Country kitchen decorating tips and ideas

Country kitchen decor

WHETHER SUBTLE OR VIBRANT, A LITTLE PATTERN WILL BRING

INDIVIDUALITY AND COLOR TO YOUR COUNTRY KITCHEN DECOR

There’s been an explosion of surface pattern in fabric and wallpaper collections over the past 12 months and there's now a fresh move towards using decorative schemes on more permanent fixtures in the country kitchen decor. Designers of furniture, sinks, flooring and appliances are all being a little more adventurous. The country kitchen is often the soul of our homes.Patterned surfaces transmit a good feeling, so why shouldn't we also find them in our kitchen? Here are few country kitchen decorating tips and ideas.

CASE STUDY: HAND-PAINTED FINISH FOR COUNTRY KITCHEN

Jennifer Goulding and her husband Andrew were so delighted with the renovations to their Lake Windermere holiday home in Cumbria that they've made it their permanent residence. The country kitchen, with views across the lake, was inspired by the work of local Victor Ian landscape

architect Thom as Mawson, renowned for delicate pergolas and his ability to blend architecture with its natural surroundings.

Following his lead, we used very delicate furniture with natural wood elements and soft paint finishes such as Sage Green and Linen. Chalon’s in-house artist has decorated the Housekeeper's Cupboard (far left) with a delicate floral relief from the company's standard portfolio, but since it's painted by hand, without stencils, customers can have virtually any decor. You can repeat parts of the pattern on other cabinets but remember to keep the look elegant rather then busy.

COUNTRY KITCHEN COOKERS

Many companies produce limited-edition patterned designs for their range cookers. At Aga pottery designer Emma Bridgewater has added her trademark polka dots to help celebrate the

company’s 300th anniversary. Interior designer Nina Campbell has created a wisteria design for Britannia, while Rangemaster's Excel Floral collection features gerberas, orchids and wild flowers.

FABRIC PRINTS for you country kitchen decor

One of the easiest ways to introduce pattern into your country kitchen design is through fabrics and textiles. Choose washable or stain-resistant curtains and blinds for windows in close proximity to the sink, a good range of ticking and check oilcloths that have been treated with a PVC coating for a wipe-clean surface. Mixing spots and florals in complementary colors provides a modem update to the country look.

Country kitchen decorating tips and ideas

PAINT EFFECTS

Commissioning an artist to create a bespoke design isn't cheap but guarantees an original design feature. Most artists can offer ideas and inspiration while bespoke kitchen makers often have preferred artists or even an in-house artist who will help realize your dream. Bespoke tile designers can often be commissioned to work on cabinetry.

KITCHEN SINKS

A patterned relief on pure white ceramic brings subtle country kitchen design interest to this classic butlers sink by Villeroy & Boch. Available in single and double-bowl models with chrome waste, the sinks have an elegant filigree pattern with a shiny pearl finish. For a more textural pattern try Brass & Traditional Sink's Etienne  and Chateaux apron-fronted copper sinks, which have a rugged hand-pummeled patina.

FRIDGES AND FRIDGE-FREEZERS

Choose appliances sporting floral patterns, spots and stripes. Maytag s American-style fridge-freezers are available with a trim kit that allows you to slot in your own panels for endless design options. It can support any panel up to a depth of 6 mm. from decor panels in striking colors and fun family photos to discreet veneered panels that blend in with kitchen cabinets. Or you can find it on ebay.

WALL ART

Here is another useful country kitchen decorating tips and ideas.  A splash of vibrant wallpaper, even

on a very small area, will bring your kitchen to life. Protect papered areas that come into direct contact with water with toughened glass, or seek cut hard wearing designs with vinyl or gloss finishes. If you want to use regular wallpaper, add a coat of Protective Decorators Varnish.

SPLASHBACKS

The space between worktop and wall cabinets is ripe for country kitchen design. Experiment with colors, patterns and materials to make the most of the opportunity. Choosing waterproof finishes such as glass or ceramic tiles is paramount and it's also wise to keep the finish of the kitchen cabinets plain and simple to avoid a migraine. You can also buy single splashback panels with floral designs to fit between your cooker and hood.

