THE COLOR ORANGE

The color orange is not just for fall decorating anymore

The color orange has always been a popular fall color, but it's now being used less than sparingly in home decorating and decor. The nice thing about this color is that a little orange will go a long way.

Like with any color trend, this color will not remain the color of the year forever. It's always a wise idea to use trendy colors on less costly items. Avoid buying big ticket items such as furniture or custom drapes. Instead, use bold color on smaller ticket items that are less expensive to replace. For example, paint an accent wall in orange or use a splash of it in accessories, throw pillows, or area rugs.

Below is a collection of ideas on how to use orange in decorating and home decor.

If you like orange, but have hesitations in using it, try using a variation of the 

color in accent pillows. This rooms neutral color tones grounds the rooms 

overall look while he throw pillows accentuate the space without overtaking it.

A splash of orange is all that is needed in this dining room. When used
against white walls, this bold color makes a statement without stealing the
show.

This kitchen's orange window trim pops against the bright white cabinets. Only
a splash of color is needed to accomplish the job. (photo source: Houzz.com)

The orange place mats can be easily and inexpensively replaced once the
orange trend starts to fade. (photo source: Jason Ball Interiors, Houzz.com)

LET THERE BE LIGHT / Find Unique Lighting Ideas for the Home

Unique lighting ideas that add the wow factor

Unique lighting is an integral part of any room, but many homeowners do not place much importance on selecting a light fixture that adds that wow factor to the space. Lighting can actually become the focal point of the room if used the right way. There are so many options to choose from, but first you must assess the room -- what will  the room will be used for?  What kind of lighting will work best for this room --task lighting, ambiance lighting, or accent lighting?

Use this formula to determine the perfect amount of lighting needed for your room. Room length X Room width x 1.5 = Amount of wattage to light a room. If your room is 10 x 12, you would multiply 10 x 12 x 1.5 = 180 Watts.  You can divide the 180 watts amongst lamps, ceiling lighting, wall sconces, etc.


Box style, modern sconces create a bit of ambiance and become the focal point on an otherwise large, blank wall. This feature can be used in just about any room.


Kitchens need bright general lighting plus task lighting. Most homeowners would move toward using recessed lighting, but this homeowner uses light as if it was a sculptural piece of art. This unique lighting idea will catch just about anyone's eye.

Here we have another great use of ambiance lighting. How can this be used? Anchor your outdoor furniture around it, or think outside the box and use it as platform for your Christmas tree display.

These striking rope hanging lights add to the overall rustic feel of the home. What a unique way to tie the staircase together; linking the levels.

In lieu of recessed lighting, opt to use stylish track lighting.

Sources:  houzz.com, pinterest.com, ballarddesigns.com

DIY FALL DECOR FOR THE HOME

Create inspirational DIY decor for the home.

With fall quickly approaching, I thought I might put together some DIY fall decorating ideas for the home. These projects are easy, inexpensive, and beautiful additions to your home’s decor. The best part is that you made it yourself!

Inexpensive glass pumpkins receive a coat of looking glass spray paint, transforming them into beautiful mercury glass pumpkins.

Add a bit of whimsy to a room by placing faux leave branches inside contemporary glass vases.

A grid of leaf prints becomes a one of a kind piece of art.

Use candles and acorns for a simple centerpiece.

Stencil letters onto repurposed bottles or glass and add your choice of flowers.

Click here to view additional fall diy projects for the home.

(sources: houzz.com & pinterest.com)

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL WALL STATEMENTS

Bold and beautiful wall statements for the home

Bold and beautiful wall statements can become a tasteful addition to any room. People often tend to veer away from using bold color, but with a couple helpful tips, and a little experimenting, you will overcome your fear.

• When choosing a bold color, be sure to keep in mind the floors, furniture, and wood work -- they should all compliment your bold color of choice.
• Look for alcoves or focal points in which to apply your bold wall treatment.
• Think outside the box and go beyond just painting a wall.  

View the inspiration gallery for some unique ideas.

Bold glass wall tiles accentuate a feature wall.

Bold built-in furniture with crisp white walls - wow!

Brick, wood, and a bold wall -- the perfect finishing touch.

A bold painted accent wall spices up the room.

Bold stripes add character.

(sources: pinterest.com, homefurnishings.com)

Repurpose, Reuse, Recycle

One Man's Junk is Another Man's Treasure

We live in a use and toss culture, not giving a second thought as to how we can repurpose or reuse. Many old items around your home can be transformed into interesting decor, so the next time you are ready to toss, think about how that junk can be turned into your treasure.

Globes are repurposed into pendant  lights.

An old bike turned vintage sink.

Turn an old watering can into a shower head.

Collanders become pendant lights

Scrabble artwork.

A lamp shade is made from linked slides.

Add some legs and a suitcase becomes a table.

Tire seating.

(Blog sources: Pinterest.com, Groovygreenlivin.com)

REPURPOSED DOORS: AN INSPIRATION GALLERY

When one door closes, the next door opens, in so many new and inspiring ways.

Give an old door a new repurposed life. The possibilities for its new use are endless.  Let your imagination go wild with some of these inspirational ideas.

An old door with lots of character receives a new life as a dining table. 

Add a little bit of interest and suspend your table.

Repurposed doors make great coffee tables.

By adding rollers to the door's base and hanging them on a sliding track, old doors are repurposed into a unique and stylish new feature.

Salvage and old door into a rustic, yet functional, bench.

Use salvaged doors to fill large wall spaces.

Create a cozy outdoor seating area using salvaged doors.  The distressed french doors become the focal point, adding a bit of the unexpected, and tying the space together.

A salvaged french door becomes wall decor.  

A repurposed door becomes a book shelf.  Use it by itself, or create two identical ones, and place on each side of a bed.

