Living Room Ideas to Create Your Unique Space

<br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: calibri; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="Living Room Ideas and Makeovers" height="320" src="http://www.great-home-decorating.com/images/beachlivingroom-mexico.jpg" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 8px 0pt 0pt 12px;" width="233" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: calibri; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: calibri; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b>Living room ideas are easy to come by. </b>They’re everywhere.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">Just look on any home decorating website, online magazine (e-zine), in-store magazine or watch one of the many decorating and design programs on TV. (There’s probably an app for it too, but I’m not that iPhone savvy.)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b>If you do a Google search for ‘living room ideas’ there are about 88 million web pages that you can choose from.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b>There is so much information available on the subject. So, why it is still a difficult decision to take these photos, tips and advice for <a href="http://www.great-home-decorating.com/LivingRoomDecoratingIdeas.html">living room decorating </a> and make them work for you? </b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b> </b>Your home, your living room, your lifestyle, your budget....all of these things are unique to <u>you.</u> If you look at a hundred photos and websites, and watch just as many DYI shows on TV just filled with living room ideas, none of them will exactly match your needs.</span><br /><br /><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: calibri; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">So what do you do? No worries! </span><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">My advice to you, as well as my design clients, is to first <b>determine what YOU need in YOUR space, </b>by answering a few simple questions.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b>1) What is your budget? </b>I know, a simple, boring question.</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">And, it’s not fun to think about the money. It’s more fun to think about buying things, painting, <a href="http://www.great-home-decorating.com/ArrangingFurniture.html">arranging furniture,</a> etc.</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">But do it anyway. <b>Decide how much money you have to invest in your living room project, before you get excited about purchasing something.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b>2) How do you use this room? </b>Traditional use...informal...TV or no TV...children?...aging parents?...pets?...multi purpose function?..none of these?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">I have seen living rooms with pool tables in them, living rooms used as dining areas, home offices, etc. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">Decide how your living room best fits your lifestyle and make your decisions from there with regard to the type of flooring, wall color, furniture fabric...right down to the lamps and end tables.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">So before you determine that you absolutely <u>need</u> a new sofa, two side chairs and a set of end tables/ coffee table, give yourself a little time out and answer question #2 honestly. You might come up with a totally different direction for the space.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b>3) What furniture stays, what furniture goes?</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">Be realistic about answering this question and you will have a solid starting point for your living room design, or <a href="http://www.great-home-decorating.com/LivingRoomMakeovers.html">living room makeover.</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">And, how you answer this question is a direct result of your response to the first two questions as well. <b>Your budget and lifestyle use of the living room will dictate how much furniture, if any, you will add/replace.</b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">I’m always an advocate of using what you have first, particularly if you are <a href="http://www.great-home-decorating.com/BudgetDecorating.html">decorating on a budget.</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">And, the furniture doesn’t have to be in the living room at the moment. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b>Take a look at pieces in other rooms of your home and see if they might have a new purpose in your living room.</b>You can create a fresh look with existing pieces by moving them around your home.</span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><img align="left" alt=" Living room decorating and design ideas " height="180" src="http://www.great-home-decorating.com/images/country-style-living-room.jpg" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 8px 12px 0pt 0pt;" width="300" /><br /><br /><br /><b>Now, here are three things you should NEVER do when considering living room ideas.</b></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><b>Find out what they are by <a href="http://www.great-home-decorating.com/LivingRoomIdeas.html" target="_blank">reading more about Living Room Ideas</a></b></span>

Living Room Ideas to Create Your Unique Space

    Living room ideas are easy to come by. They’re everywhere. Just look on any home decorating website, online magazine (e-zine), in-store...

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Guest Post - Beach House Style

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for the Arcadian Lighting blog, a great source for inspiration and trends in <a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/" target="_blank" title="Lighting Fixtures"><b>lighting fixtures</b></a> for your home. I love getting out and guest blogging at great design blogs so I'm happy to be here at Great Home Decorating today to write about great beach house style. The beach house look is all about chic, relaxed style inspired by the coast: easy, breezy and stylish. Enjoy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Beach House Style" class="size-full wp-image-13206 aligncenter" height="248" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/11/1-Beach-House-Style.jpg" title="Beach House Style" width="320" /></div>This living room has great beach house style. Slip-covered seating in natural linen covers and pops of seaglass inspired color give this living room a cool, coastal style.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Beach House Style" class="size-full wp-image-13207 aligncenter" height="212" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/11/2-Beach-House-Style.jpg" title="Beach House Style" width="320" />  </div>Beach house style is all about relaxation. Casual style slip-covered furnishings mixed with natural elements and beach finds make for a beach house that is stylish and relaxed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Beach House Style" class="size-full wp-image-13208 aligncenter" height="212" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/11/3-Beach-House-Style.jpg" title="Beach House Style" width="320" /> </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This beach house style bedroom is full of great beach house style tips. Grass cloth on the walls, a tropical style ceiling fan and light colors all add that beach feeling to the room.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Beach House Style" class="size-full wp-image-13209 aligncenter" height="201" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/11/4-Beach-House-Style.jpg" title="Beach House Style" width="320" /></div>This bathroom has great beach house style. Blue and white make for a crisp color combination. Beach inspired design elements like coral and starfish adorn the walls. The entire space is beautifully lit by matching <a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/ceiling-lights.html" target="_blank" title="Ceiling Light">ceiling light</a> and wall sconces.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Beach House Style" class="size-full wp-image-13210 aligncenter" height="320" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/11/5-Beach-House-Style.jpg" title="Beach House Style" width="320" /> </div> Soft blue is a soothing color for a beach house bedroom. Mixed with loads of white, it is a classic seaside color combination that works with any blue, from sky blue to navy.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Beach House Style" class="size-full wp-image-13211 aligncenter" height="320" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/11/6-Beach-House-Style.jpg" title="Beach House Style" width="240" /></div>Light woods in this living room open up the space and make a great backdrop for the stunning sea view. Light upholstery and the light wood give this living room an open, airy feeling.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Beach House Style" class="size-full wp-image-13212 aligncenter" height="214" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/11/7-Beach-House-Style.jpg" title="Beach House Style" width="320" /></div>An airy dining area that is dominated by white with a few touches of blue, like these stylish <a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/pendant-lighting.html" target="_self" title="Pendant Lights">pendant lights</a>, is the perfect beach house dining space. Light, airy and casual with loads of style is perfect for beach house living.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Beach House Style" class="size-full wp-image-13213 aligncenter" height="320" src="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/files/2011/11/8-Beach-House-Style.jpg" title="Beach House Style" width="263" /></div>Stripes are a great pattern for beach house style homes. Wide or narrow, the stripes can be blue and white or multicolor with a nautical theme--perfect for a beach house.You don't have to own a beach house to get this sea-inspired style! Check out <a href="http://www.arcadianlighting.com/" target="_self" title="Lighting Fixture">Arcadian Lighting</a> to find lighting fixtures that you can use to create your own coastal interiors!<br /><br /><b>Here are more great <a href="http://great-home-decorating.com/BeachHomeDecorating.html" target="_blank">Beach Home Decorating ideas! </a></b>

