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Showing posts with label decorating basics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label decorating basics. Show all posts

1.02.2023

warm new year greetings

home decor,decorating,winter,diy decorating,new year,decorating basics,white,neutrals,seasonal,winter decor,winter home decor,seasonal decor.
happy new year, my friends!
i hope 2023 finds you healthy and happy...

every year, i learn something new. sometimes MANY somethings.
and this past year, i think i could sum up what i learned as:
"sometimes, you just have to do the thing."

this winter i've added a new element to my studio, shown in the photo above -
it's a heater that looks like a wood stove, 
and it works perfectly in tandem with my fake fireplace mantel built in 2020!

i had been thinking about doing this for over a month, but put it off.
(procrastination is my biggest challenge, seriously.)
then in Mid-December the temps dropped waaaaay lower than normal,
and my studio windows frosted over.
sometimes nature gives us a lil' helping hand to get us moving.

continue reading to learn more about my solution...

2.26.2021

she pegged it!

salvaged,re-purposing,white,decorating basics,winter,color,color palettes,colorful home,Pantone color of the year,decorating,DIY,diy decorating,coastal style,farmhouse style,flowers,wall art,vintage,thrifted,white,spring,yellow and gray,yellow and gray home decor,Pantone 2021,Pantone color of the year,Illuminating Yellow,Ultimate Gray,entry decor,entry hall,entryway decor,home decor,spring home decor,vintage pegrack.
the peg rack in our entry hallway seen in my previous post
was hiding something...

behind the gray hat and yellow scarf was a really different kind of 'hook'.
it's not a hook at all, actually. it's a vintage item that i re-purposed as a hook.

it's one of my favorite projects ever, first created over a decade ago.
i've never seen anyone else do this (at least, they haven't posted it online)
and i think it's about time that i share it!

continue reading for details...

1.01.2021

celebrate home!

colorful home,beach style,coastal style,boho style,rustic style,farmhouse style,industrial style,decorating,diy decorating,seasonal,new year,What Matters,winter,decorating basics,inspiration,simple solutions,2021,Pantone colors of the year 2021,Ultimate Gray,Illuminating Yellow,preparing your home for a new year,Celebrate Me Home,homewardFOUNDdecor
"endings need grieving... and beginnings deserve celebration."
i read that line recently in a devotional, and it really spoke to me.
while many of us may not actually be grieving the end of a very trying year,
we certainly DO need to celebrate the arrival of a fresh new one!

there's a lovely song called 'Celebrate Me Home'
(originally by Kenny Loggins, and recently covered by Josh Groban)
that includes these lines:
"Come on and play my music, Let's turn on the love light in the place...
Please, celebrate me home...Play me one more song that I'll always remember,
And I can recall, Whenever I find myself too all alone, I can sing me home."


what a beautiful idea - to celebrate home.
not feel imprisoned in, not tolerate, not begrudgingly accept... but celebrate.
express gratitude for the home we have, enjoy the time spent there, really live there.

as we enter this new year, i thought it would be good to focus on 
ways that we can refresh, reclaim, and rejuvenate the MOOD inside our rooms...
celebrating our homes, if you will.
helping us to embrace and enjoy where we live our lives in simple ways every day.

continue reading for some of my top tips to help you celebrate your home...

9.10.2020

3 upcycled paint palette ideas

painting, paint supplies, upcycled, recycled, repurposed, salvaged, art, crafts, crafting, hobbies, paint palettes, paint containers, thrifty craft supplies, use what you have, thrifty home decor, Tupperware, Trader Joes, craft supplies
paint.
it's a magical substance that can easily and inexpensively change everything it touches.

want a dark room to seem more light and spacious? paint it a light hue.
want a damaged piece of stained wood furniture to look fresh and new? paint it.
want to create stunning decor in a room without spending a lot? paint a mural or wallpaper effect.


i've been painting things all of my life, and along the way, i've learned a few things...
like supplies for painting & crafting don't have to be new and from the art supply store.
just like in diy home decor, it's easy to upcycle / repurpose household items!


continue reading for my top three ideas for paint palettes...

