Cool home decor ideas
55 Chic Home Decorating Ideas
1
Find Another Spot for Flowers
Alison Gootee
If you constantly keep a vase of flowers in your kitchen or living room, extend that love for fresh blooms throughout the house. It's the perfect excuse to invest in a new vase for your bedroom or bathroom. In this New York apartment designed by Katie Ridder, a globe-shaped vase adds a nice bubble detail. Or if the upkeep for real flowers is too much, go for faux alternatives.
2
Swap Out Art
Shade Degges
Whether you have a few tiny frames—like in this bedroom designed by Jae Joo—or medium-sized ones on a gallery wall, you can easily swap them out with fresh finds. Tear our pages from a coffee table book, or stop by a flea market for new works.
3
Add a Mirror
Robert Peterson / Rustic White Interiors
Place a large mirror above your mantel as HGTV star Alison Victoria did in her Atlanta loft, or dedicate another empty wall space—whether it's in your hallway, entryway, or bedroom. Not only will it look good, but it'll make the room feel bigger and brighter.
4
Refresh Coffee Table Books
Paul Costello
If you can't resist a good coffee table book, bring a new one into your collection. Or if you keep them in various parts of your home, simply rearrange your stacks for a new look. Here, in a living room designed by Barrie Benson, the four stacks could easily be given a new layout and order using only the books on the table.
5
Attach Decor to a Shelving Unit
Genevieve Garruppo
Don't have any more room on your walls for art? No problem. Hang anything from paintings and sconces to plants and bookmarks on a shelving unit. Here's a tutorial for how to hang art on bookshelves to guide you through the process—which includes tips from designer Marissa Bero, who has pulled this move in plenty of home libraries, including the one seen here.
6
Set Up a Cozy Reading Spot
Heidi Caillier Design
No designated reading nook? No problem. If your home doesn't have any leftover real estate to convert into a reading nook, design your formal living room to serve double duty as a cozy lounge area. Here, Heidi Caillier strategically chose furniture with fabrics and shapes that are both sophisticated and homey, perfect for entertaining or unwinding alone.
7
Don't Be Afraid of Black Paint
Farrow & Ball
The soft black paint color in this bedroom makes it feel special and intimate in ways you'd never be able to achieve with a lighter hue (this specific shade is Farrow & Ball Railings). The eclectic furniture lends itself nicely to the darkness, too, adding a more lived-in and homey vibe.
8
Style an Empty Fireplace
Reid Rolls
Rethink how you style an empty fireplace.
In this texture-rich environment, interior designer Leanne Ford turned an empty fireplace into a little gallery to display pottery and artwork.
9
Treat Your Windows
Victoria Pearson
Adding the right window treatment can make all the difference. We're especially into Roman shades with a fun pattern. "It goes against decorating 101, but using small patterns together can be easier on the eye," says interior decorator Kristin Panitch, who designed this dreamy pink cloud of a bedroom.
10
Re-Style a Bookshelf
Fiona Lynch
From the inky stained wood to the modern side chair and clean-lined ladder, this home library designed by Fiona Lynch is a gorgeous contemporary take on traditional design. You could fill it with books—or you could add in decor accents and accessories like vases and sculptures to break up the monotony of a wall of books.
Or, color-coordinate your books. Not only will it feel more cohesive, but if you've got a lot of bright colors in your collection, they'll stand out even more.
11
Set up a Breakfast Nook
John Gruen
Breakfast with a view? We're in. This one is country-chic and just a touch rustic but still polished. It also proves you don't need to have an actual built-in nook to achieve the right vibe.
12
Spruce up Your Entryway
Paul Raeside
If you don't have a grand foyer—or you do but it needs some love–introduce a small console table. For a formal yet modern aesthetic, opt for a traditional table and then hang modern abstract art above it. Then lean some portraits against the wall for a laid-back take on the gallery wall.
13
Just Add Sheepskin
Leanne Ford Interiors
If any area in your home is feeling austere, sheepskin throws are the easiest solution.
They bring in warmth, texture, and comfort while also being super affordable and easy to move throughout your space as your needs and moods shift.
14
Swap Out Your Throw Pillows
Studio Ashby
Throw pillows are the easiest way to freshen up in the bedroom or living room. Introducing a new color, print, or shape with a throw pillow can make the whole space feel new again.
15
Bring a Stool Into the Bathroom
Annie Schlechter
Slide a stool next to the bathtub. Not only will the extra surface space help with organization, but it's also a great way to make the whole space feel more luxe.
16
Show Your Powder Room Some Love
Peter Murdock
It's easy to overlook a room when it's super tiny, especially because there simply isn't enough useable space for décor.
But it's definitely possible—and well worth it—to show these nooks some love. Take this powder room, for example. With a light blush pink wall color and a surrounding gallery of eclectic artwork, the small room packs a lot of punch.
17
Install a Canopy
Fantastic Frank
If you want to transform your bedroom into a palace fit for royalty, add a canopy. This white gauze fabric hangs so beautifully and brings an ethereal look to the minimalist bedroom.
18
Swap Accents Seasonally
Nicole Franzen
Plaid? For winter? Not even close to groundbreaking, but we're still here for it. Swapping out accents seasonally will also get you excited for what's to come.
19
Get Inspired by Nature
Leanne Ford Interiors
This space is rich with texture, which creates warmth and dimension.
There's also plenty of character even though it's sticking to a strict color palette. For a similarly inviting and grounded environment, get inspired by nature. Think seagrass, rattan, jute, wood, brushed concrete, and marble.
20
Reupholster Your Furinture
Nicole Franzen
Reupholstering your furniture will automatically freshen up an entire space. And if you love eclectic decorating, take notes from this impeccable living room. All the juxtaposition in this room is working so well—the angular mirror, vivid orange art, marble fireplace, rustic stool, and geometric pottery are all unexpectedly complemented by the softness of the blush pink chairs.
21
Simply Tidy Up
Mikael Axelsson
This probably isn't what you want to hear since we don't think of cleaning up as fun, but adding a few pieces that ease organization can make a huge difference.
