20 Interesting Interior Decorating Tips, Links, And Ideas To Spice Up The Decorator That’s Down On The Inside!

1. Living With Pets  - Tips On How To Decorate A Space When Pets Will Live There Too!  
2. 30 Inspiring Living Room Decorating Ideas – Need Some Inspiration, These Pics Will Give It To You! 
3. 11 Foolproof Decorating Tips – Decorating Tips Without Spending Much!   
4. 15 Stylish Window Treatments – Great Ideas On Completing A Room With Decorating Your Windows! 
5. New Ways to Decorate With Shades of Blue – If Your Favorite Color Is Blue, Here You Go! 
6. 12 Clever Holiday Decor Storage Hacks – Happy Holidecoratings! 
7.  19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - This One Speaks For Itself! 
8. Celebrating Christmas at the White House Through the Years – Back Down Memory Lane!  
9. Stop Household Clutter: 15 Things to Get Rid of Right Now  - Looking To Stop Clutter? This Link Should Do It For You! 
10. 15 Garage Storage and Organization Ideas – Great For Those Needing To Clean Out That Garage!  
11. Top 10 Designer Tips – Tips from Designers themselves!  
12. Innovative Pivoting Doors Double as Room Dividers – Amazing Idea That Puts A Twist On Pivotal Doors!  
13. Winter Wall Murals Bring the Magic of the Season Indoors - You Have To Check This Out! Wall Murals Take A Whole Other Level!  
14. Wood Warms Modern Mexico Apartment in Unexpectedly Creative Ways - Something Fun To Look At! 
15. 25 Modern Bathroom Ideas to Create a Clean Look - Here’s for the Bathroom Fans! 
16. 40 Hot Fireplace Ideas for a Cool, Sexy Space – And To Top It Off, They Get Better! 
17. Designer Sculpts Wood Into Elegant Freeform Lighting - Great Lighting Design! 
18. 10 Best Free Online Virtual Room Programs and Tools - Awesome Starting Point For Interior Design Beginners! 
19. 5 Hot Paint Color Ideas to Try Now - Speaks For Itself! 
20. 20 Steal-Worthy Kitchen Decorating Ideas - Last But Not Least, We Have Arrived At The Kitchen!

8 Tips on Converting Small Cluttered Rooms Into Functional Habitats!

When I think of the art of Interior Decorating, I often think of ways to make a space better, more functional or better organized. Interior Decorating can be fun and definitely cathartic. But there should also be some form of positive change that occurs. Whether it is converting the aurora of a room, giving a room a drastic makeover, or choosing to add pieces that will create a functional operating space, there should be some sort of transformation that takes place. These don’t have to be drastic changes, but sometimes the smallest alterations can convert a small space into something totally different. Let’s look at 8 easy tips for converting a small cluttered room into a functional habitat.

1.     Pick Your Paint Color Last. 
I ran across about 3 blogs that all recommended picking your paint color last and focusing on the items that make the room comfortable. Sometimes the color can make the room look small versus looking bigger. I’d say get all the items you want in the room first, and then go for the color. http://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/interior-designers/tips/g864/decorating-secrets/?slide=19
 

2.     Make Use of Storage Spaces. 
You can utilize a lot of space by making use of areas that are somewhat hidden. Such as under the bed drawers, storage baskets, etc. This will surely free up your operating space. http://www.gurl.com/2015/01/07/bedroom-organization-tips-for-small-rooms-ideas-tricks-diy-storage/
 

3.     Take Advantage of Tall Ceilings. 
If you have narrow space but height, you’ve got something to work with. Optimize the space vertically to reduce clutter horizontally. You can use tall chests, armoires etc. http://www.gurl.com/2015/01/07/bedroom-organization-tips-for-small-rooms-ideas-tricks-diy-storage/
 

4.     Utilize Multiple Layers of Lighting.  
This can be by adding multiple types of artificial lamps. Since your space is small you might want to steer clear of floor lamps. http://www.decoist.com/2013-10-05/small-bedroom-decorating-tips-ideas/
 

5.     Proportion Your Furniture. 
Try not to have mismatch furniture, whereas your bed is small but is surrounded by large nightstands, side tables or dressers, etc. This can create a room that looks confusing. http://www.decoist.com/2013-10-05/small-bedroom-decorating-tips-ideas/

6.     Try To Create A Focal Point. 
Focus on an area in your room that you want to make your focus. This could be the bed or the window with a comfortable chair. This can cause for your guests to draw toward what your focal point is and draw less upon the areas that aren’t so put together. http://www.gurl.com/2015/01/07/bedroom-organization-tips-for-small-rooms-ideas-tricks-diy-storage/
 

