Home Decor Exchange BLOG

How To Make Ice Votives Video

2011-12-12T12:37:00.000-06:00

Nate Berkus - Favorite Holiday Decor Videa

2011-12-10T12:36:00.001-06:00

Make Your Home Glisten With Sparkling New Holiday Craft Ideas

2011-12-10T12:24:00.001-06:00

Time to deck the halls, don that holiday spirit and prepare your home for festivities.

But do your tightened purse strings have you saying "bah humbug?" Luckily, creating exquisite holiday decor can be fun and cost-effective when you do it yourself. Here are a few amazing holiday craft ideas that are simple and sensational.

Glittered holiday pinecones
Create a beautiful centerpiece with items that you might find in your backyard - all in less than an hour. Here's what you'll need: pinecones, Krylon Primer and Krylon Glitter Blast glitter spray, fishing line and a drop cloth.
Make sure that the pinecones are clean from dirt and dust, then tie fishing line around the stem of the pinecone. Hang them from above so that all surfaces are accessible with the drop cloth underneath. Next, simply spray a coat of primer and let dry and then spray with your favorite glitter color of Glitter Blast. Soon, you'll have pretty pinecones ready to spruce up any table.

Colorful cones
Decorate your home with a festive holiday cone. Let your imagination run wild with these cheerful creations. Here's what you may need: various sized foam cones, Glitter Blast glitter spray, scrapbook papers, self-adhesive foam sheet, sequins and pins, ribbon, paste and acrylic jewels.

To start, thoroughly spray the cones with your favorite colors of Glitter Blast and allow to completely dry. Then, follow these guidelines to create three unique versions.

Polka dot cone. Punch out a variety of sizes and colors of circles from scrapbook papers and foam sheets and attach in random patterns to the cone using the paste. Start with larger-sized circles and gradually adhere smaller sizes on top. Finally, pin on 1-inch glitter sequins.

Ribbon cone. Spiral ribbon around cone, anchoring in place with craft glue and craft pins. Cut small snips in the edges so ribbon will lay flat. Glue and pin sequin trim in between the ribbon spirals.

Beaded cone. Using straight pins, pin sequins at random all over the cone. Then use paste to attach flat-backed acrylic jewels in and around the sequins.
To complete the look of each uniquely designed holiday cone, make a hole in the very top of the cone with a pencil point. Press the neck of a small tree ornament into the hole and secure with a drop of glue. Now you have three beautiful and original cones for a creative and colorful arrangement.

Original ornaments
You may have had sticker shock the last time you shopped for holiday ornaments - but luckily with some inspiration from renowned crafter and author, Mark Montano, you can update your tree for almost free when you design your own. Here's what you'll need: eight wooden clothespins, cardboard, scissors, glue, spray paint, large rhinestones, hot glue gun and glue sticks, fishing wire and loose glitter or Glitter Blast glitter spray.

To start, take the clothespins apart and arrange the wood pieces in a starburst pattern with the fat ends of the pieces touching in the center and the skinny ends forming the points. Cut out two 2 1/2 inch cardboard circles. Glue a cardboard circle in the center of the clothespins and let it dry. Flip your starburst over, glue the other cardboard circle in the center and let it dry. Next, spray paint the entire ornament in a color of your choice. Cover the cardboard and about half an inch of the surrounding clothespins with glue and sprinkle glitter on top - or use Glitter Blast glitter spray. Flip the starburst over and repeat. When dry, use hot glue to adhere a rhinestone in the center of both sides. For the hanger, fold a 10-inch piece of fishing wire in half and hot glue the ends to one of the clothespins.

Once dry, hang on your tree and enjoy.

For more holiday craft ideas from Krylon, visit www.yourholidaystyle.com; for craft ideas from Mark Montano, visit http://markmontanoblogs.blogspot.com/.