Consider installing coat hooks or bringing in a stylish coat rack coat by the front door. Then place a small folding chair underneath it to sit on when you take off your shoes. This will prevent those dreaded (and previously inevitable) clothing pileups.
22
Color-Block Your Wall
PHOTO: Matthew Williams; DESIGN: Studio DB
For a graphic statement, color-block your wall. Paint half of it a bold color or opt for two neutral tones. Here, black creeps up about a quarter of the way while the rest is a nice shade of steel gray, creating an understated-yet-unique statement.
23
Touch up the Walls
Alexander M. Reid
Freshen up a bathroom by giving the walls a fresh coat of white paint. If that sounds like too much of a commitment, use a magic eraser to touch up smudges.
It's bright, refreshing, and the perfect blank backdrop for a fun gallery, as seen in this bathroom designed by Alexander M. Reid.
24
Apply Accent Wallpaper
Catherine Kwong
You don't have to wallpaper your entire room—just pick a wall and accent with it. It's fast, easy, and makes a big difference.
25
Layer Rugs and Patterns
WILLIAM ABRANOWICZ
This eclectic home designed by Sean Scherer is a treasure trove of antiques, whimsical fabrics, and fearless decorating. It's also a masterclass in layering. Why use just one rug when you could have three? Layer rugs in varying colors, prints, and textures to add visual interest to your floor.
26
Rethink Your Gallery Wall
Annie Schlechter
If the walls in a hallway are feeling tired or lackluster, add a gallery wall.
Bring in antique frames, or hit up a thrift store or flea market, and arrange a ton of hand mirrors into a gallery wall.
27
Introduce a New Throw Blanket
Robson Rak
Putting a colorful throw blanket at the end of your bed or flung over the sofa is an easy but transformative design trick. It's also a great way to experiment with colors and prints before fully committing to them.
28
Opt for Statement Art
PHOTO: Alexandra Rowley; DESIGN: Studio DB
Make a simple wall a little more exciting with oversized artwork. Choose large-scale photography or something abstract and vibrant to really make a statement.
29
Install New Lighting
Studio Ashby
If there's anything that can single-handedly polish off a room, it's a light fixture.
Case in point? That brass pendant light. It feels much more refined and sophisticated than a table lamp would and contrasts with the more traditional elements throughout the bedroom.
30
Paint Your Floors
Thomas Loof
Can you imagine how simple this bathroom looked before it had a bright blue floor? The quick change allows the tub to take center stage. We'd want to soak in there all day long.
31
Put a Bold Floor Lamp in the Corner
Studio DB
This little corner is sleek, stylish, and perfectly handsome as is, thanks to the modern leather lounger and graphic rug. But that floor-to-ceiling lamp is an architectural stunner that really brings in that added wow factor. Look for a floor lamp that doubles as artwork for a similar vibe.
32
Introduce Contrast
Catherine Kwong Design
To create an interesting contrast, replace one thing in an otherwise totally traditional room with something super modern, like this geometric coffee table and abstract-painted floor.
33
Add a Bench at the End of Your Bed
Nicole Franzen
You don't need a footboard. A bench will get the same job done. It'll help anchor your bed, act as a spot to sit and put shoes on, and serve as storage for extra pillows and blankets.
34
Rearrange Your Furniture
Nicole Franzen
Symmetry, who? Your chairs and couches don't have to line up—in fact, you don't even have to have chairs. Put your side table in the corner flanked by two sofas, and if you don't have enough armchairs for a classic living room setup, just place floor cushions by the coffee table.
35
Go Minimalist
Leanne Ford Interiors
Pare your stuff way down and your room will look totally different.
This doubles as a makeover and spring cleaning all in one.
36
Add a Statement Tablecloth
House Beautiful
A bold, patterned tablecloth can instantly make a traditional space a little more eclectic. This one picks up the blues in the wallpaper.
37
Play With Proportion
PHOTO: Dustin Askland; DESIGN: Elizabeth Roberts Architecture & Design
This exquisite living room is playing with shape and scale in so many ways—each design detail offers a universe of inspiration. For extra impact and proportional intrigue, hang an oversized mirror. Keep it simple and sleek, opt for a cool shape or color, or keep it classic with an antique.
38
Put Your Collectables on Display
Leanne Ford Interiors
If you've been collecting something for a long time and aren't sure where to put your knick-knacks, install a floating shelf in your room of choice and then line them up.
We love the sense of nostalgia these vintage glass bottles add to the bedroom.
39
Screw in a Colorful Light Bulb
Black Lacquer Design
For an unexpected (and easy) pop of color, trade in your classic bulb for a bright one. It adds the same vibe as a neon sign without taking up any space on the wall. Try it in a hallway or entryway, where décor moments are precious and square footage is limited.
40
Introduce Florals
Robson Rak
Adding a nice floral arrangement can beautify a whole room on its own. The shapely vase, accompanying artwork, and unique rose gold faucet in this bathroom don't hurt either.
41
Add Seating to Your Floor
Courtesy of Jesse Parris-Lamb
You could sit on your couch—or you could sit on the comfiest floor pillows ever.
We'll take the latter.
See more at Nicole Franzen.
42
Swap Your Window Shades
House Beautiful
You've been there and done that with fabric drapery and Roman shades, so swap your window treatment for an alternative texture, like bamboo. We're swooning over this wild bathroom.
43
Mix in Metallics
House Beautiful
Does anything make a statement like something shiny and gold? Add a metallic light fixture, sculpture, or vase to instantly upgrade your room.
44
Update Bedding Seasonally
Courtesy of Ronen Lev for Nicole Franzen
Jonathan Scott, home design expert and brand ambassador for Stearns & Foster, recommends owning two sheet and comforter sets, so you can swap them out by the season.
"In winter, you want warm and inviting bedding, like faux fur and bulky blankets," he says.
See more at Nicole Frazen.
45
Wallpaper a Small Space
Nicole Franzen
Wallpapering a small room or closet will give it a surprising edge. Do the whole room, or just use scraps to line drawers, cabinets, and backsplashes. You could also opt for a statement ceiling.
