2014 Tips for Open Living Spaces Decorating Ideas

Dreaming of a casual room that blends cooking, dining, and living? A kitchen living room combo starts with a basic idea: Love your layout. These all encompassing spaces fuse style and function for fabulous rooms that flow together seamlessly.You'll love these ideas to try in 2014! I hope you find these ideas useful and inspiring to you .... Enjoy it !!!!

This living area's signature style was born out of a desire for an all encompassing space. A nature-inspired color scheme helps the sitting, dining, and cooking areas blend seamlessly. Area rugs and furniture are arranged to create task-oriented zones within the open room. Here, the sofa separates the kitchen and living area.

Family, friends, food, and fun are the main ingredients in a casual dining-living room combo. A cooktop in the island opens the floor for conversation with guests or family members while meals are being prepared, whether they're seated at the counter or in the adjacent living or dining areas.

Serving Up Efficiency : Designed to accommodate a busy lifestyle, the kitchen area is packed with function. The L-shape layout of the kitchen creates distinct prep and cleanup spaces. The large farmhouse-style sink and dishwasher are positioned on the far wall, which keeps the cleanup space from crowding out the prep area. An expansive island includes additional prep and storage space. A blend of traditional and open cabinets corrals dishware and serving pieces.

A Place to Gather : A dining table and an artful chandelier mark the transition between the cooking and living areas. Because the eating area is more distanced from the other zones, it works equally well for casual gatherings and quiet dinners for two. A high ceiling with exposed-wood beams makes the area seem more spacious.

In Good Company : Good looks and practicality are equal partners in the space's decor. Furniture is arranged to facilitate conversation and togetherness. Modern comforts such as slipcovered furniture and swiveling armchairs contribute to the overall warmth of the room and are ideal for lounging around or watching TV.

Island Time : With its generous size and prep sink, the kitchen island is suited for multitasking. The space can also double as an extension of the dining area or a place to do homework. A wall of windows coaxes plenty of light into the cooking area.

Casual Dining : Sophisticated style mingles with kid-friendly ideas for an open living space that suits the whole family. A freestanding dining set paired with the window seat makes this breakfast nook highly functional. A vintage-style bench features a modern mix of fabrics and storage drawers for seldom-used linens and extra cookware.

Entertainment Central : The real fun begins when the family gathers in its favorite hangout spot. A big coffee table for parking laptops, floor pillows for comfy seating, and a TV make the living room a well loved entertainment hub.

Easing Traffic Flow : Every space counts in an open living area, and a smart layout is essential to keep everything running smoothly. The main sink, oven, and range are within a few steps of each other, easing the work flow from prepping to serving in the kitchen.

Living Large : Ushering natural light into the kitchen, a glass panel door provides deck access and visually expands the room. Tall overhead cabinetry and light fixtures emphasize the kitchen's height. Cherrywood knobs and leg detailing give the white cabinets a warm, traditional look.

Rethink Existing Space : An area rug defines an intimate living space within the open room. Practical, pretty furnishings are used to ensure a smooth transition from the kitchen to the living room. Fun accents in bright colors relax the space and bring in a welcoming, casual vibe.

Transitional Aesthetics : The homeowners wanted handsome surroundings but needed them to be family oriented. Unusual pieces, such as colorful upholstery and a fun accent table, give the family room the personality it deserves. A cozy furniture arrangement yields a flexible family room ideal for relaxing, and the TV can be viewed while prepping in the kitchen.

Use Like Materials : Clever storage and a streamlined style look right at home in this kitchen. The homeowners kept the room's original cabinets, which feature a professionally applied aniline dye on the upper set and a few glass inserts. The modern, clean lined design used in the cabinetry and wood floors repeats in all the major living spaces to create a unified look.

Double Duty : New windows and built in cabinetry turn this dining area into an airy work space for the family. Outside of meal times, the table is a place to color and craft. Bench seating beneath the window is piled with pillows for a comfy spot to read.

Clean Living : Slivers of space were put to work to make the most of each living zone. By thinking vertically, the family maximized its storage potential in the kitchen. Matching units on both sides of the dining room window serve as dynamic display areas. A long window seat includes pullout drawer storage that makes cleanup easy for kids.

Smooth Transition : The entire wall between the dining room and living room was removed and rebuilt to define the function of each space. A two sided fireplace was installed, providing a visual link between the dining room and living room. A beverage center tucked into the new fireplace wall incorporates cabinets, freeing up storage space in the kitchen.

Flexibly Furnished : Large openings and the two sided fireplace connect the dining area with the living room, where comfy furniture and durable fabrics welcome family game nights. The new fireplace features a slab of bluestone for cozy fireside seating. Portable furniture, such as large stools, can be moved around to accommodate day-to-day activities. Built-in shelves in the living room provide display areas.

