News Post Update

Small Changes that Make the Biggest Impact: If you are looking to redecorate your home on a budget, consider these tips which require minimal cost and time, but provide maximum impact to any room:


    * Painting: This might seem obvious, but painting a room is the number one way to change its appearance. If you want a peaceful tone in a room, pastels in blues, greens and yellows can instantly make your room a haven of tranquility. If you're going for a more vibrant, energetic feel, brighter hues such as reds or oranges can give this effect. Sound like too much work? Consider an "accent wall". This is a wall that has a different color than rest of the walls in the room. You can then add little touches such as a shelf, picture, plant or that antique console or end table that you never knew what to do with. This wall can become the focal point of your room. You don't have to spend a fortune on paint either, and some of the "designer" brands are no better than the less expensive brands.



    * Slipcovers, cushion covers: If you have a couch or chair that has seen better days, but buying a new one is not in your decorating budget, you might want to try a slipcover. These come in various styles, fabrics & colors with some being loose-ftting & others that stretch & fit tightly over your couch or chair. Keep in mind that you can order custom-fitted slipcovers, but these are definitely more expensive than the regular, off-the-shelf variety. You would be amazed at the difference a slipcover can make in your entire room. Another alternative to a slipcover is a throw or afghan to drape across the back of your couch or chair. Also, just covering your cushions or buying new ones can breathe new life into a tired sofa and brighten up the room. Feeling ambitious? Visit your local fabric store & check out the variety of upholstery fabrics available. You could try just covering your sofa cushions or pillows, or cover the entire couch or chair. There is plenty of information online or in books on reupholstering furniture.

    * Small Touches: As mentioned above, decorating your home on a budget doesn't mean having to spend all your free time doing it. Sometimes just clearing off a cluttered table and adding an inexpensive vase with some fresh (or silk) flowers can refresh a room. Shop around at consignment stores, flea markets and yard sales for second-hand furniture, vases, artwork, etc. If the furniture isn't in perfect condition, but has a few scratches, these can easily be covered with touch-up varnish kits or a coat of paint. Artwork & vases or other decorative items needn't be expensive to make a big difference. Go to a discount store and buy a new pair of inexpensive drapes or a valance to instantly revitalize a room. Window scarves can add a unique and sophisticated look to room as well. For a bathroom, just replacing your old, mildewy shower curtain with a new one can make a huge difference, or add a new throw rug, hand towels or other bathroom accessories instead of doing an all-out remodel.


Create an Oasis No Matter How Small: As a mom to a pre-schooler, I'm no stranger to clutter. And when I look around and see clutter, I immediately start feeling stressed. Since I can't keep my home perfect, or even close, I've found that just clearing off one area, such as my coffee or dining room table(especially if I've been meaning to do it for a long time), can change my mood instantly. Just having one area of calm without clutter, can be an instant mood-lifter.

Also, rearranging the furniture from time to time can breathe new life into a room and open up space you didn't know you had. Indoor fountains and candles are another way to add to your "mini-oasis", and I'm a big fan of both. Nothing is as relaxing as water, and an indoor fountain set either on the floor(the dog or cat may want to use it as his personal circulating water bowl, however), or on your newly-cleared off tabletop can be the perfect calming touch and can also make a big change in the room. To go with your budget decorating, there are many inexpensive indoor fountains available. Place a candle near your fountain and you will instantly create a calm and relaxed mood in your room without breaking the bank. Hanging wind chimes near an open window or a ceiling fan can be very calming. I know all of this may sound a bit like "feng shui", and in fact incorporates some of the elements of it. It might not sound like redecorating, but the point is that small changes can make a big difference in your home and in your mood.

Decorating the nursery for your new arrival can be a fun time for expectant parents and it's important to make your little princess feel safe and sound in her new surroundings. There are many aspects of a nursery that need to come together to make it the special place where your new little one will sleep and play. Toys, curtains, colour scheme, a cute little duvet will help baby be at ease in her new space.


This is what most will consider the defining point of the room when decorating the nursery.

Pink is the colour that is probably running through your head. Remember there are other colours out there that little girls will love, a light shade of purple or red, oranges and greens, any colour is an option! Remember that the colour of the walls will probably set the tone for the room and you will want it to match up with the curtains and other accessories.


The Cot will most likely be the centerpiece of the room. There are lots of options here, custom-made or kitset, simple, or a set up fit for a princess. A ceiling suspended canopy can really make the room look stunning and give it that extra something. Beautiful bed linen is always important as well. High quality sheets as well as a silk cot duvet can make it that much more luxurious for your little one. A gorgeous cot duvet can be just as big an eye-catcher as the cot itself and make your cot really stand out.



There are all sorts of accessories that can make the nursery really come into its own. A beautiful set of drawers, mountains of soft toys, a hanging mobile piece to keep baby busy while she's drifting off are all things to keep in mind when planning your nursery. Another great idea is a wallpaper frieze, whether it be A B C's or 1 2 3's it can add that something extra. The frieze will allow you to have a contrast of colour styles above and below it. Stripes down the bottom and plain colour up the top. Simple ideas like these can make the room fun.
First and foremost make the experience of decorating with your partner fun and memorable. It won't be long until you're popping your little girl under her favourite duvet and putting her down for her beauty sleep.