- If you have an hour,
- Exchange a wood side tables or bedside table for a piece of rustic twig furniture instead
- Pull out vases and pots for fresh plants
- Place a comfy lounging chair beside a window and enjoy the view
- Exchange fresh vibrant or pastel candles for dark ones
- Tie loose ribbon knots or bows around the flat tab-tops of drapery panels
- Place a pair of potted plants or topiaries on either side of a buffet or fireplace mantle
- If you have an afternoon,
- Cut and staple new fabric onto bedroom or dining room chair seats
- Float a pair of sheer drapery panels in a doorway between two rooms where the summer breeze can catch them
- Place a decorative vintage screen door, garden gate, or shelf in a corner of the room
- Make a simple bed headboard from a garden arch. Twist garlands of artificial ivy or floral vines over the arch.
- Replace dingy lampshades with clean white linen shades
- Make an interesting side table out of a concrete garden urn. Place artificial flowers or stones in the bottom and a piece of glass on top
- Set up al fresco dining at a small garden table on a porch or sidewalk
- If you have a weekend,
- Gather up odds and ends of painted furniture and paint them all the same color
- Rearrange your furniture to get a fresh look
- Trade a heavy piece of leather furniture for an airy, open painted chair
- Place interesting baskets on storage shelves
- Find a focal point in your yard or on the patio and create an outdoor “room” with patio furniture
By making simple changes, you room will become a fresh, airy, and comfortable space to enjoy
Five Ways to Work with a Decorator on a Budget
From Coral Nafie, former About.com Guide
Many homeowners express a desire to work with an interior decorator, yet few actually make the call. Why? Perhaps they’ve heard about opinionated designers or projects that went over budget.
Yet hiring a designer is the best way for many people to get the home of their dreams. After all, most busy people may be more than happy to turn over the legwork and details to a professional.
If your first thought is, “I can’t afford a decorator,” then this article is for you. There are actually many ways to work with a professional when you’re on a budget.
1. Visit an online design advice website
While this option may have the most haphazard results, the expense is generally minimal. You need to provide room measurements and/or a photograph of the room. In addition you’ll fill out a detailed questionnaire. Designers will send back a floorplan and perhaps even color suggestions.
2. Use the free design advice at retail stores
Many large furniture stores have in-house designers who stand ready to assist customers with their decorating dilemmas. Though the advice is free, the designers may be on commission for each item they sell. Of course, they’ll come up with a plan that includes their products. You may actually end up paying a high price for their help.
3. Hire an Interior Designer By the Hour
Just need a few ideas, color guidance, or furniture arranging help? A designer can come into your home, listen to your needs and desires, and leave you with ideas, sketches, and even color swatches. Call local design firms to find one with designers who work on an hourly basis. Get the most from your money by writing out questions and a list of your top priorities for a room.
4. Visit a Design Center near you
Residents of major cities across the U.S. (Los Angeles, Chicago, and others) have ready access to large design centers normally available “to the trade” only. This means that only registered buyers and designers have access to the resources. However, many of these centers now offer “designers on call” who can assist the public with these exclusive sources.
5. Do some of the work yourself
When a designer specifies painting, sewing, or minor construction, you can save a lot of money by doing some of the work yourself. Though it may take longer, it can be a rewarding experience to work on these project. Be sure to express your desires to do this when you first begin working with a decorator.
The Best Color Schemes If You Love the Beach
The Colors of the Surf and Sand and Sky
From Coral Nafie, former About.com Guide
A variety of blue hues create a monochromatic color scheme of blues.
Photo by Coral Nafie
If you love the beach, these pretty color schemes may just be the ones that can give your home the look of a beachy vacation getaway.Blue, Blue, Blue
Everything nautical eventually comes back to the strong blues of sea and sky, so this color is perfect for the look of an ocean retreat. Combine blue with lots of brilliant white, touches of deeper navy, and soften the palette with some end notes of sandy tan.
A Palette of Cool Whites
Nothing says beach better than interiors filled with cool white tones. Balance them with sisal rugs, comfortable pillows, and accessories that have a seaside theme.
Everything in Pastel
From watery seafoam greens, pale blues, and seashell pinks, pastels are easy to mix and match. They mix easily with whites, beiges, and greens, and offer lots of possibilities for color combinations within a home. Soft pastel florals, stripes, and checks are easy-to-live-with pattern additions to a pastel scheme.
Sandy Tan
Go neutral with color that has the look of seaside sand. Tan, beige, ivory, foggy gray, and subdued yellows are good candidates for an ocean themed neutral scheme. Choose from dark or light woods, or go with painted finishes in white or ivory.
Choose your favorite beach color schemes to create surroundings that make your home the place of your dreams.
Johnny-Love International Group 
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