Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Interior Decorating for the Stylish Woman



A wise woman once said, "Your home is a reflection of you." Look around your room, what does it say about you? Is it neat? Is it pretty? Is it comfortable? Your home should be a place where you can go to unwind and enjoy the life's simple pleasures. Here's a few tips for making your place more inviting.

1. Add Color. Choose a color theme for each room. If you can't paint the walls because you rent, use accent pillows or rugs to add a dose of color to the room. Using several shades of the same color family can create a delightful contrast.

2. Center your room around one piece of furniture. Never buy all of your furniture from one store. Select one piece and build the room around it. My florist has a great red bookcase from Ikea she paid $279 for (see picture). Buying a statement piece can give your room a unique look.

3. Hide flaws. Rugs can cover an ugly floor. A hanging picture can hide a bruised wall, a new finish on furniture, or a coat of paint on the wall can make an old room look new. Be creative and reinvent what you already have.

4. Accessorize your room like you would an outfit. Adding pieces such as a huge vase, a unique end table, a heirloom lamp, a rug, or custom painting give a drab room flavor.

5. Don't overcrowd the living room. You don't want your place to look like a furniture store. Leave plenty of room in between furniture. You don't want anyone injuring themselves because your furniture is too close together. Opt for a sofa, a chic sectional, or a nice chaise and a small chair if you're limited on space. Choose multifunctional furniture for versatility.

6. Give your bedroom five star treatment. Your bedroom should be luxurious. Even though you may not spend a lot of time there, when you do, you want to enjoy it. Bedside tables, fluffy pillows, subtle lighting, and luxe linens can do the trick. I bought 300 thread-count sheets at Bed, Bath & Beyond and I can tell the difference between them and sheets with the lower thread count. For deals on sheets, try TJ Maxx stores or Anna's Linens. Ross may also have some great deals too.

7. Invest in candles or reed diffusers to make your home smell nice. They are inexpensive and eco-friendly.

8. Keep your bathroom clean and organized. There's nothing worse than a filthy bathroom. Keep yours clean and organized. If you're limited on space, use shelving units or containers to hold cosmetics.

9. Remember less is more and luxury does not have to cost a fortune. Invest in key pieces and use ad-ons to add your own special touch.

10. Shop smart. Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens & Things have coupons (and you can use either stores coupons at the other store. Target also has great items for the home and decent furniture. Ikea has great pieces for folks on a budget.

Store Recommendations:

Bed Bath & Beyond
JC Penney
TJ Maxx
Anna's Linens
Macy's
Target
Pier One
Z Gallerie
Pottery Barn
Crate & Barrel

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