Decorate Ideas

When you see the word “accessories”, do you immediately think of clutter and dust catchers? Let’s look at decor accessories a little differently. Think of accessories as conversation starters in your home. Think of them as interactive and objects to have fun with rather than just to look at. A niche category of accessories that is popular is called “interactive accessories.” These types of accessories are great when preparing for a family gathering or a neighborhood dinner party. Here are a few interactive accessories ideas to try in your own home:

1. Maps - Hang up framed vintage maps of your town or state. They are really fun to search for a street you are on or where you grew up. Maps are great conversation builders.
2. Chalkboards and Dry-erase boards - Use them to list the dinner menu, post questions for family or friends to answer, play a word puzzle game. Be sure to have chalk and markers handy.
3. Coffee table books - Place these - yep - on the coffee table. They are making a huge come back (did you even know they left?) Choose interesting books with awesome pictures. Look for topics that are relevant to a wide variety of family and friends. I like the tip of placing a bookmark on a favorite page. You will be amazed how many people will open the book to see what you flagged.
4. Puzzles - Yes, they are a little old fashion but is hip if done with class. Try an extra hard jigsaw puzzle about half-completed on a side table. Just watch your guests try to add a piece or two. It helps to break the ice and draw people together for a common goal.
5. Photographs - Scrapbooking is very popular in many parts of the country. A great casual alternative it to simply place your latest batch of photographs in a fantastic looking bowl or tray. People will feel free to sift through them and take a look. Be sure to include pictures of your guests; they will know you care.
6. Original artwork - art can be expensive but there is a very fun alternative way to spice it up. Purchase a large poster of a famous painting like daVinci’s Mona Lisa or VanGogh’s Starry Night. Cut it up into several large pieces - don’t cringe it is only a poster! - to fit into store bought picture frames. When you hang them as a grouping be sure to mix them all up. Just watch your friends gather around to try to figure it out.

Try these fun interactive decor accessories at your next party. It will make your home more attractive and make your entertaining more fun.

Julie Dana is a professional Interior Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional. Her company, The Home Stylist, offers online decorating consultations, do-it-yourself decorating plans and real-estate staging.
Visit http://www.thehomestylist.com to learn more about the decorating services, take a fun style quiz, vote on a color poll, and sign up for free decorating e-newsletter.

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Any home can be pleasing with the proper application of basic interior design methods. Some people study interior design to be very good at it but there are people who are gifted with an eye for beauty and for interior designing.

A person who is creative can do some interior designing on his own even without formal training. Those who have an eye for what is aesthetic can just as easily decorate and design his own house depending on his tastes. Of course, it helps to read books and articles about designing to be updated on the basic and latest design methods.

Any interior designer can create a specific atmosphere just by putting together several pieces and unifying them in a single theme. There are interior designers who have a bias for certain motifs like eclectic, modern or even country style. Some go for simple designs without the clutter.

Interior design is not only aesthetic but also functional depending on the requirements of the client. An interior designer can make a small room spacious and an otherwise cluttered room into an orderly one. Interior design is used just about anywhere from homes, offices to commercial buildings.

The interiors of a room should always match the personality of the person who will occupy that room. This is the reason why designers always work closely with their clients so they can make sure that they get a feel of what their clients want in terms of design style.

People have this notion that interior design is expensive. However, designers are not only creative people but they are also very good in budgeting. Most designers will work on a design that will match or fit the budget of their clients. A person can allot a minimal amount for the interior design of his home or office and still come up with an aesthetic and functional room.

Professional interior designers who are formally trained usually have basic knowledge on architecture, engineering and even accounting. They need these courses to make their design aesthetic, structurally correct and cost effective.

The terms Interior design and interior decorating have often been used interchangeably. However, the two terms actually deal with different phases of making a room or a space aesthetic. Interior design is basically the process of studying the personality of the occupant of the room being designed in order to maximize and tailor-made the room’s design for that person’s behavior and personality.

Interior decorating on the other hand is the process of actually mixing and matching the different design techniques like window treatments, the right wallpaper, wall finish and even the furnishing of a room.

There are a lot of opportunities for those in the interior design and decorating industry. An interior designer can go into designing household, corporate or commercial establishments. Others specialize in the design of health facilities or even tourism establishments.

The latest trend now for those in the interior design industry is to be able to incorporate the right engineering and aesthetic design with sustainable development. Even designers are now more conscious about the state of the environment so they tend to use environmentally friendly materials for their designs.

There are designers who specialize and use Feng Shui in their designs. This requires further study because Feng Shui deals with the Chinese’s ancient methods of designing a space to make the design work for the owner’s health, business and other life factors.

The Chinese believes that a structure should be properly designed so as to allow positive energy to enter the structure. When the structure has already been built without the aid of a Feng Shui expert, the mistakes can be corrected through proper interior design using the Feng Shui methods.

By incorporating Feng Shui in interior design, it is believed that a person can bring out all the positive energies in a room to make him rich, happy and healthy. An interior design using Feng Shui can also get rid of bad spirits that bring in negative atmosphere in an abode.

Getting the services of an interior designer can make a room both aesthetic and functional. Any person who wants to make his home livable and functional should try getting the services of an interior designer to maximize his space.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://interiordesign.unique-articles.com where you can read more articles and get tips on decorating and interior design.

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Home decorating on a budget is the ultimate adventure in decorating. It requires a little bit of planning, creativity, and patience. If you are like me, sometimes you wish you could be a genie and wiggle your nose and **poof** it’s done. However, that takes away from all the fun! Follow these tips and you’ll have a home that looks like a page out of your favorite magazine!

*Visit Furniture Showrooms

Make notes of styles of furniture you like. Also, take note of colors and fabrics that create a “warm” feeling inside of you. By visiting showrooms you can get an idea of the new trends and styles.

*Browse Through Decorating Magazines

Magazines are a source of inspirational ideas. Create a scrapbook of magazine clippings and refer to your book when shopping for your home.

*Shop Second-Hand Stores

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure can never be so true. One place to look is the classifieds in your local newspaper. I have found great deals on furniture in thrift stores and auctions. Don’t worry if an item is not in the best of shape. A coat of paint will work wonders for some furniture. Slipcovers can update an old couch or chair.

*Color! Color! Color!

To create a dramatic, inexpensive change to your home, paint the walls a new color or buy new curtains. Keep in mind the moods that colors can create.

*Create Your Own Art

For me, one of the best parts of decorating is creating my own original works of art to hang on the walls. It could be as simple as collecting leaves when they have turned colors and creating a picture collage. A nice frame makes any work of art look classy. Take a drawing, photography or painting class at your local community college. Gain inspiration by browsing through art books at your local library or bookstore. If you’re into black and white photos, but do not want to pay the high price for this type of art, buy a book or calendar of your favorite photographer and frame the pictures.

*Shop Discount Stores

Thank God for discount stores! This place will save you a ton of money on accessories. You will find little treasures such as candle holders, candles, potpourri, and knick knacks for very little money. Who will ever know?

*Be Patient!

Take your time and shop during sales. Decorating should be fun. Remember, Rome was not built in a day!

About The Author

Maria Palma is a writer, painter, jewelry designer, interior decorator, and real estate consultant based in San Diego, California. She received her degree in Psychology from California State University, Chico, but realized that she wanted to pursue her artistic passions. She has two websites: Salon de Maria (http://www.salondemaria.info), which showcases her art, and Home Solutions (http://www.homesolutionssandiego.com), a resource for real estate and home decorating in the San Diego area.

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