New "Design Tips" Launch Each Month

FRESH IDEAS FOR THE NEW (2009) YEAR.....

Here are some fresh and simple tips on the "should" and "should nots" of decorating:

*Entryways/Foyers should always be uncluttered.  This area of the home is the first hint at what the rest of the home is like.

*Pictures or artwork are often hung too high...or too low.  The rule of thumb is the picture should be hung so that the middle of the picture is at eye level.  Artwork should be placed no more than 5-8 inches above a sofa or 7-10 inches above a table. 

*Bookcases/Entertainment Centers are often too cluttered and have too many small knick-knacks.  Try to vary the heights of books with the tallest in the middle for instance instead of the "usual" way of larger to smaller.  But don't put small books next to tall books.  Take off the paper covers (dust covers) from your hardback books to show their usually rich colors.  Grab a nice set of bookends to add next to your books (even if they don't need the support).   Look for pieces of interest, conversation pieces and even whimsical items but remember - less really is more.

 *Odd or even?  You know...THEY say never use even numbers of anything anywhere right?  Well, somewhat.  It is recommended to group your accessories in odd numbers rather than even numbers however different heights and textures are just as important.  Say you're putting together a few things on a shelf - you could put 3 books stacked one on top of each other and then use 1 magnifying glass on top of one of those books and then next to them you can use 2 small t-lite holders.  Remember - variety is the key - keep it interesting!

Most importantly - have fun trying out new things.  Shop around for different accessories for your home.  Don't always go to the same store that everyone else shops at.  First impressions are lasting.  Do not mix beautiful furniture with cheap accessories.  Alot of people think they spent enough on the furniture and that the accessories don't really matter.  Accessories matter MORE than furniture.  They are the pieces of decor that people remember and can make or break the ambiance of your home.

 Always be creative and trust your instincts.

ADD SOME AUTUMN TO YOUR HOME....

With the Fall Season upon us and winter just ahead, it is time to think about layering up and creating warmth inside of your home.  There is truth that warmer, richer and deeper colors signify the season naturally.  Not only is it about the color but also about the texture and fabric.  At this time of year, fabrics should be more lush, like velvet, velour, chenille and such.

In the livingroom, you can add area rugs but make sure it is the right size for the room and your setup.  There is nothing worse than a rug that is too small or a rug that is too big.  Too small and the room looks like something is missing...too large and the room feels cluttered. 

Try adding a beautiful throw to your sofa (something chunky like wool, sheepskin, fur or mohair). You can also change your pillows (velvet, chenille, thick satin).  This is a relatively inexpensive way to really bring the feel of Fall into your house.

 Add another layer of panels to your existing window treatments to bulk it up a bit (and keep it warmer, cozier looking throughout both seasons).

Go outside and cut down some branches from your yard and put them in a vase that's filled with leaves, pinecones, acorns, etc.  It won't cost you a dime and brings a bit of the outside inside for a natural, rustic feel.

 Add a few extra candles (t-lights or votives work fine) in your kitchen and have them lit while entertaining family and friends.  Candles always invoke a sense of tranquility.

Enjoy the season and grab your chunky blanket and snuggle up with your loved ones tonight. 

THE ART OF FENG SHUI.....

 Feng Shui is the art of arranging your surroundings to create a maximum flow of positive energy and is a great design principle that can create a haven of peace and calm in your home.

Here are five tips to Feng Shui the easy way:

(1)  Clean up clutter - Get rid of what you don't want makes room for what you do want;

(2)  Go green - Houseplants literally clear the air, brighten up any room (as well as the atmosphere) and give it a "lived in" feel.  However, avoid any type of cactus or anything spiky - that is a negative with feng shui;

(3)  Is it broken?  Get rid of it and start tossing.  According to feng shui principles, broken items foster pessimism and frustration.  That's not something any of us need to keep around.

(4)  Ready..set....position!  Where you place your furniture can have a huge impact and influence on your mood.  Look into a feng shui book for specific details on where to place everything from your bed to your garbage can.

(5)  Get Picture Perfect!  Surround yourself with meaningful and positive artwork which fosters a meaningful and positive environment and state of being.

Makes sense doesn't it?  So go ahead....and Feng Shui your space!

SO YOU'RE READY TO ACCESSORIZE YOUR HOME..

Accessorizing your home is a very important part of the decorating process.  First, you will need to look at your home and decide what "theme" you wish to accomplish.   Are you more traditional or transitional? 

