Unique Decorating Ideas

There are many reasons I love interior design, but I have to say that the best thing about it is its accessibility. A destitute college student can have a room just as fabulous as that of a billionaire with just a little bit of know-how. One of the most effective tools in the designer’s arsenal, a can of paint, only costs $25. Money can’t buy taste, and great decor can be had on a tiny budget. With this in mind, I bring you a few cheap ideas that can transform any room:

1. Funky Frames. Well, they don’t have to be funky. This is one of my favorite DIY home decor projects because of the huge cost difference between finished and unfinished frames. Custom framing usually costs an arm and leg, but with a little know-how and a few supplies, you can create your own custom wall hanging .

2. Custom curtains, slipcovers, or pillows. Looking for a big change on little cash? Investing in a sewing machine is the best way to maximize your redesign budget. Raw fabric costs a fraction of finished pieces, and once you get the hang of it, construction is a breeze. Plus, sewing your own covers gives you an infinite number of choices of fabric and the ability to create a truly custom look.

3. Fun lampshades and chandeliers. There are thousands of ways to dress up lampshades with a spot of hot glue and a few baubles. Even the most drab lamp can be given new life with a few changes to an old shade. If you are looking for a little more drama, there are home chandelier kits that let you choose and arrange your own crystal and bulbs.

4. Simple woodworking projects. A quick search of the Internet will yield hundreds of step-by-step guides on how to build everything from shelving to cabinetry. The cost of wood, stain, and hardware for a beginner’s project is almost always much less than what the finished product would cost in a store. Just make sure to wear the proper safety equipment!

5. Personalized art. You can paint, sculpt, or even knit your way into a more beautiful home. Your art is perfect for displaying around your home, because it is absolutely free (except for supplies), completely custom, just your taste, and a guaranteed conversation starter. Why not make one of your favorite hobbies work for you?

Looking for more ways to add more for less? Check out your local thrift store and dumpster for pieces that need some DIY love.

Most people find themselves looking up from their work during a long day and dreaming of an extended vacation to some secluded place. In truth, travel is rarely relaxing. Airplane travel and crowded destinations are likely to turn the trip into an ordeal long before you get to bury your toes in the sand. Are we meant to use a few measly days a year getting a grip before going back to the stresses of everyday life? Why does restoration have to happen in far-off foreign lands?

Noted psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross once said, “There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub.” People who are stressed and in need of a break should look to their homes for daily restoration, not their annual vacation.

The most important function of good home design is to make the living space optimal for the owner. All too often, homeowners and decorators alike forget that the home is, above all, a place to find peace.

Want to start turning your nights into mini-vacations? Start by identifying an area as your relaxation space. It helps to note that “Your Relaxation Space” should appear in your mind exactly as shown here—bold and well-defined. Don’t let it become a place to catch up on work, extra toy storage for the kids, or catch-all for your spouse’s laundry. The whole family (and you) should know that it is strictly for your unwinding activity. Choose something that never fails to help you relax, like reading, writing, playing video games, watching movies, bathing, meditating, or just zoning out. Attach this activity to the space best suited to doing it.

The same principles that apply to designing a workspace also apply to creating “Your Relaxation Space” . The area should be neat, comfortable, and most of all, fun to be in. Fill it with some of your favorite things to tailor the room to your tastes.

Do you take bubble baths to melt away your worries? Deck your bathroom out with spa towels, a fluffy robe, and decorative, great-smelling soaps. Special bath products often look great on display. Plus, the bath is the best place to keep your favorite candles. Not only can add warmth and color to a sterile bathroom, but they can provide much-needed aroma therapy.

If you prefer to be surrounded by your book collection for some reading time, start designing your space around a comfy chair. (Avid readers know that not just any seating will do.) Then add a spot to set a cup of hot tea. I personally love any room that is full of books, and you can find a bookshelf to fit any home decor style. For extra fun, try arranging your books by color .

The most common space for a home getaway is probably the bedroom. And why not? There is nothing more calming than taking a nap. As I mentioned in my first post , a neat and soothing bedroom can be the perfect personal refuge. Of course, there are many ways to design a boudoir. If you are going for relaxation maximization, try using hotel room design aesthetics and adding a sea of pillows to your bed. For a real retreat, go for something whimsical or surreal .

Got a relaxation space in mind? Go try it out. I think I’ll hit mine, too.

If you’re like me, you can’t live without mirrors. Choosing a fabulous mirror (or three) to feature in your home doesn’t make you narcissistic. Reflective surfaces have dozens of applications in good design. They may be a bit pricey, but these versatile wall accessories can be the perfect finishing touch in any style of room.

Practical Applications
Though this post might read, in part, as my love letter to small hanging mirrors, the praise is entirely deserved. These flexible decorations are useful in many different situations. They have their obvious practical applications in addition to a host of admirable design characteristics. The 70s design trend of opening up spaces with decorative wall mirrors might be cringe-worthy today, but the same principle applied in a smaller space can create the same illusion of openness. The glass also bounces and diffuses light throughout the room in order to illuminate dark spaces and brighten up blank walls.

