Alice Benton's Blog

Monday, May 30, 2011

Home Improvement


Throughout my years, I have always been creative.  I would draw, sing, make clothes, etc... Honestly, it was just the way I was raised.  Creativity was never lacking, even as an adult, except when it came to spontaneous home improvement type projects. 

There were only two reasons that I would attempt those projects, at first.  It would either be out of financial need or as a direct response to some show on TLC.  I remember watching Ty Pennington create an independent stationary bed headboard or breathing new life into a sofa.  I would think that looks great, I can do that.  

After completely revamping a love seat of mine, from really nice to an aesthetic work of art, with only some material and a staple gun, I started to think outside the box.  I would walk around my then six bedroom apartment thinking of ways to improve it. 

One of my favorite small projects was in my youngest daughter’s room.  I altered an armoire.  It was beautiful, but I was never too thrilled that the doors located in the top section were glass.  We know how children can be sometime.  I decided to unscrew the glass doors and replaced them with small playful curtains.  She loved the change and so did I.  Not only did it supply easier access to her clothes, it also added to the decor in the room. 

Previously, the room was good, but the many unique improvements made it wonderful.  Positive adjustments affect the psyche for the better.  When your space flourishes so do you.  Consider a change today. 


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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Small Inexpensive Ways To Decorate

There can be many ups and downs with the decorating process. The upside includes great aesthetic finds.  The downside usually reflects not being unique or more likely, not having enough money. The key to being successful is not letting your low budget show.

Many people crave a room change when the time isn't right financially.  That doesn't mean it cannot be done.  There are many small inexpensive ways to improve any space.  You can be frugal and love your place.  So, think on your toes.

One economical suggestion is to paint the borders, instead of splurging for the entire room.  Also consider defining door patterns and knobs.  Don't buy new dressers and cabinets, purchase handles. Another cool addition to most rooms are throw pillows, small rugs and curtains.

Originality counts too!  Become a staging professional for yourself. Rearrange what you have in a unique way.  Make a picture come to life.  For example, you have a framed poster of bowl of fruit sitting in a chair.  Place the same fruit in a bowl on a chair either in front of it or nearby. Or maybe you have a long bud vase. Use it as a bracelet holder in a bedroom or spray paint it to match your theme. Door hooks can also double as a necklace holder.

The possibilities are endless.  Simply incorporate a fresh look into your design.  Be creative about displaying items and enjoy it. Make your house a home.


*Posts you may enjoy are Decorating A Small Room, It's All About Accessories and Vegan?

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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Decorating A Small Room

Decorating any room can be a challenge.  It takes attention to detail and style.  It usually is something you know how to do or it isn't. Decorating a small room, however, is different.  Small rooms take much more.  You'll need a high-level of concentration, as well as dedication to solving problems while being cleaver and stylish.

A common mistake people make when buying furniture for a little room is purchasing tiny furniture.  Their thinking is sound because mentally they are trying to cope with a room that is already less than spacious.  The thought is reasonable, but not functional.  The flaw is found in comfort or more likely the lack of it.  Big or normal sized furniture will fill the room more easily, but it will also be comfortable and make you feel like you have something special.

Another thing to consider is dual-ability.  Pieces purchased for this room should have more than one use if possible.  For instance, if you need both storage and somewhere to sit, consider a storage bench. That way it is serving two necessary functions, but you've only added one thing.

Use as much of the rooms existing real estate as possible.  The walls can be used for files and unique storage.  Also, don't forget about the under the bed space too.  Now a days, stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond make these space possibilities easy and attractive; adding to the decor.

Good luck!  It's not easy, but it is doable.


*Posts you may enjoy are Cleaning Out Your Closet, Real Spring Cleaning and Shoes and Bags in Your Closet

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