Simple Ways To Personalize Your Home Decor

2011-11-18T15:50:00.001-06:00

If you’re craving something different this year, personalizing your holiday decor can be a great way to put a fresh face on the season. Wall murals are a time-honored design trick for completely changing the look of a room. Imagine an idyllic, snow-covered landscape as a backdrop for this year’s Christmas tree. Or perhaps you would like to spice up your New Year’s party with a New York City scene in your dining room. Since you might not want those scenes gracing your walls year-round, removable murals could be a great way to personalize your holiday decor – temporarily. A new product, SmartStick by MuralsYourWay.com, makes it easy to customize your holiday decor. The removable mural can be repositioned anywhere in the home and can be reused hundreds of times without losing its adhering qualities. The website offers holiday designs to appeal to virtually every taste, and the material is so versatile you could even put it on a window or smooth exterior wall and use it year after year.

Take Your Home From Summer To Fall

2011-10-16T10:19:00.002-05:00

Bringing your home from summer to fall is simpler than you think. It all begins with taking inventory of your home to determine which nonessential items you can eliminate or switch and where you can add.

"Start with anything fabric," says Maria Aguerri-Gomez, Academic Dean of The Art Institute of Michigan-Troy, a branch campus of The Art Institute of Michigan. "You can change your couch covers, pillows and your throw blankets, add a duvet to your bed, change your window treatment or bathroom towels; or simply add a table runner to bring fall into your home without breaking your budget."

Take couch covers from creamy and off-white tones to fall tones and colors. Choose earth tones such as reds and browns to bring depth and warmth. Navy blue can also be a great color to add in fall that can transition to winter. Not completely committed to bringing that much color into your living room? Change your pillows or throw blankets to develop an accented atmospheric change. Take a look at your window treatments and consider a heavier fabric with possible prints.

"Paisley is coming back this fall." Aguerri-Gomez says. "Use paisley prints on curtains or pillows, or venture out and buy a paisley arm chair that can nestle nicely into an unused corner in your bedroom or living room."

Elizabeth Polish, an Interior Design Instructor at The Art Institute of New York City and owner of Elizabeth Polish Design, says bird prints are making their way into homes via lampshades and carpets this fall.

Keep the cold away by adding rugs. Overlapping rugs is a trend that can bring contrasting elements together, while unifying sections of a room. Aguerri-Gomez recommends taking a bamboo or wicker rug and overlapping it with a more classical rug. "It's a great way to bring contrast, color and texture to the room."

Aguerri-Gomez predicts that mustard will be a key color this fall. Add a mustard table runner and change up your dinnerware and placemats to bring your table from light and airy to warm and welcoming. Don't want to part with the lemons and limes nestled inside your glass vase as table decor? Try compromising and replace the citrus with artichokes and pomegranates for a fall final touch.

For those that like to have feng shui elements in their home, you'll be happy to know that gold is making a comeback. Try mercury or gold canisters, vases and accents. In the past, gold and mercury were reserved for the holidays or special celebrations, but now you can bring them out earlier to bring that shiny pop the room will need.

The last touch to bringing your home from summer to fall is mood lighting. Polish recommends utilizing energy efficient LED lights and bulbs. Because you've most likely added thicker curtains to keep the cold out, make sure key areas are lit. Where you don't need too much light, go for the dimming effect. "Change your lampshades if you can't dim your lights. Make your living space as cozy as you can while saving energy at the same time," Polish says.

Scariest Decorations For Halloween Video

2011-10-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

Scariest Decorations for Halloween

Make Halloween Frightfully Fun and Affordable

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Halloween decorations and costumes are meant to be frightfully fun, but the price tag for pulling together the big night doesn't have to be scary.

Here are three fun and unexpected ways to keep costs low and let the creativity shine with enchanting accessories, do-it-yourself decorations and devilishly simple party planning.

Keep costumes personal and affordable
Masks are an easy and affordable way to jazz up a kid's costume. They are also a great alternative for moms who don't want to dress up in full costume, but still want to get in the spirit. Host a pre-Halloween Masquerade Mask party and invite each guest to bring one embellishment - sequins, glitter, feathers and buttons - to create one-of-a-kind masquerade masks. The host can provide paper masks, glue and scissors, and set up a designated area where kids can decorate their own masks with friends. Plan to make it an annual gathering and remind everyone to save materials throughout the year.

