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Make your home bloom with floral motifs

Payless Decor — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:30:00 GMT

The use of statement-making floral motifs is a win, regardless of the season. Here are some suggestions for using this trend in your home.

Martha Stewart recommends thinking outside the box and trying a larger-than-life wall decal. In addition to being easily changed with the holidays or on a whim, the unique but inexpensive wall flowers are sure to turn heads.

Another creative option for decorating with floral motifs is hanging a series of high contrast flower prints on your wall. It's an interesting take on traditional paintings of garden scenes while still utilizing the florals themselves.

For the office, consider pressing a few of your favorite blooms from the garden. Then place them on your desk, under a sheet of glass heavy enough to not slide around and cut to fit the surface. If your desk has a darker finish and you'd like your pressed flowers to stand out, cut a sheet of quality white or light colored paper to size to slip under the blossoms prior to adding the layer of glass.

The rest of the room
The exact bloom that you choose won't necessarily make or break the space - it's more about how it fits in. If you want to use a floral as a focal point, the rest of the design should fall in line behind it, and vice versa. For example, if you choose to decorate with a large print of a sunflower, the pieces you choose elsewhere should complement that. In that case, keeping the rest of the room muted and airy with natural accents such as wood blinds and picture frames will let the focus fall on the print while continuing the theme.

How to create a fashionable foyer

Payless Decor — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:23:00 GMT

Not all foyers and entryways are whole rooms, and as a result, they frequently go without attention to design. In addition to serving an important function in your house as a convenient area to keep your coats, the foyer is also the prelude to the rest of your home. Not only should your it be a visually appealing area, it should also be well organized in order to maximize its accessibility, and to keep you on a steady morning routine. Read more for some tips on how to decorate your entryway.

Assess your need
Before lifting a paintbrush, think about what you use, or hope to use, your foyer for, who else in your home uses it and where your home is located. Houses at the end of a driveway don't necessarily have to worry about blocking visitors' view of the outside, and have the option of having sheer custom window treatments, while others ought to consider using wood blinds. Even if it's your first apartment fresh out of college, a put-together entryway can help your space to feel grown-up and keep you organized. If you have children, the almost-room can act as a barrier between the muddy outdoors and your living room carpet, and if you live in a chilly climate, you can free up some closet space by stowing your coats and jackets by the front door.

Choose a mirror
A mirror is an entryway staple: not only does it provide you with a way of checking your hair and teeth quickly before running out the door, it also makes the traditionally tiny space appear larger. Kevin Sharkey of Martha Stewart recommends avoiding antiques with filmy glass for this room, and choosing a mirror that suits the size of the area. For instance, if your entryway is tiny, don't overwhelm it with a bulky mirror, but if you have the space, a full-length model could be advantageous. In most cases, it's best to hang the mirror securely rather than propping it up to save yourself from awkward angles and the risk of it falling and shattering.

Pair a console table and tray
Any surface on which to put your keys, mail, watch and other items to grab before dashing is useful, and is even more so when right next to the door. By topping a handsome console table with a rimmed tray, you can gather these things in a more organized fashion, and minimize the chances of knocking your car keys into unseen territory. A classic focal point can be easily made by hanging your mirror above the table, and you can add some interest to the area with a floral arrangement or patterned table runner.

Select your organizational tools
Your organizational tools should reflect the number of people in your home - if you live with one person, a coat rack or series of hooks should suffice for storage, but if you have multiple kids, you should consider installing wooden cubbies or lockers. An alternative would be to purchase a chest in which to keep boots and outdoor toys, which could also act as a place for people to sit when removing their shoes. Try to match your mirror, table, tray and storage units in either style or color for consistency.

Decorate
With the function aspect of your entryway complete, you can focus on making your foyer pop. One inexpensive way of doing this is simply to paint. Draw color inspiration from both the area directly outside of your home - foliage, the color of your house, etc., in addition to the room adjacent to your entryway. While the two rooms should sport similar features for consistency, your foyer should be able to stand on its own. Consider painting wide strips or zigzags using painters tape to create a fun and creative prelude to your home, or color your walls a bold blue and decorate with neutral accents.