9.03.2020

why 'seasonal' decorating?

winter, spring, summer, fall, autumn, holiday, seasonal, decorating, home decor, diy,  diy decorating, seasonal decor, room makeover, restyled, decorating on the cheap
i get that question a lot: "why do you change your home decor with the season?"

it's not such a foreign concept, really. most people do this at certain points in the year -
Halloween, Christmas, Fourth of July, Easter.
they bring out decor elements that are specific to those holidays to enhance their enjoyment.
i grew up with a Mom who did that, making holidays special.

decorating for winter, spring, summer, and autumn is a similar approach...
simple, subtle changes in color and accessories can make a dramatic difference
in how a room feels, and how i live in it.

for example, the room shown above... it's filled with warm neutral hues and soft textures,
the perfect place to cozy up on a rainy fall day.
but i wouldn't want to live in it like that during a hot summer!
with a few simple changes, the mood shifts and the room feels appropriate to the season.
 
every season brings a new design scheme, refreshing the space and me with new energy. 
and when i say 'new design scheme', i'm not talking totally redecorating a room.
i'm not advocating spending a bundle - of money OR time - several times a year.
easy changes - swapping out colorful accessories and bringing in touches of nature - 
are my main methods for bringing the beauty of a new season indoors.

it doesn't take a lot of money or effort to get results like this - just imagination!
continue reading to see the room above change through the seasons of a year...

7.27.2020

summer patio decor refresh

beach style, boho style, coastal style, color, decorating basics, diy decorating, entertaining, fast cheap and easy, furniture, makeover, on the porch, outdoors, room makeovers, summer, weekend makeover, patio decor, patio decor makeover
this patio decor project is a perfect example 
of my homewardFOUND decorating philosophy:
re-think what you already have to make your home look terrific!

we've reached the middle of the strangest summer on record,
and if you're like me, you've been home A LOT  - 
maybe the spaces you've spent a lot of time in might need a refresh right about now.
since we're all enjoying the nice weather outdoors these days,
why not give your patio, porch, or deck a quick makeover? FREE?!

continue reading to see two examples of VERY 'fast, cheap, & easy' makeovers
on two different outdoor living spaces...

1.13.2020

re-purposing new furniture

industrial style, rustic style, farmhouse style, diy decor, home decor, decorating, wood furniture, furniture, repurposed, repurposed furniture, bar
let's talk a bit about re-purposing furniture, shall we?
(and no, i'm not talking about using junk or chalk painting something...)
case in point: this bar in our home.

because the thing is, re-purposing furniture isn't JUST about repainting or rehabbing.
it's not always about making something old 'new'.
sometimes, it's about seeing the possibilities in a brand new piece - 
and using it in a brand new WAY.

this piece was never intended to be a bar. honestly? it wasn't even sold for use in a house.
it was sold at Costco as... you aren't gonna' believe this! keep reading!

11.28.2019

deb's top tree lighting tip

When it comes to lighting the Christmas tree at home, I'm a purist...
I like white lights: Mini, C7, C9, bubble, whatever kind I use, they are white.
Maybe you like multicolor - or ONE color!

Whatever your preference is,
 
I have a tip for you when it comes to lighting the tree
(and how many of you are tackling THAT job this weekend?!)
that is guaranteed to up the sparkle factor!

continue reading to see what my ONE STEP TRICK is!

9.05.2018

a fall wreath-hanging secret!

decorating, DIY, diy decorating, decorating basics, farmhouse style, fall, garden, junk makeover, junking, on the porch, nests, neutrals, outdoors, re-purposing, rustic style, seasonal, wall art, wreaths, fall decor
 September has arrived, along with a refreshing cool front ('only' 91 degrees here this weekend!)
suddenly i found myself in a fall mood, ready to change up the front porch decor...
in true 'homewardFOUND' fashion, i started rooting around the garage to see what was on hand.
and in the process, i found something we bought back in JANUARY - and promptly forgot about.

we had a purpose in mind back then, but when i pulled it out of a box on Friday, 
i immediately came up with a completely different way to use it. 
(which is really no surprise to any of you, i am sure!)

there's a hint in the photo above, and when you continue reading, you'll see it!

8.22.2018

easy 5 minute fall tablescape

decorating, decorating basics, DIY, diy decorating, entertaining, fall, farmhouse style, fast cheap and easy, neutrals, rustic style, seasonal, simple solutions, style, summer, tablescapes, burlap, Scrabble tiles,Pinterest, Instagram, homewardFOUND decor
ever get one of those calls: "hi! we're in your area and thought we'd stop by..." ???
panic ensues, right? a whirlwind of activity starts the minute you hang up the phone:

throw the messes into the dishwasher and dryer and garage.
peer into the freezer to see if there's something you can whip up to feed guests.
clear the table of papers and projects and.... the TABLE! oh dear.

it's easy to pull something together quickly for a pretty tablescape...
continue reading to see what i pulled off in five short minutes a few days ago!

