I had a window accent issue to tackle.  The wall of  windows in my master bedroom frame a beautiful view but there is no wall space for drapes or even full accent panels.  I solved the privacy issue with natural fiber window coverings installed into each window frame – but the wall still looked bare and in need of some sort of dressing.

Non-Traditional Valance

Due to tall ceilings there was a blank space between the ceiling and the window’s top trim.  A standard valance (ruffle or box frame) would look too traditional and heavy for the window.  I wanted something - but didn’t know what.  I wanted it interesting but airy.  I wanted it unique but inexpensive. I wanted it to visually fit with the rest of the room.  I want, I want, I want…but what?

Wide wood trim separates the natural fiber blind from the large blank wall to ceiling space above.

Inspiration finally hit and I now have a decorative valance that is one of a kind, inexpensive, suits the rest of the room and doesn’t take away from the impact of the lake view.  Here’s what I did (I jumped the gun and I’m showing this to you before painting the wall - imagine a warm muted gold colored wall against the wide wood trim):

An iron and fabric valance closes the gap between the ceiling and the window frame.

 Here’s How

1.  I spotted this photo frame at Pier 1.  Bonus!  It was on sale for $4.98 instead of the regular price of $9.98.  It took inventory from 2 stores to get the quantity I needed –  but what a bargain.  Its dark frame and oil rubbed bronze decorative metal works well with other pieces in my master bedroom.

This photo frame is soon to be a fabric and iron valance!

2. Remove the back cover of the photo insert space and also remove the glass or plastic insert meant to protect the photo.  Use a roller pen to trace around the back cover onto thick upholstery batting and then cut out the piece.  Repeat this so you have one piece of batting cut for each frame. 

Trace the photo insert cover onto batting - one for each frame.

3.  Cut a fabric piece  for each frame that is approximately 1 1/2″ larger in width and height than the back photo cover.

Cut fabric pieces larger than the photo insert cover.

4.  Lay a piece of the cut fabric face down and center a piece of batting on it.  Then place the photo frame’s back cover on top of the batting so the back side (where it latches into the frame) faces up.   Pull the edges of the fabric up over the batting and around onto the insert cover and then tape the fabric edges down (I simply used blue painter’s tape) or hot glue it if you prefer.  Insert the cover into the back of the frame so the puff of fabric covered batting pokes out the front of the frame and the cover locks into place on the back of the frame.

The fabric is pulled over the batting and around to the back of the photo insert cover and taped in place.

5.  Sew a glass bead into the center of the fabric and batting showing through the front of the frame.

A glass bead is sewn onto the front center of the fabric and batting.

One photo frame transformed and ready to hang.

6.  Hang and enjoy!

What Trick Is Up Your Sleeve?

So what window covering tricks have you pulled?  Share your ideas by clicking on the Comment link at the end of this post or, better yet, send me a photo of your unique window covering to solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com.  It’s fun to share and see what others are up to.

Dining Room Decisions

“Decorating an empty dining room seemed like it’d be  snap – I thought I just needed to buy a dining room table.  Little did I know, ” she admitted.  When shopping for her dining room she was overwhelmed with options and not sure where to start.  I shared the guidelines below to help walk her through  the decision making process: 

1.  Don’t buy a thing until you measure your dining room.  This is important so you can determine how big a table you can use and how many people you can seat.  Plan on leaving about 36″ around the table so the dining chairs are easy to pull without bumping walls or other furniture.

2.  Consider a circular pedestal table if you need to seat a lot of people.  The circular shape without legs lets people squeeze together while a rectangular table with legs more stringently limits the amount of available seating. 

A round table, armless chairs and a simple color scheme makes the small dining room inviting. Photo southernliving.com.

3.  Select armless chairs instead of chairs with arms in order to more easily seat a crowd.  If you buy or already have a rectangular table, consider using benches in order to squeeze in extra guests.  Generally guests will be most comfortable if they have at least 24″ of table width and 18″ of depth for their knees.

Benches and armless chairs make space for squeezing in more guests. Photo potterybarn.com.

4.  If your dining room is small don’t buy a bulky hutch or sideboard.  Instead use a narrow table (like a sofa table), a shelf attached to the wall with decorative brackets or a bookcase to hold dishes and stemware.

When space is limited use open shelving instead of a sideboard to hold dishes. Photo bhg.com.

A tall, narrow book shelf replaces a dining room hutch and saves space. Photo bhg.com

5.  Hang the chandelier 30 to 40 inches from the top of the table.

Photo westelm.com

6.  Remember the candles – every dining room and guest looks better by candlelight!

Photo firelight.com

Where Do You Dine?

