BE OUR GUEST

FRIENDS AND FAMILY: They're some of our favorite people in the world, so the last thing you want to do is put them in a guest room that feels less than welcoming.  Just take a look at these before and after pictures and think which room you'd rather visit after a long trip.

So, THINK SOFT:  light soothing colors, down bedding and new window treatments create a relaxing getaway.

 

THINK FRUGAL: the homeowner had just two pieces of art for above the bed, so I glued a moss wreath to the center of a framed, white thick poster board to create a grouping of three.  Dividing a tri-fold screen added architectural interest to two corners.  With this project, you'll create the sort of room your  guests will love, nearly as much as you love them.

 

THINK FUNCTIONAL: luggage can rest on small benches and guests can rest on a reupholstered chair.

Cottage in the Corner

When you've lived in a house for a while, your rooms can get in a rut.  Each one has its long established place, and none of them feels much like an escape.  But it doesn't take adding on to your house to find the space for a retreat.  Instead, look to capture a cottage feel.  Start with neutral paint and furniture that's perfect for an afternoon nap or conversation with friends. 

These rooms use a larger sectional, a functional ottoman, and a corner chair that's perfect for reading on a quiet afternoon.  You may not be able to get away from a television, but you can hide it in a decorative cabinet.  In this case, the screen pops up when you need it and lowers out of sight when you don't.  And your color in fun and unexpected places- bright pillows that can change with the season, dried flowers, even a cheery bird on a shelf. 

When there's no place for furniture, add architectural details to the walls.  This weathered window frame came from an old church.  Think color, comfort, and coziness, and you'll be surprised at how much room you discover thanks to even the smallest corner of cottage chic.

All the Trimmings

Imagine your Thanksgiving dinner table for a moment.  The turkey's the centerpiece, but the trimmings make it sing.  Its the same with walls in your house. 

 

Take a look at these before and after pictures and you'll see how basic trim work can dramatically change the look and personality of your room.

Before, the wall is plain, with no real color or wow factor.  But after a carpenter adds some simple trim materials and paint ,the wall has a custom, full paneled look.

This is a great way to showcase special art, or anchor nearby furniture - in this case, the piano.  The trim comes in a variety of textures and patterns that provides a customized look to stand out from every other wall.  In terms of trimmings, think of this as a solution as the dressing.

How to Create a Lodge Cabin Decor

Combining Elements of remote wilderness animals and natural outdoor elements and turn them into decorative pieces.  Rustic style home decor pieces include such items as pine cones, antlers, birch wood, elk, deer, moose, fish , bear and racoons.  These items can be turned into functional designs that include lighting or furniture pieces.  Structural pieces, such as snowshoes, paddles, small birch boats and fishing items are a great finishing touch. Check out my picture gallery on merchant circle for more ideas on Lodge Cabin Decor.

Fill'er Up With A Special Cup

When your car needs refueling, you stop at a gas station: when your family needs refueling, give them a chance to stop at a hot chocolate station.  It takes just one square foot of counter space or table space to make room for an inexpensive and popular winter getaway. 

Fill simple decorative glass containers with flavored hot chocolate mixes .  You can buy these ready-made in a grocery store or go online to find simple recipes to make yourself.  Add a scoop, put out your favorite mugs, and as a finishing touch set out an extra mug filled with candy canes for stirring.  This is a quick, functional decorating that makes it easier for the kids to have self-serve treats, and makes your kitchen a destination point.  Enjoy this true conversation piece- as people chat over steaming cups of hot chocolate, and can't wait to come back for more.

Wallpaper Trends 2011

Wallpaper is being seen more over the past couple of years, but mainly in powder rooms, small room, or accent walls.  Trends forecasts indicate thats all changing this year.  Expect to see entire rooms in beautiful designs and soft textured papers.  Paintable papers are also on the rise.  Check out  post from  ShelterPop to find more on wallpaper.
Been there done that with wallpaper ?? Coming soon other creative ideas, other than just an accent wall to set your space apart.

Baby It's Cold Outside

When the weather gets too cold for flowers in your outside planters, bring the planters inside to let your decorating imagination bloom instead.  Fill one with dirt then pebbles and stone, top with some of your favorite natural pieces - grass, shells from a special vacation, maybe even a dried flower arrangement you've had sitting in the back of a closet somewhere.  

Top it with a piece of round pre-cut glass you can find at any discount store.  It won't put much of a dent in your budget, so you have a unique showcase piece at a price much less than something off the showroom floor.  Have fun seeing how this table can warm your house on a cold winter day.