What "finishes" a basement?

Payless Decor — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:20:00 GMT

Rather than holding seasonal items in dusty piles in a damp corner, a finished basement provides both storage and more space for yourself and your family in the form of a recreation room, family room, man cave or your area of choice. However, it's easy to capture the feel of a finished basement without breaking the bank on flooring installation and woodwork. Here are some tips on polishing your basement into a livable space.

It's easy to forget custom window treatments, a nice carpet and comfortable furnishings in your underground lair, but these are the finishing touches that will make it feel homey and accessible. Arranging your unwanted furniture in the basement does not make it a living space - to make it cozy, the accessories ought to rival your upstairs. Either reupholster your old lounge chairs or consider bringing pieces down from other floors to complete the room. This could be the perfect excuse to do some redecorating in the main living spaces.

Little touches like blinds and shades and a clean carpet are necessary for keeping your downstairs from resembling a dusty cellar. Don't forget the small stuff that you use in your upstairs room, and your basement will look finished in no time.

Give your commode some quirk

Payless Decor — Fri, 10 May 2013 09:30:00 GMT

As an often neglected part of your home, the level of design that your bathroom sports can be the telling point of how well your home is decorated. Standard powder room styles are easy to pull off - just add matching tiles, towels and a mirror. To create a unique bathroom, you don't have to buy expensive appliances like a shower that doubles as a sauna. Just choose a quirky feature and decorate around it. Read more to get some ideas on how to make your restroom stand out.

Wall decor
Bathroom walls are usually plain, and hanging an artistic poster doesn't make much difference. HGTV recommends using items from thrift stores and flea markets to adorn your commode. A small dresser's drawers, when removed, can be secured to a wall to create shelves, and add even more visual appeal when the inside bottoms of the drawers are decorated with paint or photographs. The same technique can be used with antique mirrors - hanging a few above your sink serves a purpose while also contributing to the decor.

Color
Bright colored bathrooms risk being reminiscent of a teen's restroom, but with grown-up tiling and accessories (and without the furry bathmat), hot pink walls can be an inexpensive way of adding interest to the room. Offset the blazing blush with hardwood floors and tiles that complement. Another way to add color is to truly go all out - like with a royal blue. Carry the hue through towels, paint and the shower curtain: It takes commitment, but the bold look pays off.

Accessories
Noticeable accessories are a great way to make your bathroom stand out - like sophisticated looking roman shades, chandeliers or a floating sink. The best way to design a powder room away from the norm is to strive to do what others are not.

Decorate a modern bedroom for your post-modern lifestyle

Payless Decor — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:22:00 GMT

In the chaos of everyday life, having a calm space to relax is a must, and when it comes to uncluttered and sleek, modern design is the way to go. Modern decor features clean lines and creates a comfortable atmosphere: the perfect sanctuary for busy people. Here are some tips for decorating a modern bedroom.

Choose your palette
âThe Freshome blog notes that this style of design tends to place a bright color as an accent against mostly neutral hues. When choosing a palette, take into account the furnishings that you're planning to use. For example, if you have a dresser that's painted an antique white, consider using that shade as your main wall color and painting a blue accent wall. The neatness of modern furniture allows you to play with pigment without risk of busyness.

Use natural materials
Another common feature of modern decor is the use of natural materials - hardwood floors, wood blinds and the use of plants as decoration are all frequently aspects of the theme. Painting with colors found in nature can lead to a serene environment and add consistency if you choose to use natural materials. The abstract designs that occur in nature can also be seen in motifs and patterns in modern homes - like a wall decal that appears to imitate a cluster of treeâ branches.

Find a focal point
A modern room typically features many beautiful pieces of furniture, but the sleek nature of the design trend usually means that there is a clear focus in the room. In a bedroom, it could easily be a bold pattern or color on the comforter or headboard, but an underused part of the room is often the window. You can draw more focus to your view with dark colored wood blinds - the contrast between the slats and the light create a clear point of interest with heavy texture while still utilizing clean lines.