2014 DIY Fast and Easy Home Decorating Projects Ideas

These easy crafts and decor projects will give your home standout style.

You'll love these ideas to try in 2014! I hope you find these ideas useful and inspiring to you .... Enjoy it !!!!

Framed Up : Even if the art inside a frame isn't your style, a pretty frame is still a secondhand score. Round up a series of pretty frames, remove the art, spray paint them in a unifying color scheme, and arrange them on a wall.

Painted Vases : While one paint color is good, two are even better. Add in some glitter and you have a knock-out DIY project. Paint the outside of jars and glass containers with two coats of clay paint. We mixed several shades of pink with white to create a range of hues. For a touch of glam, mask off the top of the jar with painter's tape and cover the bottom with glitter spray paint.

Be-Ribboned Lampshade : DIY projects don't come any easier than this. Cut ribbons to fit around a lampshade and tie the ends in a knot to secure. For extra stability, secure the ribbons with a few dots of hot glue.

Lace-Patterned Vase : Try a reversed pattern for something a little different. Wrap a wide scrap of lace around a clear glass vase to create this reversed effect. Use spray adhesive to affix the lace to the glass, then spray the glass evenly with white spray paint. Let it dry, the remove the lace to reveal the see through pattern.

Pretty Table Runner : Pink and orange are great for a warm, romantic look. Cover a bright table runner with a sheer sari to tone down the design.

Doodled Teapot : Dress up a plain teapot by doodling on designs. Draw your doodle on white paper and cut the piece of paper down to size (so that you can lay it over the item you'll be tracing the design onto). Cut a piece of transfer paper slightly larger than the area to be doodled, and tape it to the surface. Tape the pattern over the transfer paper. Using a pencil, firmly trace the pattern lines to transfer the design to the surface. Remove the pattern and the transfer paper. Using a paint pen, trace the lines and let dry. Cure the paint by baking the piece in the oven, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Table Skirt : Hide the base of an old side table with a fabric skirt. Cut a piece of fabric to the diameter and height of the table, leaving extra for a hem allowance. Hem the fabric. Use hook-and-eye tape to attach the hemmed fabric to the edge of the table.

Picture Frame to Serving Tray : Reuse an old picture frame as a practical serving tray. Remove the glass of a large frame. Paint the frame in your desired color. Attach drawer pulls to the short sides of the frame. Insert the glass with a piece of pretty fabric or decorative paper behind it.

Decoupage Design Tabletop : Decoupage a lovely design on a thrift store table. Paint the table with two coats of metallic paint. Cover with metallic glaze for extra shine. Let dry. Cut a scrap of wallpaper to cover the tabletop. Coat the top with decoupage glue. Position the paper, pressing carefully to remove any air bubbles. Cover with multiple layers of glue. Let each coat dry before applying the next. Finish with a spray sealant.

Fireplace Screen : Create an easy screen to mask your fireplace or any space when it's not in use. This bold geometric print pops in front of the white fireplace and mantel.

Here's how to make it: Cut four pieces of 1/2-inch-thick particleboard to your desired size. (The screen's size depends on what you want it to cover. This fireplace is 32 inches wide; the screen is made from four 12x36-inch boards, which came precut from a home improvement store). Use interior latex paint to coat the boards in a color that complements your wallpaper (here, black). Cut strips of wallpaper 2 inches wider and longer than the particleboard. Apply a light layer of spray adhesive to one side of the board and to the back of the wallpaper. Press the adhesive side of the paper onto the adhesive side of the board. Start at the top middle and work your way down, smoothing air bubbles as you go. Wrap the excess around to the back and secure. Repeat for the other boards. Let the boards dry. Use superglue to affix small hinges to connect the boards on the painted side. Move the screen before you start a fire; this screen is for decorative purposes only.

Patchwork Shower Curtain : Brighten early mornings with warm colors in a pieced-together shower curtain. Make this uncomplicated project for the bathroom.

Floral Stenciled Dresser : Nondescript wood dressers can often be found for rock-bottom prices at garage sales. To give them a dose of character and contemporary style, cover the top in color and embellish the fronts with stencils. Removing drawers in favor of lined and labeled baskets is another easy way to add color and charm.

Stylish Hand Towels : Make plain hand towels stylish. Embroider fabric dots on the front. Or, add a hemmed border along the bottom. Topstitch ribbon over the seam.

2014 Easy Tips for Small Kitchen Decorating Ideas

Use these tips and ideas to create a small kitchen with big style. You'll love these ideas to try in 2014! I hope you find these ideas useful and inspiring to you .... Enjoy it !!!!

By : Kelly Eagle

Showstopping Backsplash : This otherwise-subdued kitchen goes glam with stainless steel tile behind the range. In a small space, even a tiny portion of showstopping backsplash tile adds drama and personality.