Do you have a formal dining room (if so, do you use it?); do you eat in the kitchen; is yours a great room with kitchen/dining/living all in one; do you dine outside often, or is the coffee table your dining space of choice?  Leave a note by clicking the Comment link at the end of this post and let us know what your prefer when it comes to dining (hmmmmm, should I have noted “restaurant” as a choice?).

Terrie Gives Canopies a Thumbs Down

I’m in the camp of contrived dust collectors that make design disasters.

Photo via Style-Files.com

Too sweet by half (doves on the branch are a bit much), this canopy is a messy hunk of fabric that will undoubtedly lose it’s shape even more if someone were to ever sit or sleep on this daybed.

Photo from SouthernLiving.com

Photo from Architectural Digest.com

Photo from ivillage Creative Spaces book '02

 Home made versions like this always seem ill planned.  These sheers would get tangled up every time I rolled over or I’d end up tucking them behind the headboard to get them out of my way and then never move them back – defeating the whole purpose.

There isn’t anything appealing about bed canopies to me.  Like slipcovers, they never look tidy; they twist and wrinkle; they gather and hold dust; I can barely make my bed by tossing on a few pillows, I certainly don’t want to arrange the ‘curtains’.

Designed by Faudree

Photo from Country Living.com

A minimalist view of a bed canopy – the curtain part looks like it doesn’t even reach the floor.  Kind of like highwater drapes – makes the look incomplete. 

Photo from 10 Rooms.blogspot.com

Photo from Decorating Den via Freshome.com

Though I think the box holding the canopy is the wrong shape with all the curves going on elsewhere in the room, I do appreciate that tiebacks were provided for the drape part of the canopy…especially in a kid’s room. 

Photo from Canadian House & Home.com

No, putting a canopy over a bathtub doesn’t work for me either…….  Cindy, what’s your take?

Cindy Gives Canopies a Thumbs Up

What’s my take on canopies?  Well, considering I slept in a four poster bed for years and it now resides in the guest bedroom, I’m pro bed curtains and canopies.  Personally I prefer washable fabric, however, because I am allergic to dust and don’t like to spend my money on dry cleaning.  There’s no doubt if left untended a canopy can become a dust collector – but it can also be a beautiful addition to the room.

Canopies and bed curtains can be gauzy and romantic, formally dignified or childlike and frilly.  No matter the style they create a magical place to lay your head.  A canopied or curtained bed takes center stage so choose the fabric and usage carefully so it works with the rest of your room.

Photo from bhg.com

Photo from architecturaldigest.com.

Although the first photo is more my personal style, both of the canopy beds above are dressed in fabric that ties in with the rest of the room.

Photo from Architectural Digest.com

Photo from bhg.com

The pattern on the bed drapes in both of these photos are repeated elsewhere in the room.

Photo from Architectural Digest.com

Soft white gathers on the bed curtain softens the rattan bed without distracting from it.

Photo from bhg.com

A bit too formal for me but this beautiful canopy looks fit for a queen.

Photo from Martha Stewart.com

Photo from bhg.com

Photo from bhg.com

Photo from Martha Stewart.com

Photo amazon.com

 Sheer, simple, and ethereal – sweet dreams!

Canopy Conclusion

So there you have it, a couple of designer opinions and a wealth of canopy pictures to help you decide if it’s a look you want to use.  In the photos Cindy found there are some 4 poster beds with curtains and I don’t find those as unappealing as actual canopies – they can be a little more tailored looking – though I wonder if I’d feel claustrophobic.  What’s your style preference?  Do you like the cocoon of curtains surrounding your bed or do you prefer the unencumbered look?  Leave us a quick note and let us know what you think.  Click on the word “Comments” below and simply fill in the box.

The second part of that formula for decorating success is to master a few basic design principles.  To remove the fear of the unknown when tackling decorating a space, fall back on these design principles and formulas.

Decorating Formulas

Just like in any field, there are formulas for success – they serve as a jumping off point for any design.  The solutions may not fit EVERY situation, but then that’s where you will use the creativity that you developed from yesterday’s exercise.  Remember, a formula is there to provide you a starting place, a framework to begin to build the space that will ultimately become a manifestation of your personality.

Home decor is comprised of three BROAD sections – color, furniture placement/function and details/accessories.

Color

• Light colors recede (move away), making something appear larger
• Dark colors advance (move toward), making an item or a room feel smaller
• When mixing colors in a space, strive for a balance of dark and light tones (not 50/50 balance)
• Match the undertones of colors in a room for the best result
• Don’t forget to consider the ceilings and floors as part of the envelope of a space

The “safe” formula is to create a neutral shell (not necessarily all white) in which you can let art and furnishings take center stage.  While this is an excellent formula for success, it’s definitely the one with the most leeway for interpretation. 

