Create A Welcoming Foyer of Your Own

Vertical stripes elongates the
appearance of this small foyer

To some homeowners the foyer is simply a place to enter and exit the house, but to others it is a space to combine decorating style with function and practicality. A foyer should be balanced and well-lit while providing plenty of handy and practical storage space for shoes, outerwear, and other entryway items such as keys and mail. Consider the following ideas on designing and decorating a welcoming foyer for a space that is as functional as it is stylish.

Designing an Entryway with Sidelights

Before a home is built, many designs feature optional entryway sidelights. They frame one or both sides of the doorway, and depending on the extent of the outdoor overhang and the direction the entryway faces, sidelights can let in a tremendous amount of natural light. If possible, opt for dual sidelights to let in the greatest amount of natural light to create a warm and welcoming feel. Keep in mind that sidelights can be covered with sheer window treatments for privacy, or they can be designed using opaque glass that allows light to shine through while distorting the view.

Consider Hanging Pendant or Chandelier Lighting

In addition to natural illumination, consider designing a foyer with chandelier or pendant lighting
. For the greatest visual impact, the light must be positioned not too high above the floor or too low. Hang a chandelier or pendant light too low in the foyer and it will visually lower the height of the ceiling. Position the fixture too high and the lighting will not look nearly as dramatic. The proper height for the lowest point of a chandelier or pendant light is approximately six feet nine inches from the floor. At this height it will make the greatest visual impression, and it will be high enough to clear the heads of most people entering the home.

Add a Console or a Repurposed Sofa Table

A place to toss keys, gloves, and mail is a must in a fully functional foyer, and a console or a repurposed sofa table is the ideal furnishing. Not only can a sofa table or console work to temporarily hold odds and ends, but it can also add a considerable amount of style to the foyer. Repurpose a sofa table to a spacious foyer or invest in a small console to embellish a more modest foyer. In addition, be sure to center the furnishing of choice against a wall. Pushing one side into a corner will make the foyer appear cramped and inadequate.

Accessorize the Foyer with a Stylish Table Lamp

When natural lighting is not enough, and when overhead lighting is too much, a table lamp can provide just the right amount of illumination in a foyer. Instead of using an ordinary table lamp with a plain shade, look into the many stylish options that are designed to add character as well as light. In a contemporary foyer, consider a table lamp with an interesting shape and a unique design. In a traditional foyer, contemplate selecting timeless wrought iron with a pleated shade. In any case, keep in mind that lampshades are designed to direct various levels of lighting, and a sheer shade will allow more light into the foyer whereas thicker material will direct the lighting to the surface below.

Add a Practical and Stylish Runner

An area rug or runner adds warmth and welcoming appeal to a foyer. It also provides protection for the flooring beneath. However, a rug designed to protect does not have to lack style. Select a practical and stylish runner that serves double duty to protect the floor and add color and design to the foyer. Keep in mind that an area rug or runner should not completely overtake the square footage in a foyer. As a rule of thumb it should not expand down the entire length of the foyer, and it should be at least eighteen inches from the walls on both sides.

Wall Décor Ideas for the Foyer

When decorating a welcoming foyer, stylish eye-catching wall décor is a must. However, before selecting wall décor, take into consideration the dimension of bare walls. A small work of art will look miniscule on an expansive foyer wall, and an oversized wall hanging will overtake the space. Keep balance and proportion in mind when selecting wall art of any variety to design a welcoming foyer that is well-composed and harmonized.

Metal wall art is ideal for decorating walls in a welcoming foyer. Contrary to popular belief, metal works of sculptured wall art can be quite colorful. Consider a large work of metal art to create a vibrant focal point in the foyer, and decorate around it with a pair of stylish wall pockets or planters filled with faux blooms and foliage.

The addition of a wall mirror is also an excellent choice when designing and decorating a welcoming foyer. Select a wall mirror that matches the decorating style of the space, and position the center a few inches above eye-level over a sofa table or console. Tabletop lighting will add double the amount of illumination in the foyer, and tabletop art reflected by the mirror will be visible from many more angles.

