Easy Weekend Home Decorating Projects Summer 2013 Ideas

Want to give your home a mini makeover in a weekend? Check out these simple decorating projects for inspiration. I hope that you will find it useful for you ... Enjoy it !!

While a fresh coat of colorful paint can revive a piece of furniture, you can take it a step further by adding pattern, too. Use paint pens to draw designs on drawer fronts, tabletops, and more.

Craft a simple entryway table from logs. Simply prop table height sections of logs against a wall. Apply a clear coat to the logs to seal the wood.

Secondhand stores and flea markets are often chock full of artwork. While the art may not be up your style alley, if the frames catch your eye, you have the makings of an art display you'll love. Simply discard the art and paint the frames fun colors that match your decor. Arrange the ensemble on a blank wall.

Give a plain lampshade a watercolor makeover. Moisten a large paintbrush with water, and sweep a wavelike pattern around the bottom of the shade. Tap wet paint into the pattern with a soft, round watercolor brush. (Use watercolor paint for paper lampshades and fabric paint for fabric shades.) The paint will bleed to the edges of the moistened area. After the paint dries, dot the wave with more paint in alternating colors. For dots that blend, paint them with edges touching.

Go global with your planters. Carefully cut an old globe in half with a utility knife. (Ours was coming apart at the equator, which made it easier to split.) Lift the base with plastic, and fill with soil and plants. Rest the globe on a plant stand or in a drainage dish to keep it upright.

Marbleizing is hot, and it's an easy DIY technique. For these canvases, we marbleized paper, then scanned it and sent the designs to a print center to be printed on canvases.

Rescue thrift store frames with white paint and punchy paper. Paint the frames white and showcase pretty papers inside the frames. Choose coordinating patterns in different scales (small prints and large prints) to create a balanced look. Let the paper be the star, or top it with a wooden letter, a photo, or any object you love.

Add extra seating or a footrest to any room with a pretty pouf. Poufs can be pricey in stores, but this DIY version can be made for about $50 with our step by step instructions and free pattern.

Give a favorite photo prime placement in a room. Enlarge the photo and place it in an oversize frame. Surrounded by a crisp white mat and striking black frame, this textural photo of peonies commands attention.

Give a lamp a one two punch of shine with ribbon and spray paint. Coat the base in a metallic-finish spray paint, and wrap shiny satin ribbon around the shade, securing in place with hot glue or pins.

Look at everyday items as potential masterpieces. Take photographs of a few interesting objects, and adjust the exposure, saturation, and color with a photo editing program. Order large prints, and frame them on black mats in white frames. A black-and-white display like this looks sleek against a white wall but would also look chic hanging on a wall painted with a saturated hue.

Rethink how you use curtain rods and plates to create a pretty wall display. Mount a curtain rod on a wall, and hang plates with ribbons woven through the pierced designs on the edges.

Dress a dresser with a large poster to give a plain piece punch. Prep the dresser front with a coat of primer and let dry. Measure the width and height of the chest, including the legs. Trim the artwork to size, making sure the design falls where you want it to. Cut out the pieces that will go on the legs (you'll apply them separately). Remove drawers and adhere the artwork to the dresser front using spray adhesive. Press the artwork to the dresser, starting at one edge and working your way across the piece. Let dry. Trim the paper along the drawer openings. Spray the drawers with adhesive, and apply the artwork to the drawer fronts. Trim and place the leg pieces on the dresser. Use a nail to poke the knob holes through the paper, and add decorative knobs.

Accent plain roller shades with fabric. Have a retailer cut the shades to fit your windows. For each shade, remove the weight from the bottom pocket. Cut fusible web to fit the width of the shade, and iron it onto the back of fabric. Cut out the fabric and iron it into place on the shade. Spray-paint a cafe curtain rod, and insert it into the bottom pocket.

Add unique flair to a basic arrangement of photos with a tree motif. Achieve the silhouette with a wall decal, a stencil, or freehand painting. Hang family pictures in the "branches" for a whimsical look.