Read more »

Dining room decorating ideas

Dining room decorating ideas

Typically, dining rooms are decorated in rich, deep colors - red, for instance, is said to stimulate the appetite - but this does tend to make them only suitable for night-time use. Some dining room decorating ideas turned tradition on its head: in keeping with the rest of this airy open-plan apartment, elegant dining room is fresh and light. Make dining room to link easily with the adjoining rooms when you are thinking of dining room decorating ideas. By taking this approach in decorating style, it means the space is more compatible to enjoy at any time of day. At night, along with subtle lighting and lots of candles, the mirrors add sparkle: glamour and light.

PERFECT SETTING

Use in the dining room decorating style a mix of decanters, twisted glass, gunmetal porcelain plates and bone-handled cutlery sit beautifully with the green opaline grapefruit dishes which here are used as soup bowls.

Consider using a room for dual purposes – adapt a dining room to be a library as well. And try to incorporate it into the natural flow of the house so it can be used and enjoyed much more often.

Don't abandon expensive material in dining room home decorating ideas if you really love it: what you buy
instead will never really please you. Buy a small amount and use it as an accent - on cushions or a chair, for example.

Don't overlook the importance of good storage in dining room decorating style - without it you can't live comfortably.

Read more »

How to create simple French vintage style

French vintage style decorating ideas

Check out our decorating ideas on how to create simple French vintage style.

Find the furniture

• Mix and match classic furniture with distressed and painted pieces and varnished fruitwood and oak antiques to create simple French vintage style.
• Choose cabriole-legged tables, chairs with deep-button upholstered details and armoires with exquisite handles for a timeless decorating look.
• Get some decorating ideas from scouring country sale rooms for old French furniture to restore and update with ticking cushions, loose covers or a lick of paint.

Choose the fabrics

• The essence of French vintage style is typified by an elegant mix of treasured .
• Choose different scales of toile de Jouy ticking, traditional Provencal prints and formal embroidery to create a timeless charm.
• Use fabrics to inject a burst of vibrant color. Create areas of detail with layers of intense patterned fabric and contrast with chalky walls and painted furniture.
• Mix contemporary prints with nostalgia vintage fabrics from the 1940s and 1950's.

Add the accessories to your French vintage style

• Update worn cushions with trimming.
• French Aubusson rugs are very decorative and help to define the character of a room bringing faded pattern underfoot.
• Fill Provencal jugs and pots with flower heads for a flavor of the French country decorating style.
• Choose accessories with French countryside napkins with cuffs, a cafetiere cozy or a collection of perfume bottles.

Read more »

How to choose granite kitchen counters

Granite kitchen counters

Granite kitchen counters take any kitchen from drab to fab, but with a price tag of $50 to $100 per square foot installed, they're a pricey upgrade. Get your granite kitchen counters and stay within budget with these pointers.

■ Take your measurements. Granite is sold by the square foot, so a counter that is 2 feet deep and 9 feet long will require 18 square feet, plus the amount needed for edging or a backsplash. To make price comparisons easy, map out the surfaces you want to cover in your kitchen and determine the square footage before you start shopping.

■ Go straight to the source. Bypass kitchen stores and home centers. Instead, shop directly at a granite yard to snag a better price per square foot. Just keep in mind that hiring a fabricator to install the granite can significantly raise the overall price. For a clear comparison, look for a granite yard that offers fabrication as part of their services.

■ Skip the frills. Save money by choosing a standard granite kitchen counters edge. Fancy edge details add a hefty price (starting at $30 per linear foot). Or do without the edge altogether by asking a carpenter to add wood edging after the granite kitchen counters is installed.

Read more »

Cute hedgehog flower arrangement

Hedgehog flower arrangement

Looking for a very cute, unusual and interesting flower arrangement? Check out this super cute hedgehog flower arrangement.

For this flower arrangement you will need :

 

large leaves (Aspidistra or Monstera) 

Santini 

hypericum, 

pitosporum, 

vaksflauer, 

stalks of roses, 

piaflor, 

three beads (or buttons) 

two decorative berries on tenterhooks 

pan (or a plate or dish) 

Scotch 

floral knife and secateurs. 

1. For our hedgehog flower arrangement first soak piaflor in water, then cut out the body of a hedgehog. Note: it's easier to make piaflor bricks rough shape by using a knife, but sand the corners by hands. 

Our hedgehog is hero, and we used 2 bricks of piaflor.

