Decorating Ideas

STENCILED HEADBOARD

This headboard may look difficult to make, but you only need basic skills to pull it off. Cut a curvy headboard from medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and paint on a base coat. When dry, use a stencil roller to apply a trendy damask stencil in a cool contrasting color. Stencil design on accent pillow fabric, too. 

 
PICTURE HANGING TIPS

Turn a stack of framed works into a striking wall of art. Inexpensive paintings and drawings from thrift stores create a one-of-a-kind gallery in a guest bedroom.

 
HANG PLATES

Instead of keeping your special-occasion china hidden behind closed cabinet doors, put it to use every day by letting it set the decorating theme in your dining room. These blue-and-white classics pop against the yellow wall. 

 
SAVVY SLIPCOVERS

Spruce up dated furniture with colorful slipcovers. A medium-size floral brings a plain white sofa to life. Bits of bright white in the print inspire the cheery pom-pom hem. 

 
OUTDOOR DECORATING

Use a light palette and muted fabrics outdoors to create a look that's as light and airy as a salt-kissed breeze. The landscape provides the real color. 

 
PAINTED FURNITURE

Refresh patio furniture with a coat of paint. Coat wicker pieces with a primer, then add a coat of exterior latex paint. When dry, mark off an argyle pattern using a paper diamond template and painter's tape. Paint the pattern in a contrasting hue, such as the pretty periwinkle blue used here. Hand-paint intersecting lines using a long straightedge for a guide.

 
DECORATE WITH QUILTS

Show off your favorite quilts through out the house. Here, an 1880s appliqué quilt hangs on the wall. Another adds a shot of color draped over a white sofa.

FURNITURE MAKEOVERS

Transform old furniture with a coat of paint and a simple decorative treatment. Here, a non-descript secretary's desk becomes a classy writing desk with stenciled details. A leaf-and-berry pattern decorates the drawer panels and bronze upholstery tacks enhance the legs.