In the practice of feng shui , mirrors are often employed to fix problem areas and create balance. The smooth cool surface is a good way to represent the essential element of water. Reflective materials can also be used to redirect the flow of energy through the area so that it does not become stagnant.

Personally, I find that if I’m agonizing over how to fill wall-space, the easiest and most elegant solution is always a mirror. They can hold their own as a design element without cloying (like a piece of art) or being overcomplicated (like sconces or panels). Using a mirror for wall decoration is subtle way to add interest to any room.

Let Me Count the Ways…
Here are just a few examples of styles and mirrors that make a great match:

Retro Modern- Think funky. Geometric and segmented mirrors create contrast against the busy patterns this style is known for. A nice 50s-inspired starburst can give off mod flavor as well.
Art Deco - Since high gloss and metallic materials are calling cards of this style, a mirror is a natural choice for a dramatic focal point.
Country Cabin- Heavy wood or etching details allow the room to have a wall mirror without loosing warmth.
Shabby Chic- There is no better way to finish off a cozy fireplace than with a circular, plaster-framed mirror and vase of flowers. The design style calls for the frame to be neutrally-colored but soft and frilly.
Minimalist- Nothing is as unfettered and unifying as an unframed, undecorated, polygonal piece of glass.
Eclectic- Find a wall mirror in a thrift store that’s in great shape but does nothing for you? Add a frame or paint, mosaic, or distress the existing one. This style is about using rare finds and personal art to create surprises in every room.

This is only a short list of great things you can do with decorative mirrors. One of the most exciting things about them is that they can always be used in new ways. The next time you stop to admire yourself in one of these multitalented decorations, I hope you take away some inspiration for your next space.

Whether you bring work home or just need a place for personal projects, a home office is the perfect place to concentrate—in theory. A poorly organized or cluttered workspace can hinder your efforts to work at home. So how do you create a space you’d actually want to use?

For some reason, many people forget that their home office is, in fact, at home. They choose bland, utilitarian furniture and skimp on the accessories like they’re arranging a cubicle.

Remember that you will never receive a memo about how many personal items you can keep in your home work area. Don’t be afraid to personalize and beautify your office with the same gusto that you used for the rest of your home.

Keep it Fun!
The first tip is to always keep the space light, airy, and fun to be in. Even if you like the idea of going with a more traditional look featuring built-in shelving and wood paneling, give yourself a big comfy reading chair to cut down on all of the formality. At the end of the day, your supposed to want to spend time in the room.

The best way to make a home office feel inviting is to make it personal. Move your favorite piece of art in from your bedroom. Chances are you don’t need any motivation to go to bed. Try painting the room a wacky and invigorating color. It’ll brighten things up, and you can use shades you wouldn’t dream of putting in the public part of the house.

If you still avoid your work space, make your home office the place for your personal photos and collections. Who knows? You may come in to look and stay to work.

Finding Storage Solutions
One of the biggest problem with workstations is how quickly they get cluttered. When you’re rushing to finish a project, putting everything in away is that last thing on your mind. A good way to keep your desk from becoming a mound of junk and papers is to have a place for everything.

The great thing about creating storage is that it allows you to use your imagination. Why not use decorative baskets or your old cassette rack for an ultra cool clutter catcher? These repurposed pieces (along with strategically placed filing cabinets) can clear up the mess and make everything easier to find.

These days, the computer is inevitably the focal point of the home office. Unfortunately, it brings with it nests of unsightly wires, tons of peripherals, and stacks of media. Untangle, organize, and bound wires together in order to reduce the mess. Organize the rest of the paraphernalia in one of your storage containers.

Work Space Niches
Those of us who have been liberated from desks by our laptops are the worst about putting things in their place. After losing my note pad and pens for the hundredth time, I realized I needed to consolidate the post-it notes and accessories I had strewn about the house into a laptop work station. So, since my home office is reserved for my husband, I carved out a spot in the bedroom for storage space, fold away desk area, and comfortable work chair. In addition to consolidating my stuff and providing a place to consistently charge my electronics, my niche helps me get in the mood to work.

Incorporating a workspace into a room with another purpose is easy. In my room, I set off the space with a different, yet coordinating color palette. A rug or savvy placement can achieve the same effect.

Though you may never get your boss to agree to a total office redesign, you always have the opportunity to turn your home work space into a place you love to be. Go ahead and turn your home office into a place you love to be.

Still looking for inspiration? Take a look at these brilliant work interiors.

The days are longer, the kids are home, and everyone is sporting shorts. It is certainly summertime, but some of us find our homes stuck in the winter doldrums. Even though the indoors are the perfect place to escape from the heat, they can still be livened up with a sweet summer theme.

Quick Fixes
High gas prices may be keeping you from taking a trip to some secluded beach this year, but tropically-inspired color palette in an outdoor area can provide the perfect atmosphere to do a little reading. Try to incorporate some of these fun colors into your home.

Staying at home? That’s no reason to stay inside. Soak up the sun on your patio or deck. New nautical beach chairs and a good cleaning will make your outdoor space usable again.

