The look for less

This photo is in the current issue of Better Homes and Garden.  All the items are priced, so I thought it would be fun to see if I could replicate the look for a lot less!  Their price $2353 mine $699!!!

The only item not duplicated are the curtains because they actually bought those at Target for $20!  I will compare the two photos and if you are interested in any of the items from mine I will provide the link in dark blue.

1- Theirs- watercolor $35 with an ikea frame for 20$.

Mine- My childs art work $0 with the same frame from ikea $20.

2- Curtain from Target.

3. Theirs- lamp from mghwhome.com $260.

Mine- lamp from Walmart $20.

4. Theirs- Nesting tables from belabor.com $491.

Mine- Nesting tables from Amazon $120.

5. Theirs- Rug 6x9 from shadesoflight.com $495.

Mine- rug 7'10"x11' from Home Decorators $213.

6. Theirs-Brass bowl from ethanallen.com $129.

Mine- Brass bowl from Amazon $38.

7. Theirs- Lime embroidered pillow from zinc door.com $110.

Mine- Accent sofa pillow from Etsy $41.

8. Theirs- Wingback highland chair rowefurniture.com $550.

Mine- Wingback chair from Craigslist $25 with

slipcover from Target $77 for a total of $102.

9. Theirs- Peacock pillow from company.com $130.

Mine- turquoise blue peacock pillow cover Etsy $44.

10. Theirs- Throw on chair companyc.com $115.

Mine- Carmel color throw from Overstock $61.

This really was a lot of fun for me and you can see how you can steal a look for 1/3 the cost!

Remember I am always available for design work!  I can save you money too! Email me here, or visit my website!

Mix it up!

photo via

Did you know that MOST of us are drawn to the same colors within our home. 

If you take a look in some different rooms in your home you should notice some similar colors, or at least colors that compliment each other.

So, that leads me to the MIX IT UP part.  If you are tired of a room in your home move some furniture around.  If you have an entire suit in your den- the sofa, love seat, and matching chair, move one of the pieces and change it out with another piece from another room.  

One of my favorite ideas is to look outside!  Maybe you have some outdoor furniture like a whicker chair that would bring texture into a room.  Or, maybe you have a small side table that has a tile top it can also add texture!

So, give it a try and see what happens!  You never know until you try, and it can always be put back!

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I can be contacted if you have any questions here.

Making your room a little more interesting

I really don't like the idea of "rules" when decorating, but there are some things you can do to enhance a rooms appearance. A suggestion for this is making sure you use straight lines and curved lines. In the photo above (from Horchow) The sofas are very linear in design, but the coffee table has rounded edges and and ottoman is curved on top and on the bottom. They have also placed a round mirror above the credenza to enhance the curves. This balance helps to make a successful room.

This is another photo from Horchow where you can see this principal applied again. In this photo you see the round side table and the two indian inspired poofs. These help to counterbalance the very straight lines of the sofa and pillows.

I included this bedroom from Janie Hirsch, so you could get an idea of how a bedroom can embrace the same qualities. In most bedrooms you find very severe lines with the bed, the dressers, and night stands. But, in this room you see the bed has curves, the chairs are rounded and the table by the chair is round. It helps to make the room not only interesting, but inviting, and tranquil, you eye travels around and isn't drawn to one particular item.

I hope you have seen some helpful ideas today, and remember if you would like help in bringing these looks to your home I am available. My information can be found here at my website.

And as always, please pass this along to friends if you think they maybe interested. I have added a new way to subscribe to these post. It is located on the left hand side of the blog. Once you have signed up be sure to look in your junk email for confirmation, if it does not appear in your regular email. Be back Friday with a fun weekend craft!

Smart trays

Trays are a great way to accessories and help contain your everyday items. In the photo below, I have chosen a rectangular plate that resembles a tray. This is placed at the front door on an entry table. It is there to "catch" the everyday things that are typically just dump wherever there is an empty spot. The best benefit to this is you always know where your keys are!

Below is one of my favorite uses for a tray. It is in the family room to make all these items look neat. The plant is added for aesthetics, but it does make it tidy. Not only do you always have the remote handy, but if you want to clear off the coffee table to view the television, with nothing in the way, you can pick it all up at once.

Lastly, again I have chosen a plate that resembles a tray. This one helps to keep tea drinkers organized. There is everything you need for a great cup of tea. Another bonus is if you have company, all you have to do is bring it to the table.

I hope you can find a way to incorporate one of these ideas into your home. Be sure to return to the blog on Friday, so you can see how to make your own tray from a picture frame!

Get the most from your bedside table!

When "styling" your bedside table, think about the purposes it needs to serve. Do you often take water to bed, or read at night? Do you use lotion, or jot down notes? All these things can be within reach and can still look organized and interesting. In the photos below I have addressed many of these and other issues. Have a look and give a try in your bedroom! Remember please feel free to email me, or leave a comment and I will get back to you! As always if you are interested in the services I provide please visit my website. If you are having trouble viewing the photo, just click to enlarge.

Can you really do any decorating for 5 dollars?

Yes! with a roll of wrapping paper. You only need some wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and maybe some spray adhesive depending on the project. In these photos I have tried to give some ideas to use throughout the home. It can be as simple as wrapping books the old fashioned way- for this you don't even need adhesive. Lining the back of a bookcase gives you an opportunity to customize a basic piece and it also allows you to add some color to your room. The framed "artwork" can be as basic as the ones shown here or you can cut out more complex shapes. For example in a child's room you may want to cut out animal shapes from animal skin printed paper, or maybe the alphabet with different colored patterned paper. Lastly, in an office setting, you can take different sized food cans and just wrap the paper around for office supplies. I have also taken thewrapping paper and covered manila folders to make them a little more special. Please feel free to email me with any questions, or just leave a comment and I will be sure to answer. Thanks for stopping by today to have a look. Be sure to visit me on facebook and my website is available here. Have a fantastic Labor day.