Ideas for Adding Concealed Storage

Storage is essential in a foyer, and storage options are available that go far beyond the typical entryway coat closet. Contemplate the addition of an ottoman with hidden storage beneath the top. It will serve double-duty as a storage space and a comfortable place to sit while putting on footwear.

Concealed storage can also be placed beneath a foyer bench. If space allows, invest in a stylish bench with hidden storage space for shoes, boots, and other footwear. This will help to eliminate the compilation of shoes in the doorway. It will also help make the foyer appear more welcoming while providing an area to sit down.

In any case, opt for symmetry while designing and decorating a welcoming foyer. Paying attention to details will help pull the look together in a balanced way. With the aforementioned ideas for designing and decorating a foyer, it is possible to transform an otherwise faux pas space into a stylish and inviting area of the home.

5 Ways To Use Books To Decorate

Let's face it, most of us have more books laying around our homes than we can count. That's a good thing! Even if you are tired of the book clutter, there are great ways to tame the mess, and add charm and character to your rooms by using books as decorating accessories!

 

Beautifully displayed stack of books

1.  Books add warmth to a room. Add a stack of books to a tabletop, kitchen counter, or fireplace hearth. Use odd numbers of books for the best result.

 

2.  Instead of just packing your bookshelves full, try treating your books as an art form. Leave space between stacks of books, stack some vertically and some horizontally. Place contrasting objects throughout the bookcase such as plants, ceramics, collectables, or framed photos.

 

3.  Use children's books creatively in their rooms also. Display their books so they are easily accessible to encourage reading. Use books, letters, and words as a room theme for a child who loves to read...paint or decoupage onto the wall book covers, the alphabet, and words.

 

Books re-purposed for table legs

4.  Find old books from a garage sale and glue them together in a sturdy stack to make legs for a side table. Place a round of glass from a discount store on top!

 

5.  Don't be afraid to display a favorite book open on a tabletop, turned to a favorite passage. Guests in your home will get a glimpse into your personality, and you will smile every time you stop to read a page!

Decorating Bedrooms on a Budget

It’s no secret that people tend to put decorating bedrooms on a back burner. It seems like the first area of your home you decorate is always the most public. I think we should all remember that home decorating is about creating a home for you and the ones you love, and making a wonderful refuge by decorating bedroom areas is a must! You can decorate on a budget with a little creativity and elbow grease!

•  Get rid of all clutter! The bedroom is supposed to be a restful place, and how can any of us rest with a weeks worth of laundry piled on the dresser, or all those things you dump in the bedroom because you need to speed clean, and you know you can close the bedroom door? Spend one afternoon and dive in, or split it up into several afternoons and do one area at a time. Find a place for everything, and put everything in it’s place!

 

•  Good storage for the bedroom doesn’t have to be expensive. Under bed storage can include inexpensive plastic tubs, or you can even cut sturdy cardboard boxes down to the proper height so they can slide easily under the bed. Store off season clothes, craft supplies, even extra linens under the bed.

 

•  Create a theme and color scheme for your bedroom, and let it reflect who you are. You will save a lot of money when decorating bedrooms by having a plan to keep you on track. Name your theme, even if it’s something simple like, “Cool refreshing modern”. Now whenever you make a purchase or a decision for your bedroom, all you have to do is ask yourself this question…does it fit with my theme? If the answer isn’t clear, don’t’ waste your money!

 

•  You don’t have to replace all your bedding when decorating bedrooms in your home. That can be prohibitively expensive, and it isn’t necessary. Once you’ve chosen your theme and color scheme, purchase flat sheets in the size of your bed. Sew or fuse along three side and insert your old comforter, then add Velcro or buttons to close the third side. You’ve created a duvet cover for just a few dollars to give your room a whole new look!