Accessories
To keep your room clutter- and stress-free, storage is vital. Try to keep your surfaces relatively free of items by using plenty of storage tools. A wooden chest at the foot of the bed could add to the natural feel of the room while providing a space to put spare sheets or clothing, while organizational canvas boxes in your closet and under the bed continue the clean lines while preventing messiness.

Trendy styles with Roman shades

Payless Decor — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:52:00 GMT

Roman shades, the sleek, flat window treatments that fold instead of roll, can be just the thing to bring any room together. Available in tons of colors, this discount window treatment can be perfect to complete the decor of the bathroom, kitchen, dining room or any place in your home.

Colors
In a new list, HGTV details the many uses of this versatile type of shade. The texture of the window treatment, which is much smoother and often looks more chic than many other, traditional styles, can be used to create a contemporary feel with a regal undertone in many rooms. Getting these shades in tones like purple and royal blue will help to give the light just the right tone to make your sunroom or patio feel like a modern paradise. With free samples available, you'll be sure to find the right style for you and your home.

The look
These shades are a great way to add a look of luxury to your home, notes Better Homes and Gardens. Thanks to their clean fabric lines, Romans look great both hanging down and folded up, which also means that they work in just about any room - especially one where you want a cleaner, more simplistic look than more cumbersome styles such as drapes. Compared to many treatments that provide the same level of class and luxury to your decor, these treatments are also often less expensive. The automatic folding of the blinds also makes installing and maintaining them a breeze.

No matter what room you're trying to complete, there will definitely be a color and style of Roman shades that will help make your home decorating dream a reality.

How to decorate a guest bedroom for everyone

Payless Decor — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:52:00 GMT

Having a homey guest room is essential if you want to entertain friends and family who must travel to get to your home. It's easier than your company try to find a reservation and foot the bill at a hotel, and better than trying to make overnight guests comfortable on a pull-out couch, air mattress or improvised bedding situation.

The furniture
While you want your friends and family to be comfortable, remember that your guest room likely won't be used as much as other rooms and that your overnighters will often be grateful for any complementary sleeping arrangement, so you don't need to splurge too much. Consider using furniture that's more of a standard quality, not anything that's too luxurious. House Beautiful magazine suggests using nightstands that don't require coasters and other amenities to make your guests feel at ease. You don't want the people who are staying at your house to feel like they should worry about where they put a glass of water - you want them to be comfortable!

It's a good idea to have some amount of storage available in your guest room, both for extended stays and situations in which something needs to be hung, like a suit or dress before a wedding. Include a mirror for your guests to use as well.

The look
You'll want your company to be able to sleep well and rise at their preferred time, so be sure to use blinds and shades that allow for both preferences. Bamboo blinds or celluloid shades used in conjunction with curtains can allow your guests to adjust the amount of light they get in the morning. Using discount window treatments can also help you save some money on furnishings while still being chic.

As far as colors and decor go, try to stick with styles that everybody will enjoy. The guest room may not be the best place to experiment with cutting-edge patterns and colors - instead, try sticking to comfortable, homey colors like pale blues and yellows. Using a palette of soft colors will help your guests relax, notes Southern Living, and this will help keep you company more comfortable and stress-free if they're busy during their visit.

Most of all, keep it simple when it comes to the guest room. An inviting bed is probably the most important part of the guest room. After all, your guests will likely be spending most of their time with you and not cooped up in their room.

How to spruce up your outdoor patio

Payless Decor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:36:00 GMT

Outdoor patios tend to be neglected during the winter - after all, who would want to spend any time there in the cold and snow? Once spring arrives, however, you may find yourself having to do some work on your outdoor living space, and bringing the patio back to life is a great chance to make improvements.

Clean house
The first thing you'll likely have to do is clean up any branches, leaves and other items that may have accumulated on your porch or patio during the winter. Don't neglect the house itself, as winter tends to be harsh on siding and trim. If you have vinyl siding, lucky you - a light scrub with a soft sponge, warm water and a little mild detergent will remove any dirt. Be careful with wood siding, however, as some cleaning agents can hurt the finish or the wood itself. Consider renting a power washer or hiring a professional if your clapboard or shingles could use some sprucing up.