Decorate on a dime
Take advantage of free resources and do-it-yourself crafts to use as decorations and fun activities for the whole family. Visit Target.com/Halloween to download free printable pumpkin and eerie decorative lighting stencils. Print out the stencils and have the kids cut them out with safety scissors for pumpkin carving or painting. Kids can glue stencils onto white paper bags to line the driveway or walkway and place flameless candles inside the paper bags for an extra spooky Halloween glow. Moms can apply trick-or-treat bag iron-ons to a white canvas tote to complete the Halloween look from head to toe.

Simplify party planning
Many people find the idea of hosting a Halloween gathering stressful. "It doesn't have to be," says Sabrina Soto, Target Style Expert for Home. "Small touches can make a big Halloween statement - try placing a decorative notecard that says 'witches brew' next to the punch bowl and one that says 'eye balls' by a bowl of peeled grapes."

Make a glam centerpiece with mouth-watering Halloween treats displayed on a spider web two-tier tray, flanked by spooky candelabras with black and silver candles. It instantly creates an eye-catching focal point on the table with a spooky Halloween feel. A big trend this year is haunted gingerbread houses; have kids decorate them at the party for a fun and delicious activity.

For take home gifts, pack treat sacks with apples and tooth brushes with cards saying "fang scrubbers." (The other moms will appreciate the healthy gesture.)

"Halloween is a time to be creative and let your imagination guide you," says Soto. For more creative and affordable Halloween tips, costumes and decorating ideas, visit Target.com/Halloween. ~ Courtesy of ARA Content

Easy Ways to Create a Dream Bedroom For Your Child

2011-10-07T16:10:00.003-05:00

Just about every child wishes for a dream bedroom, but it takes inspiration. A little family compromising, combined with some simple painting techniques, can go a long way in creating a fun, personalized design that kids love — and parents can live with over time.

Choose kid-friendly colors
Paint is one of the easiest and most dramatic ways to transform a room. One option is the Kids’ Colors collections at Sherwin-Williams stores, which offer four color-coordinated palettes, paired with easy instruction guides, for creating delightful, age-appropriate designs.

Create storage to complement the design
Keep your child’s bedroom beautiful by incorporating storage elements that will blend with your design and help keep the space clutter-free.

Coordinate colors with patterns
The nursery is another room that lends itself to the dreams of both little ones and their parents. One way to create a cohesive design is to match paint colors with the patterns in baby bedding fashions.

For example, a collection of Sherwin-Williams colors is available to coordinate with popular patterns from the Fisher-Price Baby Gear line of bassinettes, baby seats, play yards and other nursery items. The palette includes hues that have been hand-selected by color experts to help tie a nursery design together. ~ Courtesy of ARA Content

Bring Everyone Together With a Family Game Night

2011-09-14T11:44:00.000-05:00

With family schedules full to the brim, it can often be challenging to find quality time to spend together. One way to create a night of fun without distractions is by planning a family game night. Parenting expert and Family Adventure Mom, Deb Geigis Berry, offers tips for sharing sweet moments of family fun during game night:

*Schedule a date and time - The best time to play is after dinner. If it's a school or work night, agree that homework and assignments will be finished so you can focus on the fun.

*Build excitement with lunchbox invitations - Turn game night into a special event by making an invitation for each family member. Simply fold a piece of paper into a card and write "Are you game?" on the cover along with the date and time of your game night inside. Place the note into lunchboxes for kids to discover.

*Sweeten Family Game Night - You can substitute playing pieces in games like Hasbro's SORRY! with different Hershey's Kisses Chocolates. Players can choose from chocolates in silver, gold, orange, purple, striped or polka-dotted foils. The iconic candy also makes the perfect treat when the game is over at the end of the night.

*Pick a game that's new to your family - It may be the next family favorite! Be sure to designate one person as "Game Captain." That person will review the rules prior to game play and present them to each of the players at the start of the night.

*Create a comfortable atmosphere and eliminate distractions - Why not play in your pajamas? Feeling comfortable boosts the enjoyment factor. Also be sure to turn off cell phones, televisions and other distracting devices during the event.