46
Create a Statement Wall
Jonny Valiant
Designer Zim Loy discovered Harkerware on eBay: "There's tons of it, and it's so cheap!" She started collecting it for her dining room, then covered the whole wall with plates to create the same effect as one big piece of art. (Here's how to hang your own plate wall).
47
Move Furniture Away From the Walls
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
Floating furniture away from the walls creates more intimate seating.
That means all you have to do is shift your furnishings a few inches to totally transform the vibe in a room.
See more at Amber Interiors.
48
Add Cozy Textiles
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
Printed, colorful textiles add so much personality. And as if the bright-colored rug and sleek mounted lights weren't enough, this bedroom has also got a seriously swoon-worthy pendant. The Moroccan-inspired fixture adds eclectic appeal and helps anchor the space.
See more at Amber Interiors.
49
Show Off an Antique
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
The copper tub is obviously the star of this bathroom, but it doesn't have to feel dated. A ladder and cool, bohemian rug help it feel more modern.
See more at Amber Interiors.
50
Recover Your Furniture
David A.
Land
The super-easy way to switch up your furniture game? Buy a slipcover. It'll be much quicker than fully reupholstering a piece.
51
Ditch Your Coffee Table Base
Courtesy of Nicole Franzen
If you've got a marble-top coffee table, take it off and place it on the floor. Prop it up with some books for a bohemian update.
See more at Nicole Franzen.
52
Lay Down a Rug
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
Boho? Rustic? Traditional? The rug you choose can instantly change the whole aesthetic of your room.
See more at Amber Interiors.
53
Mix and Match Chairs
Miki Duisterhof
Swap out your formal chairs (in this case, bright blue and green ones) for a few rustic metal ones.
This creates a more casual atmosphere in the dining room.
54
Hang a Colorful Curtain
JULIAN WASS
For the entrance hall of this Pennsylvania farmhouse, designer Jeffrey Bilhuber opted for a curtain instead of a door. The deep yellow fabric pops against the regal blue wall color and adds rich texture to the space.
55
Add Color on Open Shelves
NGOC MINH NGO
Open shelving allows for fast and easy decor changes. Blue accents stand out against a neutral palette.
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
Best Home Decorating Ideas - 80+ Top Designer Decor Tricks and Tips
While designing your home is no doubt exciting, the process can also be overwhelming.
Trying to achieve the right balance of form and function has its challenges. Regardless of your style, the big picture and the small details are equally important. From choosing the right furniture to finding the perfect color palette, here are 82 designer-approved home decor ideas to inspire you as you create your dream home.
1
Work with Architectural Quirks
Kirk Davis Swinehart
To avoid drawing attention to ceiling beams or other architectural oddities, designer William Cullum and his partner, Jeffery Rhodes, painted the walls, trim, and ceiling the same color blue in the hallway (seen at rear) of their New York City apartment.
2
Be Bold with Color
Stephen Kent Johnson
Literary couple James Fenton and Darryl Pinckney opted for bright, jewel-toned walls in shades of green, blue, yellow—and even purple—throughout their Harlem townhouse.
3
Play Up Your Location
Stephan Julliard
At Jean-Louis Deniot’s family retreat on Île de Ré, France, the designer deployed nautical references to emphasize the seaside setting: Maritime rope frames all of the doorways; the steps are hand-painted with wave scenes; and the bedroom wall mural (seen through the doorway here) resembles a sandstorm.
4
Make Your Mantel a Masterpiece
Alex Lukey
In a Toronto home by Colette van den Thillart, the designer decided to replace the original mantel with a sculptural, eye-catching fireplace surround.
5
Pattern on Pattern on Pattern
Nicole Franzen
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and prints. Designer Ramsey Lyons combined different patterns in shades of pink for the sofa and chair upholstery, and yet another one for the curtain fabric in the sunroom of her Pittsburgh home.
6
Use Mirrors to Enhance Natural Light
Stephen Kent Johnson
In the dining area of Gabriel Hendifar’s downtown Manhattan apartment, a mirrored wall helps to bounce natural light around the room, brightening it in the process.
7
Go for Broke with Bookshelves
Guido Taroni
In art historian Carolina Vincenti’s apartment in Rome, she painted the bookshelves in the hallway and living area a bright red as an homage to British telephone booths.
8
Mimic Architectural Shapes
Christian Harder
Designer Darren Jett echoed the arches of this Brooklyn apartment’s windows in the rounded custom sofa, cushions, cocktail table, and circular rug. A bonus: The rounded seating area gives the clients ample room for entertaining.
9
Form Follows Function
Stephen Kent Johnson
Designer Ryan Lawson reconstructed what was formerly a dining room and turned it into a study to better suit the client’s needs in this Connecticut home. To make it comfortable and practical, Lawson commissioned bookshelves that match the Shaker style of the house and layered the room with pieces from the homeowner’s travels.
10
To the Window (With No Walls!)
Pernille Loof
Designer Vicente Wolf used furniture—instead of walls or screens—to create separate seating areas throughout his Manhattan loft.
11
Use Your Wall Space
Ricardo Labougle
A suzani hangs high above an Indonesian rattan sofa bed in this Cartagena, Colombia, home.
The gorgeous textile adds interest to the white walls and mixes well with other prints.
12
Drape a Bright Rug
Frank Frances
ELLE DECOR A-List designer Sheila Bridges added texture and color to her home in New York’s Hudson Valley with an emerald green sheepskin throw rug.
13
Create a Bold Gallery
Maxime Brouillet
A gallery wall of eye-catching artworks in minimalist frames makes a bright statement in this Montreal home.
14
Deploy Color on the Floor
Emily Gilbert
A bright blue rug brings the color of the ocean inside this glass house in the Hamptons. The otherwise white palette creates a bold contrast.
15
Go Bold in Small Spaces
Paul Costello
Graphic prints can have major impact in a small space such as a powder room.
Here, an Ellie Cashman floral wallpaper is the star in a New Orleans manse designed by Sara Ruffin Costello.
16
Experiment with Patterns
Nicole Cohen
Layering patterns in a range of styles and scales is an easy way to add visual interest to a room. Here, former Refinery29 global editor-in-chief Christene Barberich pairs black-and-white pillows with green chevron bedding in her Brooklyn Heights bedroom.
