Home Estate

Home Improvement and Real Estate

Archive for November, 2009

Is Simple Home Decorating A Style For You?

What does the term ‘Simple Home Decorating’ bring to mind? For many, it can mean a quick, easy and inexpensive decorating style. An uncluttered, understated and natural style can also define simple home decorating. In fact, all of these attributes can be incorporated into a simple home decor that will appeal to just about anyone, particularly those who are decorating on a budget but still want to create an appealing look for their home.

One very important starting point that is crucial in any home decor project is to de-clutter the area you are going to decorate, or in many situations, redecorate. Remove everything that you can physically carry out of the room, to give yourself a fresh start and the ability to really see what you are working with. This includes any accessories on shelves, throw rugs and wall decor – everything must go, at least for now. The only furnishings in the room should be large upholstery and casegoods that are too heavy to remove.

With the thought that simple home decorating evokes light, natural and easy to look upon, consider the floor and walls in this area. Do you need a fresh coat of neutral colored paint on the walls and ‘Ceiling White’ on the ceiling? How about the floor? If your budget can handle it, consider light carpeting, wood floors (natural or faux), or tile, all in lighter, natural finishes. If your budget will not allow for that expense, make sure the floors are sparkling clean. If your decorating style includes a more colorful approach for the walls, then use just one color and opt for a shade that is not overly bright.

Your next step is to carefully consider the upholstery in this room. Is the fabric dated, dark, stained, or generally not pleasant to view? A quick, easy and inexpensive solution is to discover the world of slipcovers. There are so many more choices, styles and fabrics now than there were five or ten years ago. You can find slipcovers for sofas, easy chairs, dining chairs, etc. They are made to fit particular styles of upholstery and look great. This is a wonderful way to create a different look in a room without spending a lot of money. If you choose this option, look for fabrics that fit your lifestyle as the first priority,then seek out lighter colors and patterns. These choices, along with the lighter colored walls, will keep your room looking fresh, open and uncluttered.

Now that you have addressed the ceiling, walls, floor and larger pieces in the room, it’s time to think about the smaller items and accessories. Bear in mind the goal is to look for natural, uncluttered, simple and inexpensive. First, do an inventory of all of the ‘stuff’ you have in your closets, kitchen cabinets and other storage areas. You are looking for something that you have never used in this room before, or perhaps never considered using as an accent or accessory. For example, you may have a lovely and unique piece that has been tucked away in a china cabinet for years. Or, you may come across a throw rug that was put away long ago and fogotten, and it may be perfect for this home decor project. If you come across a piece that is hand painted, hand woven or made from natural material, even better.

Bring each piece you have identified into your project room and try to find a place for it that will show the piece off to it’s best advantage, with a goal of minimal accessorizing. You want to avoid filling the walls with pictures just to take up space. Instead, try just one or two of your favorite pieces, a picture or mirror you just ‘discovered’ or an interesting combination of the two. By putting less on the walls and on display, each piece will gain more attention and dimension. For example, you may have placed an antique accent table against a wall in this room. You hung a beautiful oval picture above it, placed a hand painted pitcher on the table with an antique piece of lace as an underlayment, and as a finishing touch placed some natural type of organic such as Baby’s Breath in the pitcher (instead of the usual silk flowers). The particular style used as an example may not match your personal decorating taste, but the result would be the same; simple, understated, inexpensive and natural.

If your closets and cabinets are ‘bare’, try shopping at a discount home decor store and select one or two items that you love, to add to your decor project. Again, keep it simple and understated as you make your selections. When you add these pieces to your room, place them in a way that will emphasize their character and beauty (which is to say, if you purchased a new accent table, don’t put so much stuff on it and around it that you can’t see the table!)

Simple home decorating should be just that – simple. By incorporating these suggestions into your decorating project, you will create a room that is uncluttered and understated, and have accomplished this quickly, easily and inexpensively.

Spanning Out To Your Garden To Enhance Your Home Design

When people think of home design, the first thing that pops into their minds is generally the interior of the home. However, what many people may not realize is that home design is every element of the home, including your garden. When it comes to your garden, no matter what type it is, whether a flower or vegetable garden, you can decorate it with exquisite tastes that ensures that it is the highlight of your day.
You want to make sure that when you are considering home design, if you have a garden that you do not leave it out of the design factor. Creating a warm and inviting environment outside is crucial to the overall appeal to your home. As a gardener, you likely spend a good deal of time outside within your garden, digging, planting, weeding, watering, and taking general care of your plants. Therefore, why should not your garden be a beautiful and appealing place, since you have to spend so much time within it!
There are many different home design elements that would look perfect out near your planting area. You have choices from decorative elements such as statues, water fountains, walkway materials, and so much more. One great idea, particularly if you have a flower garden is to place a table and a couple of chairs either within the area or on the outskirts. This can serve as a great place for you to get away or even entertain visitors. What could be better than sitting next to or in your beautiful flower garden while having a great conversation with a close friend or neighbor?
Many people choose home design ideas that mean something to them personally. For example, there are many garden stones that have creative and inspirational saying etched upon them. These might be perfect out in your planting area. On the other hand, you may like the idea of statues within your garden. Statues come in many different sizes, shapes, and designs.
Many people choose to use a trellis. These are absolutely beautiful in almost any outdoor settings and come in a variety of styles as well. Depending on your home design tastes, you can find trellis in several different varieties, such as metal, wood, or plastic. At the same time, they can be simple and plain, or boast intricate and beautiful designs. What is more, a trellis can come in or be created in almost any design or color that you choose.
Other home design garden decor might include a bench, which is perfect for just taking a moment to relax and enjoy the scenery. You might also want to consider a water fountain of some sort. These too come in a variety of different styles, designs, and sizes.
The good news is that when it comes to home design and your garden you are only limited by your own imagination. You can purchase a variety of elements to create the perfect setting or even create your own.