*Present a door prize - When players eat a Hershey's Kisses Chocolate, have them roll up the wrapper into a ball and place it in a small clear jar or vase. At the end of the evening, have everyone guess the number of foil balls in the jar. After the official count, award the winner (closest to the correct answer) with a prize.

"Family game night is a fun and interactive way to encourage your kids to turn off the television and spend quality time together as a family," says Berry. "Everyone loves Hershey's Kisses Chocolates and incorporating the iconic candies is a simple way to help make your family's time together even more special and memorable."

For more game night ideas, visit www.kissesfamilygamenight.com.

How To Host a Girls' Night In 'Pairing Party'

2011-09-11T11:05:00.000-05:00

What woman doesn't need a girls' night with her best friends? I found the idea below to sound like fun and thought you might enjoy!

You can always find a good reason to organize a girls' night in with your best friends. But why not spice up the theme of the gathering this time and host a "pairing party" featuring everyone's favorite ingredient: dark chocolate?

Pairing parties are great social events designed around the education and sampling of two ingredient themes. A pairing party combining the delicious varieties of dark chocolate with food and drinks will be a huge hit with your friends. Imagine the girls laughing over the different combinations of dark chocolate with drinks and food, making notes of their favorites and discussing the intricacies of all the flavor combinations.

As you begin planning your party, follow these guidelines to make it both educational and fun.

Tip 1. Invite your friends.
Invitations are very important for pairing parties, because you need to know exactly how many people to prepare for. A gathering of 10 to 20 is ideal. Give your party a fun name. Send invites out early, explain the purpose of the party - including the main ingredients - and request an RSVP. Invite each guest to bring a specific item.

Tip 2. Create your pairing list.
Plan the pairings that you will all sample during the party. Dark chocolate is a complex ingredient and blends well with many different flavors. For example, candied ginger and apricots taste delicious with Ghirardelli's Evening Dream 60 percent cacao Intense Dark chocolate, according to Leslie Sbrocco, author, television host and wine consultant. For drinks to compare with this treat, line up some smooth green tea, or white dessert wines like Sauternes from the Bordeaux region of France.

Tip 3. Develop an ingredient sheet.
Organize a tasting sheet, listing all the dark chocolate flavors and all food and drink ingredients that will be served during the party. On your sheet you can showcase recommended pairings - for example Sbrocco highlights framboise (a raspberry liquor) and red zinfandel with Ghirardelli's Twilight Delight 72 percent cacao Intense Dark chocolate. But also leave room on your sheet for your guests to make their own pairing preferences.

Tip 4. Determine serving ware and supplies.
Make sure you have the correct serving pieces and accessories on hand, including plenty of wine glasses and serving trays. If you decide to feature a red wine like malbec, which Sbrocco says pairs well with a savory and bold dark chocolate like Ghirardelli's Midnight Reverie 86 percent cacao, you'll want to serve the malbec slightly chilled in deep-bottomed wine glasses for best flavor. Small platters for nuts, dried fruits and even cheese varieties will also be very handy for your party. Make sure you also have plenty of corkscrews around, and provide your guests with wine glass charms so they can easily identify which glass is theirs.

Tip 5. Research everything.
Research your products and brands so you can share interesting facts about both. For example, Ghirardelli is partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to promote the importance of early breast cancer detection. Specially marked pink ribbon packages of Intense Dark chocolates will have a code inside the package redeemable for a $1 donation to the NBCF. Enter the code at www.ghirardelli.com/intensedark for your donation to be counted. As you're serving different pairings, also educate your guests about proper serving practices for the foods and drinks.

Tip 6. Get conversations started.
Make a note of interesting conversation topics you can bring up to get discussions started, if needed. Since you'll already be chatting about breast cancer awareness, also encourage your guests to discuss the importance of early detection efforts and doing both monthly self examinations and yearly mammograms.