17
Use Color in a Hallway
Simon Upton
If your color choices are usually more reserved, step outside of your comfort zone by choosing a bold hue like purple for a hallway. It is unexpected and can be a chic backdrop for showcasing an art collection, as in this design by David Hicks.
18
Display Collectibles on a Table
James Merrell
Every room can benefit from accessories with a history.
Rather than showcasing your collectibles on a shelf, set them out on a table, as seen in this Italian apartment. Just be sure your collection is highly curated to maintain a sense of balance in your display.
19
Group Antiques by Color
Rebecca Robertson
There’s a fine line between kitschy and curated. Rebecca Robertson unifies vintage and new pieces by grouping them by color.
20
Mix Your Time Periods
Trevor Tondro
“You mix things up with old and new,” suggests textiles and interior designer Kathryn M. Ireland, as she did in the living room of her Santa Monica home—a room where the furnishings include 17th-century French chairs, an 18th-century Mexican console, and a cocktail table from her furniture line.
21
Try Floor-to-Ceiling Shelving
Marie Flanigan Interiors
Floor-to-ceiling shelving never fails to add character to a room.
In his Los Angeles home, acclaimed chef Ludovic “Ludo” Lefebvre opted for this shelving style for his collection of more than 1,000 cookbooks.
22
Look at the Bigger Picture
Douglas Friedman
Looking at your home from a holistic perspective—seeing how each room works in balance against the others—can help craft a welcome variety in your spaces, like this emerald-and-charcoal dining room that adds a touch of formality to an otherwise contemporary Los Angeles home.
23
Embrace the Fear of Commitment
Stephen Kent Johnson
To avoid being locked into a single style, lighting designer Lindsey Adelman switches up the fixtures in her Park Slope home on a regular basis. “It’s part of my creative process,” she explains. “I love to see things in context, in real life—to live with them.”
24
Use Your Walls as a Canvas
Simon Upton
Rather than art, a high-impact wallpaper can give a subdued room some wow factor.
The 19th-century wallcovering from this luxe Milan apartment was purchased at auction in France and adapted to the room. “We created the missing parts—the plinth and the ceiling frame—to depict an Italian capriccio, a fantastical and bucolic landscape with architectural features,” says Laura Sartori Rimini of Studio Peregalli.
25
Anchor Your Room With a Classic
Richard Powers
“Bringing a touch of the old world into the mix creates a home that will never feel dated,” designer Alex Papachristidis explains of the art-studded Manhattan apartment he designed for a family friend. For example, note the silver leaf–and–rock crystal chandelier from Liz O’Brien that he hung in the otherwise modern dining room.
26
Create Moody Contrast with Color
Stephan Julliard
Instead of meshing a color scheme with a sense of place, designer Irakli Zaria used rich gold and turquoise as an antidote to gloomy London days in this chic pied-à-terre.
“In a place where there are such cloudy skies, it makes no sense to have a gray interior,” he says.
27
Add Playfulness with Repurposed Items
William Abramowicz
Art director Vivia Horn’s Zen upstate New York home makes use of an unexpected gift to give her traditional kitchen a dose of fun. This breakfast table is made of a refurbished hibachi, a present from the late wrestler and Benihana restaurateur Rocky Aoki.
28
Use Fabrics Beyond Soft Furnishings
Douglas Friedman
Looking beyond the traditional with wallcoverings can create a truly standout design presence. “I do think I might have scared [architect Ken Linsteadt] a little bit when I announced I was planning to install two levels of green floral fabric on the walls of the grand salon,” says Ken Fulk of his Sonoma Valley lakeside retreat, yet the fabric gives the high walls a richness that wallpaper alone might not have achieved.
29
Balance New and Old
Dominique Vorillon
When renovating a building that already has plenty of character, like this 1920s Spanish Colonial home in Los Angeles, it’s all about striking the balance between what you add and what you leave. “We wanted to make it feel more holistic while still honoring its heritage,” designer Steven Johanknecht says of the decision to keep the original hand-carved ceiling beams and wrought-iron chandeliers while removing mismatched materials from previous renovations.
30
Mix Metals for Added Warmth
Simon Upton
To soften the modern edge of stainless steel, decorator Alisa Bloom put a traditional spin on the kitchen cabinetry of her 1920s Chicago penthouse with brass inlays. With the help of a local hardware maker, she even designed her own hinges and drawer pulls.
“I would never go into a store and just buy something,” she says. “It’s all about the process and the hunt.”
31
Don’t Underestimate the Power of High-Low Design
Max Zambelli
Kate Reynolds, co-owner of Studio Four NYC, believes in pairing big-ticket items with budget finds. “I think a room balances out better when you have different levels of price and craftsmanship,” she says. “It helps you notice the statement piece more.”
32
Invite Nature Indoors
Rikki Snyder
The best way to balance out sleek lines and contemporary furniture is by adding a few unique natural elements, from driftwood to greenery. “I don’t like to look around a house and not see touches from the outdoors,” interior designer Tamara Magel says.
33
Layer Decor over the Years
Björn Wallander
“I love to see the layers of time and renovations,” says California-based interior designer Patrick Printy.
“To me, it deepens the effect.” Achieving a sense of harmony that feels organic is key.
34
Installing Shiplap? Go Horizontal (Usually)
Getty / TriggerPhoto
If Chip and Joanna Gaines have convinced you that your abode needs shiplap, you’re usually best off installing the boards horizontally rather than vertically. “It can really expand a space, making it feel larger than vertical boards can,” says Jason Arnold. “Horizontal boards also feel more contemporary.” Vertical boards, however, can be ideal for rooms with high ceilings.
35
Don’t Sacrifice Comfort
Getty Images
Sure, your eyes may want the most modern, chic couch in the showroom. But your back may not. “In my experience, it’s really better to test out seating and take the time to look at the dimensions,” says Sharon Blaustein.
If you’re tall, for instance, you might want to opt for a depth of between 40 to 42 inches for a sofa (rather than the standard depth of 36 inches).