 Do you like a cleaner contemporary look or are you into an ethnic style that would fit your personality?  Whatever you decide, go with it.  You must live there and you must absolutely love your home so....to help you get started here are a few tips: Display art on an easel to create interest in corners, a bookshelf or even on table tops.  Vary the height of your tabletop accessories for balance and interest. 

Custom frame some of your very favorite artwork to coordinate with  your room decor.  Make sure to select a frame that compliments the decorating style you have chosen.  When you buy a new outfit, it always looks so much better with jewelry, scarves, belts, jackets and even purses.  A home is no different.  You will be adding character and beauty to your home in so many ways just by making a few inexpensive changes or additions. 

Bookcases are often found to be too cluttered, busy and full of chachkas (did I spell that right? - well, you know what I'm talking about)  Try to vary the heights of objects whether they be books, figurines, greenery/floral, bowls, candleholders, etc.  For instance, if you put a stack of books on one shelf that is 8" in height - next to it put greenery next to it that is either 12" in height or 5" in height but not 8".   Try not to put books all around the room - just maybe in 1 or 2 areas. 

Don't overdue candleholders...as much as we all love candleholders - too much of one thing in one room is just that - too much.  Add softness to a hard item (i.e.  floral with a book).  Use a piece of oversized ceramic fruit on a rectangular tray.  Varying heights and types of accessories make accessorizing a snap.  

 Have fun trying out new things and remember that first impressions are lasting.  Accessories can make or break the ambiance of your home.  Let your creative side out (at least to decorate your home) and trust your instincts.  Then step back, look at it and play around with it.  Remember, even the best decorators re-arrange their "art" many times before making it just right.  So go ahead and start playing...

*If you have a specific section of your home that you would like to accessorize and would rather have someone help you to do so, melange Home Decor offers that service as well.  We will guide you in choosing items that will work well in your home and accessories that you love.   Just bring in a few pictures on your digital camera and we will be more than happy to give you some ideas.....compliments of melange Home Decor.

MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE APPEALING 

In our fast-paced society, it's important to take some time and get outdoors and really sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air during the warm weather months. Nowadays, your outdoor space can be more than just a concrete pad in the yard.  Decorate it like you would your home.  Make it comfortable and appealing - a place for you to enjoy. Your yard is an extension of your living space, and it can be designed and decorated with as much detail and planning as the interior of your home.  

melange carries many wonderful outdoor garden items to turn your ho-hum outdoor space into a truly comfortable place for you to enjoy.  For starters, choose a pretty vintage lantern that uses t-lites and hang the lantern from a shephard's hook.  Find one or two slightly oversized chairs and add colorful cushions.  No need for a large patio table - find a smaller sized bistro table (or two) for smaller, more intimate gatherings with friends.  Look for a large pedestal urn and fill it with hearty oversized ferns. 

Hang a charming windchime that's pretty to look at even when it's not windy.  Add one or two cast iron items - a sweet fairy or angel or a frog or turtle to make you smile.  Hang a sign with an inspirational saying to act as a gentle reminder of what is truly important in life.  Now, sit back and enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoors while surrounded by your own personal "outdoor" touch.

    INVITE NATURE IN....     

The opposite of stuffy....the outdoors - you know....fresh air, sunshine or even just clouds, chirping of birds and other magnificient sounds of nature.....is a happier and more modern way to experience life.  Bring it inside.  It will make you and your home more alive.   Boundaries are out; harmony is in and quite achievable.  Use pedestals and urns from the garden to provide interest inside of the home.  You'll find both of these items at melange!  Soften the serious vibes of a formal dining table by bringing in weathered wrought iron garden chairs.  Try pretty and puffy cushions on those chairs as well!  A little bit of the outdoors can and will do wonders for your indoors.....

THINKING ABOUT PAINTING?

If you're thinking about painting but having difficulty choosing a color, safe and easy colors are tans and browns.  You can always add the splash of another color in different ways such as a sofa, a throw, a large floor vase or even paint one wall in a bolder color.  Remember color shows off your personal style and taste.  Use a color that makes you happy to look at.   Professionals believe that the 60-30-10 rule always works.  This means 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color and 10% accent color.  Color is the root of great design - go ahead and start choosing your colors!  Remember, melange carries throws, large floor vases and wonderful home decor items such as oversized wall clocks, handpainted oil canvas, metal wall grilles, wall sconces and so much more to give those freshly painted walls the final finishing touch!

