If you’re looking for a great way to enhance the décor of your home and highlight certain features, consider decorative molding. It gives any room a polished and attractive look, adding style and character to the walls, ceilings, and flooring. If you’re looking for different places in your home to use decorative molding, here are some suggestions.

Use Decorative Molding around the Ceiling
One of the most common areas where decorative molding is used is around the ceiling. One popular decorative molding is crown molding, which gives a sophisticated and polished look to the walls and ceiling. The molding is hung right where the wall meets the ceiling, giving a decorative touch to an otherwise uninteresting area of the room. You should be able to find this type of molding in a range of sizes, anywhere from 3” to 12” in width.

Use Decorative Molding along the Floor
The flooring space is another common place where decorative molding is used. This is installed similar to ceiling molding, except it’s placed where the floor meets the wall. By concealing the area where the wall meets the floor, it gives the room a finished look. This type of molding is called baseboard, and it’s not only decorative. It also works to protect the wall from things like scratches and scrapes incurred from furniture and other objects.

Use Decorative Molding along a Wall
Another way to use decorative molding is to create what is known as a chair rail. Typically, you place the molding slightly lower than the middle of the wall. Then you run the molding all around the length of the room. When they use a chair rail, many times people will place wainscoting or paint the lower half of the wall a different color. If you’re looking to add some style and interest to your walls without going overboard, this is a great option.

Use Decorative Molding around a Window
By placing decorative molding around a window, you can highlight that area, playing up the beauty of the light coming in. Decorative molding around a window will also seal any gaps you have between the window and the wall to prevent air from entering or escaping the house. Most likely you will need to find a sill for the bottom part of the window that matches the rest of the molding.

Use Decorative Molding around a Door
Like windows, you can also use decorative molding to accent a door. If you’ve already installed molding around the window in a room, you can match the molding you’re going to put around the door. As it does with the windows, molding around the door will cover any gaps or leaks. Not only does this make things more efficient, but it covers any blemishes, adding to the style and appeal of the overall décor.

These are only a few suggestions as to how decorative molding can be used in your home. Keep in mind, though, that if you use a certain type of molding one place in the room, use that same type of molding elsewhere. By choosing molding that’s the same color, width, or design, you can really pull the room together and create a cohesive look.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been part of the home furnishings and interior decorating  business for four decades. He is the owner and manager of popular furniture store in California. They carry a large selection of American made solid mission furniture for your home office, dining room and bedroom. Whether you’re looking for bookcases for your study area or a solid oak bed for your master bedroom then they have everything you need.

There are many homeowners who like to change the décor and decorate their home according to the different seasons. There are plenty of creative things you can do when it comes to winter decorating. Although many people use the wintertime to decorate for the holidays, there are plenty of other ways you can simply decorate for the winter season. Following are some great tips for winter decorating in your home.

Decorate Your Home in Winter White
As wintertime approaches, you can turn your home into a white winter wonderland by bringing out your white décor items. White décor items can work to brighten up your home during those dark and dreary winter days and nights. The white also brings out the reminder of beautiful snowfalls, essentially bringing the outside into your home. Some easy ways to add more white to your winter décor include white tablecloths, white candles, and white throws slung over chairs and couches.

Hang a Winter Wreath in Your Home
Fortunately, wreaths are not just for Christmas. They actually make a great winter decoration that you can display from December to March. Whether you make your own greenery wreath or buy a pre-made one, be sure it matches the style of your home. The wreath can be decorated with items associated with winter: pinecones, white or flannel ribbon, and silver charms. The wreath can then be hung on the wall. When looking for a place to hang the wreath, do be sure that the wreath and the wall are comparable in size. After all, you don’t want a tiny wreath on a huge wall with a great area of blank space, just as you don’t want a huge wreath taking up all the space on a tiny wall.

Change Your Furniture for Winter
Changing your furniture for a winter décor doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go out and buy a new set of furniture for every season. It just simply means that you might have to add or take away some items in the room. Adding slipcovers can be a great way to change up your furniture for the winter. Find slipcovers for your couches and chairs in a heavier material and wintery color. You might also decorate the furniture using winter-themed pillows. These pillows can be solid-colored or plaid. Or you might find some with snowflake or snowman pictures on them. You might also add some winter style to the room by draping a heavy throw on the back of the couch or chair.

