Pinterest: Valentine's Day Decor

I know, two Pinterest posts in a row.  BUT, with Valentine's Day being TOMORROW, I thought it would be fun to share a few Valentine-theme decor pins to inspire you in making your home festive for the romantic holiday. I couldn't resist!!

I love that little touches here and there can make a home subtly "themed" for a holiday:

An aptly-decorated mantle

Source: pinksugarphotography.typepad.com via Ofelia on Pinterest

A fun display over a desk or counter

Source: casabellaproject.com via Shantay on Pinterest

Simple Window Art

Source: marthastewart.com via Ivy on Pinterest

A Classic, clean vase arrangement

Source: dozidesign.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

A wreath to greet you at the door

Source: u-createcrafts.com via Jillian on Pinterest

Or you can go all out:

An outdoor Valentine's Paradise

Source: annesage.com via Lynn on Pinterest

Dining Room a la Valentine

Source: little-inspirations.blogspot.com via Heléna on Pinterest

Can someone create this for me????

Source: celebrationsathomeblog.com via Tagan on Pinterest

How will your home say Valentine's Day?  What are you doing for your Special Someone??

Pinterest: Tips for Home

Are you on Pinterest yet? It is the hottest new site to waste hours of time on, and I LOVE it.  I didn't quite understand it at first, but once I registered for an account, I learned quick and became infatuated.

One of the things I love about Pinterest is all the ideas I get for how decorating my home, tips for cleaning or fixing things around the house, and many other pertinent resources for homeowners.

Each week, I'd like to share a few "pins" I've come across that many home owners (and home buyers and home renters....really, anyone who lives in an abode qualifies here) will find useful and fun.

This week on Pinterest:

Source: marthastewart.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

What a great and simple tip!  Now painting a room won't involve splattering color everywhere!

Source: pbjstories.blogspot.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Love how this maximizes the space in a "cozy" kitchen!

Source: google.com.au via Stephanie on Pinterest

A very fun color palate for a bedroom or living room.

Source: Uploaded by user via Stephanie on Pinterest

GREAT visual guide for picture layouts!

Source: design-decor-staging.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Brilliant and creative use for under-stairs space (although now there is no room for Harry Potter....)

*****

So many great ideas for the home. If you haven't signed up for an account already, head over to Pinterest to get started!




We'll bring you more Pinterest Home Tips next week, so check back!

Defining a Room

Defining a Room

When you walk into a room in your home, do you sometimes think "this doesn't feel right" but don't know how to fix it?

 

Here goes:

 

A room is defined by the largest and the first thing that you see when you walk in.  Example: The bed defines the bedroom.  

So, when you look into a room, what do you see first?  It should be the focal point.

 

Here's a story...

I met with a new client to stage her home.  The first room we walked into was her living room which she had set up the same way for 22 years.  My first impression was that it could be BETTER, so I suggested that she allow me to move some of the furniture around.  She was a bit taken back, but granted me permission.  The effort was minimal, but the impact was huge.  She's contacted me several times afterward stating "I should have done this long ago" or "my friend was over the other day and couldn't believe how much better it felt"

 

Check out the before and after (click the right arrow to scroll to next pic):

BEFORE AND AFTER

The sofa defines the living room.  

 

This doesn't always work so easily, since some bedrooms don't allow for the bed to be on every wall, but then you have to improvise - or call a professional to help you sort it out.

 

You don't have to redesign, repaint or spend thousands of dollars to make an impact, sometimes all it takes is a new look on an old space.