36
Always Shop for a Rug in Person
Getty / Hoxton / Tom Merton
This is not the time for e-shopping, people. “It’s just so hard to tell on a computer screen what the color really looks like,” Arnold says. “You might think it looks red, but in reality, it’s watermelon pink.” Not to mention the texture of the rug may be totally different than what you were expecting.
37
Let a Locale Inspire Your Space
Jessica Alexander
It’s exactly what Jenny Cipoletti, founder of fashion, beauty, and travel blog Margo & Me, did in her decidedly Parisian office (which is actually in West Hollywood). “Just like when you walk into a café in Paris, and you see all the details and the golds, silvers, and light blush tones, all of these elements in this space really sing to me,” says Cipoletti.
This lets you travel to your favorite destination without stepping outside.
38
Never Settle on One Look
HomeGoods/Reid Rolls
Allow your space to continuously change—as your life does. “Remember that your home should always be evolving, just as you are,” says Kelly Framel, creative director, stylist, and founder of online magazine The Glamourai. “I am constantly picking up new treasures on my travels. Your nest should always be a place of comfort and inspiration, and it’s a constant work in progress.”
39
Use Curtains as a Backdrop for Art
HomeGoods/Reid Rolls
Instead of hanging a painting on a bare wall, accent it with a rich velvet curtain background. “Curtains just create a great, calming energy in which you feel very shrouded and comforted, making for a luxurious and restful environment,” says Framel.
“And being able to put a really great pop of artwork in front of that textural colored backdrop has a lot of impact.”
40
Upholster Antique Furniture with a Modern Fabric
Genevieve Garruppo
Make what’s old new again by invigorating antique pieces with colorful fabric from the 21st century. Take, for example, the two 18th-century French bergères here, upholstered in a hot pink Maharam fabric. “Maharam is a very modern, contemporary fabric company, with velvets that are really bright in color,” says Bikoff. “That color was such a pop of freshness and youthfulness on these old chairs.”
41
Choose One Piece of Artwork to Anchor the Room
HomeGoods/Matt Harrington
In Josh Groban’s The Great Comet dressing room, interior designer Mike Harrison selected this constellation artwork as a clear focal point for the room.
“I loved this piece for its dimensions and colors, but also as a tip of the hat to the comet influences that I know were of importance to Josh,” says Harrison. “I was searching for artwork that would tie together all of Josh’s design sensibilities.”
42
Ship Smarter
Courtesy of Cullman & Kravis
When Lee Cavanaugh and Sarah DePalo of Cullman & Kravis make their yearly trip to the Paris flea market, they send finds home in a group container to keep costs down.
43
Do Your Homework
Getty Images
...Especially before vintage shopping. Emily Eberhart of Viyet recommends researching how similar items of interest are priced or have sold.
44
Invest Where It Matters
Courtesy of Thom Filicia
If you’re on a budget, invest in the pieces that anchor a room.
“It wouldn’t be a bedroom without a bed, it wouldn’t be a living room without a sofa, and it wouldn’t be a dining room without a dining table,” Thom Filicia advises.
45
Scale to Your Sofa
Courtesy of Emily Henderson
It’s so simple, you’ll kick yourself for not thinking of Emily Henderson’s rule yourself: A large room should have large furniture, medium rooms should have medium-sized furniture and small rooms (you guessed it) should have more petite furniture. Scale the rest of the furniture to your sofa.
46
Bring Outdoor Fabric In
Kathryn MacDonald
Grant K. Gibson suggests using outdoor fabric for indoor furniture to safeguard against stains and enhance durability, especially if you have kids or pets in the house.
47
Practice Before You Paint
Getty Images
“When initially loading your roller with paint, make sure the roller nap is fully and equally saturated,” says John Hoskins, vice president of Behr.
Before you begin painting, test the roller on an extra piece of board to ensure it applies smoothly and evenly.
48
Go Dark in Dim Places
Courtesy of Homepolish
Paint a room that doesn’t get a lot of natural light a saturated color. “Adding some pigment makes the space feel intentionally moody and romantic,” suggests Orlando Soria, West Coast creative director of Homepolish.
49
Let the Light Be Your Guide
Brittany Ambridge
When you’re painting a room, Joa Studholme of Farrow & Ball suggests you consider the direction of sunlight. Use bright colors in north-facing rooms, which tend to be darker, and create a warm glow in a west-facing room with pink or a red-based neutral. In south and east-facing rooms, opt for blue or white.
50
Think Outside the Box
MARILI FORASTIERI
Neal Beckstedt uses unexpected elements—like a fireplace or chaise lounge—to create a warm and inviting bathroom that feels like its own living space.
51
Embrace Custom Furniture
Mikkel Vang
There’s nothing like having a piece of furniture made to suit your aesthetic and room layout, and this master suite’s dressing room, which features a custom desk and screen painted in Farrow & Ball’s Stiffkey Blue, is the perfect example. When ordering custom furniture, consider focusing on spaces, like bedrooms and dining rooms, that are used the most often in a home.
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Use Ladders as Storage
Roger Davies
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your storage space. Joy Moyler likes to use ladders to display towels, as in this bathroom designed by Rebecca Ascher and Joshua Davis.
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Kick Up Classics
Oriana Koren
Karen Vidal kicks the classic look of a subway-tiled bathroom up a notch by pairing it with a bold patterned-cement-tile floor.
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Keep Bedroom Fabrics Simple
Alyssa Rosenheck/Designed By Chad James
According to Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, people should be the ones adding the pattern and texture to a bedroom—not the fabrics.
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Your Chairs Don’t Have to Match
Thomas Kuoh/ Design by Emilie Munroe
Select a large-scale lead chair at your dining table to up the drama. Emilie Munroe of Studio Munroe recommends picking a style that’s complementary to the side chairs to really wow guests.
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Center Your Furniture on a Rug
IKEA
If you’re setting furniture, like a dining table, in the middle of the room, your rug should be big enough so that all furniture fits comfortably on top, according to Janice Simonsen, design spokesperson for IKEA U.
S. In large living rooms, however, it’s OK to have just the front legs on the rug.
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Create an Inviting Entryway with Mirrors
Getty Images
Your front hall is the first thing people see, so Dana Gibson suggests you make it inviting with a mirror and furnishings that foreshadow what’s to come in the rest of the house.