Hosting a pairing party is perfect for girls' night in and your party will be a hit with your friends. Before you know it, pairing parties will become a common theme for your group's gatherings. ~Coutesy of ARA Content

Easy Ways To Incorporate Timeless Style Into Your Home

2011-09-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

Think traditional styling is only for opulent mansions and stuffy country clubs? Well, think again. Traditional design is not only extremely accessible to incorporate into any home, but according to research by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), it's the most popular, too. Learn how to take back traditional and customize your own space.

Start out small
If the idea of transforming a large room into a traditionally styled one seems overwhelming, start on a smaller scale, like in the master bathroom. Keep the cabinets and counters neutral and add some glamour with the wall and accent colors. Favored shades in traditional decorating are jewel tones, like topaz and golds; deep reds and rose quartz; marine blues and vibrant greens. Use accessories like embroidered towels, bronze or iron bath accessory ensembles and potpourri bowls as the perfect finishing touches.

Another great way to add traditional flair to your bath is with elegant and elaborate fixtures. Look for a faucet with unique and detailed design elements, like the new Weymouth bathroom collection from Moen. From the European-influenced decorative script on the porcelain inlays to the refined top finial, this collection definitely stands apart. And just because you're incorporating stylish, traditional items, doesn't mean you have to skimp on modern functionality or features. You can reduce water usage by up to 32 percent, thanks to a water-saving aerator. Tie the whole space together by selecting an Old World finish, such as Oil Rubbed Bronze, and you'll create a traditional suite that's comforting and classic.

Difference in the details
One of the best ways to add traditional style throughout your entire home is with architectural details, like moldings, chair rails or ceiling medallions. It's easier to add these elements than you may think - and at a reasonable price. Peel and stick crown molding from Easy Crown Molding allows you to add the luxurious look of custom molding to your home. In less than one hour - and without tools - you can complete an entire room. Simply pick your desired trim style and width and get started.

Lush fabrics are also key to achieving a traditional look and feel in these spaces. But, don't be afraid of the elegance found in traditional decor. Silks, satins, velvets and brocades are going to be your go-to fabrics for pillows and upholstered furniture. Be sure to stay away from solids - mixing coordinating patterns, like florals, stripes and scrolling, add even more richness. Don't forget to make a statement with your windows, too - hang draperies that are full and heavy, and be sure to tie them back with ornate tassels for a look that is unmistakably traditional. It's often easy to find great traditional pieces at affordable prices at department stores like Macy's or Target. From pillows to curtains, bedding and even furniture, your local department store is one of the best places to start your traditional search.

Bringing traditional styling to your home is much easier - and accessible - than you think. With the right updates and additions to your space, you'll achieve a look that's timeless and refined. For more information about the new Weymouth collection from Moen, visit www.moen.com. ~Courtesy of ARA Content

2011-09-10T10:49:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite home decor stores to shop at is Pier1 Imports. They have an awesome area of their site called "The Idea Room". You can most definitely get inspired by some of their ideas!

2011-09-04T12:22:00.001-05:00

How cute is this wall decal with birds on a branch! Found this beauty on Etsy. Follow the link to view details. Wall Decal Birds on Branch Vinyl Wall Art Decal by PlanetWallArt

Plan 3D - Home Decorating and Landscape Software

2011-09-03T09:08:00.003-05:00

The Right Design Tool
Saves You Time & Money!

Use plan3D to Create Your
Landscaping Ideas in Lifelike 3D!

Many
professional designers use
plan3D's Home and Landscape Design
Software -- but you don't need any special
training to put this great tool to use for yourself! There are no complicated commands. Just drop in trees, bushes, ferns,
grass and other plants along with rocks, gravel, dirt, sidewalks, driveways
and fences to get the look you want. plan3d's landscape design is extremely
realistic.

Want to add fences or walls? No problem with plan3D. You get different
styles and sizes of wrought iron, picket, chain-link and privacy fences and
posts to fill your needs. Paint them any color or apply wood finishes. Add
any style brick walls with caps and retaining walls, too. You can even
create a house on the side of a hill and adjust the slope of your yard. Put
in retaining walls and drop the ground level to expose the water table.

Click to learn more about plan3D. Plus, get 2 months FREE when you sign up
for one year!

Click the image to
get a larger view and a brief demo.

