Read these 19 Home Decorating Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Family tips and hundreds of other topics.
Apply colorful designs on top of the base coat using
precut stencils and stamps or wallpaper borders.
One of the quickest and least expensive ways to upgrade
your home is to paint. Paint the ceiling first and work
your way down.
Do use family photos as art. Whether hung on a wall or lined
up on shelves they are always intriguing and sure
conversation starters. Seek out different types of
frames to create an eyecatching display.
Remove handles and hardware, sand and put on a good
primer. Then paint. Put the hardware back on and
you have a brand new look!
Install a new shelving system for more storage or
decorating space. It's just a matter of measuring,
drilling and anchoring the shelf with the appropriate
fastener.
Add color to your home using vivid accents. Buy
an inexpensive bright pottery bowl, some bright pillows
or a festive tablecloth.
Carve out cozy hideaways here and there. An empty
corner, a wide landing, a deep windowsill are all
ideal spots for setting up a resting place.
Clean the furniture first using denatured alcohol,
mineral spirits or trisodium phosphate depending on
what kind of wood it is. Ask a hardware salesperson to
help you decide what to use. Then in a well-ventilated
area use a stripper, remove the residue, sand and clean
with denatured alcohol. Apply a clear finish or use
a stain for a different finish.
Measure between the screw holes on your kitchen cabinets
then go find replacements to spruce up your kitchen in
minutes.
Little touches like buying a new mailbox can make
a big difference. If you feel really creative, you
can paint your mailbox or use stencils to dress it up!
Create a window garden using fragrant herbs and wildflowers.
You can smell them and watch them grow all winter
long. And the herbs make great additions to recipes.
Use a tinted glaze over a solid color base. The
translucent glaze allows the base coat to show through
the color of the glaze creating an interesting mix
of effects.
Put up a wallpaper border of summer vegetables
in your kitchen to bring on thoughts of summer
and warmer weather.
Show off treasured objects in the front hall. The
foyer is the perfect place to display paintings and
other finds.
Don't hesitate to include plants wherever there's light
to nourish them. Natural shades of green are compatible
with anything.
Do scout out salvaged items. Weathered doors, salvaged
architectural details and other finds can create an
unexpected backdrop.
Sponge-paint your bedroom a bright new color. Warm
shades like yellow and golden-based white make the
room seem warmer. Avoid greens and blues as they tend
to make rooms seem colder.
Don't forget to include the floor and ceiling in your
decorating plans. Think of them as your fifth and
sixth walls.
Use precut, pre-finished laminate or hardwood flooring
systems to make over your floors. Just follow manufacturer's
instructions for a whole new look!