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)

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.

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)