Easy Ways to Update Your Deck Summer 2013 Ideas

Is your deck looking drained and dull? Give it a refreshing boost with these easy updates.
Get inspired by this ideas . I hope that you will find it useful for you ... Enjoy it !!

A wooden pergola dressed in panels of outdoor fabric allows entertaining even when the weather isn't perfect. For a more sturdy covering that can stand up to heavy rainfall, consider purchasing a custom roof frame outfitted with clear polycarbonate panels.

Just like window seats inside your home, built-in benches on the deck can be made to offer ample storage space below for outdoor games and decor. Cover the top of the benches with comfy cushions upholstered in fabrics that will stand up to the elements. Comfy outdoor throw pillows add another level of comfort and style.

Before you add anything to your deck, you must first create a solid foundation. Even well-planned cosmetic changes can't hide a deck in disrepair or dirty, grimy boards. Set time each year to clean and restain your deck flooring to ensure it stands up better against the elements.

Guests and family members appreciate places to sit, and built-in benches can be made to look like original parts of the deck. Whether the benches are freestanding or attached, make them blend in by building them from the same materials used for the deck itself.

Railings can do more than enhance the safety and appearance of your deck they can also make a style statement. Decorative spindles and ball tops are among the many specialty products available to embellish railings.

If you gave up your garden to build or expand your deck, grow veggies in containers on your deck for an eclectic look and homegrown food for dinner. Start off easy with tomatoes, beans, peas, and carrots. Put the containers on rolling supports so you can move them around easily.

Add tall, evenly spaced posts around the perimeter of your deck and connect them with glass panels to block wind while retaining stunning views. For a more rustic look, use wooden posts and connect them with tree limbs.

Extend your living space onto your deck and enjoy easy entertaining throughout the warmer months. Use furnishings and fixtures to create distinct zones for grilling, dining, and lounging.

A weatherproof outdoor sound system is a party-ready finishing touch for any deck. Hung up and out of the way, these speakers decrease unwanted foot traffic on this small deck and create the perfect party atmosphere throughout the warmer months.

Before you purchase any outdoor furniture, make sure you consider all of the choices available. Furnishings made of hardy woods, aluminum, steel, and recycled plastics are some of the most common options available today. Include an outdoor rug and a fire pit to create a warm and inviting gathering space.

Give your deck a big style update by replacing tired wooden rail spindles with wrought iron ones. If you live in a wetter climate, you might also want to consider switching out standard wooden deck boards for rot-resistant composite planks that will increase the staying power of your entire deck.

Transform your deck into a luxurious oasis with the addition of a hot tub. Designate a corner or add on to the deck to accommodate the tub. To increase privacy, surround the hot tub with tall plants, mature trees, or even an add-on such as a screened gazebo.

Create an outdoor kitchen, complete with grill, sink, undercounter refrigerator, wine cooler, and eating area. Have money left over? Add a tiki bar to create a fun party atmosphere.

2013 Saving Updates Ideas To Freshen Your Bedroom for Summer

Updating your bedroom's look with these easy ideas. I hope you like it ,, Enjoy !!!

Bring Color to the Bedroom 

If you keep your bedroom's walls and furniture neutral, it's easy to add bursts of color whenever and wherever you wish. Pick one or two colors you love and then repeat the hues in vibrant artwork, bold bedding, and colorful accents.

Incorporate Textures 

Touch is a huge part of creating comfort. In a bedroom, texture becomes comfort you can feel. It's easy to alter a bedroom's texture with a change of linens use a furry throw in winter and cotton throw in summer.

Textures suit any taste. Here are a few to consider for your bedroom style:

Traditional: Hand-tufted rugs, woven wools, tooled silver, cut crystal, gilded frames, silk, china, and polished wood.

Country: Braided rugs, worn wood, rusted metals, chenille spreads, ironstone pottery, blown glass, and ticking.