Turn your salvaged door into a classical mirror.

And for those skilled craftsman, repurpose an old door into a piece of furniture.

(Photos source:  Houzz.com & Pinterest.com)

BUDGET FRIENDLY DECORATING IDEAS FOR YOUR FIXER UPPER

Are you looking for budget friendly decorating ideas for your fixer upper? 

Follow these tips on how to stretch your dollar by creatively transforming your home's existing furniture and accessories in something fabulous. Add a little paint and some affordable finds; you will be amazed at the difference it makes in your room and your wallet.

Get creative and keep costs down. A tight budget does not mean you need to compromise on style.  The entire budget for this 1,400 sq. foot home was a minimal $3,000. Shopping at second hand stores, tag sales, and clearance racks, was the key to this room's success.  

The dining chairs, a clearance item, are the only new items in the room. Additional accessories and furniture, including the light fixture, were purchased at the local Goodwills, Habitat for Humanity, Craigslist, second hand shops, and tag sales. The photo below provides a glimpse of  the room's dated appearance prior to the transformation.

A quick tip for decorating on a budget. Take time in redoing your room. Don't be in a hurry to get everything done. As a result, you will make bad decisions which affect your budget.

Put your DIY skills to work. This bedroom received a classy, yet inexpensive update. The room's walls were painted a soothing blue. A coverlet purchased for $6.00 from a second hand store was cut down and used as a bed throw,  pillows, and a shower curtain valance.  The curtains and rod, bed ruffles, and head board are tag sale finds. Old, green lamp bases received a coat of black spray paint and some new shades.  

Repurpose and reuse. Reuse items you currently have around the home. Photo 1: An outdated print was removed from it's frame and replaced with hanging star fish.  Photo 2: Take a few inexpensive pots, then add florals for a chic home accessory. Photo 3: Go through your kitchen cabinets and use it's contents as lovely decor.

THE 60-30-10 RULE: ADDING COLOR TO YOUR SPACE

When decorating your space, divide your colors into percentages,  using the 60-30-10 rule. Take a look at any decorating magazine photo to see how this rule applies.  It's really quite simple.  Here is how it works:

60%  of a dominant color

30% of a secondary color

10% of an accent color


Mark McCauley, ASID, described it perfectly when he said, " The color breakdown is similar to a man's suit":

60%  of the color is the man's jacket and pants

30% of the outfit's color is the color shirt

10% of the outfit's color is the tie


So translated, this means:

60% of color is the walls

30% of color is in the upholstery

10% of the color is in the accents or floral arrangement

This striking kitchen follows the 60-30-10 rule, using the last 10% of color as a bold accent above the cabinetry.

Afraid of using color in a small space? Don't let it scare you.  This cozy nook used the 60-30-10 rule and the results are fabulous.

Get Gutsy Paint Idea

Walls are not the only place where you can add pattern and color to a room. Get creative & get gutsy! Paint your floors instead. Your old, worn hardwood planks provide the perfect opportunity to add color and pizazz to any space.  Paint them solid or get artsy and add a playful design. This technique can be applied to stairs as well. This DIY project is labor intensive but worth every minute. You will be in awe with the results.

How to:

1.  Sand your floors, and then clean well

2.  Apply a base of primer. Let dry 24 hours.

3.  Start at the back of the room and work your way to the door.

4.  Paint your floor with oil-based exterior paint.  Let dry 24 hours.

5.  If painting a bathroom floor, consider using marine paint (used on boats)

5.  Lightly sand and clean. Add another one or two coats, sanding between each.

View homes that need your creative touch

White, black, gray are all safe floor color options. But what about red? It's an electrifying jolt of color paired with white walls and offers the opportunity to create a consistent color story, complemented by red accessories in each room.

(how to & photo source: Natalie Myers / Houzz.com)

This gingham plaid pattern is so inventive for a painted floor. As long as the the paint coats are kept thin, this pattern seems relatively easy to achieve.

Continue your design on the stairs to create a unique space that will become the envy of your neighbors.

(Photo source: Bockman & Forbes Design)

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Who Said Hardwood Flooring is Just for Floors?

Give your home, or home-to-be, the wow factor and make it stand apart from the rest by adding small, creative touches through out the home.  Plain walls are the perfect place to begin.  Most people will default to painting their walls, but let's kick up the creativity a notch and use traditional flooring as a wall treatment.  

Flooring used as a wall treatment adds dimension,sophistication, and drama. You can take this idea and apply it to a ceiling as well. If cost is a  factor, shop for flooring on Craigslist, Habitat for Humanity, or Salvage shops.  

How-to Guide

Find a home where you can apply this DIY project

(Photo source:  Fulcrum Structural Engineering)

Does Your Home Tell More About You Than You Think? / Part III

BABY BOOMER HOMES
DOES YOUR HOME TELL MORE ABOUT YOU THAN YOU THINK?

Bradenton, FL newly listed homes

Sarasota, FL newly listed homes

What does the Baby Boomer generation look for in a home?  Baby Boomers are your mid 50's - mid 60's age group who are approaching retirement. They have distinctly different preferences than the Gen X and Gen Y generation.

Baby Boomers no longer need a home to accommodate children, but they still have distinct partialities in what they want in a home. Think about what might be important features for Baby Boomers, then read on to see what a majority of the buyers in this age group prefer.

Boomers House (50’s – mid 60’s)

Prefer single family homes with amenities

Want to enjoy their home

Love to entertain

Facing retirement but still want to be active

Want to be near shopping centers and medical services

Wants a floor plan to adjust to their lifestyle

Prefers off white with chocolate glaze or dark finish cabinets

Able to afford a little more in upgrades
Don't want to pay for space they don't need

Prefer a temperate climate

The Gen Y Home

The Gen X Home