Traditional Nautical Decor
In the mood for something more formal, bold, or fun? Skip the fishing trip and try planning a nautical room. The great thing about this style is its versatility. Traditional maritime design takes cues from the historical British navy, New England culture, and all things pelagic. Bold patterns are used to add visual interest to crisp, clean spaces. Most of all, white should be the dominate color in the room. It is usually paired with reds, navy blue, and other strong shades. Representations of boats, ships, or lighthouse decor are often used for decoration.

Though the traditional take may seem a tad stuffy, a well-planned nautical space can be the perfect place for socializing. The style dictates that fabrics and furniture be rugged, so they are better suited to large groups of people. Lighthouse wall decor can help foster a cozy captain’s quarters feel. Also, the breeziness of a nautical room makes it feel like the perfect place to have a Mojito or two.

Casual Beach Style
There is no one way to add some seafaring flavor to your space. Rustic and natural materials like driftwood and seashells represent a more laid-back interpretation of this design type. Think relaxing beach hide-away as apposed to yacht club. The best accents for this kind of room are beachcomber finds and repurposed trinkets. They add one-of-a-kind style to the space and make great conversation pieces.

You can choose mutes blues and tan and use pieces sparsely to create the perfect spa-like retreat. If you find yourself landlocked and short of beach finds or ocean inspiration, try to find art and decor pieces that remind you of the sea. You can even incorporate your photos from your last trip to the beach in order to make things more personal.

Forget about going anywhere this summer. Bring the vacation into your home with bold naval patterns, lighthouse home decor, and beautiful things from the sea.

Good design is all about making a home look like a work of art, but there is a fine line between incorporating some thing fun into a room and overdoing it. Pattern and color should play a big role in defining an design identity, but too much can make things look busy.

Try to liven up a bland space with some fun graphical art. You can inject style into an area by incorporating a new pattern or hanging a print.

Use style to dictate pattern.
Sometimes its hard to determine what patterns will go with a look. Some conventions are easier to stick to than others. For instance, picking the perfect upholstery fabric for a modern retro space is easy. Almost everyone can identify a kitschy design from the 50s. However, styles like bohemian chic are meant to pull many different looks together and still be cohesive. A wrong choice can turn what was supposed to be a bold centerpiece into a disaster.

This is why it is so important to look for inspiration in similar designs. Looking at all the ways a room can be done the right way will keep you from doing it the wrong way. There is nothing written in stone when it comes to finding graphical elements that work, but there are definitely mistakes to be made. Avoid choosing the wrong combinations by researching what works.

Match, but don’t get matchy.
There is nothing worse than pattern overload! It makes things look overly designed and turns something that could be beautiful into something hideous. The worst part is that too much of something can make a room downright uncomfortable for visitors. As I’ve said before, the point of interior design is to make a room enjoyable.

Even if you can’t get enough of something, don’t bludgeon your guests with it. Your beloved style element will stand out more if its placed by itself. Something like a simple print can make a big impact when it is placed properly and not overdone.

As always, start simple.
Not sure how to add a graphical statement to your room? Start with patterned throw pillows or wall decals. You may find a new affinity for visual art. Also, these touches are cost effective and can easily be removed if their not what your looking for.

As Mother’s Day rolls around, loving children scramble to find yet another gift for mom. We cruise spa menus, flip pages in glossy magazines, and endlessly surf websites in pursuit of the perfect expression of our love and appreciation. Unfortunately, many of us are unsure of what to give the women who gave us everything. Fear not, last minute Mother’s Day gift shoppers; the world of interior design may be the perfect place to find unique gifts for mom.

Whether or not your mom has shown interest in décor before, something nice for her home is sure to put a smile on her face. Try thinking about her style and things she might enjoy before you run off to get her the hottest new accessory.

Mom’s Style, Not Yours
The first step to picking gifts for mother is figuring out her style. Even if she has never been big of decorating, chances are she will have left you hints around her home. Chances are she will have tipped you off to whether she leans toward the rustic or modern. Try staying within the confines of her taste to find unique Mother’s Day gifts. It is easy to make the mistake of trying to spruce up your mother’s home without getting her something she wants. If she likes French Country, get her a tasteful traditional quilt . You may hate it, but it’s not your home!

Make it Special
The most important part of Mother’s Day is making mom feel appreciated. It is one holiday where sentimental gifts can go a long way. For example, my mom loves odd antiques and objects from the 50s and 60s. My brother and I went diving through our favorite antique store last Mother’s Day to find her the perfect gift. After many hours of searching, we found a metal bedside clock we though looked a lot like one our grandfather had used while they were traveling with the Army. It was from the late 1950s.

Of course, she loved the clock and proudly displays it by her own bedside. Because we took the time to choose a piece of décor that had significance to her, the gift went over very well. When looking for unique gifts for mother, try to focus on finding beautiful objects that have deeper connections. How about reupholstering a chair she got for a wedding present?

Tell Her You Love Her
As always, tell mom you love her this Mother’s Day. You may get her a fabulous print for her home office, but don’t be shy about making her a card. She still wants something personal.