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B.Y.O. Designer: Choosing a Focal Point

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:00:29 +0000

One of the first things one should do when decorating a room is to choose a focal point. So what's the point of a focal point? To draw your attention, of course! The focal point in a room is its primary feature, and you should show it off.

I've got tips for finding and enhancing your fabulous focal point, or if one doesn't exist, creating one of your own. So go focal-point hunting, and let the good designs flow!

Creating & Defining a Focal Point
Living Room Focal Point Ideas

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B.Y.O. Designer

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:00:19 +0000

No, not bring your own but be your own! Decorating is more than knowing how to karate-chop a perfect pillow and installing drapes. Being a decorator is also about being a designer - creating rooms that are harmonious and comfortable.

Yes, some people are born with certain tendencies toward good design, but good design is also something you can study for and develop over time. You don't have to be Candice Olsen to develop a harmonious home (though it helps). You just have to know the tricks (or rules) of the trade.

Join me during the next few weeks for quick and fun articles and lessons on how to be your own interior decorator. And let the good designs flow!

To get started, begin with these articles.
How to (Really) Decorate
Creating a Decorating Plan
Three Basic Types of Decorating Styles

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Photo © Tay Jnr/Getty

Kids Room Decorating Ideas: Chore Charts from Fisher Kids

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:15:37 +0000

As the mom of two young children, I'm constantly revamping the chore chart around my home with little success. I really struggle with making "chores" fun for my kids. And no wonder I struggle! I'm not crazy about chores either.

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End Table Envy

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:29:07 +0000

{Sigh.} I'm suffering from severe end table envy. A local interior design store has a hot little steel and leather number that has my name written all over it. Or I wish. I've watched it now for more than six months. It has been purchased, then returned (a sign!), so it still sits there and calls my name.

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Bold & Beautiful (and Budget!) Bedroom Designs

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:00:47 +0000

Just because Valentine's Day is over doesn't mean that you can't have a little fun in the bedroom. It's easy and inexpensive to make your bedroom a hot spot to be. Use the ideas in the articles below to make the most of your bedroom or to surprise your mate with a fabulously sexy new space.

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The Basics of Furniture Arrangement

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:59:52 +0000

There are two types of furniture arrangers: The Constant Shifters and the Set It and Stick Its. I belong to the later half, and I am convinced that more people would join me if they could get it right the first time.

Furniture arrangement isn't rocket science or even a fine art, but it does take time to figure out the perfect furniture arrangement formula for an individual room. There can be many ways that furnishings can fit into a space, but there is one way that all of your things work best, and it can take some experimentation to find it.

I've put together some hard-learned tips on how to get it right the first time. These tips will work equally well for large or small rooms, but if you need a little extra help with a small living room, I've got tips for that, too. All it takes is one afternoon to turn yourself into a Set It and Stick It!

Top Tips for Furniture Arrangement
Small Living Room Furniture Arrangement

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Photo © Anderson Ross/Getty

Reuse That Christmas Tree for Gorgeous Valentine�s Day Decor

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:02:51 +0000

If you haven't gotten a chance to take down your Christmas tree yet, don't despair! I can personally attest that many years I have considered leaving it up until the next Christmas, so you are certainly not alone.

A reader recently sent me a photo of her fun Valentine's Day decorating idea. She transformed her "Christmas" tree into a beautiful display. Many of the tree decorations are the same ones used for Christmas, but with a few adjustments, her tree speaks solely of the season of love.

If you have also completed a fun and frugal Valentine decor project, send me a photo. I'd love a sneak peek at what you've done. And thanks for sharing, Nancy. You are quite the inspiration!

Pillow Talk

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:00:47 +0000

Since this is the season of love, I thought I would share my new love with you. After many years of searching, I've finally found the one that I've longed for. I've spent many hours dreaming of this moment (literally) and have finally found the one meant for me, so I've decided to enter into a long-term commitment and close the door on all other options.

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Enter to Win Home Sweepstakes

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:10 +0000

For whatever reason, a new year often spurs us to refresh and makeover our homes. Lately I've noticed some fantastic new home sweepstakes that are offering great prizes for room redos and refreshes. Good luck, because after all, the best budget decorating is getting it for free! Follow the links below for more information or to enter to win.

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Friday Feature: Coffee-Table-Worthy Coasters

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:43:52 +0000

Drink coasters are necessary for daily life, and these little things need not be overlooked. Since they usually sit center stage in a living room, scattered across the coffee table or side table, they should certainly be beautiful.

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