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)

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)

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)