Desert and other types of terrain
topography can be adjusted as desired using plan3D's landscape
design tools. Drag in trees, cacti, bushes, and other vegetation --
as well as lawns, sand, gravel and rocks. Raise or lower terrain
and topography as you need it to match your lot. Landscape design
has never been easier!

West Elm Handknit Throw

2011-09-01T08:52:00.000-05:00

I love anything handmade! I found this gorgeous handmade knit throw from West Elm. Doesn't it make you want to snuggle up on the couch and watch your favorite movie?

You can buy it for $59 at West Elm.

Mirrors, Mirrors, Mirrors

2011-08-31T08:43:00.002-05:00

I love beautiful mirrors! They add such style to a home and can make a small space look larger. Check out one of my favorite mirros from Home Decorators:

Design Your Decor

2011-08-30T13:41:00.000-05:00

I came across this wonderful idea from Joann.com. It's called Design Your Decor. You pick the style, trims and fabrics and then place your order. How simple is that? They also have a 50% off coupon.

Cheap Decorating Ideas

2011-08-29T13:09:00.000-05:00

We found these wonderful CHEAP Decorating Ideas while reading through the BHG website. Thought you might enjoy the ideas like we did!

Designer tricks for the do-it-yourselfer

2011-08-29T10:10:00.001-05:00

Ever watch those TV design shows and wonder how to replicate the look in your own home?

It’s easy to incorporate designer tricks into your space, no matter the style or existing decor. Focus on adding layers of color and texture, and notice how hues flow from room to room to create a cohesive design.

Choosing coordinating colors is easy when you have the right guide. For example, the new HGTV (R) HOME by Sherwin-Williams line of interior paints and supplies features eight designer-inspired color collections – each with 20 colors that work well together, no matter how many or how few are selected – along with expert design tips to help do-it-yourselfers create harmonious room-to-room color transitions.

Pull together a well-designed home by taking cues from the overall color palette to add decorative accessories. For example, a spicy orange vase on the dining room table can play off a bold accent wall in the kitchen.

Another popular designer technique is to turn flooring into a flexible decorating element. Try layering a vibrant area rug from the HGTV HOME Flooring by Shaw collection over a hard-surface floor or a neutral carpet – it’s easy to change as design preferences evolve.

For more design inspiration and decorating advice, visit sherwin-williams.com/hgtvhome or shawfloors.com/HGTV.

How To Renew a Room On a Budget

2011-08-23T15:15:00.000-05:00

No matter the size or style of your home, the decor you choose determines its atmosphere and reflects your own personality. Updating or changing your decor can give you a sense of pride and satisfaction when completed. But redesigning your living space can also be slightly overwhelming. You may think you don't have the time or funds to redecorate, but there are several ways to rejuvenate your interior without spending a great deal of time or money.

Paint power
Creating or changing the feel of a room begins with the canvas of your home - the walls. For a dramatic change with minimal cost, give your walls a bright splash of color that complements the furniture and fabric in the room. Dutch Boy can help you find the perfect hue with its Color Simplicity tool, which allows you to apply different color combinations to various room images including kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. Change the trim and accessory colors to get an even better idea of what your room will look like with a fresh coat of paint. Browse the expansive color library by family or collection, or choose from the 2011 Color Trends palette to experiment and find your perfect shade of paint. You can save your favorite projects and order paint samples in seconds, or continue to try out new combinations.

Frame of mind
If you're like many, you have boxes upon boxes of photographs. But why keep them hidden? Look for fun or fancy frames to showcase those cherished memories and people, and place them on end tables or hang on your newly painted walls. If you have a large area of bare space, consider having an especially meaningful picture enlarged, matted and framed as a focal point of the room. With endless styles and sizes available, spread a variety of pictures throughout the room to create a personal and inviting atmosphere.

Throw in some style
Once you've decided on a color scheme for your room, spice things up with throw pillows in contrasting or complementary shades. Throw pillows are an easy and inexpensive way to add some personality to your space, so look for fabrics and styles that most appeal to your inner designer. You can mix and match solid and patterned fabrics in a variety of materials, and you might even buy different pillows for each season. A few bold pillows can go a long way in renewing a room for minimal cost.