2. Place hedgehog piaflor body on a pallet or aspidistra leaves Monstera (they mimic the green grass on which there is our hedgehog). Fasten three pieces of piaflora with stripe tape.

3.Pprune santini  in a way so the buds have roughly 2 cm of stem. Then insert a chrysanthemum in piaflor. Flowers should stand very tight! If formed hole, use a small florets. 

To make our hedgehog  flower arrangement accurate and beautiful, make neat rows of flowers. After completing a row, move on to another.

And then complete hedgehog flower arrangement following these picture instructions:

Read more »

Home Decorating Ideas from designer

Home decorating ideas

Check out very helpful home decorating ideas from designer Antonia Stewart.

"You should always spend on the actual building itself, trying to create as near perfect a canvas as possible. If you are happy with the actual space of the building then the decorating can come over time. A home will naturally evolve and will reflect current trends and the changing tastes of the owners, undoubtedly [containing] items from their travels, even new books, artwork or photographs.

Thinking of home decorating ideas use lots of less expensive fabric and then accessories with more expensive items. For example, a feature wall could be done in an expensive wall covering, with the rest of the walls being done in a paint. Or cushions covered in expensive fabrics could be put on sofas covered in cottons or linens.

Fabrics with embellishments, such as beads, hand embroidery or metal threads, can often look more
expensive than a plain version. To update a bedroom decor you could buy new bed linen. You could paint the back of a bookcase a different color to the shelves: dark colors for a study; fun colors for children's bedrooms.

Here are another home decorating ideas. Lighting is very important for me and can make or break the atmosphere of a room. For the evening I would always have lighting only from table lamps, standard lamps or picture lights, preferably on a dimmer so that the light can be controlled. Downlights and pendant lights are fine for general lighting but too bright for an evening setting.

For a country-kitchen look, Neptune is a rapidly growing company that has some fabulous products at
competitive prices. By purchasing their standard unit modules you can create your own bespoke kitchen at
o fraction of the price of other kitchen companies. It really is a great idea. They also do lots of other painted
furniture which is also very smart and not too expensive."

Read more »

HOW TO CHOOSE A WOODBURNER

TIPS ON HOW TO... CHOOSE A WOODBURNER

Using a woodbumer is an environmentally friendly form of heating. Here re our easy
and important tips on how to choose right wood burner.

■ First, do a heat calculation for your room so you buy the right size of
woodbumer - try the output calculator at woodbumerwarehause.co.uk.
■ Consider the technical instructions when you buy as some
woodbumers require a 25mm constructional hearth and others
need a 12mm non-combustible hearth.
■ The chimney must be at least the size of the wood bumer outlet.
■ When you position your woodbumer, make sure there is plenty
of space around it for heat and air to flow - your installer will let you
know if you need to install a ventilation gril to increase the airfl ow.
■ If you live in a smokeless zone, you must use a smokeless fuel or
a DEFRA-approved app iance to bum wood.
■ Make sure you use a Local installer who is approved and experienced
in the insta atlon of woodbumers - try hetas.co.uk

Read more »

HOW TO CHOOSE STONE FLOORING

CHOOSE THE RIGHT STONE FLOORING

Create authentic country style with stone slabs or tiles by choosing right flooring. Although expensive, stone flooring will last a lifetime if property sealed and cared for. Fit underfloor heating for extra warmth.

Much-loved limestone, sometimes has visible fossilised shells and comes in finishes from polished to honed; brushed to tumbled. Its cousin travertine has a pitted, rustic effect though the pits can be filled before delivery.

Ask to see a sealed flooring sample as sealing affects the color and look of the stone.

Granite is tough and hardwiring and comes in smart glossy black and speckled greys.
Slate is a good option for a rustic kitchen and is often riven (split naturally along its grain) for an uneven effect. It comes in rust tones as well as black, blues, greens and greys.
Marble flooring works well in a black and white chequerboard design.

Reclaimed flagstones flooring can create a grand entrance, having a patina that's due to years of wear. Or try Cassical Flagstones for replica f agstones made from prints of original fags.

That were our simple flooring tips and ideas to choose for your home.

 

Read more »

5 DECORATING TIPS FOR SMALL SPACES IN KITCHEN

5 DECORATING IDEAS FOR SMALL SPACES IN KITCHEN

Pushed for room in your country kitchen? Make every inch count with these simple decorating tips and ideas for small kitchens...