Designed by Mably Handler

The formula is reversed here with neutral gray furnishings and colorful walls. Photo from HouseToHome.uk

 We’ve written a lot about color.  If you’d like to brush up on some color knowledge, take a moment to browse these articles Color for Home Decor Explained;  Helpful Color Tips ;  5 Tips to Choosing Color to get started.

Room Arrangement

• Begin layouts by facing the largest piece of furniture toward a focal point in the room
• Try to create a conversation area by making an “L” shape with the seating pieces
• Make sure there is a table surface near all (or most) seating
• Move furniture out away from the walls
• Adequate lighting is important and should form a loose triangle of light around the room

The designer formula is to start with the major seating pieces in an L or U shape to define a conversation area and develop the space from there.

An L arrangement is created by placing 2 club chairs at right angles to the sofa. Notice table placement close to each major seat. Designed by Martenson-Jones Interiors.

The sofa anchors this U shaped arrangement (could almost be an "O" if you count the stools as closing the seating group). Photo via House And Home.com

Cindy just finished an excellent series on all the specific details to developing the perfect room arrangements.  You can read more here: Redesign Furniture Placement;  Introduction to Furniture Placement;  Furniture Placement for a Rectangular Room.

Details

• When adding accessories, larger is better (less cluttered)
• Add plant life (real or faux)
• Hang art appropriate to the size of the wall space

Perhaps the most fun but also one of the most challenging aspects is the final detailing of a room.  It’s what will give the room the stamp of your personality.  The designer formula is to use color and scale to coordinate the accessories to maximize their impact on the room.

See step by step photos to create the perfect ledge decor. Photo from my portfolio.

Photo from the book Art of Accessorizing

 If you want to learn more about art and accessorizing, you can start with these favorites:  How High to Hang Art;  Accessorize a Ledge or Shelf;  Accessorize with Collections.

Principles in a Nutshell

This quick summary of some basic design principles has then been distilled down to 3 basic formulas that will give you the framework to successfully decorate your space.  Try keeping these formulas in mind as your decorating progresses through a room.  Your confidence will grow with each success.  With increased confidence comes the desire and ability to experiment further and let your creativity take center stage.  The circle of learning/research to creativity to lovely, completed space is complete.

Do you have a tried and true decorating formula?  Do you have a trick to kick start your creativity?  We’d love to hear from you – leave us a comment by clicking on the word COMMENT below the ads.

LAST DAY

Today is the last day for submitting responses to our posted survey.  If you haven’t completed it yet, we’d love to hear your ideas on how YDH can help you in the coming year.  Thanks so much to those who have already participated.  Click the SURVEY button in the right margin or, even easier, click here.

The other good news is that good design is based on some basic, tried and true principles and formulas.  Anyone can learn them.  Or, just learn the ones you need for the moment.  Combine those two learned behaviors and you will certainly be on your way to expressing your own style in a creative, well designed room.  Check back tomorrow to discover 3 simple formulas for decorating success.

What is Creativity?

Creativity is about letting your subconscious work with all the stimulating input you can provide.  Creative people share some of these traits:

1. Courage:  they’re willing to try something new and risk failure
2. Intuition:  they rely on their instincts (usually honed over lots of reading and observing)
3. Relaxed:  they know that if they allow themselves time to enjoy life, play and relax they’ll be more likely to produce better ideas
4. Expressive:  whether verbally, by drawing or on the computer, creative people like to share – they communicate, they express what they’re thinking, what they like or don’t like
5. Find or create order:  they research, learn and then organize what they’ve learned in a way that allows them to produce an idea
6. Motivated:  rather than working toward external rewards, they love the challenge of expressing themselves for themselves (if someone else enjoys it too, that’s a bonus)
7. Solution oriented:  they are problem solvers and will try again and again (see #1) to find the best idea or result
8. Adaptive:  they are willing to try things in a new way, from a new perspective; they like to push the envelop, think outside the box.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t …. they’ll try again.

Photo from Ideal Home Magazine.co.uk

This room started out stark, white and …. boring.  The owner decided it was time to liven things up so began her research.  Magazines, books, friends, walks in the park to relax and absorb nature.  Then came the questions.  Should I paint a wall?  What color?  Should I get different chairs, add pillows, add a rug?  All the research and questions percolated around her subconscious for awhile until ideas began to germinate. 