Change Your Artwork in Your Home for Winter
If you are trying to create a winter décor, you may not want pictures of bright flowers hanging on your walls. Consider storing these pictures away for the spring and summer, and hanging different pieces of art that give your home more of a wintertime feel. Great winter-style pictures include black and white photographs of nature, such as snow trees, rivers, and mountains. Those bright and cheery flowers can also be replaced with hand-painted pictures of country snowfalls or paintings that use rich colors that lend a more wintry feel.

These are just some of the many ways you can bring winter decorating into your home. Changing the look of your home to celebrate the different seasons is a great way to keep things looking stylish and fresh.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has been part of the furniture and interior decorating  business for 4 decades. He owns and manages a popular furniture store in California. They have a large inventory of handcrafted Amish built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Whether you’re looking for mission end tables for your family room or a mission chest for your bedroom then they carry everything you need.

Hallways can be difficult to decorate, even for those who find it easy to decorate the main rooms in their home (such as the dining room, living room, and bedrooms). If you find yourself looking at a boring hallway day after day, fortunately there are some simple ways to quickly liven things up.

Liven Up a Boring Hallway with a Set of Pictures
By hanging a set of pictures on your hallway wall, you can quickly liven up the space. If your hallway is smaller, you do want to be sure that you choose smaller pictures, as you don’t want them to overpower the wall. You might choose to hang photographs of your family and loved ones, or you might go with pieces of art instead. Arrange them in a way that fits the style you are going for in the home.

Liven Up a Boring Hallway with a Small Table
If your hallway is slightly larger, consider adding a small end table or nightstand to the space. A great place to put it is between a set of doors on the one side, flush against the wall. Set it off by adding a small décor item to it, such as a coffee table book or art, a vase of flowers, or a candle. Look for an interesting table that adds some style to the hallway. But make sure it’s not going to take up too much space. It’s important that you’re still able to comfortably pass through the hallway, even with the table there.

Liven Up a Boring Hallway with Molding or Trim
A great way to liven up that hallway, even one on the smaller side, is by adding molding or decorative trim to it. There are many molding options available, including a chair rail that runs in the middle lower region of the wall or ceiling trim that’s placed between the walls and the ceiling. The trim or molding can be painted a complementary color that will really stand out so that it’s noticeable and adds some character to the space. If you’ve installed a chair rail in the hallway, paint the top and bottom halves of the wall different colors to add even more style. This will add some contrast, creating an interesting look. An example of this would be painting the top cream and the bottom a darker tan color.

Liven Up a Boring Hallway with an Interesting Light Fixture
Try livening up your hallway space without even using the walls of the area. Instead, find a unique and interesting light fixture that can attract attention in the room. A light fixture that hangs down is a great option, especially if you are looking to make a statement. Whatever your personal style and taste, you can choose from hundreds of different light fixtures that will each add some appeal to your hallway.

You don’t have to put up with a boring hallway anymore. Rather, implement one of these simple ideas to create an appealing and stylish hallway that matches the rest of your home.

About the Writer…
Leon Tuberman has 4 decades of experience in the home furnishings and interior design industry. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They have a huge inventory of handcrafted American built solid oak furniture for your bedroom, dining room and living room. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shopping for a wood desks for your home office or a wood beds for your master bedroom then they carry everything you need.

Old china plates don’t necessarily need to be thrown away. Consider using them to decorate different rooms in your house. One of the best ways to cut costs when decorating your home is to reuse those items you already have. Old china plates can really add to a room’s décor when you use them creativity.

Make a Mosaic Table from Old China Plates
If you have old plates that are chipped or broken, don’t toss them in the garbage. If you break them up even more, you can use the broken pieces to make a mosaic table.

• First you need to break those pieces of china into smaller pieces.
• Take all those pieces and arrange them on a table with a flat surface. You might choose a coffee table or a side table, for example.
• Make a mosaic pattern by gluing the pieces of the plates onto the surface of the table.
• You can seal the pieces in place using grout, giving the table a finished appearance.
• Arrange the pieces in whatever pattern you like. You might even choose to use colored grout, which will give the table some more character.

