Where . . . → Read More: Getting Started Ideas for Any Decor]]> If you’re just starting out with your decor or you are about to do a complete overhaul and honestly don’t know exactly what direction to take your room in, you don’t have just do nothing until you decide. Here are some tips for building a good base room that you can embellish in almost any style.

Where To Begin
You’ll need to get at least a basic idea of the feeling you want to capture in your room. Will be more formal or comfortable? Tailored or slouchy? These decisions will guide the type of furniture you’ll get. If you’re really in doubt, look for classic lines and enduring materials like wood, linen and cotton. When buying your base furniture, choose neutral colors so that when you decide your style you can use accessories to add color and pattern.

Next Steps
After you have your basics in place, you can begin to get a vision of where you’d like to take your room. Add sumptuous pieces like velvet pillows in deep jewel tones and flowy silk curtains at the windows to create a rich, decadent look. Linen curtain panels in a dark brown and accessories with shades of pumpkin and grass green can pull together a great natural look.

As you choose items that you love, you’ll begin to see your room take shape. The best part about putting together a good neutral base is that you can change up your room fairly easily with a little paint and new accessories.

Shower Curtain If your shower doesn’t have . . . → Read More: Must-Haves For Your New Bathroom]]> Moving into a new space means you may have just four walls, a ceiling and floor with which to work in some rooms. In the bathroom you may have a sink, shower, tub and toilet. What are the absolute essentials for every bathroom? Here are four must-haves and one “how-did-I-live-without-that?”

Shower Curtain
If your shower doesn’t have doors, you need a shower curtain. It gives privacy in addition to style and color. Many will require a separate shower curtain liner to keep water off of the floor.

Hamper
It’s so much easier to pull off your clothes right before a shower or bath and put them right in the hamper. Then, when you’re all clean, you don’t have to pick up dirty clothes off of the floor. It’s also convenient for dirty towels.

Wastebasket
Used tissues, old toothbrushes, dental floss and other throw-aways tend to accumulate in the bathroom. Make your life easier with a proper wastebasket so you won’t have to take used items with you into another room to dispose of them.

Bath Mat
Wet tile floors are a hazard; it’s too easy to slip and fall. A rubber-backed bath mat will provide a non-skid place to put your wet feet after a shower or bath. The bonus? A bath mat is a great way to add some color and texture to your bathroom decor.

Toothpaste Tube Wringer
This handy tool will help you get more out of each tube, which will save money.

New TowelsTry a new color or pattern to liven up your bathroom. A color that contrasts with the walls will pop, and a coordinating hue will add . . . → Read More: Make A Switch In Your Bathroom]]> Updating and upgrading your bathroom doesn’t have to involve a renovation. You can craft a new look by making a few simple swaps that are both easy and relatively inexpensive.

New Towels
Try a new color or pattern to liven up your bathroom. A color that contrasts with the walls will pop, and a coordinating hue will add a serene, monochromatic touch. While you’re at it, upgrade your towels to something thick and luxurious.

A New Shower Curtain
Not only do shower curtains get cruddy-looking after years of use, they can look outdated. A new, stylish curtain in a fresh color or texture can add an instant update and a great new focal point.

New Artwork
Throw out cutesy and quaint. Look for grown-up art like fine art photography, graphic prints or vintage advertisements. You can even create your own art by framing postcards from favorite destinations. Good decor and good memories.

New Lighting
Most standard bathroom lighting is substandard at best. Upgrade your lighting scheme and give the whole space a bright new look, and a more pleasing overall feel. Consider placing sconces on either side of the vanity mirror for more even lighting. Recessed lights will add needed illumination over the tub or shower.

New Cabinet Look
Don’t buy new cabinets, just give them a facelift. If your doors are in good shape, try painting them in a color that contrasts with the body of the cabinet. Then add brand-new fittings for a custom look.

