How to Use Accessories to Beautify Your Home!

If you are like most of us, you may still have some Christmas things hanging around. While scurrying to tuck these away, why not clean out those things that you are not going to use again. You know what I'm talking about. Those sale items you could not resist and will never use because they just don't look right with the decor you always use! Donate or give them away! Now, 2004 can really begin!

This month let's take a look at accessories.

Do your accessories make you happy or are they there because you have had them forever? Go through every single thing you consider an accessory and decide why you have it. If it accents the colors in the room, if it has fond memories connected with it, if it works with your room, then keep it. If it does nothing for the room and is not an emotional attachment, get rid of it! There are so many new things out there which will add punch to your rooms, that changing accessories may be all you need to welcome in 2004 and update your look.

New, updated picture frames for your favorite photos, fresh flowers for those tired arrangements, new lampshades, new candles, chenille throws to replace old worn ones, even new slipcovers! For those who are really tired of the look as they scan their homes, try replacing small furniture pieces like coffee tables, end tables, and some lamps. It is amazing how much these touches can update and refresh a look. You don't have to spend a fortune either. Buy used pieces and repaint them "your way". Buy unfinished pieces and stain them or dye them! Yes, I said dye them. Rit dye makes a great staining medium for wood. And the color choices are endless. Be sure to seal these with a good sealer.

Now look at your linens. Do they look tired and boring? I can fall in love with a great comforter and a few years later, I am totally bored with it. Tastes change. You change. So change things around you to reflect the changes. Find a new comforter that makes your heart sing. And your bedroom! A single comforter goes a long way. And while you are at it, treat yourself to some luxury linens. Nothing feels better than high thread count sheets. Yummy! Without breaking the bank, you can add and subtract some accessories to give your home a new fresh look. Welcome 2004!

For some inspiration, check out this page. It has many ideas for you!

http://decorativeartsbyjep.com/HomeShoppersResourceGuide.html

Coming next month!

Every once in awhile a product comes along in the decorating world that really rocks! Clear your inbox for February's newsletter, because we are presenting just such a product. Plenty of pictures, lots of ideas, and is my creativity running wild! Stay tuned!

Until then...Happy Decorating! ~smile~