10-second tip: Use what you like
Recreate favorite patterns or colors with custom paints or stencils. It’s really not that difficult to personalize your home decor with elements you love. You can buy stencil paper or acetate at your local craft store. Trace the pattern and cut it out using a razor or craft knife.
It does take a steady hand, but [...]
10-second tip: Tell a story with your design
As I have said before, good design tells a story and I always encourage people to have something in their home decor and design that reflect what’s important to them. In this bedroom from an Extreme Makeover episode, I made the headboard, lamps and ladder out of branches indigenous to Arizona. It was a way [...]
10-second tip: Stay dry naturally
Natural dehumidifiers can keep furniture, clothes and other stored stuff from mildewing. For example, you can put charcoal briquettes in a can or jar with holes poked in the top and they’ll absorb moisture.
You can do the same thing with regular old chalk. A few sticks hanging in a pair of pantyhose or a mesh [...]
10-second tip: Let your treasures work together
Make a strong first impression by grouping some of your favorite things. In this example, an ornate chair is paired with a storage console then topped with a carved round mirror. A ginger jar lamp and sculpted piece of art complete the interesting mix in front of the boldly painted orange wall. Eclectic, personal, stylish. [...]
10-second tip: Store in style
Look outside for some inside storage options. I think it’s okay to be a little unpredictable with your design and decor choices. The planter in this picture is a good example of what I mean.
Check your local garden center for containers you can bring into your home to help hold and organize your stuff. Or [...]
10-second tip: Stencil for style
Stencils are a quick and fun way to add style to a plain piece of furniture. When I was at the High Point Market in April, I decorated 10 benches for a giveaway using adhesive stencils I designed and then had laser-cut. You can do it lot easier with stencils from any craft store. The [...]
10-second tip: Strength in numbers
A collection of anything in multiples can give a room visual impact. The kitchen in this picture features stylish fish prints from a book that were inexpensively matted and framed. They look great against the bright lime-green walls and help personalize the space for the homeowner. More 10-second tips
10-second tip: Turn the tables
Place a table within reach of every seating piece to make your room arrangement friendly and functional. Tables provide a place to set drinks and books and don’t forget lights! Make sure there’s adequate light or a lamp nearby for reading. Try and choose side tables that are about as tall as the arm of the [...]
10-second tip: Try nesting for small nests
Nesting tables and benches are a great way to create functional space. Then, just store them neatly under one another when not in use. It’s a great option for small kitchens, dining areas and living rooms where you may not have all the space you want. More 10-second tips
10-second tip: Accessory to makeover
Do accessorize! One of the easiest and fastest ways to completely change the personality of a room is with affordable accents like throw pillows, vases and lamp shades. In this picture to the left, the bright red and white add punch to the living room. Another good example of using accessories to help transform a [...]