Romantic: Velvet, furry throws, crystal prisms, embroidered fabrics, lace, painted furniture, and hand-hooked rugs.

Modern: Laminated-plywood furniture, plastic, smooth leather, stainless steel, terrazzo flooring, and teak.

Switch Out Accent Pillows 

Accent pillows let you quickly alter the personality of a room and shift the balance of color. They're especially powerful used in a bedroom because the bed is a natural focal point. Pillows can update a room instantly by adding volume, pattern, texture, color, and personality.

Here, a subtle backdrop of cream and blue is brought into intense focus with a collection of lively pillows. Raspberry and sky-blue accent pillows pull the wall color and accent color together perfectly. Bold striped neckroll pillows add variety and interest to the grouping.

Update the Headboard 

A dramatic headboard can add instant impact. You'll find a wide variety of new headboards available at all price points, but consider customizing your existing headboard or using an unexpected salvaged piece for a low-cost option.

Here, a large salvaged door finds new life as a headboard. Its generous size provides a bonus by blocking light, creating a cozy, private retreat.

Update Window Treatments

To set a mood, use draperies and classic swags for a formal look, curtains and shades for an informal look, and simple blinds for contemporary appeal. Consider lining room darkening or insulating that suits the treatment and your needs.

Bring In the Right Amount of Light 

General overhead lighting is less important in bedrooms. Instead focus on bedside lamps and other sources of accent lighting to turn a bedroom into an inviting, comforting retreat. And the type of light is important, too--something as simple as replacing an old light bulb with a warm spectrum fluorescent might provide just the freshness your bedroom needs.

 Try On Bold New Bed Linens 

Nothing looks and feels fresher than new bedding. If you love the idea of new bedding but are short on storage space for bulky comforters and quilts, consider a duvet, switching out the duvet cover every season.

Try a New Direction 

To give your bedroom a decorative lift without spending a dime, angle the bed from a corner. If your present headboard looks too bulky for this arrangement, replace it with a salvaged iron gate or a shorter upholstered panel.

Create Drama 

Add drama with contrasts. In this chic bedroom, drama is created through size and color.

The eye is immediately drawn to the hanging globe fixture. The large size creates instant drama. And the contrast between the rich chocolate-brown walls and white trim and bedspread is made extra striking when paired with a splash of lime green.

Paint the Ceiling 

Here's a quick and easy way to create a cozy feel in your bedroom: Paint the ceiling the same color as your walls. Without a visual break between ceiling and walls, the room feels smaller and more intimate.

Here, robin's-egg blue creates a soothing backdrop for a serene, sophisticated retreat.

Add Architectural Detail 

Used in combination or alone, trim, molding, and wainscoting offer nearly endless design options. Depending on the style of the room, the effect may be casual or formal, rustic or defined, traditional or contemporary. But in every case, millwork surface treatments can add charm and texture to a room.

In what started as a cookie-cutter bedroom, classic flat-panel wainscoting adds structural appeal to a long expanse of wall. Combined with the light wall color, the effect is subtle yet satisfying.

Mix and Match Furnishings

A perfectly matched bedroom the dresser goes with the bed and the corresponding nightstand, and bedding from the same collection--can become stale if the look is too uniform. Wake up a tired bedroom with an eclectic blend of fabrics and furnishings.

Add Pattern 

Pattern, like color, exerts an emotional pull that can jumpstart a decorating style. Whether you gravitate toward crisp stripes, bold florals, or classic toile, pattern can be used to liven up a space.

Add a dash of pattern to an otherwise patternless room by draping a quilt or duvet across the foot of the bed, as shown here. A bold, geometric pattern creates an instant focal point in the black-and-white room.

Update Closet Doors 

In many bedrooms, closet doors take up a significant amount of wall space. Why not replace the bulky, utilitarian sliding doors with something you'll enjoy waking up to every day?

Here, sliding closet doors were replaced with chic French doors. Mirrored panels hide closet clutter and give the room more visual space.

