Decorating Tips & Tricks

***My personal tips for great decorating...***

1. Find inspiration!!! Use Pinterest and Google and go out on the town and explore! Start collecting inspiration online, using Pinterest is the easiest way to do that! Go into the expensive décor stores and the less expensive boutiques and see what they are doing. Find what style you lean towards. Even if you aren’t buying, look and get ideas! It’s way easier to decorate a house when you know what you like!

2. Use Texture, Pattern & Color!!!! Your room should have many different patterns, shades and textures! Use stained wood, painted wood, metal, fabric and flowers/greenery…Keep them in cohesive color pallets to tie them all together.

3. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!!! Use things that aren’t generally thought of for décor! Use a trunk as a coffee table, a metal cart as a side table, a ladder as a shelving unit, a dresser as a bathroom vanity. The more creative you can get, the better!

****Here are some steps you can take 

to change up your decor****

1. Paint your walls!  If you’re able to, painting the walls in your house can be one of the quickest ways to freshen up the look and add a bit of interest. Choose a color that complements your personality and fits your space.

2. Try an accent wall! Use barn-wood, Ship-lap or large print wallpaper to add a bit of texture to one wall!

3. Try new Furniture (or refinish your old) Furniture is arguably the most important aspect of decorating; if you’re short on furniture or have been using the same pieces for many years, consider bringing some new furniture into your home! Or take my approach and get your old furniture refinished for a fraction of the cost! Mix and match furniture rather than using only matching sets; you’ll end up with a more unique look, and probably save some money in the process. If all else fails, try re-arranging your current furniture, it’ll give you a different look without costing a dime!

4. To save on space and for some organization, decorate with decorative storage! Whether you’re incredibly organized or a bit of a hoarder, nearly everyone has stuff that needs to go into storage. Rather than shoving it under a bed or in the back of a closet, try using decorative storage instead. Look for ottomans that store things in their hollow centers, entertainment centers with doors, and large bookshelves and hutches to hold your knickknacks. By using storage that’s attractive, you kill two birds with one stone.

5. Hang art, photos and shelves on your walls! Don’t be afraid to put holes in your walls J they can always be filled! Choose a selection of artwork and prints in complementary colors and themes; think family photography, paintings, favorite quotes, shelves, floating shelves, etc. A bare wall is a boring wall, so try to have at least a few large pieces and a few small pieces of art displayed throughout your house. If you’re into it, go salvage some old junk! I have old barn gates, shutters and cabinet doors that didn’t cost me much hanging on my walls! It adds character and starts a conversation!

6. Change up your dated lighting! Generic light covers and shades typically lack interest and personality. Mix up your lighting by purchasing new, more decorative options. Now, lighting can get expensive, so my answer to that is thrift it! Most all the lighting in my house has been purchased from a thrift store and updated to fit my style! Small interesting lamps can be interspersed throughout your home to add light and flare to your style. And don’t be afraid to mix and match! As long as they are cohesive colors or textures, you can get away with it!

7. Hang curtains! Curtains are one of the most underused style tools in decorating a home. They not only serve a purpose, but they add pattern and texture into a room!

8. Add an accent rug! The purpose of rugs is dual in nature: cover up unattractive or dirty flooring and add interest and pattern to your floor. Look for rugs to fill up the empty spaces in your home; these will make your house seem full of furniture even when it's a bit bare. Find rugs in colors and patterns that match your décor (or go with it; too much ‘matching’ might look boring). Rugs can be places in nearly every room of your home, including your kitchen and bathroom, so don’t be afraid of getting several! If you are looking for cute inexpensive rugs look at Wal-Mart and IKEA!