Display Old China Plates on a Shelf
Do your old china plates have some character to them? They why not display them on a shelf in your home? You don’t have to limit your use of china plates as décor items to the dining room. If they fit the style of the room, you can display them in the living room, the kitchen, and even the bedroom.

Try to find a shelf that will match the style of the plates. If the plates are old and antique-looking, consider using a distressed wood shelf on which to display them. By using different sized plates, you can really give the area a unique style.

Hang Old China Plates on the Wall
With a plate hanger, you can easily hang any plate securely on the wall. Plate hangers are typically available at most craft and home stores. Although this is perhaps the most popular way of decorating with china plates, you can create a unique look by putting all different types and sizes of plates together in a single area. You might want to try to find other plates at consignment shops and flea markets to mix in with your old china to create a trendy décor space.

Paint the Old China Plates
You can repaint your old plates to match the décor of your room if they are white or even a solid color. Using acrylic paint, you can either paint them all one color, or if you are creative, then you can paint pictures or patterns on them. Once you paint the plates to suit the décor of your dining room or kitchen, then you can either hang them on the wall or place them on a shelf. This is a great way to use old china plates while getting a new look from your room. If you like, give your kids a couple of plates to paint and then hang up this cute art project in their bedroom.

So when it comes time again to buy new china plates, don’t just throw your old ones away. Instead, you can save yourself some money by using them to decorate your home.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been in the furniture and interior decorating industry for four decades. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They offer a huge assortment of solid wood furniture for your living room, bedroom and dining room that’s built in the Heartland of America. Are you searching for a oak dining table for your dining room or a oak end table for your living room then they probably have everything you need.

Typically, the kitchen is where families spend most of their time, more than any other room in the house. Thus, it’s important to create a kitchen that’s both stylish and unique, different from anything else you’ve seen before. In this way, your family will have a unique place that has both character and charm where they can eat, talk, and spend time together.

Display Your Cookbooks
You don’t need to hide your cookbooks away in a drawer or on a bookshelf somewhere in the living room. Consider displaying them instead for people to see when they walk into your kitchen. You might place them on a shelf on the wall or even on the top of your fridge. By adding in a couple of cute bookends to keep everything in place, you will create a décor item that’s also very practical.

Hang Some Kitchen Signs
There are hundreds of different signs available that can be hung in the kitchen. You’ll be able to find one that fits into the overall theme and style you are going for.

· For a retro look, choose something like a neon sign that says “Kitchen Open or “Open 24 Hours.”

· If you’re trying to create a country kitchen, you can choose signs with roosters or country sayings to give the décor that country charm you are looking for.

· For those of you who are creative, you can make your own sign using a piece of wood and some paint. This is a great way to ensure that no one else will have a kitchen sign like yours.

Use Recipes to Add Décor
Did you know that recipes actually make a great wallpaper border? You can choose to either handwrite some of your favorite recipes or find pages in a cookbook or magazine. The pages will need to be sealed with a clear poly-acrylic in order to protect them. Then all you need to do is to paste them to the wall.

If you don’t like the wallpaper border idea, then make a wall of recipes near your cooking area. Depending on whether you want them to be legible or not, you can choose to create more of a collage effect with the recipes. If you like, you can take this a step further and create a one-of-a-kind wallpaper with a recipe and food photo collage.

Create a Backsplash with Some Hand-Painted Tiles
Decorate your kitchen in a unique way by creating a backsplash with your very own hand-painted tiles. You can paint ceramic tiles to your liking and then preserve them with a sealer. You might choose to paint themed pictures on random tiles on the backsplash. Another great idea is to let your kids get creative and paint them for you. This way you’ll end up with a totally unique kitchen backsplash and you’ll also have added a family touch to the room as well.

Kitchens need not be boring, nor do they all need to look the same. If you look around your kitchen, you’ll probably find plenty of items sitting around that can become part of your décor. By getting creative and involving your entire family in the decorating process, you will be able to come up with a unique décor for your kitchen.

