BIGGEST DECORATING MISTAKES

OK, we know that there are many design boo-boos, but the good news is, most are very common and easy to fix. So, I want to share with you a few from my top ten list. I've gone into someone's home for a consultation and my FIRST observation is:
1. The number one offender - ART WORK HUNG TOO HIGH. Here's the best rule of thumb, the art should be hung so that the middle of the picture is at eye level (about 60-65") from the floor. If you're hanging art over a table or chest, the bottom of the art should be 4-8" from the furniture. So, check every picture and painting in your home and rehang them lower.
2. A close second also has to do with art. The art must be proportionate to the size of the wall. Do not hang a small 8x10 or 11x14 family photo on a wall 6' wide. Even if it's the right height, it will look lost and uncomfortable on that big wall. Often a picture is hung just to fill the space and will stay there for years. Better to wait for the right piece of art.
3. Finally, NAKED WINDOWS. For years, I was guilty of this no-no. I have a contemporary sensibility and thought naked windows looked sleek, open and contemporary. Wrong. Every window benefits from dressing of some sort. There are simple options that work well in sleek contemporary rooms - sheers, Roman shades and blinds. So remember, it's a mistake to leave your windows blank and above all DON'T hang a sheet- even temporarily and think that's good enough.
That's my 2 cents worth of TID-BITS.

Do you have a specific concern or dilemma that's just driving you crazy? Email me or comment on a post and I'll answer right away. If you found this post interesting or helpful, share with friends.

AREA RUGS ARE A GREAT WAY TO ADD STYLE TO A ROOM

For many years I was terrified to add color to walls, but my cure for this design challenge was to put the pop of color on the floor...using area rugs. It immediately added character, comfort and mood to the rooms. So, check out my TID-BITS on buying and decorating with area rugs.
1. Family Friendly. The number one rule of decorating with area rugs is to purchase the rug with your lifestyle in mind. If you have children and pets, be sure to use wool rugs that can clean easily and have some pattern to hide the stains, spills, shedding and hair.
2. Perfect Sizing. Make the size of the area rug slightly smaller than the area covered by the furniture.
3. Bold Patterns. Be daring and break out of your decorating comfort zone. A bold pattern rug can anchor the entire composition of a room. It can bring something unexpected and exciting to the room especially against white walls.
4. Colorful Additions. Neutral walls and furnishings allow a bold color rug to take center stage. It's a nice way to add color to a room if you don't want to commit to a strong color on the furnishings or window treatments.
5. All Shapes and Sizes. Use a rectangular rug with a long table, a hexagonal rug with a square table and a round rug with a round table.
6. Defining Spaces. Don't limit your space to just one rug. Don't completely cover the floor.
7. Layered Effect. Try a new trend - layering rugs. Layering can be a fun way to bring in multiple colors and textures - they just have to work together and connect with the furniture pieces. Make sure the layering effect is visible by allowing the bottom rug to poke out from underneath the top rug.
LET'S GO SHOPPING!

Basements: Here's How To Bring Drama Down Under

Basements often become the catch-all for everything you can't find a place for upstairs. It's a case of "out of sight, out of mind" and this subterranean treasure turns into a bunker for old clothes, bikes, junk, and any furniture that couldn't make the cut to the upper room.

So, here are some TID-BITS to bring a little drama down under.
1. Clear the clutter. Decide what you can give away and the rest has to go to the curb.
2. Whatever remains, organize and contain.
3. Look for creative solutions. Add open shelves that can hold decorative storage bins. If the budget allows, purchase affordable furniture that can double for storage, such as a storage bench or ottoman.
4. Make it Multiplepurpose. A guest room, a playroom, an adult recreation zone. You get the idea. You can use furniture groupings to define zones for specific activities.
5. Other nice features for a multipurpose basement include a second kitchen with cabinetry, a countertop, a small sink, a microwave and undercounter refrigerator. Add a half-bath to the basement, and you might not want to go back upstairs.

Affordable Decorating Accents

Most of us are on a tight budget these days, however there are many ways in which we can enhance any room to achieve a glamorous look with out breaking the bank. Two of my favorite places to shop on a shoestring budget for the house.....especially after you have spent all of your money on back to school stuff is ROSS and HOMEGOODS.

So, if you have the urge to give the house a lift...here are some ideas.
1. The Updated Pillow. Ditch those lumpy little pillows. Revive your sofa with the newer look of larger pillows in square, rectangular and cylindrical shapes.
2. Glass Lamp Bases. We're seeing glass lamp bases everywhere, in shapes that are short, tall, curvy, square, urn-like or conical. Trendy designer lamps like these use to cost a fortune, not any more.
3. Mirrors. It's not a vain thing. Reflect on that. Mirrors open up any space and make it seem larger. They are not just for bathrooms and over the dresser anymore. Go bold, kitchen, den and hallways.
4. The Un-Chandelier. Contemporary dining spaces crave sculptural, clean looking light fixtures. Remember lighting brings vibrancy to any room.
THESE ARE MY DESIGN TID- BITS FOR THE DAY. HAPPY SHOPPING.