Seat recovery
That old armchair with the worn-out seat. The sofa with the huge dark stain. Dad's hideous but oh-so cozy recliner. Comfort may have nothing to do with style, but you don't need to live with an eyesore for the sake of your seat. Reupholstering a chair or sofa is a much more cost-effective solution than purchasing new furniture, but it can take time and may not be feasible depending on the seat design. If you aren't confident in your upholstering skills, a slipcover is an instant solution that requires almost no time. Slipcovers for furniture of all sizes and shapes are available in a wide variety of colors, designs and fabrics.

Even if you're tight on time and cash, a few updates can make a dramatic difference in your home's overall appearance. Don't be afraid to tap into your inner design and make an individual statement that reflects your own unique taste and personality. ~Courtesy of ARA Content

How To Sponge Paint Video

2010-04-21T07:02:00.001-05:00

Decorating On a Budget - From the Ground Up

2010-04-20T07:12:00.000-05:00

Spring is a time of renewal. The drab outdoors bursts forth with vibrant color, as tiny shoots emerge from the ground to blossom brilliantly under sunny skies. Nature decorates first from the ground and then spreads its beauty throughout the landscape.

So why is it that so many overlook flooring when refreshing their home decor after a long, drab winter? This year, take a cue from Mother Nature and start your spring decorating from the ground up.

While refreshing rooms with bright new paint colors and lively window treatments is an important step in any spring decorating project, don't forget the floor. Too often, homeowners fail to update flooring when redecorating a room and wind up at odds with their goal to create a brand-new, fresh look. Today, most consumers find themselves following a strict budget, and flooring is expensive to replace, right?

Think again. It's easy to update a tired room and outdated floor without breaking the bank. Stylish but budget-friendly fiber-backed resilient sheet flooring like Tarkett FiberFloor, which earned a prestigious "BestBuy" rating from "Consumers Digest" magazine for value and durability, gives you the best of both worlds. FiberFloor not only looks great and mimics natural flooring but also stands up to the stomping, jumping and everyday life found in homes.

"In this economy, homeowners are still redecorating, but they're doing it smarter," says Mario Allard, Tarkett Residential director of resilient products. "They want dependable products that provide ongoing value and look great."

With value, performance and the good looks it delivers, it's no wonder fiber-backed resilient is today's fastest growing segment in the flooring category. What's more, it also comes in a wide variety of designs to meet any personal style. Are you funky and eclectic? Do you gravitate toward a contemporary look? Or do you like something more traditional and austere? There's fiber-backed resilient sheet flooring out there for any taste and budget.

Also, don't be afraid to think outside the box. While many homeowners want to replicate the look of attractive natural materials - slate, bamboo, stone and hardwood - resilient flooring, like FiberFloor, also comes in a vast array of colors and textures, providing stylish options for any decor.

"Savvy homeowners have discovered that fiber-backed resilient sheet flooring products aren't their grandmother's vinyl," notes Allard. "Today's options offer incomparable design, style and durability at a price that doesn't throw a carefully balanced budget off track."

When selecting a new floor, be sure to keep comfort in mind, too. A floor might look good, but it might not feel good underfoot, have poor insulation properties or carry sound noisily - all undesirable comfort factors that should be taken into account during the selection process. That's one of the reasons today's fiber-backed resilient products have comfort features like improved foam density, which delivers added performance and durability, not to mention warmth, comfort and a quiet living space.

Once the perfect flooring has been selected, it's easy to fill the rest of the space with bold, cheerful colors thanks to paint, window treatments and fun accessories like cushions, vases and artwork.

"Making the right flooring choice first really pulls the rest of a room together," Allard says. "Once you lay the foundation - in this case, an attractive, new floor - the rest of the design elements easily will fall into place . . . all with your budget in mind." For more information, visit www.tarkettna.com or call (800) 367-8275.
~ Courtesy of: ARA Content

Using Decorative Concrete In Your Home Video

2010-04-19T19:01:00.000-05:00

For more gardening videos, visit: http://www.homedecorexchange.com/

Take the sweat out of your DIY projects this year

2010-04-19T06:08:00.001-05:00

You've been dreaming about digging in your garden, tweaking your landscaping or improving your house all winter long. Finally the weather is nice, your yard is clear and dry and it's time for you to get your hands dirty and start working.