Get ShadyWhen . . . → Read More: Theme Room: Your Favorite Color]]> Take a bold step with your decor—do an entire room in your favorite color, no matter what that color is. Love red? Go for it. Is black more your style? Yes, you can do it. The same with purple or even orange. Here are some tips for pulling together a monochromatic look that’s all you.

Get Shady
When using a monochromatic scheme, it’s critical to use several shades of the color instead of just one. This will add depth to the decor as well as visual interest. For a bright look, try a light shade on the walls and floor and use darker values on the furnishings. If you’re using black, incorporate softer blacks, deep grays and charcoals.

Add Texture
Vary the fabrics. A mixture of weaves will add texture to the space. Another way to add texture is with pattern. Choose patterns that work with your decor style and are of a similar scale. Be sure the pattern’s main color is your base color.

Use Accent Colors
Bring in a couple of coordinating colors and use them sparingly so that they accent your main color but don’t fight with it. A pop or two scattered around the room should be enough to bring your space to life.

Don’t Forget The Accessories
Yes, even your accessories should incorporate your chosen color whenever possible. Throw pillows, vases,window shades and even wall art should showcase your favorite hue. Remember to vary the shades to keep the room from looking flat.

Create an intimate feeling with outdoor curtains. Hang them by the pair in the outer corners of your patio. They’ll soften the edges the . . . → Read More: Create A Cozy Screened Patio]]> A screened-in patio can become a warm and cozy oasis with a few embellishments. Here are a few tweaks and tricks that you can use to make the most of your outdoor room:

Create an intimate feeling with outdoor curtains. Hang them by the pair in the outer corners of your patio. They’ll soften the edges the space and give it a more room-like feel.

Group chairs together to create conversation areas. Two or three chairs placed around a small coffee table makes for a comfortable space for guests to gather. Sprinkle a few around the space to give a resort-like feel.

Use plants to fill in empty space. Coziness is a sense of closeness. Open spaces detract from that, but potted plants can fill in those gaps without making things feel crowded. They also soften the space and add needed color. You can use plants in planters on the floor, and you can also use seasonal hanging baskets to add color.

Don’t forget the throw pillows. Piling on soft pillows creates a cozy atmosphere and can add some color and texture to your space.

Consider an outdoor area rug. Not only will it help define seating areas, it will soften the outdoor space and help to foster a cozier, more intimate-feeling space.

Use soft lighting. Outdoor lamps, string lighting and landscape lighting create a warmer, softer glow than typical harsh outdoor lights. The more soothing light will make the space feel more like the indoors.

Clean . . . → Read More: Guest Room Savvy]]> A friend needs a place to stay after her power went out. Your guest room is filled with boxes and junk, so you have to scramble to get into decent shape for your guest. To avoid this problem, keep your guest room at the ready for unexpected overnighters by keeping it stocked with these hospitality essentials.

Clean Sheets
Regularly strip the guest bed and launder the sheets to keep them fresh and clean for unexpected guests. A spare set of clean bedding will make your job a little easier—remake the bed with clean set and all you’ll need to do is fold a couple sheets when the laundry’s done.

Towels
An extra set of guest towels is a good idea if you regularly have house guests. They can be stored in a closet or dresser drawer so they’re always ready. Tuck an unwrapped bar of lavender soap in the drawer to keep the towels smelling fresh.

Extra Toiletries
Travel-size soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion will help guests feel at home if they’ve forgotten essentials. A spare toothbrush is also a good idea just in case.

Spare Pillows
Some people prefer to sleep with multiple pillows, so keeping some in the guest room closet will keep your guests from having to bother you for extras at bedtime.

Additional Sleep Space
Inflatable beds are affordable and easy to fill. Keep one on hand in case you have more guests than beds. They’re also great to use for your kids’ sleepovers.