7.     Add Mirrors and Glass. 
This can create a larger space than what is there.  Glass makes for a sense of openness. This can be a big bonus in a small space. However don’t go overboard with the mirrors; you might just tip into the mirror-maze phase. Then you’ll never find your way out. http://www.decoist.com/2013-10-05/small-bedroom-decorating-tips-ideas/

8.     Keep It Simple. 
Last but certainly not least, keep the artwork simple. Adding art can be difficult. Instead of adding multiple pieces of art, opt to adding one or two large statement pieces. This will create less of a claustrophobic area. Less is more, especially with art! http://www.guidinghome.com/interior-decorating-tricks-for-small-bedroom/

Dainty Decors by Design: Where Does Your Passion Lie?

Dainty Decors by Design: Where Does Your Passion Lie?

Where Does Your Passion Lie?

Often times I have found that Interior Decorating is heavily influenced by inspiration and passion. Frequently I think that this passion is what catapults many interior decorators into their gift, or what I like to call “their calling”. I believe that everyone has a calling, or a specific path that they are unequivocally supposed to follow. How do you know? Well because when you follow your path, or thrust yourself into your “calling”, it’s as if you are just breathing. It’s second nature to you, something you don’t have to think about. Why? Because, it’s your passion, the thing that drives you. I ran across an article by the Chicago Tribune on the latest work of a Chicago Artist, Theaster Gates. Mr. Gates has recently renovated an old Stony Island Trust and Savings Bank located on 68th St. South Stony Island Ave into an “Arts Bank”. The article describes the bank as a $4.5 million renovation in which, Mr. Gates has transformed it into a library and cultural center. This bank will house magazine and book collections of John F. Johnson, founder of Ebony; JET Magazines. This newly renovated building will also house exhibits from all over the country. In the article Gates explained the determination and commitment he had toward finishing the project despite the opposition he faced. The large building that was once abandoned and poorly maintained is now transformed into a magnet for cultural diversity and historical reflection and appreciation. I found this article to be a great read because it speaks volumes about passion and determination. Even though others advised Mr. Gates to walk away, his passion wouldn’t let him throw in the towel. Interior Decorating doesn’t have to be chic, or trendy, it all depends on where your passion lies.

For a complete viewing of the article referenced above, please click here!

"C.O.S.I.T.O.L."

Kids. Family. School. Friends. Work. Relationships. Bills. Fitness..and finally, Vacation! The list really can go on and on – we know! Things don’t always seem to become easier, so we usually find ourselves looking for ways to get some sort of pleasure out of the hectic lives that we live. Although, working out, having a bowl of ice cream, going shopping, or just doing something incredibly spontaneous can take our minds off what is current for a moment, we seem to end up exactly where we started – AT HOME. The place where reality sinks in time and time again, and our excitement comes to an end because it’s at that moment that we realize – nothing about our situation has really changed. We went out, had a good time, and spent some alone time and still…. in the same old environment. It sucks, I know. So, I recently got to thinking on this, and here’s what I was able to come up with: “C.O.S.I.T.O.L.” Now, this one can actually be pronounced out loud – but it also has meaning associated with it – so here goes: Change One Scene. Improve Tons of Lives! Creative, right?! – I’m kidding, anyone could have come up with that. Nonetheless, just think for a moment: “COSITOL” – Change One Scene. Improve Tons of Lives. This may appear to be unrelated to home decorating, but in actuality, it’s really not such a bad idea, when applied.

C.O.S.I.T.O.L. in Theory: 

For most individuals, outside of work, school, and in some cases, church, our homes are the where we spend the most of our time. If it isn’t, it is at least, a place wherein we eat, sleep, wake – up, and celebrate various occasions in – in most cases. Conversely, it can also be the place in our lives that receives the least amount of our attention. Most of the things that I mentioned at the beginning of this post take place outside of the home and have a significant impact on our perception and attitudes when we finally arrive at our last destination for the evening.

The Challenge: 

 Considering all that I have pointed out so far, I would like each of my readers to take on a challenge. I challenge you to pick any room in your home, or if you feel inspired, choose all of them. It could even be a closet if that’s an area that you would prefer to focus on (small, but still somehow still very significant to many home owners). Pick any room in your home, both large and small, and do something different – ChangeOne Scene/Space (C.O.S.). Whether you spend little time or a huge amount of time in your home, I don’t think many realize how much the environment and feel our homes truly make an impact on our lives. In fact, our environment is just one of the five factors that contribute to our happiness levels, in addition to chance events, social conditions, personality, and genetic predisposition.