1Choose bespoke cabinetry. 'The beauty of commissioning a kitchen is that each cabinet is made with your room's dimensions in mind,' says designer Debbie Bowden from Barnes of Ashburton. 'Worktops can be reduced in depth and cabinets scaled down to suit.'

2 Make the most of dead space in corner cabinets using specialist Magic Corners and Le Mans s ystems (available from Hettich, 0161872 9552, hettich.com), which pull all contents out into view. Plinth drawers under base units can store baking tins and trays.

3Locate storage according to frequency of use. Saucepans and utensils should be near the cooker, and crockery and glassware adjacent to the dishwasher - great and simple decorating tips and ideas for small kitchens. Check out Blum's Dynamic Space concept, which uses a zoning system to efficiently plan storage or attend a free seminar, held regularly at its Milton Keynes
headquarters (01908 285700, Wum.com).

4Invest in compact appliances such as slimline dishwashers and smaller ovens - or consider multipurpose products. The Trio, £950, from Candy (01685 721222, candy-domestic.co.uk) combines an electric oven, hob, grill and dishwasher in one 60cm wide appliance.

5 Focus on space-enhancing materials when you searching for simple decorating tips and ideas for small kitchens. Mirrored glass, high-gloss lacquered cabinetry and stainless steel appliances all help to create a feeling of space.

Read more »

Home decorating ideas with greenery and moss

Greenery home decorating ideas

Create warm and beautiful home decorating peaces from our simple, fun and lovely decorating ideas just using grenery and moss.

Home decorating ideas: Moss door decoration

A natural take on the classic wreath and really quick to make.

YOU WILL NEED

Hessian

Florist's wire

Prostrate rosemary,

or similar

Larch twig (with cones)

Garden twine

Decorative mini bells (try Handmade by Hells)

1 To form the base of ihe door wieath use a doublo length of florist's wire to create a ring of aiound 20cm in diameter Leave a single length of excess wne at the top for hanging the wieath. Use pliers to trim the wire if necessary.

2 Starting at the top of the wroath, uso short piocos of florist's wiro to secure lengths of rosemary all around the frame. Check for any gaps and add more rosemary as required.

3 Cut a 30cm-long strip of hesslan, around 3cm wide, and tiim off the ends diagonally. Fold across the top of the frame.

4 Cut the larch twig to roughly the diameter of the ring and use wire to attach it centrally at tho top of the frame through tho hessian strip.

5 Cut a 40cm length of garden twine and tie in a bow at the centre of the twig. Tie a decorative bell on to each end of the twine.

6 Hang up the wreath using the excess wire, tnmmlng if necessary.

Home decorating ideas: Candlebox display

This h ome decorating idea will be lovely for a buffet table or mantelpiece display.

YOU WILL NEED

Rectangular wooden planter

Potting compost

Hyacinth bulbs

4 white candles

Garlic bulbs

Pearl-headed pins and/or beads (try Rays Florist or Beads Direct)

Hessian

Garden twine

1 Fill the planter, with compost and pot up your hyacinth bulbs (if the bulbs are not yet in leaf

add markers to show their positions).

2 Push the candles into the soil at equal intervals along the planter. Make sure they are pushed

deep enough to have a firm footing.

3 Place garlic bulbs at regular intervals botween the candles and the bulbs Push a few pearl-

headed pins into the soil for extra sparkle. Remove bulb markers if you have used thorn.

4 Cut a strip of hessian to fit around the planterplus 2cm overlap and to half its height. Wrap

around the planter and hold in place with a pin.

Secure with a double length of garden twine, tie and trim. Remove the pin.

5 Water sparingly but often to keep the soil just moist. Don't leave burning candles unattended.

Home decorating ideas: Place-name gift boxes

Instead of crackers, place these little gifts for guests on the table, using our home decorating ideas.

YOU WILL NEED

Selection of miniature gift boxes (try Homecrafts Direct)

Brown paper

Garden twine

Music notation paper (try Gifted Musician)

Box sprigs

A4 paper

Pearl-headed pins (try Rays Florist)

1 Wrap the boxes in brown paper. Tie a length of garden twine vertically and horizontally around each and trim.

2 Cut strips of music notation paper and slip in place centrally under the twine. Push sprigs of box diagonally

under the twine. 