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Paint Your Closets
LA Closet Design
Lisa Adams of LA Closet Design is one of Hollywood’s favorite closet designers. To make closets she creates even more luxe, she paints the metal trim or ceiling gold.
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Make a Room Look Bigger with White Furniture
Christopher Sturman
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Maximize Daylight with Mirrors
Jon Call
To maximize daylight and visually increase square footage, Jon Call of Mr Call Designs relies on large-scale mirrors.
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Edit, Edit, Edit
Courtesy of J Randall Powers
J. Randall Powers has a motto in his office: “If you look at it and you question it—put it away.”
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Remember the Rule of Threes
Getty Images
Kazuko Hoshino of Studio William Hefner employs one of writing’s most famous rules in her design: arranging decorative pieces like candles, vases, table plants, or flowers in groups of threes.
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Change Your Coffee Table Decor Regularly
Getty Images
When it comes to styling a coffee table, try Meredith Baer’s formula: Start with something large in the middle, like a floral arrangement in an interesting pot or a huge bowl filled with a collection. Then build out from that with stacks of art books, candles, sculptures, or pottery.
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Color-Coordinate
Ron Wendt
When creating a tablescape, Ron Wendt starts by choosing a linen. Then he uses flowers or candles in a deeper or lighter hue to give the table a bold, completed look.
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Mix and Match China
Mikkel Vang
Instead of buying a formal china set, Alex Papachristidis creates an eclectic look by mixing and matching dishes.
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Choose Neutral Upholstery
Douglas Friedman/Designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
When Lili Hart buys upholstery, she always selects a neutral shade, then uses pillows and throws to add color and pattern to the room. Change them out according to the seasons—just like you would with your clothes.
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Don’t Forget About the Ceiling
Stephen Busken
For an extra layer of style and unexpected dose of glam, Jeff Andrews suggests adding wallpaper to the ceiling.
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Don’t Follow Trends
Courtesy of Summer Thornton
“If your neighbors are doing it, you probably shouldn’t,” says designer Summer Thornton. “You can use plenty of traditional pieces as the core, but always intentionally do something that throws it off just a bit!”
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Layer Up
Courtesy of ELEVATE Design Collective
For a layered look that combines fun and function, Jennifer Wagner Schmidt of JWS Interiors and ELEVATE Design Collective adds a chunky knit throw or a soft Moroccan wedding blanket to a sofa or chair.
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Dim the Lights
Courtesy of Bunny Williams
One lighting rule Bunny Williams never breaks? Control overhead lights with dimmer switches.
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Add Greenery
Jana Williams
Bring the outside in.
Ashley Redmond of Decorist uses plants to add color, texture, and life to every room.
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Hang Curtains High
Courtesy of Elaine Griffin
To elongate the visual ceiling height the way stilettos seem to add inches to the legs, Elaine Griffin hangs curtains as close to the ceiling line as she can get them.
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Keep Curtains Simple
Adam Kuehl/Designed by Paula Wallace
Rather than buying curtains in patterns, designs, or florals—which can date a room very quickly—Randal Weeks of Aidan Gray Home buys two colors and changes them out seasonally.
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Remember That Newer Isn't Always Better
Courtesy of Thomas Jayne
Thomas Jayne chooses vintage carpets, which offer more interesting texture and a wider range of nuanced colors than new ones.
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Expand a Room with Rugs
Interior Marketing Group, Inc./Richard Caplan Photography
“The bigger the area rug, the bigger the room will feel,” says Cheryl Eisen.
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Start Collecting Now
Paolo Petrignani
If Achille Salvagni has any say, the ideal collection references different eras and styles. “The best interiors are a reflection of where you have come from and a signifier where you want to go,” he says.
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Spill-Proof Your Space
Courtesy of Jen Going Interiors
To kid-proof kitchens, Jen Going sends upholstery fabrics to be treated with a vinyl-tex finish—it makes them completely wipeable and impervious to anything your kids can spill.
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Mix Textures
Getty Images
To make metallic pieces shine, Natalie Kraiem mixes metals and mirrors with softer textures, like mohair, velvet, and wool, to up the contrast.
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Find Balance
Courtesy of Rita Konig
Don’t mistake eclectic style for “anything goes.” Joybird recommends putting a cap on the number of contrasting styles in each room to avoid a cluttered feeling.
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Opt for Carpet over Wood Floors
Andrew Twort/Designed by Michael Reeves
In a bedroom, opt for wall-to-wall carpeting, which stops foot traffic from becoming a nuisance, Harry Heissmann of Albert Hadley Inc. advises. The only exception? Beach houses, where wood floors are fine.
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Forget the Formal Grid
Helen Norman
For a looser, salon-style gallery wall that feels collected, designer Lauren Liess recommends starting at the center and moving outward. To keep the display from feeling haphazard, pick an overarching theme or color, like the bedroom gallery wall that Liess created here using pressed botanicals in a palette of black, white, and tan.
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Bring Lighting Outside
Melanie Acevedo
To create a cozy indoor atmosphere outside, Mary McDonald litters her yard with candles and lanterns. They up the romance factor, too.
20 Simple But Bright Halloween Decor Ideas - INMYROOM
Halloween is coming and you haven't figured out how to decorate your house yet? We have selected some interesting decor ideas, the props for which you can easily find in your closet. And you don't even have to go to the store :)
"Very scary" garland
Making such a garland is easy: you only need colored cardboard. You can cut out skulls, ghosts, pumpkins or bats. You can easily find templates on the Internet. The blanks can be hung on a fishing line or a New Year's garland can be taken out so that the craft also glows at night.
Home terrarium
Toy frogs and bugs are great for making a makeshift terrarium: place them in regular twist jars and add branches and moss.
Themed candle holders
Do not throw away used glass jars of baby puree, sauces and jams. Paint them inside with orange acrylic paint, then twist them from the attachment wire.
The final and main touch is the silhouettes of faces made of black paper. After the holiday, the stickers can be removed and the candlesticks can continue to be used.
All-seeing tree
Get old Christmas toys from the mezzanine, arm yourself with paints and go! You are guaranteed to win the competition for the creepiest decor of this Halloween.