Top Rated Decoration Blog: "The Inspired Room"

When it comes to browsing the internet for suggestions on how to best improve your space, many home decorating sites come to mind. For many individuals, perhaps your first move is made when clicking on a popular app that has become very widespread within the last few years: Pinterest! Then, there are some that like myself, gets a tremendous amount of inspiration by simply turning on HGTV in the morning while getting dressed. For me, the type of show, featured location, or style doesn’t event matter. I get satisfaction too from keeping up with recent home renovations and some of the coolest extreme homes that exist around the world. However, every now and then, I also find it very beneficial when I’m able to get on the internet and find amazing blog that can too provide inspiration for any current or upcoming home design projects that I have. Well, if you are anything like me, you would love an increasingly popular blog, known as The Inspired Room

For the 2^nd year in a row, the inspired room has been voted as reader's Favorite Decorating Blog by Better Home and Gardens Magazine. This incredible blog is great for anyone, even if you are genuinely not interested in making any revisions to your living space at this time.

Many times, we tend to look for real – life experiences that have influenced various purchasing decisions, as opposed to the number of product sales from store representatives. Notably, one of the coolest aspects of Melissa’s blog, is her willingness to walk readers through her own personal home decorating experiences. Recently, she shared a post and photos of what took place during her own home decorating experience. By visiting the inspired room, visitors are able to click on a Home tour, in which Melissa shows before and after photos of re-decorated spaces, as well as some products (available for purchase), that she used along the way on her "Shop Page".

Lastly, although many other great home decorating resources are featured in the inspired room, the home love stories are one of my favorite sources of inspiration. I strongly urge you to visit the inspired room and immerse yourself in the great experiences presented by Melissa, and many others who have each shared their personal Home Love Stories. 

To Read More on Finding Ways to become inspired by your space Click Here! 
to obtain a copy of, "Kitchen Renovation Planning Guide - Brand New Home Improvement Product"

All in One: How To Improve Your Space

If the Space Designer's Guide Blog wasn't enough to get your brain stimulated, it's always helpful to spend some time browsing the internet for more ideas. I tend to look for things that reflect current trends in the marketplace, such as advancements in home technology, and much more. If you are in search of ways to design a smaller space, remodel one of your rooms, create a space that is more eco-friendly space, there are many ways to do so. I recently ran across the blog for Dwell Media, LLC. If you are looking for a blog with a one-stop shop for design ideas, current trends, unique spaces found in multiple parts of the world, plus more, this is a great company to start with. One aspect of their blog that I found incredibly useful was the Design Source component. Under this tab are posts related to specific parts of the home and some of the most common items within it. This is also the place where one could go to learn more about the Design Services that are offered by Dwell.

For those interested at all in integrating newer technology throughout your home, a blog-post entitled "8 Smart Home Innovations We're to See at CES 2015" by William Lamb, was written in January earlier this year. According to Dwell, CES is the home for all of those that are thrive on the commerce of consumer technologies. For the past 40 years, this conference has served as the place for next-generation innovations to be released and shown to major audiences. Consequently, in this post, the author unveils the Top 8 Technological Innovations that were released at CES and would be great instruments to add to any home.

Space Designer's Guide: 7 Tips for Refining Your Space

If you're anything like me, you probably have at least one person in your life that struggles with putting their creative ideas into action when it comes to personalizing their spaces.

Although there are people around the world that specialize in interior decorating, this post goes out to all those who seem to doubt their own abilities. Now, if it is more cost and effective for you, and if you're able to afford hiring someone, by all means, go for it! Nonetheless, for the rest of those out there that find enjoyment in refining their own spaces, aren't able to afford hiring an interior decorator, or simply enjoy refining your spaces ever-so often..this post is exactly for you!

When it comes to discovering ways to change your space up a bit, I have found that some reluctantly avoid taking the time to do it because it appears to be something that is un-enjoyable, time consuming, stressful, and somewhat costly. To be honest, doesn't almost every aspect of our responsibilities seem to evoke some of the same kinds of feelings? If this is something that I'm right on...we might as well go ahead and discuss solutions that not only aid in getting the job done quicker, but also yields life-bearing thoughts and feelings.

Whether you are moving into a new home, remodeling or redesigning your current space, making space for a friend/family member that just moved in (life happens), or just searching for ways to reduce the amount of clutter around you, these tips will serve as a brief starting point to your journey.

1. Work With What You Have.

Before spending any money, going to any stores, or starting to get worried about what you might not have, I encourage you to start at your home base. Meaning, just take a look around your home or office, or a friend/family member's to see if there is anything that you can do, by just using what you have already. 