3 Cut two paper flags for each present, one slightly smaller than the other, and write a guest's name on

one. Place a name flag on top of a blank flag and fix together using a pearl-headed pin of our home decorating ideas.

4 Push a pin carefully through the twine on the front of each to finish.

Home decorating ideas: Napkin wraps

Use natural materials and add a touch of sparkle with beads from our home decorating ideas.

YOU WILL NEED

Yew sprigs

Napkins

Garden twine

Jewellery wire and pearl beads (try HobbyCraft)

1 Cut four or five sprigs of yew for each napkin wrap.

2 Fold a napkin into a rough fan shape that tapeis to a point at the bottom.

Place the yew sprigs on top.

3 Hold the sprigs and napkin in place with one hand and secure by wrapping with garden twine. 

Tie in place at the back of the napkin, trim and tuck the ends under the loops of twine.

4 Cut a 20cm length of jewellery wire and fix a loop at one end. Thread on a pearl bead and push 

virtually to the end. Twist the wire either side oi the bead to hold it in place. Keep threading on the

beads and twisting in this way until the wire is full. Straighten out the loop then wrap the beaded wire in place around the twine, tucking the ends securely away between the strands of twine.

5 Repeat our home decorating idea for natural napkin wrap to make as many napkin wraps as required.

Home decorating ideas: Moss trees

Line a shelf with a ttio of potted 'topiary', trimmed with baker's twine.

YOU WILL NEED

3 terracotta pots

Potting compost

3 sturdy garden twigs (to use as 'trunks')

3 florist's dry foam cones (try Foam Monster)

Mossing pins

Dry Finland moss (try The Essentials Company)

Red and white baker's twine (try TruNet)

1 Fill a terracotta pot with compost (make sure that the pots are large enough to support the cones, and deep enough to accommodate the twig 'trunks'). Gently push a twig centrally into the base of one cone until it feels liko it can adequately hold the weight. Then push the other end of the twig deep into the compost (for a firm footing it may help to dampen the compost first).

2 Working from the top and spiraling round to the base, use mossing pins at regular intervals to secure the moss over the surface of the cone, leaving strands to hang below the base. Check no foam or pins are visible. Cut a short length of baker's twine and tie around the top of the cone in a bow.

3 Repeat to create two more moss trees and display, equally spaced, along a shelf.

Home decorating ideas: moss balls

Hanging baubles moss balls

Combine yew, moss and hessian for a hanging decoration display.

YOU WILL NEED

Yew sprigs Finland moss (try The Florist's wire Essentials Company)

Florist's dry foam spheres Hessian

in different sizes Garden twine (try HobbyCraft) Decorative mini bells

Mossing pins (try Handmade by Hells)

1 Cut the yew sprigs to just over half the height of your sphere and split

them into two even groups. Take each group and secure together at one

end using florist's wire.

2 Fan out each bunch and secure at opposite 'poles' of the sphere using

mossing pins. Tease out the sprigs until as much of the foam is covered as

possible. Fill any gaps with extra cuttings of yew and secure in place.

3 To use moss rather than yew, secure in place all over with mossing pins.

Check that no foam or pins are visible and fill any gaps as necessary.

4 Cut two wide bands of hessian. wrap each around the sphere and tie

together at the base, allowing the excess to hang down loose.

5 Cut two lengths of garden twine and tie the first over the hessian knot at

the base of the sphere. Knot a decorative bell on to each end of the twine.

Slip the second length of twine under the hessian at the top

of the sphere and use to hang the bauble.

Home decorating ideas: Hand-tied greenery bouquet

Create a pretty posy of flowers and foliage for a fresh festive display, using our home decorating idea.

YOU WILL NEED

Florist's wire

Garlic bulbs

Pine cones

Pine or yew sprigs

Selection of white flowers, such as tulips, anemones and hyacinths

Raffia

1 Cut 20cm lengths of florist's wire and secure around the tops of the garlic bulbs

and between and around the lower tiers of the pine cones. Repeat to wue separate

sprigs of pine or yew.

