Decorating Ideas To Keep Your Home Looking Lovely and Feeling Cozy

As the number of days until the end of the year start to dwindle, it’s time to kick into high gear and create a  decorating strategy that will bring you through the holiday season and beyond. While this always requires a certain amount of serious planning, this year there’s a new wrinkle with which you must contend. The economic downturn, with its escalating prices and declining credit availability, is going to put a definite crimp in your decorating budget. You probably won’t be able to spend even remotely close to what you spent last year, so every dollar must be stretched to the limit.

Livonia, Michigan-based American Blinds, Wallpaper and More, realizing the squeeze position you’re in, decided to try its hand at helping. In a recent press release the company devised a decorating guidance package that you can use to design your own plan:

• Look to Elemental Colors: Air, Earth, Fire and Water; nature inspires the most beautiful colors. Colors reflecting Air will make your home breathe. Earth inspired colors will ground and calm a room. Colors pulling from Water inspire playful fun and those reflecting Fire will say bold confidence.
• Take Natures Cues: As the air turns cool, nature gives us clues as to which colors make your home feel warm and cozy in the fall. Look around at the fall foliage and you’ll see vibrant golds, rich reds, deep chocolate browns and toasty oranges. These colors inspire life and energy as the days get darker and cooler. Look for ways to incorporate these colors and scenarios into your room decor, such as adding foliage-inspired wall paper or wall murals.
• Go Natural: With the increasing focus on the environment, there are abundant products available today that reflect nature, while still remaining ecologically sound. These products often incorporate earthy colors and textures; a perfect theme for fall. Choose eco-friendly shades, which are PVC-free and 100 percent recyclable. Also look for eco-friendly wallpaper made from recycled material or sourced from managed forests.
• ‘Tis the Season’: Carve out a tall pumpkin and use it as a flower vase, or carve out small pumpkins and use them to hold candles. A throw pillow, bowl of fresh citrus fruit, or a bouquet of cut flowers are inexpensive ways to provide some color pop while welcoming your guests with the feel of nature.
• Come Together: Rearrange your furniture to make your fireplace the focal point of the room, instead of the TV.  Footstools, ottomans, and floor pillows by the fire create an inviting, warm atmosphere that will get you through the harshest days of winter. And if you don’t want the hassle of starting and maintaining a fire, try placing tall white candles in the fireplace for a similar glow.
• Go Vibrant: Add a few splashes of vibrant color. They enrich any look and keep you from feeling drab. Deep colors also inspire confidence. Try using an area rug to add color, warmth and personality to any room.
• Go Circular: Designing a wreath is any easy DIY project that will add color to a room, or bring nature indoors. This time of year there is an abundance of colorful items to choose from at your local craft store or around your yard. Get the kids involved and make it a family project.
• Prepare for Winter: You can reduce heating costs while still keeping rooms at a comfortable temperature. Consider hanging insulating cellular shades or lined window treatments such as thermal curtains or foam-backed draperies on older, drafty windows.

Think in terms of what you already have that can serve as the starting point for your decorating strategy. Look around your home, especially in the basement, attic and garage, for accessory items that will enhance the fall theme. Even though blooming season has ended, don’t overlook fall foliage, which can be turned into artful wreaths and table arrangements. If you do shop for items, look for those that will not only add beauty, but will also respect the environment.