Decor Ideas
Let opposites attract. Colors that are on the opposite side of the color wheel can bring lots of fun to a space. They create an unexpected quality that adds character and interest. The blue and orange shades in this living room represent colder and warmer tones — and when combined, the temperature is just right. Wall color: Rendezvous Bay, Benjamin Moore
I find two- and three-panel doors particularly appealing, as they aren't all fussy and colonial but have a more modern and clean aesthetic. These doors can be made quite plain with just a single flat panel or dressed up a bit with two panels and some interesting sticking. While not quite as modern as the flat-slab door, a two- or three-panel door adds visual interest without becoming the focal point.
Proud mama. I remember constantly asking my mom to frame every single one of my childhood paintings that I brought home for her. There was no way she could have indulged me, and not all of my paintings were THAT good, but a mom can certainly pick one wall for displaying only children's artwork. It will make them feel like a million bucks.
12. Finally print all of those pictures and put up a gallery wall. Ah, the digital age. If you are anything like me, most of your photos exist only on your computer's hard drive. Commit to making a change this summer by selecting your favorites to print. Fill an entire wall with frames for a fun, eclectic look.
Pay attention to scale. Your arrangement shouldn't be too big or too puny for the surface it's on. And don't feel like you have to fill every tabletop — the eye needs a chance to rest, too. Since all three items on this coffee table are approximately the same size, the coral was set atop a stack of books to stagger the heights. Notice how the book jackets pick up the color of the vase and the seat cushion.
Avoid distributing individual accessories around a room. Arrange them in groups, combining items that share a similar palette, character or texture. Unless you're dealing with a collection of identical objects, vary the size of the pieces and lean toward using an odd number for each vignette so things don't get too symmetrical or matchy-matchy. Arrange the items in a pyramid, from highest to lowest, with the tallest object in back. If an item is small, group it with other small items on a tray or in a bowl. If it's too low, set it atop a decorative box or books.
5. Relaxed fabrics. Farmhouses aren't fussy. Textiles and upholstery traditionally were often handmade or passed down, well loved by the generations who inherited them. As a result of this heirloom style of decor, fabrics were generally mixed and matched for a comfortable, eclectic and lived-in feel. Get this look: In early rural America, cotton was king, so take that as your cue when thinking of a comfortable base fabric to work with. If kid chaos is a concern, use a poly blend for wear and tear, but keep the styling simple.
Get this look: If you can't afford to put in hardwood floors all throughout your house, try putting them in a part of your home that's seen the most — like the family room. Wood furniture, wall paneling and accessories can also help you create that farmhouse warmth without renovating your entire home.
Mirror TV. My favorite way of camouflaging a television is with mirror technology. As seen here, when the TV isn't in use, you see a mirror above the fireplace. But when you turn the TV on, the mirror dissipates and the screen becomes visible. Design tip: Mirror kits and frames in all sizes and finishes are available for all makes and models of televisions. Consult a home media professional to order one for your TV.
Log. A log mantel like this one almost one-ups a railroad tie for authentic rustic style. The log pictured here has had a portion of the top carefully sawed off to create the perfect shelf-like platform. Design tip: While installation might be tricky, finding a log of your own to use for a mantel is easy and incredibly affordable.
Next-level peg rail. A shelf above a line of pegs ups the storage capacity of this coat hanging spot. “The more places you can hang and store things, the better,” says Jimmy Crisp of Crisp Architects. In this entry, he used wooden pegs, or Shaker pegs, to provide coat storage underneath the shelf. He also likes to incorporate a place to sit into the entry so that people can easily take off and put on their shoes.
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