Witch hats
Hats can be made from cardboard and fabric. And the effect of levitation will help create a transparent fishing line.
Gauze web
Subdued light, mystical music, cobweb hanging from above - if you want to create such an atmosphere, stock up on gauze: you need to tear it and fix it on the ceiling.
For spiders you will need balloons and plastic straws for drinks. Bend the tubes in different directions, attach to the balls and paint everything with black paint.
Рinterest
Bottle labels
For those who like to think through every detail, themed labels are a great find. Pictures can be made in Photoshop or download ready-made free templates on the Internet - all that remains is to print them and stick them on bottles.
Colorful pumpkins
Who said that pumpkins should only be orange? Cover them with light base paint, and carefully pour some bright paint on top. We also have detailed painting instructions.
Рinterest
Black balloon
A plain white balloon can be easily turned into a stylish decoration for a party if you cover it with black organza or gauze fabric.
Masks for paintings and photographs
Everyone wears masks at the Carnival in Venice: why not bring this tradition to the Halloween party? Let the characters in the paintings and photographs also correspond to the thematic dress code.
Paper balloon pumpkins
Paper balloons, which are used to decorate children's parties, will also come in handy at your party. Glue on the black paper eyes and mouth to turn the balls into funny pumpkins.
Gothic candles
It is not necessary to look for black candles specifically for the holiday, you can make them yourself. Stock up on plain white IKEA candles, black paint, and lace ribbons. Fix them on the wax surface, cover with paint and let the pattern dry.
Black and White Pumpkins
Acrylic paint can be patterned by hand or stenciled - both are good.
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Beetle soap
Guests will definitely appreciate this joke: you will need plastic or rubber insect figures and a transparent soap base.
Ghost Chair Cover
A simple yet effective idea that kids will love.
Candle Holders
Turn dark wine bottles into candle holders for thin candles.
Light them a little in advance so that the wax melts beautifully.
Mummy Pumpkin
An option for those who are preparing for the holiday at the last minute. Nothing needs to be painted or carved - just wrap the pumpkin with gauze like a mummy. Don't forget to glue black paper eye sockets. And keep the pumpkin away from the candles.
Stickers on glass
Decorate a window or glass inserts in the door with silhouettes of houses, ghosts, pumpkins - this decor will look interesting when the lights are on.
"Living" objects
For especially suspicious guests, prepare your eyes for furniture, flowers and lamps. It looks funny, and you can buy them in almost any sewing store.
Рinterest
Black houses
Miniature houses will come in handy for table decor or thematic composition. And here you will also need black paint - buy it in reserve.
50 cool design hacks that will change your life in the new year - INMYROOM
On the eve of the New Year, we have collected the best design hacks for all occasions. Whether you're up to an interior renovation or a house party, our shortlist of ideas will come in handy for both. With their help, you can easily put things in order in the closet and at the workplace, eliminate imperfections in the interior, and also find a use for things that you have long wanted to throw away.
Idea #1: A cozy closet
Breathe new life into an old closet by removing the doors from the wall cabinets and paste over the back wall with the remnants of bright wallpaper. Thanks to With this simple technique, the closet will no longer seem bulky, but will become a source of warmth and comfort.
Idea No. 2: jewelry corner
So that rings and bracelets are no longer lost, build a jewelry stand from improvised items. For this old photo frames, boxes and small coasters are suitable.
Idea # 3: wire as a decor item
Make it tangled wire part of your interior, turning it into an original piece of decor. To do this, simply wrap the wire with ribbons or a thick rope. The main thing that the color of the "wrapper" was combined with the color scheme of your interior.
Idea #4: behind the screen
Like the conspicuous wire, the battery can easily spoil the look and style of the interior, which is especially noticeable, for example, in Khrushchev. Cover the battery with a screen - and problem solved. And it can also be painted to match the walls: then the battery will not be a hindrance, but a beautiful continuation of the interior.
Idea #5: Benefits of Renovation
Use leftover pallets to build original shelves or racks for accessories. This will not only allow save money, but also make your interior more original.
Idea #6: holiday atmosphere
Luminous A garland is an absolute must-have for New Year's decor.
Make it original with twine. In a duet with a garland it will easily decorate the walls, floor and even the ceiling of the interior - right on the chandelier.
Idea #7: for all occasions
A toilet paper roll will make a bright Christmas cracker. Just wrap it with corrugated or colored paper and tie the ends the resulting cracker with a rope or ribbon. You can also use the sleeves for convenient storage of wires and cables.
Idea #8: three in one
Great idea for practical storage of bed linen - fold sheets duvet covers in the pillowcase of each set. This will make it much easier for you find the right kit, and space will be freed up on the shelves of the cabinet.
Idea No. 9: for each other
Tin tabs can be used instead of hooks: they can easily hook one hanger to another. Thus, you save space in the closet, and ironed shirts will no longer wrinkle.
Idea No. 10: strictly vertical
Clothes, which does not have to be stored on a hanger, roll into tubes and stack vertically in boxes.
You will be surprised, but the places in the dresser will become much more.
Idea #11: Useful example
With clothespins, you can easily increase the functionality of hangers and free up space in the closet for new items of clothing. Just pinch the pants and attach them to the bottom hangers.
Idea #12: along the wall
A for compact storage of accessories, you can use the surface door or cabinet back. For example, attach hooks to them for bags, ties or a jewelry hanger.
Idea #13: clever disguise
On a screen convenient to hang the clothes you plan to wear tonight or tomorrow. And you can hide behind a screen something that you don’t want to look at: for example, boxes of shoes or an ironing board.
Idea #14: Under control
To high boots have not lost their shape, put them inside rolled up magazine. Now you don't have to lean your boots against a closet, wall or coffee table - they no longer need support.
Idea #15: new life for old shoes
Not hurry to throw away old school shoes: better give them a second chance and change them beyond recognition.
For this you will need glitter and glue. PVA. The work will take only a few minutes, and the result will surpass everything your expectations: the shoes are perfect for a New Year's party.
Idea #16: Convertible suitcase
Kits summer clothes and shoes can be stored in travel suitcases under the bed or sofa. It is also very convenient, because you no longer have to collect things on vacation at sea.