About the Author…
Leon Tuberman has been in the home furnishings and interior design industry for four decades. He owns and manages his family owned furniture store. They have a large inventory of handcrafted American built solid wood furniture for your bedroom, home office and living room. Whether you’re looking for a wood coffee table for your family room or a oak dresser for your bedroom then they have everything you need.

While some rooms have a natural focal point, other rooms might require you to add something to the room in order to create that focus. Before you do add anything, look closely at the room to see if it has something to offer already. You might already have something like a fireplace in the room that is already a natural focal point and can be easily played up when decorating.

Look for large pieces you already have in the room that might make a good focal point, such as a wood bookshelf, an entertainment center, wood dressers, or even a couch. You may only have to rearrange some furniture to create a focal point if you already have something in the room you can use. Or you might have to start from scratch in choosing the proper focal point for a room.

The Fireplace as a Focal Point
One of the best natural focal points in any room is a fireplace. If you have a fireplace in the room, then there are plenty of ways you can draw attention to it.

By arranging the furniture around the fireplace, you can create an instant focal point, but there are also other avenues you can take. You might create an accent wall by painting the wall the fireplace is on a different color than the rest of the room. You could also change the style of the fireplace or add a new mantle to it in order to draw more attention there. You might also place some great décor items on the mantle or hang a large piece of art over it.

The Couch as a Focal Point
Do you have a favorite couch that would make a great focal point? You can create this with some rearranging of the room. Do make sure the couch is in great condition, though. If not, then you might consider adding a slipcover.

By adding colorful or patterned pillows or a throw to the couch, you can help draw attention to it. Then arrange the rest of the furniture so it is facing the couch. If your couch is large, place it in the middle of the longest wall in the room. You might consider adding side table to the couch as well.

The Armoire or Entertainment Center as a Focal Point
If you want to highlight an entertainment center or armoire in a family or media room, you need to make sure you concentrate on the quality of the product. You’re not going to want a cheap-looking entertainment center, after all, to be the main focus of the room. So be sure to invest in a quality piece of furniture that’s also attractive.

It’s not a bad idea to also look for a furnishing with doors that will hide any electronics. You can also add flower arrangements, candles, and frames to the furnishing for some additional style.

These are just some of the many ways you can create a focal point in a room. After all, you will probably want to show off different pieces in different room. In a bedroom, for instance, most people want their bed to be the focal point. With a little creativity, you’ll be able to show off and highlight your focal point in any room.

Do you find that the current look of your home is boring? Are you just looking for something different? There are plenty of simple ways to accessorize any room in your home. You don’t need a lot of money or an interior decorator to give a room an entirely new look. You can easily accessorize any room in your home using any of the following simple suggestions.

Add Some Extra Flair with Throw Pillows
Start by adding some complementary throw pillows to a sofa or chair. Or try adding a throw blanket to the back of the sofa. Just be sure that these items aren’t the exact same color as the sofa or chair, as they should add some interest and design element to the room. A tan sofa should be complemented with decorative pillows where tan is not the main color in the design or pattern. By finding accessories that match other complementary colors in the room, you can really pull the room together.

Update Your Lighting Fixtures
Give your room a whole new glow by updating your lighting fixtures. Installing new lighting in a room can make a big difference, whether you’re replacing older fixtures or small ones. You can find inexpensive, easy-to-install fixtures in a variety of styles. Find a design style to fit the room, but also make sure the light fixture gives off plenty of light to make your room brighter and more welcoming.

Go Green with Your Living Room Accessories
With a simple houseplant or vase of flowers, you can easily add more color to any room. Craft stores carry a wide variety of beautiful fake flower arrangements, or if you are creative enough, you can make one yourself. To really brighten up the room, place the flower arrangement in a prominent spot. If you decide on a houseplant, real or fake, it should also go where it will garner more attention. For instance, if you want to draw more attention to the fireplace, you might try placing a houseplant on both sides of it.

Fill Up a Blank Wall with Framed Pictures
Are your walls boring? Try hanging a few picture frames in various shapes and sizes to spice things up. Whatever your style, you should be able to find an array of picture frames that are unique and stylish, which will not only help you display your favorite images but also add some interest to the room. Black-and-white pictures or those with just a touch of color will provide a dramatic look, as will matted images.