 

•  Make the bed the focal point of the room. Hang something dramatic behind it, or drape some fabric from the ceiling in a swag to give the feeling of a canopy bed. Wall art for the bedroom can be creative, and should fit in your theme. At a loss? Pick up 8-10 picture frames from the dollar store, fill with scrapbooking paper in your colors, and hang gallery style right above the bed. Home decorating doesn’t have to be expensive!

 

•  You can use stencils and fabric paint to create linens with a luxury touch. Stencil Fleur-de Lis, vines or flowers, or another motif to match your theme along the top edge of your sheets and outer edge of your pillow cases. You can even use the same stencils and paint to add a border to your duvet cover. Remember, less is more. Use a soft gold or silver to give it that expensive look.

 

•  Remember, paint is your friend when decorating bedrooms! Color creates mood, and where better to create a mood? Cool colors such as blue and green or violet are calming and relaxing…keep the colors light to give the bedroom an airy feel. Warm colors such as reds and yellows give a room energy and passion. If you can’t afford to paint the whole wall, paint just the wall behind the bed for impact. Check the paint counter for cans of paint discounted because they were mixed and not sold.

 

•  Don’t forget the windows. If all you have on your windows are white mini blinds, you should try softening them and adding some style. Sheers are very inexpensive, or you can sew or fuse simple rod pocket curtains or a valance in a color to coordinate with your bedding.

 

•  Now for the jewelry of decorating bedrooms! Accessories! Add throw pillows to your bed for pattern and color. (Not too many ladies…) Pick up some pretty ceramic picture frames at the dollar shop and add them to the nightstand. A simple and inexpensive rag rug on the floor offers a feeling of comfort. Candles, of course, and a vase to fill with flowers, all which can be found inexpensively.

 

When home decorating, decorating bedrooms can often be left by the wayside. Don’t let this happen to your home, we all need a refuge from daily life! Home decorating on a budget can be creative and fun, so decorate the bedroom!

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Recycle & Redesign Furniture



Headboard cleverly re-purposed into a bench with storage

Creating a home environment that is eco-friendly can greatly affect the impact we have on the planet and our health. Of course, there are many ways we can go about this—from buying energy-efficient appliances to using sustainable materials in our home decor—but one simple thing you can do to live a greener lifestyle is recycle your old furniture instead of throwing it away.

Think of ways to give an old piece new life! For instance, this beautiful seat bench was created out of a full-size headboard that the homeowner was going to toss, which would have added to more land waste. Instead, the headboard was  recycled and given a whole new purpose.


The best part is you don’t have to be an expert carpenter to construct it either. The base of the bench was made out of MDF board (medium density fiber) that was cut at a home improvement store. Remember, they can cut wood there, too, so all you have to do is assemble the pieces when you get home without needing any special tools.

Use the measurements of the storage bins as a reference to know how wide and deep to make the bench. The idea is to create a rectangular box with dividers and a backing that can be attached with finish nails and glue. Once assembled, paint the bench white along with the headboard and attach the two pieces together using long screws or brackets from behind to give it a unified look. Finally, place a seat cushion and some toss pillows and you now have a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture that can work in your kids’ rooms, foyer or breakfast nook.

Remember that with some creativity, trash can be turned into treasure! Go ahead and shop at thrift stores and garage sales and think of different ways you can repurpose furniture. You’ll be doing something good for the environment that is budget-friendly, too.

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Create Curb Appeal

Noticeable curb appeal

Adding curb appeal is an important element often overlooked when trying to enhance the overall appearance of your home. It's easy to focus on the interior and overlook the exterior. Truthfully, the exterior is where first impressions are made. Because of this, it's important to develop a well thought out plan before doing anything. Choosing the proper plants and hardscaping material is key to creating an eye-catching landscape that will not only improve the look of your home but add value and years of enjoyment.

Water in the Garden

Tranquil water garden

Summer is a great time to think of adding another dimension to your garden: water. Whether it's in the form of a waterfall, still pool or a simple fountain, water adds a refreshing quality to any outdoor space.

