'The One Day Way to Decorating Your Home'

Great Decorating does not necessarily mean it has to cost a lot of money or take a great deal of time. The things that make a home fabulous are using elements in unexpected ways. Just because they call it a china closet...doesn't mean you have to store china in it. Don't get hung up on what the original purpose of the room was....use it how it works best for your lifestyle. Think outside the box and have fun with your home!

Here are some inexpensive ideas to help you to give your home a decorator's flair, many of them in just One Day!! Your goal is to have people walk into your room and say, 'I never would have thought of that!'

'Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.' -- Coco Chanel

• Change your window treatments for the season by sewing two fabrics together and use a simple rod pocket. I just did this for a client and we used a soft yellow and blue floral for the summer months. Flip the rod around and the back side is a rich colored fabric in greens and deep reds that will give the room visual warmth.
• Bring your china cabinet into the living room. Remove the doors and merchandise it with books, accessories, and family photos....mixed in with some of your china. This creates a great focal point in a room that is missing architectural focal points.
• Hang a picture low between the bottom of the lampshade and the lamp table to create an element of surprise for the person seated in the chair.

• Don't neglect the ceilings in your home. Paint it (any color but white) or wallpaper it. Add some interesting wood moldings to create a faux tray ceiling look.
• Float your furniture in a V-shaped arrangement instead of the predictable L. If rearranging furniture intimidates you, call in a One Day Decorator.
• Add elements of comfort to your room. It is equally important that a room 'feels' good as well as 'looks' good. For example, add an ottoman for your feet instead of a conventional coffee table. Padma Plantations make a great one with a reversible top that is ottoman and one side and a serving table with trays on the other side.
• Bring down the antique dresser or chest from your guest room. Give it a place of honor in the living room or foyer.
• Other interesting curtain rod ideas for your room can be using old golf clubs, tennis racquets, copper plumbing, or PVC pipe, painted with a faux finish.
• Use a horizontal plate rack to create an instant cornice at your window. Add a scarf to it and then change the plates with the season.
• Add a glass round to a bird bath to create an interesting side table.
• Stack old suitcases to create an instant lamp table.
• Hot glue or sew bullion fringe to the bottom of your ready made draperies to create an instant custom look.
• Frame the unusual, how about a collection of antique door knobs or old silverware.