Add Wallpaper to a Select Spot

Try paneling a single wall or one section of a wall with a favorite wallpaper. It's a sure-fire way to call attention to a seating area or to add pattern without the expense of papering an entire room.

Fresh Decorating Update Ideas for Summer 2013

Bring the colors and feel of summertime into your home with our best tips and tricks everything from rearranging furniture to the smells of the season.

Pare Down 

Think of your home as a summer rental, and you'll see it in a whole new light. Throw open the doors and windows, pull back the curtains, and get rid of pieces that are dark, gloomy, or fussy. Stow away heavy accessories, throws, and any unnecessary small decor items until it's time to cozy up again for fall.

Set a Colorful Table 

Consider buying a set of accent dishes to add a splash of summertime color and pattern to your next dinner party. Mix bright floral, tropical, or nautical theme dishes with your everyday plates and bowls. To ramp up the summertime look even more, clear a small table to create an impromptu bar and arrange bottles and glassware on a pretty serving tray. Fun elements such as stir sticks and paper umbrellas create a look that is perfectly seasonal.

Front & Center 

With warm weather and a few extra hours of sunlight, the summer months are the perfect time to eat on your front porch or picnic in your yard. Eating outdoors will ensure you and your family take advantage of everything summer has to offer.

A New View 

While a fireplace is a great focal point during any other time of year, consider rearranging your furniture away from that space during the summer. Rather than huddling around the hearth, shift the focus of the room toward a beautiful window or French doors. Stow away heavy draperies and hang gossamer sheers that flow with the breezes.

All Summer Long 

Summer is as much a state of mind as it is a season, so transform your spaces to embrace all the benefits it has to offer. Include a large umbrella for extra shade. String paper lanterns on tree branches around an outdoor patio to allow gatherings to last well into the night hours. Or, should the weather turn stormy, cozy up by lamplight on a covered porch. Since pleasant summer days sometimes fall few and far between, you'll want to take full advantage of the time you have to spend outside, rain or shine.

Update Old Furniture 

Give a tired chair or side table new life using high-gloss spray paint in a summery hue, such as sky blue or grassy green. The glossy paint creates a fun lacquered look and gives an old piece a fresh and modern edge. Make sure to properly prime the furniture so the paint better adheres to the surface and will wear longer.

Art Swap 

Brighten dark walls with colorful art pieces. Affordable pieces can be found just about anywhere online or at flea markets and resale shops. A large piece or a collection of smaller pieces also provides the perfect blank-wall solution for large, open rooms.

Natural Living 

To add organic appeal, consider planting succulents in an oversize shell. The tiny plants last for a long time and require little care, making them the perfect addition to a summery tablescape. The combination of natural elements also adds texture and character to this chic end table display.

Fun Fabrics 

Bright prints on bedding, for example, instantly lift a room's mood  and yours. To allow the motif to truly shine, keep the wall color neutral and other accessories to a minimum.

Garden Fresh 

Interject bright summery colors into your home with freshly picked flowers. To make the biggest impact, stick to arrangements featuring warm colors, such as bold oranges, radiant yellows, or vibrant pinks, and save rich reds and deep purples for other seasons. Small clusters of bright color look cheery and create an undeniable summertime vibe.

Party Starter 

Welcome summer by entertaining outdoors. Low tables, floor pillows, and strands of clear fiesta lights will surely put everyone in a merry mood. Winning combos of bright colors, such as turquoise, red, and white, create a festive atmosphere and will keep everyone in a party state of mind.

Summery Scents 

To keep the seasonal aesthetic constant in your home, make sure you switch out scents as the seasons change. Gingerbread and evergreen are great scents for winter months, but many people crave fresh smells during the summer, such as ocean breeze or cucumber melon.

Going Casual 

Summer weather offers the perfect time to find unexpected uses for formal serving pieces. A silver tray can hold pretty glassware and a pitcher filled with a delicious summery cocktail, while a champagne bucket makes a great container for an herb plant.