Home decorating ideas for a new look

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Room by room home decorating ideas

Whether you live in a small metropolitan apartment, a house in the suburbs, or a log cabin in the mountains, your living room creates a lasting impression on those who visit. It sets the mood and should reflect your taste. So, to begin our helpful hints for home decorating ideas, let's start with some simple tips for the living room.

You don't have to spend much time or money to get a new look that will be a pick-up for you and your living room. Just add some color; here's how:

1. Paint just One Wall
This will change the living room's focal point without getting into a major redecorating project. If your room has a niche, it's the perfect choice for extra color. You can choose a bold; contrasting color picked from a floral fabric or a subtle tone darker than the tone of the other walls. Any color change will add interest and splash!

2. Throw a Few Pillows Around
Nothing adds color like strategically placed throw pillows. Choose solids for a floral print or colorful, patterned pillows for a solid color chair or sofa. This is just one of many home decorating ideas that will add a bright splash of color and comfort to your seating arrangements.

3. Add Green or Flowering Plants
If you don't have a green thumb, ask your nursery or home center to recommend those requiring little or no care. If you're away from home, settle for some of the wonderful artificial ones on the market now. You can find great-looking plants, foliage, and flowers that only need to be dusted. The Internet is an excellent source for these.

4. Put Some Color on the Floor
A colorful throw rug placed in front of a chair or under a coffee table can add color and texture to a living room (or any room). It can be on top of any type of flooring, including carpet. If it is on a smooth surface, make sure to have a no-skid backing. Choose a contrast color (from fabric you're using in the room}, or look for one with an exciting pattern that ties into the theme of your room.

5. Add Interesting Artwork
A colorful piece of art placed in a living room adds a decorative touch and introduces colors and shapes. Try framing simple photos with colorful mats and bright frames.

6. A Throw Adds both Warmth and Color
A handmade quilt, nubby woven throw, or cozy, colorful blanket adds interest when draped over the back or arm of a neutral sofa or chair. Choose a color that accents other pieces in the room, as well.

7. Reflect Color
This is one of the home decorating ideas that appeals to many. Place a large mirror on a bare or boring wall. Buy an exciting frame or decorate a piece of mirror with a cording or braid. If you have an old structure, consider painting it a bright color. The mirror will reflect the color from around the room and add light to the space.

Tips for the guest room

Not many people give enough thought to decorating the guest room in their home, but if you like to have guests stay over, here are some simple ideas for your guest room. Your budget may not allow you to provide all the amenities of a five-star hotel, but there are certain things you can do to make your guests comfortable.

1. Buy the Best Bed Your Money Can Buy
Don't give your guest the oldest, most saggy mattress you have. Consider getting a quality air mattress if you can't afford a new bed. They're pretty comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress, or on the floor.

2. Clean Bedding a Must
Just make sure you have nicely laundered, clean bedding.

3. A Place to Put a Suitcase
Clear a space to put a luggage rack or a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. Even a chair is better than nothing!

4. Keep it Uncluttered
Get rid of anything you would not find in a fine hotel room. Keep only the most valuable items in the room, like a clock and calendar. A good reading lamp would be a plus!

5. Hanger and Drawer Space
Suppose your guest room shares space with a home office; clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the closet. Or purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes and clear out one or two drawers for small items. Both you and your guest will feel better with odds and ends out of sight.