it may be tempting to place a vase of flowers inside and call it a day, using niches to showcase art (along with your decorating talents) is an ideal way to give these often overlooked features some true "Wow" factor.

Wall Treatments
Most wall niches are relatively small, which means they are cheaper to decorate. Because you'll need less material, you can consider treatments on the back wall of the niche that you may otherwise be intimidated (or restricted by budget) to try in larger areas. Dress that back of the niche up with bold accent paint in a color that you have been skittish about using on an entire wall. Consider adding glass or metal mosaic tile for a modern and sparkly backdrop to your art and accessories. A dramatically patterned wallpaper is another great way to add impact. Wallpapering an entire room, or wall for that matter, may be outside your comfort zone. The small size of most niches means one roll of paper is usually sufficient to cover the entire back wall. This eliminates the need to match up the pattern where pieces meet, making the project much more doable for the average person.

Art and Accessories
Rather than placing one single item in the niche, add interest by layering art with accessories. Hang art on the back wall of the niche and place a coordinating series of vases, sculptures or other decorative items on the ledge. This will add dimension and it also looks really well thought out. Keep accessories to just a few key pieces to avoid a cluttered look. This is also a good place to showcase artifacts or other three-dimensional art. If you've decorated the back wall with dramatic paint or wallpaper, keep your accessories simple so that they complement rather than compete.

Functional Decor
Turn the niche into a space that is functional and decorative. Consider adding shelving to house a collection of books, small sculptures or something else that is meaningful to you. If you are a skilled DIY-er, the shelves are a project you could likely handle yourself. Otherwise, there are niche shelving kits available online. These kits have many options for finishes and shelves come in wood or glass. Once you decide how to decorate your niche, a spotlight will put just the right finishing on the project.

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