Guest Post - Beach House Style

Hi, I'm Susi, a writer for the Arcadian Lighting blog, a great source for inspiration and trends in lighting fixtures for your home. I...

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Tuscan Paint Colors

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A9IQGrO3TOp0U1CW5hVyM5S70s-x1iSQrkonkFgaA7Nyb0tFNer3HmWpc91Oq-uT3BiP64fscQN4dHuUOsIFSw8ozWV-oLHnmGUBB9lVexBnHNfmG0SdetXn7QmaVkI8WyIFiWzibWyF/s1600/TuscanyRiverandBoats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3A9IQGrO3TOp0U1CW5hVyM5S70s-x1iSQrkonkFgaA7Nyb0tFNer3HmWpc91Oq-uT3BiP64fscQN4dHuUOsIFSw8ozWV-oLHnmGUBB9lVexBnHNfmG0SdetXn7QmaVkI8WyIFiWzibWyF/s1600/TuscanyRiverandBoats.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong><i>2nd in a series on Tuscan Decorating </i></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong><i> </i></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong>Tuscan paint colors represent the natural beauty of an Italian countryside. Learn how to create the Tuscan color palette that will compliment your home.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">If you have made the decision to create your own personal Tuscan style home and decor, you've already established a Tuscan color palette. The key is to decide how to use these colors:</span><br /><span style="fnnt-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong></strong></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong>Golden Yellows</strong></span></li><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong><br /></strong><br /><li><strong>Terra Cotta</strong></li><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><li><strong>Olive/Sage/Leafy Greens</strong></li><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><li><strong>Natural Brown/Ochre</strong></li><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><li><strong>Warm Orange</strong></li><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><li><strong>Vibrant Blues</strong></li><br /><strong><br /></strong><br /><li><strong>And...a touch of White</strong></li><br /><strong></strong></span></ul><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong>Here is a tip to make things a little easier and something that I always suggest to my clients:</strong> </span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">Find a piece of fabric, a magazine picture, photo, or a simple combination of something that will provide a visual example of the Tuscan <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD3">paint colors</span> you are going to use. (I know someone who carried a very small 'bouquet' of silk flowers in the shades of her selected color palette and it worked well for her!)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">Or, visit your local paint store and look for the color samples that are offered in combinations, and hone in on the selections that emphasize <strong>nature, natural colors and the beautiful shades found in the photo on this page.</strong> You may find a sample palette that is quite close to the Tuscan color scheme.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong>Once you have your palette in hand (literally), you are ready to decide how to use these beautiful Tuscan colors in your home.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">Alway keep in the forefront of your design and decor planning that <strong>Tuscan decorating is the utilization of natural elements...simple...not pretentious...colorful yet not overbearing.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong>The more natural light a space receives, the more intense color can be used on the walls, if desired.</strong> To keep the <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD2">living room</span> light, choose yellow or gold tones. For a vibrant energy, choose red or orange tones. </span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">The natural shades of brown, ochre and even sage/leafy green can be a great choice as well. <strong>Think about the colors you really enjoy seeing, because the wall color will be quite prominent in the space.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">If you are a person who <strong>likes things a little more neutral overall, use warm golds, light browns or consider an off white with undertones of tan or gold. Then, use the more vibrant colors in accents, possibly in an area rug, artwork, pottery or on an accent wall.</strong></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;">Remember that white is almost always found somewhere in Tuscan colors, along with natural browns and brownish reds.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong>Combine your Tuscan colors with natural, nubby fabrics, colorful accents and you can create an authentic Tuscan look in your home.</strong></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong> </strong></span><strong> </strong></span><span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: small;"><strong> Read more about <a href="http://www.great-home-decorating.com/TuscanPaintColors.html">Tuscan Paint Colors</a></strong></span>

Tuscan Paint Colors

2nd in a series on Tuscan Decorating    Tuscan paint colors represent the natural beauty of an Italian countryside. Learn how to create the...

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