Many people find the sound of falling water soothing. Placing moving water near your entryway or patio is a great way to create a relaxing, welcoming space. Moving water can even muffle traffic noises, distracting your senses from the hectic world around you. What a nice way to signal "I'm home" to your mind, setting the stage for relaxation. A waterfall with a pool creates the perfect home for fish and frogs as well as attracting birds and beneficial insects like dragonflies.

Water can also be used to reflect a beautiful tree or architectural feature. Dyeing still water a dark color increases reflections and helps reduce algae growth. This concept works well in large or small applications: a large pool or tank water feature gives a big effect, showing well from a distance. But even a simple Japanese water jar, filled with water and sited correctly creates a wonderful effect. Think about a water jar with a backdrop of oriental lilies or a Japanese maple. A simple but impressive effect. Don't forget to add an underwater light to extend the show into the evening.

If moving water is more to your liking, add a small fountain pump to your water jar and you'll have an immediate focal point…no waiting for plants to grow in, fish to mature, etc. The care couldn't be easier. Top up the water level and rinse out your pump and filter as needed. Simple!

Jelly Bean Napkin Rings - DIY

Sweet Desserts

These Jelly Bean Napkin Rings are sure to make a "sweet" statement at your party! To make these unique napkin rings, thread small, brightly colored jelly beans on 22-gauge tin wire, long enough to wrap around a rolled napkin twice. Curl ends into swirls to keep candy in place.

Edible Easter Egg Wreath - DIY

Wreaths aren't just for winter! To make this festive springtime wreath, cut skewers into two-inch lengths, leaving one end sharp. Using a paring knife, pierce shells of speckled malted-milk eggs and insert skewer tips. Push candy into an eight-inch foam ring; top with ribbon.

Using Color in the Garden

Colorful garden

Designers are often asked to design colorful gardens for their clients. Color is only one component of a successful design, but it is so important in establishing the finished effect of gardens that we would like to highlight the use of color.

Most of us respond to color in similar ways. Warm and bright colors seem fun and cheerful. This spectrum of colors are especially good in active spaces and entry areas as they add a welcoming feeling. Cooler colors like blues, grays, whites, and purples suggest a more quiet, contemplative feeling. Consider these colors in sitting and relaxation areas. Mixing all colors together creates a vibrant, upbeat mood.


         
Remember that color always draws the eye first. Be careful where you put those colorful flowers and foliages. Using color at your entry, patio, and beautiful architectural features is a great way to draw attention to them. The same colors used in front of your utilities boxes, compost pile, trash bins…not so much.

Harness the power of color to accentuate the nice features of your property. As the song says, you've got to "accentuate the positive!" Color is a wonderful tool that you can use to do just that.

Basic Principles of Landscape Design - Part 2

This week we are going to continue with Part 2 of Basic Principles of Landscape Design. So lets jump right in to it!

Natural transition and curvy lines

Natural transition can be applied to avoid radical or abrupt changes in your landscape design. Transition is basically gradual change. It can best be illustrated in terms of plant height or color but can also be applied to all elements in the landscape including but not limited to textures, foliage shape or size, and the size and shape of different elements. In other words transition can be achieved by the gradual, ascending or descending, arrangement of different elements with varying textures, forms, colors, or sizes.


Line is of the more structural principles of landscape design. It can mostly be related to the way beds, walkways, and entryways move and flow. Straight lines are forceful and direct while curvy lines have a more natural, gentle, flowing effect.

Large gazebo perfectly sized for large backyard

Proportion simply refers to the size of elements in relation to each other. Of all the principles of landscape design, this one is quite obvious but still requires a little thought and planning. Most of the elements in landscape design can be intentionally planned to meet the proper proportions. For instance if you are creating a small courtyard garden, an enormous seven foot garden statue placed in the center would be way out of proportion and a little tacky to say the least. Or a small four foot waterfall and pond placed in the center of a large open yard would get lost in the expanse. Proportion is relative and elements can be scaled to fit by creating different rooms in the garden. The goal is to create a pleasing relationship among the three dimensions of length, breadth, and depth or height.