Let Someone Else’s Trash Be Your TreasureHand-me-downs, garage sale items and flea market finds can be had . . . → Read More: Inexpensive Bedroom Upgrades]]> On a budget but craving a makeover for your bedroom? Never fear, there are tips and tricks you can use to get a great look without spending a fortune. Get creative and you’ll be surprised at what you can do.

Let Someone Else’s Trash Be Your Treasure
Hand-me-downs, garage sale items and flea market finds can be had inexpensively (or even for free). A little TLC and some paint can turn grandma’s old headboard into a stunning focal point for your bedroom. Best of all, it’s new to you. Look for items that are in good condition and just need a cosmetic update.

Make The Most Of What You Have
Look around your home for items that express your taste and personality. Put together a collection on your dresser or nightstand to add some character to the room. Also consider giving your bed a facelift with a cotton feather bed for a plumped up look and a fresh duvet cover and throw pillows.

Create A Focal Point
Whether it’s an artful arrangement of photos on the wall or an unusual headboard made with cast-off doors, some decorative paper and paint. An interesting focal point can change the mood of the whole room.

Rearrange The Furniture
Try moving the bed away from the wall and into the center of the room if you’ve got the space. Or you can put a double- or queen-size catty corner. Changing the arrangement of the furniture can create a completely new space.

Use Lots Of WhiteWhite is the predominant color in this look. White painted . . . → Read More: The Cottage Chic Bedroom]]> Romantic and feminine, yet comfortable and easy. That’s Cottage Chic. This look has become very popular because it’s elegant without looking fussy. Luckily it’s easy to achieve. Here are a few ideas that you can use to create your very own Cottage Chic bedroom.

Use Lots Of White
White is the predominant color in this look. White painted furnishings, white walls and trim work and prints on white backgrounds create a bright, clean backdrop for the color that’s used elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to mix different hues of white as well; shades of cream and ivory will warm the look up.

Mix And Match
Cottage Chic is meant to look like it was collected over time. Mix new pieces with hand-me-downs and garage sale finds. You can make them work together by painting the furniture the same shade of white, and using fabric on things like headboards to tie them into the rest of the space. It’s OK if pieces are timeworn, too. It’s all part of the look.

Add Pops Of Color
Patterned fabric in pastel shades will give a fresh look against all the white in the room. The effect should be subtle.

Keep Things Cozy
Your bed should look cushy and cozy; a great place to retreat to at the end of the day. Try adding a featherbed underneath your fitted sheet for a great overstuffed look and dreamy feel. Mix and match your bedding, but keep with the white/subtle color combination to maintain the Cottage style.

CollectionsOld China, Depression-era glass, vintage pottery and glassware are must-have items in this style. Collections can be almost anything as long as it’s vintage (or . . . → Read More: Must-Have Cottage Chic Pieces]]> Want to bring the cozy and feminine ambiance of Cottage Chic into your home? This unique look has some signature elements that are essential. Here are a few that’ll get you started:

Collections
Old China, Depression-era glass, vintage pottery and glassware are must-have items in this style. Collections can be almost anything as long as it’s vintage (or a vintage reproduction).

Wicker
Painted wicker pieces, both old and new, figure heavily in this style. You can paint them yourself or leave them slightly shabby if you wish. You can use larger wicker furnishings or small items like wastebaskets.

White
White is Cottage Chic’s signature color. Upholstery, linens, curtains, carpets—all appear in various shades of white, from bright white to buttery cream. Layer on different shades to add depth to your decor.

Pastel Anything
Candy pastels like soft pink and violet are second only to white in Cottage Chic. Everything from plates and pottery to decorative accent pillows can be used to incorporate these sweet hues into a room. They accent the white perfectly and add a very feminine touch.

Vintage Anything
The overall look of Cottage Chic is that it’s been collected over time. Old, worn wood furniture, both painted and stained, is welcomed here. Repurposing items for uses other than what they’re made for is part of the fun, too. Try turning an old dining table into a roomy desk in your office or bring an old hutch outside and use it for a plant stand.