7.25.2018

easy canvas awning valance

farmhouse, rustic, beach house, upcycle, repurpose, canvas drop cloths, windows, window treatments, diy, diy home decor, home decor, low cost decorating
we decided that the window treatments in our home would be simple and coordinated -
nothing heavy or complex to make the rooms feel closed in.
so white wood blinds went up first for privacy and sun control 
then simple side panels made of canvas dropcloths that fall from floor to ceiling,
adding softness to the hard edges.

when it came to the kitchen window, i needed something different.
and though i STILL haven't found the vintage metal awning i really want for this space,
i came up with a solution that gives the window style in the meantime...

continue reading to see how easy this faux awning valance was to make!

6.20.2018

turning the tables...

diy, decorating, home decor, outdoor furniture, furniture, tables, cable spool decor, use what you have, rustic, industrial, tables, junking, junk makeovers, beach, farmhouse
seems like every day, i see a photo on social media of tables made from wood cable spools.
it's kind of the 'orange crate' diy decor trend of the 70's reborn!

i've STILL not seen anyone do with them what *i* do with them:
pair the wood spool top with metal bases from other tables. 
because, you know, i always have to do things differently than other people!
we have quite a few variations on this theme at home - 
... continue reading to see what i've created!

6.13.2018

diy headboard to a-door...

repurposing, upcycling, furniture, headboards, bedrooms, home decor, white, neutrals, beach style, farmhouse style, use what you have decorating, diy, diy home decor
in my book, making do with what you already have simplifies life,
and certainly beats buying more stuff...

when we moved into the new house, i had two choices:
or come up with something new.
i chose 'something new' - but of course i didn't go out and BUY a headboard!

keep reading to see what i did....

6.04.2018

my hat trick!

hats, straw hats, summer, summer decorating, summer home decor, home decor, decorating, neutral home decor, farmhouse style, beach style, cottage style, vintage, seashells, glass vases
decorating with collections is an easy way to bring your own personality into your home, 
and changing them up seasonally is a fun way to change the 'wardrobe' your house wears!

i love straw hats, and have a nice collection (tho it is smaller than it used to be).
displayed in spring and summer, i often hang them on a pegrack or pile them all on a chair.
sometimes, i even hang them on a wall. yes, RIGHT on the wall, as seen here...
it's as simple as putting a few clear pushpins in the wall and plopping a hat on it.

a grouping like this makes it pretty easy to grab one when needed - and hey, it's free wall decor!

then there's that OTHER hat trick... continue reading to see what i used under those chapeaus!

5.03.2018

decorating makeover tips

color palettes, decorating, decorating basics, DIY, diy decorating, fast cheap and easy, furniture, makeover, re-purposing, room makeovers, tutorial, beach style, boho style, color, weekend makeover, summer
i think you might be convinced that doing your own makeovers is hard. 
and expensive. and that perhaps it's just tooooooo much for you to try. 
really want to dispel those doubts, and show you how to get started -
because it's all about USING WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE!


and you've made my room makeover posts some of the most popular here on homewardFOUND -
so let's revisit them and get some fresh inspiration!

continue reading for my 'how to' tips for your OWN free makeover...

4.30.2018

When In Doubt, Paint It!

galvanized, paint treatments, krylon spray paint, hammered finish paint, painting, decor makeover, farmhouse, rustic, industrial, home decor, flower vase
when in doubt, paint it! that mantra has served me well for most of my life.
when something doesn't *quite* fit the plan or the design scheme,
paint sweeps in to save the day - and MONEY!
this project is a perfect example of how a quick change of color can make all the difference
between the dreaded 'keep or toss' decision.

continue reading to see how paint transformed and saved a leftover...