Notice the flanking trees are different, but still repetitive

Repetition is directly related to unity. Its good to have a variety of elements and forms in the garden but repeating these elements gives variety expression. Unity is achieved by repeating objects or elements that are alike. Too many unrelated objects can make the garden look cluttered and unplanned. There’s a fine line here. It’s possible that too much of one element can make a garden or landscape feel uninteresting, boring and monotonous.

Basic Principles of Landscape Design - Part 1

Whether you plan on “borrowing ideas” or plan on creating your own landscaping design, you should have at the very least a basic understanding of the principles of landscape design. This doesn’t mean that you have to apply every principle to every part of your plan. But just having an understanding of these principles will help you generate ideas and increase your creativity. Great landscaping lies in the eyes of the its creator. So, while the principles of landscape design are great guidelines to follow, don’t feel like they’re the “have to rules” of landscaping. Abstract and creativity are allowed.

Repetition will create rhythm and give the space a designed appearance

Unity should be one of your main goals in your design. It may be better understood and applied as consistency and repetition. Repetition creates unity by repeating alike elements like plants, plant groups, or decor throughout the landscape. Consistency creates unity in the sense that some or all of the different elements of the landscape fit together to create a whole. Unity can be achieved by the consistency of character of elements in the design. By character, I mean the height, size, texture, color schemes, etc. of different elements. The principle applies to all other elements such as groups of plants and materials. A simple way to create unity in your landscape is by creating themes.

Keep it simple

Simplicity is actually one of the principles in design and art. It’s one of the best guidelines you can follow as a beginner or do it yourselfer. Just keep things simple to begin with. You can do more later. Simplicity in planting, for instance, would be to pick two or three colors and repeat them throughout the garden or landscape. Keeping decor to a minimum and within a specific theme as well as keeping hardscapes such as boulders consistent is also practicing simplicity.

Balance in design is just as the word implies. Equality. There are basically two types of balance in landscape design. Symmetrical and Asymmetrical.

Equally spaced matching elements

Symmetrical balance is where there are more or less equally spaced matching elements of the garden design. With a garden equally divided, both sides could share the same shape, form, plant height, plant groupings, colors, bed shapes, theme, etc. You may remember creating something like this when you were a kid in art class at school. Where you take a piece of paper, splash paint on it, fold it in half, unfold it, and then it magically creates an interesting symmetrical design. So symmetrical balance or design is somewhat of a mirror image or reflection.

Don't be afraid of random shapes

Asymmetrical balance on the other hand is one of the principles of landscape design that’s a little more complex. While textures, forms, colors, etc. may remain constant to create some unity, shapes and hardscapes may be more random. This form of balance often has separate or different themes with each having an equal but different type of attraction.

Mixture of bright and cool colors

Color adds the dimension of real life and interest to the landscape. Bright colors like reds, yellows and oranges seem to advance toward you and can actually make an object seem closer to you. Cool colors like greens, blues, and pastels seem to move away from you and can make an object seem farther from you. Grays, blacks, and whites are considered neutral colors and are best used in the background with bright colors in the foreground. However, to increase depth in a landscape, you can use dark and coarse textured plants in the foreground and use fine textured and light colored plants in the background.

Easy DIY Spring Wreath

Happy 1st Day of Spring!

To "welcome" in Spring, we decided to post an easy DIY to hang on your front door...a Spring Wreath!

Materials and Tools

• 1 Grapevine Wreath
• Various floral pieces, fake fruit, or any ornament that complements your wreath
• BBQ Skewers (for fake fruit or other large ornament)
• Ribbon
• Hot Glue Gun & Glue sticks
• Wire-cutters
• Floral wire
• (optional)

Instructions

• If your floral pieces comes as a bush then separate them.
• Create a floral arrangement on the wreath.
• Add some fake fruits to the bottom of the wreath.
• Place extra leaves, feathers, and other decorating items on the wreath and fix them using floral wire or a glue gun.
• Add ribbon onto the top of your wreath to hang it on your front door.