In with the new
If not properly stored, your patio furniture may have taken a beating. Luckily, there's always room to improve. Getting some new chairs, tables and outdoor blinds and shades can do wonders to revitalize your patio. There are many options to consider with patio furniture, but a good one might be some rustic wood furniture, notes HGTV. This furniture will blend wonderfully with the outdoor foliage and will provide a bridge between the manmade and natural items found in your backyard. Pair this new furniture with some wood blinds or bamboo blinds as well as a few select plants to get an entirely new feel for your outdoor space.

Your patio is meant to bridge the gap between the interior and exterior of your home, so consider tapering off your interior-inspired decor as you get further from the house to transition into a truly nature-inspired outdoor space.

Tips for designing a home office

Payless Decor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:36:00 GMT

With working from home becoming so common lately, many homeowners are creating home offices. Even if you don't work when at home, an office is a great place to organize bills, file taxes, write emails or just relax and read a book.

Small spaces
If you don't have an entire room to dedicate to a home office, you can still carve out a work-friendly nook in your home. HGTV notes that just about any corner of your house can become a home office with the right accessories. Consider finding a seldom-used corner where you can install a few simple items, including a small writing surface and some minimal shelving. Since many work stations don't need much more than space for a laptop and a coffee these days, a little creative furniture arranging will help almost anyone carve out a spot. You may want to stay on the lighter side of furniture and accessories, as this will help you quickly pack up your workspace in the event that you need to temporarily use the area for a social gathering or overnight guests.

The view
If you're planning to spend a lot of time in your home office, consider using a room with a view. This may mean making a sacrifice, but consider the importance of a pleasing vista for each room's purpose: Do your guests really need to see that flowering tree from their bed? However, be mindful of the glare from the windows, as nothing ruins a good book or a productive workday quite as much as blinding sunlight. Consider installing simple roller shades or pleated shades to let the sunlight in or keep it out, depending on your workload and the time of day.

Repurposing
If you want to be more tucked away in your workspace and enjoy an intimate spot when concentrating, a smaller area, like that suggested by HGTV, will work well and keep you from dedicating an entire bedroom to the cause. However, if you like to keep an eye on the house and can't stand the thought of being cooped up while you work, consider creating a double-purpose room in your house. Rarely used dining rooms can function as an office, especially when furniture is kept on coasters for easy shifting. Even kitchen pantries and other small rooms can be creatively redesigned with some clever redistribution and themed accessories.

Giving your kitchen a DIY makeover

Payless Decor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:35:00 GMT

If you're tired of your kitchen feeling cramped or uninviting but don't want to remodel the entire thing, there's good news for you - it can be done. With a little fresh paint and a few new accessories, you can have the kitchen you've always wanted without having to go through the costly renovation process of installing new countertops and cabinets.

Country kitchen
If you live outside the city or just want to make your kitchen feel more homey, try adding some fun, folksy decorations, notes Midwest Living magazine. Oversized, decorative serving trays, milk pails and stools all look great in wood and can easily be painted to match the decor you're going for. In addition to the customizable potential of this project, you can find these materials in retail stores as well as thrift shops, yard sales and flea markets if you want to save some money and make your kitchen feel even more authentic. For paint colors, you may want to use light blue, pale brown or plain white for the walls to create the simple, rustic feel of a country kitchen. Creating a good spot to sit and gaze out the window is a nice touch, so try putting a comfortable chair and small desk in front of a window and using wood blinds to match the country theme.

Modern kitchen
Although it may seem challenging to create a modern kitchen without installing stainless steel appliances and sleek countertops, you can still get a contemporary feel with just a few accessories. The key is to maximize your existing countertop space, so try to keep all surfaces free of clutter and stationary objects to maintain that streamlined look, suggests TLC.

You don't need to totally redo everything in the room in contemporary finishes, but a few stainless steel touches will help create a modern feel. Try tucking wood and plastic spoons into a steel bin that contains all your cooking utensils. Not only will this add more of that contemporary gleam to your home, but it will also keep everything neater and tidier, which is key in a modern kitchen. As far as windows and window treatments go, it's best to have plenty of light, so try installing some cordless shades or celluloid shades to let in plenty of light while maintaining the minimalist look.