4.12.2018

diy Vintage Lamp Makeover - in 1 Step!

lamps, lighting, vintage lamps, paint, painting, one step painting, diy, diy home decor, decorating
paint is by far my favorite decorating tool...
it's inexpensive (sometimes FREE). it's easy to find. it's not hard to store.
and the possibilities of what it can DO are astounding!

sometimes a paint project requires additional elements and many steps
(like the faux concrete treatment i've shared - and the faux rust treatment that i HAVEN'T shared)
but sometimes, it's one step easy-peasy. that was this project... 
and just WAIT until you see the 'before'!!!

continue reading for the Before & After - AND my secret for a perfect gloss finish...

4.09.2018

Tablecloth as Patio Umbrella Cover!

spring, summer, patio, garden, outdoors, outdoor decor, home decor, upcycle, repurpose, diy, diy home decor
last week, i showed you what i did with a glass round 'tabletop'
 that used to sit on top of the tablecloth on one of my Mom's pressboard 'accent tables'.
tables that i threw OUT when we moved. because... well... i really don't have to tell you WHY, right?! 

today, i'm going to show you what i did with a tablecloth that she used to have on that table!
continue reading to see how it moved up in the world...

4.05.2018

Mirror, Mirror... Not at All!

upcycle, repurpose, furniture, vintage, antique, junking, junk, makeover, home decor, farmhouse, rustic, industrial, country, DIY
a number of years ago, i found this mirror frame in a thrift store...
it had been separated from the dresser it belonged to, and the mirror glass was missing,
so it was basically just an empty frame. a beautiful empty frame!
i couldn't pass up the $2 price tag, so i took it home...
and with a few easy steps and one super-cheap secret, it became what you see here:
a lovely framed bulletin board!

i made and sold that bulletin board as shown above, without a dresser.
to give you an idea of what it would look like if you did this to a mirror frame WITH a dresser:
upcycle, repurpose, furniture, vintage, antique, junking, junk, makeover, home decor, farmhouse, rustic, industrial, country, DIYupcycle, repurpose, furniture, vintage, antique, junking, junk, makeover, home decor, farmhouse, rustic, industrial, country, DIY
DISCLAIMER: these are not my dressers. these are not my photos, either - they were on a defunct sales site.
i've edited them to add
a burlap-covered bulletin board to the mirror frames to illustrate my idea.

ok, wanna' know my secret?
i use large acoustic ceiling tiles and cardboard boxes!

* they are inexpensive, and they work behind any fabric OR can be painted.
* they are lightweight and easy to work with - just cut with an electric knife!
* they come in large rectangular sizes, so they'll fit just about any frame -
a dresser mirror, like this, or a door with a window opening, or a window frame.
and get some tips for making your own version of this project!

shared online:

funky junk interiors | diy salvaged junk projects #422

yesterday on tuesday |  project inspire{d} #268


11.19.2014

A Rather Shady Project!

 In my last post, I focused on the dried roses in my office...
but right next to them is one of my trademark 'Fast, Cheap & Easy' TM ideas
for updating your decor each season:
Slipcover your lampshades!
That lovely vintage alabaster lamp from a thrift store
has a plain ol' white drum shade that cost me all of three bucks at the IKEA 'as is' department.
It has one lil' dent in the back ;)
But no one sees it, because I am constantly covering the lampshade with all kinds of things - 
like this slipcover, which was made from
A RUFFLED TANK TOP!

I can just hear you now... yes, yes, I can....

"OK, Deb is certifiable now. She's gone over the edge with this one.
Cutting up CLOTHES to decorate with?"
Oh, wait, there was that sweater thing..... ;)


No sewing, no gluing - nothing but a cut with scissors.
 Maybe a straight pin or two to make sure it stays tight on the shade, that's IT.
Five minutes TOPS.

Perfect for the holiday season, when you want to freshen up the decor in your rooms!
The 'How To':

*Slip the shirt over the lampshade BEFORE YOU CUT IT.
*Move it around to to find the best 'fit' and the correct amount of shirt to cut off.
*Remove the shirt from the shade, lay it flat, and cut it in half.
* Slip the cut portion of the shirt (lower half) back onto the shade.
* Tuck the top edge of the shirt section over the top edge of the shade.

* Use a few straight pins to hold it tight if the shirt is a lot bigger AROUND than the shade.
I use women's small size shirts, and they always fit perfectly on basic lampshades.

Just think about doing this using a sparkly glittery tank top :)
Or... just maybe.... a SWEATER!

Want MORE lampshade inspiration? Click HERE!



shared online:

Yesterday On Tuesday | Project Inspire{d}