ORGANIZING TIPS FOR THE OVERWHELMED 

• Make a plan - without a plan is like driving across the country without directions.  Sit down and make a list of each area/room you would like to re-organize and de-clutter.  It's okay if it's long - most will be.  Put down everything and anything you'd like to do - whether you can afford it or not jot it down (you never know when you might hit the jackpot!)  Speaking of re-organizing, have you seen all of our wicker baskets, desk accessories, trunks and other items to help you de-clutter?

• Choose a target - To be successful, choose the area that will have the
biggest impact or needs the most work.  Are you always looking for your
keys or dump your mail in a different spot each day.  Start right there.
 
• Set a date and stick to it - Get your calendar out and make sure it's a date
that you will have some time with no interruptions or appointments to run to.
Make sure you have at least 15-20 minutes - it's amazing what you can do in a short period of time.  You can even set a timer and go to work.  If you have time left over after your first "date" browse our new arrivals page and you'll find our love letter glass box, gorgeous home decor fans by Deco-Breeze and our most popular metal wall grilles!
 
• Categorize - make piles - such as a pile of what you are willing to get rid of or throw away, a pile of stuff that you definitely want to keep, a pile of stuff that you are not sure about, etc.
 
You have now finished the first very important step to re-organizing your area.
Repeat for your next area.  Remember, organizing is really just a habit.
It's not a secret nor do you need a degree for it!   Applaud yourself - good job!

   MOST COMMON DECORATING FAUX PAUS...

• Overdoing it - Stuffing too much in a room can feel stifling....remember less is better.
 
• Art hung too high - Always center the piece at eye level.  Not only will it looks its best but you and others will avoid neck pain.  Come and check out our newest handpainted oils on canvas - online and in store - as well as our canvas art.
 
• Too bright lighting - Lighting can make or break the mood of a room - it's better to have a few lamps with lower wattage than a single high wattage ceiling fixture.  We have so many accent lamps such as our banker's lamps,  hummingbird lamps, hot-air balloon lamps and our most popular - our own melange Logo lamp!
 
• Don't be too matchy - Use some unexpected element(s) in a room - make it interesting - and not a "garanimal" room.  Be brave - add a  piece or two of the unexpected - like our monkeys who hear no, see no and speak no evil or our cello floor wine rack.
 
• Pairing or grouping items - it's okay to do both but just don't "pair" everything or else Noah may come and take it away on his ark.  You can pair our gorgeous book boxes though and even our metal old fashioned keys as well...
 
• Big or small - Balance your room with big and small, tall and short, square and round, dark and light....you get the point - mix up your accessories.  We have big and small floor vases, tall and short serving trays, square and round metal canister sets and round decorative balls, dark wood trays and light distressed french country items!  See - you get it the point! 

   SMALL CHANGE EQUALS BIG STYLE

Hang ready-made decorative shelves at ceiling height all around the room or just above a window or doorway to display your overflow of books - or showcase your fragile collections out of hands reach but in eyes view.  Looking for a corner shelf - we have them - 3-tier or 5-tier - perfect for those kitchen or bathroom corner niches.

Change out your doorknobs with new crystal ones.  You can also have your existing ones polished or re-plated in a newer finish like bronze, antique gold or silver.  Finish them off by hanging stylish tassles to dress them up.  Have you seen our bronze figurines - we'll be bringing them to our online store in the next couple of weeks?  We are also bringing in more antiqued silver/pewter canisters, jars and so much more!

Know how to change the mood of a room?  New lighting!    Floor lamps, torchieres, sconces, accent lamps, table lamps or ceiling fixtures can add to the "style" in your room.  A variety of lighting sources is the key to inviting rooms and dramatic environments.  If you have the means, don't skimp on lighting.  It can make or break a room. 

Even such a simple change as finding a new lampshade in a new shape or color can make for a fast room makeover.  Shades are like hats - they can be changed and are always noticed.   Don't forget the icing on the cake - lamp finials.  They are like pieces of jewelry and are available in a huge variety of styles. 

Hang a beautifully framed mirror in a dark corner, hallway or foyer to reflect light into dims areas.  Details like beveling on a mirror will make it more distinctive.    Check out our new wood mirrors, metal framed mirrors, oversized floor mirrors and mini wall mirrors....okay, now who's the fairest of them all?