Reorganize Knickknacks with Shelving
Are the knickknacks in your room getting lost in the mix? Try grouping them together on the mantle or displaying them on wood bookcases. They will better accessorize the room if you display them together in a stylish arrangement rather than just letting them get lost in the room.

It’s simple to redecorate or switch around the style design of a room by accessorizing. If you really want to do something totally different, you might look into moving the furniture around. You could also add new pieces of furniture to the mix, such as new oak dining room tables. It should be neither hard nor expensive to accessorize a room. Rather, just get creative and let your style show.

Your bedroom can become a relaxing getaway with a beach-themed bedroom. There are many different decorating ideas to choose from when it comes to creating that perfect beach theme for your bedroom. The key to decorating a bedroom, no matter what theme you choose, is to make sure the décor fits your personality in style, so that it becomes a place where you want to spend a lot of time.

The Basics of a Beach-Themed Bedroom
Before you buy anything for your bedroom, you first need to decide what type of beach style you want. A beach theme leaves you wide open when it comes to decorating. To one person, a beach theme may involve seashells, sand, and water. Whereas for another person it may involve more of a luau or Hawaiian theme, complete with surfboards, waves, and fish. Depending on your own personal style and vision, there are many different directions you can take when decorating with a beach theme.

Colors for a Beach-Themed Bedroom
No matter what type of beach style you decide on, using the color blue is a must. You don’t necessarily have to paint your walls blue, but the color should be incorporated somewhere in your color scheme. For a nautical beach theme, showcase the colors of red, white, and blue, mixing in neutrals such as tan and brown to balance things out. On the other hand, if you’re creating a tropical look, then choose more vibrant colors like yellow, pink, bright blue, and purple. If you’re looking to create the ultimate beach resort getaway, then decorate with neutral tones like white, tan, light blue, and light pink or coral.

Furniture for a Beach-Themed Bedroom
Lighter furniture is usually the best choice for most beach themes like a light oak chest or a light wood night stand. It’s best to keep things light with this type of a theme. Light-colored sand and blue skies most often come to mind when one thinks of the ocean. If possible, try to incorporate such woods as wicker, driftwood, and bamboo into the furniture. If you really want to add a beach feeling to the room, you might accessorize your furniture by draping it with some white or sheer fabric.

Accessories for a Beach-Themed Bedroom
The accessories you choose for your beach-themed bedroom will differ, depending on the style you choose for the room. Here are some common beach accessories you can add to your bedroom:

· seashells

· paintings or pictures of the ocean or beach

· boats

· water features, such as a fountain

· sand

· sea animals and fish

· surfboards

· lighthouses

· sea grass

· rocks and pebbles

· tropical flowers

You might incorporate a beach theme into other rooms in your home, such as the living room or your child’s bedroom. These suggestions can easily be incorporated into a functional living space or child-friendly bedroom.

Your bedroom is meant to be a refuge in your home, a place of comfort as well as style. What makes a beach theme ideal for this space is that it radiates an easy and peaceful feeling, which every bedroom should have.

For those who like to keep current with the styles and designs of today, a contemporary style might be the perfect décor choice for your home. Today’s contemporary styles are a far cry from several years ago and are no longer as cold and unwelcoming as they once were. Today’s contemporary styles are lighter, comfortable, and very welcoming.

So what does a contemporary look need? The basic components of this design style are simplicity, clean lines, and sophistication. When decorating your home in a contemporary style, focus mainly on size, shape, and color. The fresh, sleek look that results will fit just about any room in the home. If a contemporary style seems like the décor choice for you, here are some other important features to consider.

Contemporary Color Choices for Your Room
Neutrals tend to be the main contemporary colors, although modern styles are incorporating colors such as blues and greens. Traditionally, black is often the color used to ground the décor, creating a base for the look. Walls should be kept neutral; stay with tones such as light gray, white, and light tan.

A new trend among contemporary styles is the monochromatic theme. This means you choose one or two complementary colors, such as green and blue, and then you work only with those colors, adding a neutral color such as black or white here and there. Thus, for instance, you may coordinate white pillows with a modern light-blue chair.