Display Collections : Make use of the space between cabinets in front of a window by adding simple shelves and displaying a collection. Plus, the light coming in the window will make any collection look beautiful.

Add Accessories : Like any good outfit, a kitchen needs accessories. The wall at the end of this galley kitchen mixes hanging art with leaning frames and pretty dishware. Below, a bright red stool adds a fun pop of color.

Showcase Color : In a one wall kitchen, open upper cabinets help the room feel spacious and allow space for displaying colorful dishware, potted herbs, and accessories. Closed cabinets below are perfect for storing items you don't want on display.

Cover Walls with Color : Give walls in a basic kitchen a cheery coat of a color. In this clean-lined white kitchen, kiwi-green walls add modern flair and inspire the rest of the decor.

Choose Bold Textiles : A bold Roman shade sets the tone for this all white kitchen. Playing off the window covering, red, orange, and yellow accessories spice up the rest of the room.

Paint an Accent Wall : Add pizzazz without pressure by painting one wall in your kitchen in a bold accent color. The terra-cotta-orange accent wall spices up the otherwise subdued kitchen.

Maximize Every Inch : There isn't an inch of unused space in this kitchen. At the end of a run of cabinets, a recessed bookcase was added and is a drop point for mail, magazines, and miscellaneous papers; below is a small house for the cat.

Choose Art with Personality : Step outside the standards of kitchen art and choose unique pieces that showcase your personality. Vintage signs, classic advertisements, and art intended for other rooms of the house often look right at home in the kitchen.

Go Beyond Removing Doors : Instead of just removing cabinet doors and displaying dishes, outfit the now-open storage with textured baskets, bins, and pretty glass storage containers. The baskets add texture and color, while the glass storage containers keep what you need neatly on display.

Make the Most of Wall Space : The combination of metal shelving and a magnetic board corrals spices, tea, mugs, pictures, and recipes all in one easy-to-reach place.

Interesting Texture : In a classic kitchen with cherry cabinets, the marble countertops, gray linen roman shade, and raw-wood shelves all add interesting textures to the room. This small amount of juxtaposition with the traditional cabinets creates great contrast.

Play Up Pattern in Tile : In an otherwise standard white kitchen, the patterned backsplash tile adds personality and much-needed movement in the room. A classic black-and-white color scheme can be easily accented by different colors as styles change.

Choose Colorful Stools : The simple lines of these stools get an extra dose of style with turquoise paint. Now the stools are a focal point in the kitchen and are the perfect starting point for the rest of the decor.

Wall Decals : Whip up some whimsy in your kitchen by adding fun wall decals and colorful artwork. Decals can be swapped out at any time to make changing the look of your kitchen quick and easy.

2014 Kitchen Decorating Accessories Ideas : Easy Update

Add color and personality to the cooking zone with inexpensive artwork, displays, and linens.

By  : Renee Freemon Mulvihill

The kitchen is a hardworking, functional room, but you can have fun with its design, too. Once you've selected the cabinets, appliances, and fixtures, don't forget to add the accessories that will truly make the room feel like your own. Decorative items, such as artwork, collectibles, and linens add welcome color and personality to finish off the space.

Artistic Elements 

You'll likely spend a lot of time in your kitchen, so brighten up the space with wall art. Although you may not want to place your most cherished artwork near the sink or range, due to possible steam and splatters, inexpensive poster art can brighten a wall, says Richard Landon, a certified master kitchen and bath designer in Bellevue, Washington. Keep in mind that artwork isn't limited to paintings and pictures. Consider hanging decorative platters, distinctive cookie cutters, or vintage cooking tools as decoration.

Creative Displays 

If your kitchen includes glass-front cabinets or open shelves, use them to create attractive and colorful display areas. Design an eye-catching focal point by grouping similar items and hiding not-so-pretty items in decorative canisters or baskets. Limit color choice for a more sophisticated look. All-white dinnerware on open shelves can form a simple and attractive display, for example, while collections of enameled cast iron pots in complementary hues can add a burst of color to a neutral kitchen. No open shelves? "Take a simple element and repeat it on a windowsill," Landon says. "I've taken empty Perrier bottles and lined them up. Something about repeating an element makes it special."

Other Accessories 

Even everyday items can make a big impact in a kitchen work zone. Choose rugs or dishtowels with bold pattern to add a burst of cheerful color, choose a light fixture with a colorful shade, or paint chairs or barstools in bright, unexpected hues. Copper pots and pans hung from a pot rack or set on a shelf attract the eye and add old-fashioned charm to a traditional kitchen. Sculptural salt and pepper shakers, stand mixers, or other functional kitchen tools can double as art when displayed on the countertop. Or place red and green apples (real or fake) in a ceramic bowl for an inexpensive display that can break up an expanse of countertop.