2 Cut a selection of flowers, keeping the stems as long as possible.

3 Begin to assemble the bouquet, starting with a wired cone in the centre then

building around it with a succession of flowers, garlic bulbs and wired pine or

yew, laying each flower or wire diagonally across its neighbour. Hold the bouquet in

one hand while adding the individual pieces with the other, gradually working

the bunch so that the stems and wires rotate slightly at the centre point.

4 Secure the stems and wire by binding with raffia (not too tightly: the flowers

must be able to take up water), then trim the stems with scissors and the wire with

pliers so that they are all the same length and the finish is neat and even. Place in

a wide-necked vase filled with water. 

Present decorations

Personalise gilts by adding a few little extras, such as cones, foliage and hessian.

YOU WILL NEED

Plain wrapping paper

Garden twine

Florist's wire

Hessian

Music notation paper (try Gifted Musician)

Trimmings such as dried apple slices, larch

twigs with cones, box sprigs, candy canes,

cinnamon sticks, lace and ribbon scraps

1 Wrap your presents in plain wrapping paper.

2 Tie a length of garden twine vertically and horizontally around each present, and trim.

3 Decorate the presents with a strip of hessian and/or a torn strip of music notation paper slipped

under the twine, or try scraps of ribbon or lace, then add the trimming of your choice. To add a dried

apple slice, bend a short piece of florist's wire into a 'U' shape and push the two ends through the

apple slice and out the back, then attach where the twine crosses on the front of the present. Or tuck

a cinnamon stick, a larch twig, a sprig of box or a candy cane under the twine and secure in place

with a short length of twine tied in a bow.

Moss cake centrepiece

Make this fun table decoration from a circle of florist's foam decorated with freshly picked hellebores.

YOU WILL NEED

Circle of green florist's foam, (try The Essentials Company)

around 30cm diameter or cut to fit   Hellebore flowers (with stems)

your cake stand (try HobbyCraft)     Florist's wire

Glass cake stand Pearl-headed pins and beads (try Mossing pins Rays Florist or Beads Direct)

Garden moss or dry Finland moss Hessian

1 Because you are using fresh flowers, you will need green, soakable florist's

foam. Before using, allow the foam to float in a bucket of water. Once the top

of the foam is level with the surface of the water, remove and allow to drain.

2 Place your foam centrally on the cake stand and, using mossing pins to

secure as you go. layer the moss around the edge and over the top of the

foam. Check for any visible foam or pins and add more moss as necessary.

3 Trim the stems on the hellebore flowers to about half the depth of the foam.

Cut a short length of florist's wire and carefully coil around the stem, working

from the base of the flower head down to the cut end. Leave a little excess

wire and trim with pliers. Repeat until you have wired all the flower steams.

4 Gently push the wired stems of each flower into the foam until the flower

heads are flush with the surface of the foam.

5 Push a few pearl-headed pins into the moss base in a random pattern and

then scatter a small handful of pearl beads over the flower heads.

6 Tie a length of hessian around the edge of the 'cake', securing the ends

with a pearl-headed pin. Spray the flower heads with water regularly.

Enjoy our simple, fun and creative home decorating ideas with greenery and moss.

Read more »

Laundry Room Decorating Ideas

Beautiful Laundry Room Decorating Ideas

If you are searching for some great and easy laundry room decorating ideas, take a look at these ones!

You don't need to spend much money to make your laundry room looking cute and cozy. Our decorating ideas will help you to find your own design.

Choose pastel colors for your laundry room. Create as much shelves as possible, so you can have lots of storage.

White colors can make a beautiful contrast for the laundry room decor.

Or visit any Home Depot or Lowes store to choose cheap and simple laundry room shelves to make something similar like on this picture below. 

Create antique vintage feel by using an old items. New paint color and few things from antique market or even garage sale and you can have laundry room just like this one!

Read more »

Hallway decorating ideas and entryway decor

Hallway decorating ideas

Entryway decor is very important as it sets the tone for whole house, so try our and hallway decorating ideas to create beautiful hallway entry.

Entryway decor: Walls

1) Provide a repository for keys, mail, gloves and pocketbooks. The classic hallway stand keeps everything neat as well as offers a spot to sit.

2) Lacquer the walls in a windowless entryway for a beguiling glow. Or, shadow-stripe the walls—alternate

matte and glossy stripes of the same paint color—to lend a subtle style. Use bright colors in a dark lover to lighten the look or darker ones to give a more intimate feel to a cavernous space.