Accentuate the Lines and Geometry of the Room
Essential to contemporary style is distinct lines in the design. You can use geometric shapes and bare windows to establish definite lines in your décor. Don’t overcrowd the space. You need each and every piece to stand on its own and not get shuffled in with everything else.

Choose Sleek and Modern Furniture
When you go to furnish your room, look for sleek and modern pieces that have geometric patterns. Rather than a big plush, comfy sofa, you might go with a sleek wrap-around sofa with exposed peg legs for that contemporary look. Upholstered furniture should be neutral, in tones such as white, black, tan, and gray. You can also think about Amish furniture in contemporary style. Avoid furniture with frilly accents or pillows, or pieces with skirts or trim on the bottom.

Contemporary Décor That’s Basic, Bold, and Functional
When you’re going for a contemporary look, always remember that less is more. Eliminate those small, cute, little things in the room and turn your focus to the larger objects. Floral and paisley prints need to be avoided, as well as fringe and ruffles.

Décor should be basic, bold, and functional. For instance, a simple large candle on a dish may be all that’s needed on a shelf or table. Another contemporary décor option might be a glass vase with colored balls or marbles. You should only use one decorating item per surface area, and some surfaces should be kept bare.

Any room in your home can benefit from a contemporary style and can be achieved with something as simple as new  living room or bedroom furniture accents. Be sure this is the style you want, however. It’s notoriously difficult to use contemporary pieces in other decorating styles.

Use color even in the smallest of rooms to liven things up Make Connections with Color Many people worry about decorating in small spaces with color. It’s been said (as per urban legend) that color makes small rooms look even smaller. This is barely based on facts, but it’s been blown entirely out of proportion. In fact, color is one of the best ways you can define a room, and anchor it. Here are some ways you can use color wisely in smaller spaces “Join” two rooms by utilizing a single color theme for both. Of course, you’ll probably think of this technique with rooms that are open to each other, such as with a kitchen and family room, but you can also use the same method for rooms that simply fall within each other’s “sight.”

If living rooms have an arched opening through to the dining room, for example, or if the kitchen flows into your dining furniture, your bedroom has a small bathroom attached, and so on, you can “join” these rooms by sharing the same color schemes. Let’s say, for example, that you’ve got a favorite color combination and your house is particularly small. You can use that color combination in every room to some capacity — whether it be hallways, dining area, kitchen, living room, bathrooms  — to give a sort of visual “flow” that continues throughout the house. Use Solid Color to Add Depth You can add depth with solid colors.

For example, changing a bland space that’s all one color (say, white) with elegant oak furniture to one with the depth of layered colors makes things appear bigger. For example, you can paint a living room all blue and then paint the walls and door openings red, which accentuates the space nicely and gives depth. In a kitchen, you can use white cabinets and white refrigerator as accents in a corner, and then add a horizontal line to visually separate walls, which makes a small room look bigger. Layer Colors to Add Depth Layer on glazes of color to give walls depth. You can also separate walls into blocks of color to give them more visual depth. This can be especially useful if you’ve got a large wall to cover. Using just a single color of any type can make the wall look very large and very flat. Using something like patterned wallpaper is simply overpowering for such a large space.

However, you can layer soft “color tones,” used to complement furnishings, and yet visually recede so that you look at the whole room instead of just the wall itself. Using Accent for Emphasis If you want upholstery and wall colors neutral, you can simply accent with a particular color and then layer it throughout the entire room. For example, if you like red, it might be overpowering on your walls, but you can use it on couch cushions, in wall pictures, or on foot stool coverings. If you use even bright colors sparingly but carefully, the bright colors will provide accents but won’t overwhelm any space. Lastly, you should use the accent color you’ve chosen throughout the room, and not simply concentrate it in one particular area.

Neutral Tones Should Be Varied Even if you like all-white rooms, for example, you can add some variation was neutrals to give it a less sterile look. For example, tone on tone stripe can add visual interest but still maintain a quiet “neutral” effect. That is, it’s quiet like a neutral, but still has a slight change of tone that gives the depth you need without the starkness of a bright, eye-popping element.