2. Think. Imagine. Feel. Implement.

In this specific order: Think - brainstorm about what ideas you have or what you see for your space. Imagine & Feel - turn your thoughts and ideas into a design and apply them to your actual space; imagine how you want each room in your space to feel (calm, vibrant, family-oriented, chique, etc) and use those feelings to help you imagine what you want your designed space to look and feel like. Implement - put your ideas, thoughts, and feelings into action; this is your time to go and start shopping.

3. Use Technology to your Advantage.

Although there are some that are less-tech savvy than others, try to objectively look at the apps and resources that emerged over time. For example, create an account with Pinterest. It is a very useful tool for expanding your creativity and also allows you to share a few ideas of your own. If all else fails and you have no idea of what to do, START HERE FIRST!

4. Take Your Time.

This statement is known to mostly all, but we can all forget it at times when we are trying to get something accomplished. Nonetheless, don't feel rushed in this process. Often times, when things are forced, they don't flow as easily as they would have, if the right amount of time had been allotted originally. Remember to pace yourself and if you need to, take a break every once in a while (Homes are not designed and built overnight..it all takes time, and so should your incredible interior designs for your operating spaces).

5. Think Long-Term.

Although in our society, our interests in what is hot and current change quickly, this is one of the areas in our lives that shouldn't. Now, I am all about being spontaneous and changing things up on a whim, but do so with a bit of thought. Typically, redesigning your space has many costs associated with it (time and money), so it's best to find products that have the potential to be around for awhile.

6. Shake Things Up A Bit.

Don't be afraid to add in an accent piece/color every now and then. I urge you to think as freely as possible when engaging in brainstorming activities. There are so many elements that make up each of our individual characteristics, so this means that there are also several things that appeal to us. Don't be afraid to embrace something that you usually wouldn't have. Paint your walls a different color, add a pattern, purchase a painting, or add a piece of furniture that will make a room POP. If you're reluctant to doing something, first ask yourself: Why Not? If you can't come up with a good reason not to, add it to your design plan!

7. Capitalize On Your Space.

One of the most important things on this list - make the most of your space. Are you one those people that hangs onto things for a lifetime? I mean everything?! Well, I will not put a damper on something that brings you enjoyment, but maybe you could possibly consider getting an additional storage space to house those items that you don't want to get rid of. Here's the most important thing: If you have things around you that you barely ever use, try to get it out of your operating space! Everyone does not have the hugest house in the world, but who would know it?! Individuals perceive things based off of what they see, which means that you could have a house that is only 650 sq ft. However, the way that things are constructed on the inside paints the picture of how big the space really is. After all, whose walking around with a measuring tape? Make the most of the space that you have.

For additional information on ways to Refine Your Space, access The Tea for Two

What's the Big Idea?...

One of the most widely discussed topics around the world today is the tremendous shift in technology that we have seen over the past decade. Although I could go on and on about this topic, I tend to focus on another aspect of this technological shift in our society. What I would like to focus on is how this shift has and will impact the environments that we find ourselves in today.

As I began pondering this topic, I could not help but to think about a habit of someone very close to me: my father! Nearly every time that my father sits down to get a bite to eat, he walks over to the counter and tears a few pieces of napkin off of the roll. Now, at the time that he finishes his meal, he leaves a HUGE stack of napkins on the kitchen table – every time! He does this so often that at the end of the week, my sisters and I are just about able to pull out all of the extras and the sum of them would probably make up an entire roll of napkins. This story probably doesn’t seem to be very relevant at this point, but please allow me to connect the dots for you. After noticing this pattern for about a year, I began brainstorming various ways for my father to continue doing what he was already accommodated do, while also finding a way to minimize the amount of times that someone has to come after him, picking up items that he may have left around the house.

My idea: To install an auto-retractable tray underneath our dining room table that is large/deep enough to store enough napkins, but condense enough to be installed underneath the table.

So, WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? This situation involves a mixture of enhanced technology with a hint of creative design. The role of an interior decorator is to analyze, assess, and enhance the various spaces that we interact in on a daily basis. As technology shifts, I cannot help but to wonder what this will mean for this industry. As in the story with my father, there are many consumers in the market that are looking for ways to increase the functionality of their living spaces, while also maintain some of the existing patterns that they possess as individuals. My first proposition was not to change the way in which my father operates, but to find an advanced technological solution (which is now available in the marketplace), that will meet the needs of everyone abiding in our home.

As decorators, we must not only observe new trends that are favored among many consumers in the market, but also the ways in which other factors in the economy effect the nature of what we do on a day-to-day basis.