Having an off-road vehicle handy can help you save time and money - handling the heavy work that could require additional workers. Here are some ways having an off-road vehicle can help you with the home project you have planned:

* Hauling rocks or mulch around your yard is exhausting. The value-priced Polaris RANGER 400 side-by-side allows you and your helper to move and distribute these materials in different garden beds or around all your trees without tearing up your grass when the machine is set in turf mode.

* Remove dead branches and tow out bushes and trees easily using an off-road vehicle. Just hook up a winch around the bush to the vehicle's bumper and slowly apply pressure as you drive forward.

* Smooth out fresh dirt with a plow. Raking by hand is messy, and takes a lot of time. Instead, hook up a plow to your ATV and gently smooth out the dirt with the plow lowered to the level you want. If the dirt is already level, attach a pull-behind rake to your vehicle to make the dirt perfect for planting or seeding.

* Cart lumber from the driveway to the back patio for easier access to the house project you're working on. This will allow you to take fewer trips and saves your muscles from a few aches and pains, and also splinters. You also can reduce the number of helpers you need for the project - just make sure you have another person handy to help you load up the ATV.
* If you have a boat dock, use your off-road vehicle to tow it into the water for some summer fun.

After all the hard work, take your vehicle out on the trail for a bit of fun. The RANGER 400 side-by-side fits into the bed of a full-sized pickup, making it easy for you and a family member to take a break from the work and hit the trails at up to 40 miles per hour. Don't forget to throw a picnic cooler into the bed so you can extend the trip. ~ Courtesy of: ARA Content

Conquer Clost Creep With These Time-Saving Tips

2010-04-17T07:12:00.000-05:00

Closet creep is real. No, your possessions aren't multiplying in the middle of the night, though it may seem that way. But it does take resolve to tame the tendency to keep more than is discarded so your home stays organized and clutter-free.

Having the right storage solutions on hand also can go a long way towards helping you get organized and maintain a comfortable, grab-and-go lifestyle. Many do-it-yourself closet systems are available to help with your closet transformation. While professionally installed closet solutions can run thousands of dollars, you can pick up a ready-to-assemble kit containing everything you need to start creating a stylish custom closet in a weekend. So you can have the closet you want without a hefty price tag.

But first, a little planning is in order. Start by purging the chosen closet of items you no longer use. Banish sentimentality, and police your thoughts for these familiar closet-killers:

* "I'll be ready when that comes back in style."

* "When I lose the weight, I'll wear it again."

* "I don't really like it, but it was a gift."

* "It's out of style, but I always loved it."

Just can't let it go? Try putting the item on probation by taking it out of your active closet and placing it in alternative storage - a basement or attic. In a year, if you haven't been tempted to dig it out, you'll be ready to pitch it - and well on your way to a more clutter-free home.

Next, organize the items by type and count them. How many pairs of shoes, pants, belts, suits and dresses do you need to accommodate? Then, measure your closet and investigate solutions that make the best use of every inch of space.

Many new homes are outfitted with wire closet systems, but adjustable and beautiful wood solutions, such as Home Options Storage Solutions, found in Lowe's stores, are more attractive and often more flexible. The unique, all-in-one-box starter kit, containing one tower, three shelves, three rods, three drawers and one wide shelf, has everything you need to get started.

In the meantime, what to do with your closet clutter? Unload it for some quick cash on eBay, craigslist.org, at a local consignment shop or the neighborhood rummage sale, or take it to a donation drop-bin. Or have a "purge party" with friends, where everyone brings and swaps gently used clothing, shoes, purses, scarves and jewelry. Whatever is left at the end of the party is donated to charity. For more information on how to maximize your storage space, visit http://www.homeoptionsstorage.com/. ~Courtesy of: ARA Content