Clever Solution for Fix the Most Annoying Home Problems : Fast and Easy

If you had a handyman for a day, what would you have repaired? That's what we asked our Facebook fans, and here are 18 solutions to their most common problems.

Is there any way to make my whole house smell fresh without cleaning it from top to bottom? 
Solution: Sprinkle a few drops of vanilla extract onto your furnace filter. A drop of your favorite essential oil works, too.

I love my old wood floors but hate the squeaks. 
Solution: For a quick fix, sweep talcum powder into the joints of the floorboards that are rubbing against each other. If that doesn't work, you'll need to secure the floorboards to the subfloor. It's easier than you think.

Please fix my running toilet. 
Solution: With a little toilet troubleshooting you can probably fix it yourself. An old rubber flapper the part that seals out water is the most common cause. To make sure, put a couple of drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 5 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, it’s your flapper. First rule out the flapper chain. Make sure it’s not too short (the flapper can’t close) or too long (the chain gets caught). If the chain is fine, you need a new flapper. Turn off the water supply, drain the tank, disconnect the chain, and remove. Take the old flapper with you to the store to make sure you get the right replacement.

My double-pane windows always get foggy. What can I do? 
Solution: Sorry, there’s no quick fix for this one. It happens because the original windows weren’t vacuum sealed properly, and moisture isn’t able to wick to the outside. Your best bet is to replace the glass not the entire window. Many local glass companies will remove and replace the glass for a reasonable cost.

I need help hanging pictures and artwork, but first I need to patch the holes from my previous attempts. 
Solution: To patch tiny holes, you'll need a putty knife and patching plaster. If you plan to repaint, look for a plaster and primer in one, like 3M Patch Plus Primer. The first rule when hanging pictures: Don't eyeball it. If you're going to hang multiple pictures, use newspaper to create true-to-size templates of your frames that you can arrange on the wall using painter's tape. Finally, don't align pictures with the ceiling or floor -- they might not be level. Instead, use a level to draw a faint line a few inches down from the ceiling and use that as your starting point.

My ex-boyfriend tried to fix my door, and now the screws are stripped! 
Solution: Stripped screws happen! An easy cure is to place a rubber band between the screw and the screwdriver. The rubber helps grip the stripped screw.

Is it possible to remove rust stains in a porcelain sink? 
Solution: Believe it or not, toothpaste might do the trick. Cover the stain with toothpaste and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with baking soda and rub it out with a clean, soft cloth.

There's a tiny tear in my window screen. Do I have to replace the whole screen? 
Solution: If it's a small tear (not a hole), clear fingernail polish will keep it closed.

What's the secret to a professional-looking caulk job? 
Solution: Like most housework, the secret to caulking is patience and dishwashing soap. Remove every trace of old caulk using a putty or utility knife. Clean thoroughly with denatured alcohol. Once the surface is clean and bone-dry, use painter's tape and tape off the gap, leaving 1⁄4 inch on either side. Squeeze an even bead of caulk along the gap, then use your finger to smooth out the caulk. Remove the tape. Wait for the caulk to skin over (a couple of minutes), then dip your finger in a solution of 1 part dishwashing soap and 1 part water for any final smoothing or shaping, just like the pros.

Is it possible to remove water marks from wood furniture? 
Solution: Cover the water mark with a dry cotton cloth and go over it with a medium-hot iron for several seconds. If that doesn't work, lightly wipe the mark with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.

I hate my popcorn ceiling. Is there an easy way to remove it? 
Solution: You're not alone. "How do I get rid of my popcorn ceiling?" is one of the most often heard questions at home improvement stores. The short answer: It's easy to remove a textured ceiling but super messy and tiresome. If your home was built before 1979, test it for asbestos. If asbestos is present, a professional can offer advice on whether to cover or remove it. If asbestos is not an issue, the basics are: Cover everything in plastic, soak small sections of the ceiling with a spray bottle of water, then scrape, scrape, scrape until it's gone.

My drain is clogged. 
Before you call the plumber, try one of these easy, chemical-free fixes.

Solution 1: Baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1⁄2 cup white vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Repeat if necessary.

Solution 2: If you suspect grease is the culprit, pour 1 cup baking soda and 1⁄2 cup salt down the drain, followed by 2 cups boiling water.

Solution 3: Use a plunger to unclog the pipe. If it's in a sink, cover the overflow hole with a towel. Coat the lip of the plunger with petroleum jelly (for a better seal) and cover the entire drain opening with the plunger. If there isn't enough standing water to cover the rubber part of the plunger, add more. Plunge away. The back-and-forth movement of the water should loosen the clog.

Solution 4: Use a wire coat hanger. Unbend the hanger and form a small hook at the end. Snake it down the drain to break or push through the clog.