Monday, April 26, 2010

Turning a House into a Home doesn't need to be Expensive

Just wanted to Thank everyone for your sweet comments about our new grandbaby Ezra. He is a sweetie. I am so behind in all of your posts and have a busy week ahead so I may take awhile to get to all of you. Because of the time issue I am doing a repost from last summer.  I felt it was worth a replay since I get questions about this sort of thing often and beacause, frankly, I'm exhausted
 (having a grandbaby is hard work  : )


Turning your house into a home doesn't need to involve a lot of money. Often times just a few small changes can make the difference. We get into a rut by thinking a certain way. The biggest thing to remember is just because "it" has always been that way doesn't mean it has to stay that way. Try placing sofas and love seats on angles and get them away from the walls. Use your end tables side by side as a coffee table. Stir things up a bit. Many times I will take all of the accessories out of a room and start over. Try taking them out of two rooms and mix it up even more. Emptying the room or rooms and beginning again gives you a fresh perspective. Maybe you love the furniture arrangement, but the room just feels blah, try to bring in a brand new color by adding it in three places in the room. For example if the room is mostly browns and greens, add a punch of red. You can do this by repainting an accessory you already have, (there are some wonderful spray paints out there) finding pillows or a throw at a discount store, or repainting just one wall. remember it is best to add the "new" color in at least 3 places in the room to create continuity and flow.
I think you are starting to get the picture. Speaking of pictures, the most common mistake I see in homes is that pictures are hung way too high. This makes the room feel disjointed and takes away from the flow of the room. A good rule of thumb when hanging art is to pretend it is a mirror and you are looking into the mirror. If you cannot get a good view of yourself in the"mirror" it is too high.
Don't forget about lighting in your room. We all know that lighting can add to the ambiance of your room, so be sure that you use soft light and not harsh glaring light.
Do not be afraid to experiment and bring a friend over for a fresh set of eyes. Often times a friend will notice something that we could change, that we have not even noticed in our day to day living.
If you try to think outside the box a bit you can create the home you have always wanted. Remember, you are limited only by your creativity and imagination. Do not be afraid of change. Often times in all areas of my life not just in decorating, change is good!!

14 comments:

  1. Hi Debbie...

    Just read the sweet note that you left for me...thank you so much for coming by and for your well wishes! I also want to thank you for adding my blog to your list of blog follows...sure do appreciate that!

    Well I must tell you...I have spent the last half hour or so just going through your blog...it's absolutely delightful, my friend!!! It was just like picking up a good design publication...you have so many great ideas and tips!!! I have also added your blog to my list of blog follows! I look forward to your upcoming posts and getting to know you better...so very nice to meet you!!!

    Have a terrific Thursday!
    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  2. Your profile sounds like it's describing me!! I'm a homebody that enjoys all things domestic.

    Great ideas and advice in this post. I scour thrift shops and yardsales looking for pieces to repurpose and reuse.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great decor' tips here Debbie!
    Love all of them.

    Thanks for your sweet visit.
    ~Blessings my friend, ~Melissa ;)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very good words of advice! Another thing that always helps me is when I go away for a trip for a week or so and then come back and see my house with fresh eyes. That's the best time to brainstorm for me. Thanks for visiting my blog and entering my contest! Good luck to you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the tips. We are in the process of remodeling and redecorating our home so funds are limited. I've been scouring thrift stores for goodies for my home. I've always had trouble hanging pictures...I either hang them too high or too low. Next time I'll make sure to remember to think of them as mirrors. Great Idea! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Debbie...

    Just wanted to stop back by after reading the sweet note that you left for me on my "Celebration Giveaway" post. Thank you so much for coming by and thank you for your sweet birthday and blog well wishes! Also, just wanted to take this time to thank you for becoming a follower of Happy To Design...it's been so very nice meeting you!!! I'm hoping to get to know you better, my friend!!!

    Wishing you the best in my book giveaway...
    Warmest wishes,
    Chari

    ReplyDelete
  7. love this photo! ugh, what i would give for that. cute blog-keep up the good work!

    -natalie
    www.centsiblychicsisters.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great tips. I agree completely. My dining room came from a yard sale!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Make sure you check out Woo Hoo! Wednesday. *smile* I'll have it up and running late afternoon tomorrow. Aren't grandbabies just the best!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hard work that pays off in millions of hugs:) Grandbabies are the absolute best gift ever!!!!

    Thanks for the repost, it was new to me! Have a blessed day my friend! Love that baby! Ezra is a dollbaby! HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Lighting, lighting, lighting?? I am looking for a hanging light for over my family gathering table and will now be sure to check out the "glare factor". It is tricky as we will have to look up at the light and I don't want to look at a light bulb. Thanks for all your tips and congratulations on that beautiful grandbaby.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Yes, having a grandbaby can be exhausting but oh is is so worth it! Thanks for the tips! Be blessed. Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  13. You always have wonderful decorating tips and tricks for all of us! Thanks...and take time to enjoy those first days and weeks with that little one!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm a classic "in a rutter". Your idea of taking all of the accessories out is such a great one...so why does it make me nervous just thinking about doing it???

    ReplyDelete