3) Hang Shaker pegs along one wall to corral everyday coats and prevent a jumbled mess. Shelves can hold

baskets of gloves, scarves and outdoor paraphernalia.

4) Make an impact. Pattern a foyer's walls with stunning wallpaper. Splurging on decadent silk or hand-

blocked wallpapers can be feasible if the entryway or hallway is small.

5) Define the space with molding to give it more formality and integrate it info the architectural style of the

interior. Try adding a chair rail and painting the section of wall below it a deeper tone of the color used for the section above.

6) Create a mini-gallery for the entryway decor. Mount picture rails along the walls for a changing display of artwork. Homogeneous frames add harmony; a few empty frames lend an element of surprise.

7) Strike a playful note with stylized wall decals.They are easy to work with and come in a wide variety of designs. Choose for your hallway decorating ideas from modern interpretations of Victorian vines to birds in flight. Or, use stencils to spell out a family motto, names, initials or a favorite quote.

8) Hang a large mirror on the wall to reflect light from the doorway and to provide a "prmipiring' area for those coming in or setting out.

9) Build a banquette along one wall for the entryway decor. Store outdoor gear or seasonal items in the base. A cushioned top makes the perfect scat for putting on boots or changing shoes.

Hallway decorating ideas: Floors

10) Tile the floor tor practicality. It's a very forgiving surface for high-traffic areas. Since these areas are often small, it's an easy project to tackle yourself And being able to quickly clean up dirty foot or paw prints reduces stress on hosts and visitors alike.

11) Lay down a welcome mat at the entryway. Whether it's a seasonal image, monogrammed or basic coir mat, make sure to provide a place where guests can wipe the outdoor grit and grime off their shoes. First impressions are important. Replace worn or dirty mats regularly. Or, design and paint your own custom mat on primed canvas from an art supply store. When done, fold under and press the edges and secure with fabric glue. Be sure to apply several coats of polyurethane to protect the surface from wear.

12) Lead the way in with a painted runner. Continue the design entryway decor up die stairs or down a hall to integrate the public and private areas of the home. Alternatively, a striking Oriental or kilim runner adds an exotic flavor.

13) Inlay a floor medallion. The pineapple, a traditional symbol of hospitality, is only one of many available

designs. Or, use wood border inlays to create the effect of a hallway in an otherwise undefined area.

14) Take advantage of dramatic proportions. In a foyer with a high ceiling, let a stunning chandelier create

a glittering welcome.

15) Round up wet or muddy boots on a tray set inside the front door. Attractive copper boot trays (some are designed to fit into a corner) take up little room, yet protect wooden floors during inclement weather.

16) Paint a bold black-and-white checkerboard pattern in the entryway. The classic pattern adds a touch of elegance to a casual space, while using a painted effect, rather than tile or stone, keeps the ambience more relaxed.

Entryway decor: Windows & Doors

17) Add privacy without losing a key source of natural light. Install frosted-glass etched with an eye-catching

design. Decorative window film comes in many styles and it's easy to cut, peel and adhere. Its also easy to remove, making it an especially nice option for rented spaces.

18) Update an old or dented storm/screen door combination with a new, more energy-efficient—and more

attractive—style.

19) Soften the look of an oversize Palladian window. Drape soft fabric from its peak, gathering it in loops

along the sides of die window.

20) Mount draperies on crane rods behind a windowed entry door. Adjust die rod to provide appropriate amounts of light and privacy.

21) Don't overwhelm a small entryway with fussy curtains, Use Roman shades for a simple, yet sophisticated

window treatment.

22) Dress up die front door with seasonal embellishments. Use floral swags or wreaths to celebrate spring, the fall harvest or winter holidays.

23) Parade a series of real or faux topiaries in a hall window. They will bring a lively touch of the outdoors to

the indoor space.

24) Position an hourglass curtain in the windowed area of a front door for the  entryway decor.

25) Treat the front stoop or porch as if it were a room. Flower arrangements or potted plants, a bench, a charming door knocker and the glow of a pair of sconces seen from the curb can make visitors feel welcome before they even reach the door.

26) Paint the front hallway door an engaging color, such as a rich red or bright blue, but be sure it  complements its surroundings.

-->

Read more »