Idea #17: Organize the closet
A pile of laundry will drive anyone crazy whatever! But we have a way out - by folding the laundry in a drawer net, you not only put things in order, but also save space in the closet. Now every set will have its place, and not a single sock will be lost.
Idea #18: cosmetic paradise
The same principle applies to cosmetics: neatly arranged in small boxes in a dresser drawer, an army of tubes and jars does not look so impressive. And makeup brushes are conveniently stored in a glass of sand or coffee beans.
Idea #19: vertical approach
Use bathroom space to the maximum. The empty wall above the toilet is a great place for open shelves or small shelving. Store towels, detergents and toilet paper here.
Idea #20: wall decor
Remaining after repair, the tile may be the reason for a slight transformation into bathroom interior. By tiling just one wall, or even part of the wall, you will add volume to the space - which means you will make the interior more interesting.
Idea No. 21: accordion dryer
Even in the smallest bathroom the clothes dryer will easily fit - if it folds according to the principle of an accordion. No more dryers in the living room and bedroom!
Idea #22: Useful hand-made
Small the apartment does not exempt you from ironing. Moreover, the usual an ironing board that takes up so much space is easy to replace compact hand-made analogue. It is easy to make: just wrap a small board with a thick cotton cloth.
Idea #23: Nautical
Lightweight hooks are not always the right company open shelves. Trust them to twine: She can handle even the most heavy shelves and give the interior a touch of nautical style.
Idea No. 24: bright decor
The coffee table can become brighter if you paste over its surface with removable sticker wallpaper. This will not only decorate it, but also protect it from scratches and damage. You can paste over any other pieces of furniture: a cabinet and even a refrigerator.
Idea #25: cooking hack
Why buy a special stand for cookbooks and magazines, when you can find a budget alternative to it - for example, an ordinary children's hanger. Just hook it to the cabinet handle, attach a magazine, and cook with pleasure and convenience.
Idea #26: always at hand
Organization recipes will help simplify and speed up the cooking process. No more throwing around the kitchen: put all the recipes in one place, or better - in one box and in alphabetical order.
Idea #27: be careful, it's hot!
Don't throw away corks, because of them you can make a practical stand for hot. To do this, glue corks to each other and fasten them with a strap-clip.
Tip #28: Complete order
You know the situation when you are looking for the right grits and accidentally touch a bag of sugar flying all over the kitchen? For more of this did not happen again, pour all the cereals and grains into transparent jars, and on the lids make appropriate labels.
Tip #29: Pushing the boundaries
Store food in plastic boxes. With their help, you will not only free place in the refrigerator, but also facilitate cleaning in it. And it is better to transfer canned food to the kitchen closet, because they do not have to be kept in the refrigerator.
Idea #30: bon appétit!
Why buy a snack dish, when can you make it yourself? For this cut the used bottle lengthwise. Be sure to finish the edges so you don't cut yourself.
Idea #31: Saving money
Stand for You can make a tablet with your own hands from an old cutting board. Attach add the missing parts to it with superglue - and the original vintage stand is ready.
Idea #32: not a single crumb
Tired clean the box of sweets from the ubiquitous crumbs? Solve this problem once and for all, pinching the packages of cookies with a clothespin. Now your kitchen will have an exemplary order.
Idea #33: an unusual approach
Invite guests and serve snacks not on a regular plate, but on a tile - friends appreciate the original approach to serving. And also large-format tiles can be used as a cutting board.
Idea No. 34: secrets in the closet
Save space wisely: inside the kitchen cabinet is convenient store not only dishes, but also boxes of pasta and dough. Just attach to magazine rack door - and She will fully justify her new position.
Idea #35: Everything has its place
To keep things in order kitchen, it is not necessary to buy shelves and cabinets.
Competing them without difficulty make functional separators for boxes. Now it will be much easier to maintain order.
Idea #36: In plain sight
It's not easy to put everything together pots and pans in one drawer. Better hang them next to the hood or on the wall by the door. A perforated wall panel will help you with this.
Idea No. 37: successfully hooked
A covers from frying pans and pots are conveniently stored using simple crossbars: attach them to a free surface of the wall in a place convenient for you.
Idea #38: a practical example
Is there not enough space for dishes in the wall cabinets? Attach hooks to shelves and hang coffee cups on them. BUT store glasses under the shelves - upside down.
Idea #39: Tile as art
Not do you know how to decorate the wall? Forget about reproductions: make the interior really individual is easier and cheaper than it seems at first sight. Experiment with tile pieces and create a real art object.
Idea No. 40: style geography
A old atlas useful for decorating a wine bottle. Pasting it with a geographical map, you make an elegant flower vase. The same trick is easy to do with a damaged photo frame - now it will become an indispensable travel companion.
Idea No. 41: spectacular hand-made finishing touch to your windows. You can make them with your own hands - for example, from rope or thick woolen thread. And pickups can be replaced with the usual hair band or bracelet.
Idea #42: A soft landing!
Lambswool carpet does not have to be laid on the floor: you can, for example, pay tribute to Scandinavian design and decorate dining rooms with a rug chairs. So you will update the interior on a budget and make the kitchen even more comfortable.
Idea No. 43: all the colors of the rainbow
You can add colors to the interior without the help of paints - multi-colored LEDs will easily compete with them. You can place them literally anywhere - from drawers to bookcase shelves.
Idea #44: Make the kids happy
Make the kids happy and give them a cozy seating window sill made by yourself. To do this, put the chest of drawers as close as possible to the windowsill and cover it with a mattress - no one will guess that it is actually a chest of drawers.
Idea #45: new life for old things
Do not rush to get rid of things that have become “small” for child. Show your imagination and build a comfortable writing desk out of a crib. table. If desired everything can be used - even the old shoes of a grown up crumb can become a cozy element of decor.
Idea No. 46: go to your places!
None It's no secret that a beautiful interior starts with order. visit it is not difficult: just cut cardboard boxes and paste over them multicolored paper. Now all the important little things will always be under your hand.
Idea #47: take the height
Broken The keyboard is easy to fix with your own hands in just a few minutes.
