My Home Redux

Using a Theme to Decorating Your Kitchen

 Often people want to decorate their kitchen but don't know what's appropriate or where to start. One tip - themes.  It gives you a focus and a look that you can employ throughout your kitchen from your countertops to above cabinets and even to your kitchen linens.

There are many themes to choose from:

Fruit
Apples
Country
Fat Chef  (you've seen this, and yes, this is the theme's name)
Rooster - graces my kitchen
Primitive
Chili Pepper - for a Southwestern decor
Pottery - French, colors, etc.
Wine - very popular these days
Vintage - 50s kitsch at it's finest
Coffee House - one of the newest themes to emerge
Light House - also popular for bathrooms and cottage/beach family rooms
Palm Tree - very popular in bathrooms

You can find these at various craft, decorating, and linen stores. Or you can shop online at ThemeKitchen.com

Using Wall Sconces to Give Rooms a Warm Ambient Light

Wall sconces are a great way to give a wall an accent while creating a warm ambient light.  Especially popular in hallways, bathrooms,  and formal rooms like dining and living rooms.

You will need to properly wire a new wall sconce behind the wall. You can drop this down from the attic above or pull it up from the basement.  You may need to do some drywall repair in the process. If you are uncomfortable doing electrical work, be sure to hire this out.

But in planning and selecting your wall sconce, be sure to check out these tips.

[Editor Note:  Photo from one of my favorite Internet lighting resources, LightingUniverse.com]

Best 5 Paint Colors for Any Room in Your House

I have just been selected as an expert on Bestcovery.com.  My first article is up on my five top-rated interior paint colors.  I'm waiting for them to add my byline, but you can read it all here.

How to Decorate with Garage Sale Finds

Create a gorgeous a room, table, window, sofa, or more with gems you find at garage sales. Since garage sale season is fully underway, this is the time to hunt around for the perfect accents for your home. Check out what this creative lady has done with garage sale gems.

[Editor Note:  Photo from Il Regalo.]

Fast and Fabulous Decorating Projects

Here are 20 projects that are fast, easy, and inexpensive. 20 great ways to spruce up tired furniture or rooms and easy enough to do in just a few hours.  Check them all out here on BHG.com.

[Editors Note:  Photo from BHG.com]

How to Select a Kitchen or Bathroom Faucet

Today, selecting a faucet is not a simple decision. You need to consider style, finish, valves, center size, levers or knobs, and more.  The range of styles (and prices) are amazing today.  This "simple" task can leave you confused, befuddled, and potentially broke.  As a decor note, chrome always works, but often, especially in a master bath or kitchen, you'll want to consider a different finish such as satin nickle, bronze, antiqued brass - or more.

Here's an article with some really helpful hints on picking the perfect faucet for your decor and your needs, complete with helpful tips about what some of those features mean and when to select them.  Read it all here.

How to Sew a Throw Pillow

Throw pillows can add color and accent to any room quickly. To have pillows match your decor perfectly and to save some money (which my readers know I love to do), make your own. Go to fabric stores for fabric, but you may find even better selection at craft, decorating , and upholstering stores.

Here is a great step-by-step article to sewing a beautiful throw pillow for your home.

[Editor Note:  Photo comes from the Cottage Magpie.

Living Room Transformation for $30

From blah to wow!  See how one thrifty decorator completely transformed her living room for $30. You'll be amazed and impressed. And so easy! A little molding. Rearranging some accent pieces. And creating a sofa table inexpensively with wood cut right at Lowes (or Home Depot, Menards, etc.)

See here for her living room transformation.

And check out her simple instructions for creating a table between a wall and sofa. Stunning!

[Editor Note:  Photo from www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com]

How Install a Paver Patio

Here in the U.S., it's Memorial Day, the recognized (if  not technical) start of summer. As thoughts turn to barbecues, cookouts, and outdoor parties, attention turns to decks and patios. Paver patios are not only beautiful but easy to install in a weekend.

Here is a great article with step-by-step instructions and illustrations for you to create your own stunning paver patio.

[Editor Note:  Photo from www.Belgard.biz]

Home Remodeling Photos

Need ideas from any project from your kitchen to your patio?  Check out this site, CalFinders.com.

Browse through their various photos of actual projects they've done and get ideas for your home.

They also provide a free contractor finder service.

Check it all out here.

[Editor Note:  Photo courtesy of Delta Builders.]