As she looked around her home, she noticed she had a lot of yellow collectibles scattered here and there.  That determined the color palette.  She really loved the crispness and brightness of all the white, just wanted to soften it a bit, but how?  Her walks in the park enjoying flowers and plants, the color yellow, the need to liven up the bookcase, a browse through the local home decor store – AHA!  Wallpaper samples lining some of the bookcase cubes!  Genius  (This is a totally fabricated story to illustrate the concept of creativity and how it works and builds and strengthens.  Practice, practice.)

How Do You Encourage Creativity?

Which of these traits are your strongest and which need a little development?  Do you immerse yourself in design magazines and haunt the bookstore decorating section?  Do the people at the paint counter know you by name?  I’ve discovered that my creativity really flares when I spend a couple hours browsing through some of my books or magazines or even through photos online.  Seeing how someone else used a color or mirror or fabric in an unusual way gets me thinking about how I could apply something similar in my home.

My newly painted dining room.

A leap of faith effort in decorative painting for the guest room.

 Put yourself in the position to develop your creative side.  Whether you want to apply creativity to home decor or to cooking or child rearing, first you have to develop the knowledge base, observation skills and energy to put yourself in that creative ‘zone’.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Remember that saying?  There’s a lot of truth to it when thinking about our homes.  Cindy and I get questions all the time from people who have VERY unusual spaces to decorate and they are lost.  Yes, they are often difficult spaces to apply the usual solutions to, but that’s the perfect time to let your inventive, creative side show. 

Try this:  express the need or dilemma you’re facing (to yourself or others), do some research and gain some knowledge of options, create order of all the information you gather, relax and let all that inspiration percolate and finally call upon your courage and try something new.  See, you CAN be creative!

This is the perfect forum to share your creativity – where does your creativity show in your home?  Is it in your color choices, your accessory placement or how about your room arrangement?  Share a photo or comment and tell us about a place you’ve been creative in your home.

I was pleasantly surprised by the great responses I received to my Spray It, Don’t Pay It post.  I thought it was a “niche” post but it turns out a lot more of you are interested and intrigued with using spray paint to change things up than I would have guessed.   So today I’m offering up another DIY inspiration for using spray paint.

Spray From Little to Big

While I was spray painting the small items shown in my previous post (the soap dish and toilet pull), my husband tackled bigger items.  He totally spray painted a pair of patio sling chairs.  Had he told me ahead of time about his plan to change the chairs from beige to bronze with spray paint there’s a good chance I would have tried to talk him out of it.  Hmmmmm, maybe that’s why he didn’t say anything?!? 

It’s not that the chairs didn’t need a color change.  The years-old beige looked boring and years-old!   Once upon a time the beige looked good against the darker, muted green wood of our previous home - but the chair color was just too light against the light stucco color of our new house.  Here’s what the chairs looked like before my husband started his spray paint adventure.

"Before" beige sling back patio chair.

Here’s what they looked like after my husband got his hands on the can of Rust-Oleum Metallic All-Surface Paint in ”Oil Rubbed Bronze” color.  Thechairs look good – they’re fresher and more contemporary against our light stucco and dark balcony railing.  It’s important to note that prior to painting he gave the chairs a good cleaning, scrubbing them down with a soft brush and a bucket full of warm water and liquid dish soap.  You’ve got to have a clean surface for the paint to adhere evenly.

"After" bronze now instead of beige!

"After" from another angle.

Why would I have perhaps tried to talk my husband out of spray painting the chairs?  Only because I would have doubted that the sling back material would  paint well – as you can see in the close-up “before” photo it’s a woven type material.  My hesitancy might have prevented a very successful transformation.  Take a look at the close-up “after” photo and you’ll see the woven material took the color very well – and it’s held up well to our usage this summer.

"Before" woven slingback material on chair.

"After" woven slingback material on chair.

 So there you have it – a beige to bronze revival of a standard sling back patio chair.  Guess the moral to the story is, don’t be afraid to spray on! 

Spray then sit back and enjoy!

And You?

Have any of you finished the spray paint projects you wrote me about a couple of weeks ago?  I’d love to hear (or better yet, see) how they turned out – whether big or small.  Click the Comment link below and leave a note about what you’ve been spray painting – or email a message and some photos to solutions@yourdecoratinghotline.com.  I’d love to hear your spray paint adventure.

I’d also love to hear your feedback about Your Decorating Hotline.  If you haven’t taken our easy 10 question survey, please do so.  Just a few minutes of your time can make a difference in blog content for months to come!  Just click the big “Take Our Survey” button on the right hand sidebar of this page.  Thanks!