Decorating Your Porch with Mums this Fall

Chrysanthemums, or mums, can be a beautiful addition to any front porch this fall. With the variety of beautiful colors available, from vibrant yellow and oranges to reds and purples, these can bring new life to the appearance of your home. In this article, we'll give you some decorating ideas and tips for using mums to perk up your front porch and give your house some spectacular curb appeal!

Before You Begin Decorating

Before you start on any decorating project, it is a good idea to clear your working space, in this case, clean your porch! Remove any clutter from the porch including stray pots, dead plants, or other similar items. Take down any summer décor (flags, wreaths, etc.) if they can not be incorporated into your fall theme.
Sweep your porch and wipe down your front door with a damp rag. Take a broom and get rid of those cobwebs around the door or up above. This will make a huge difference in the appearance of your porch.

Fall Porch Decorating Ideas

Now that your porch is clean, you are ready to start decorating. Here are some great ideas and tips for using mums on your front porch:

• Select a single color or a combination of two colors.

The basic colors of mums are yellow, orange, purple and red. Also consider these other combinations: yellow/red, purple/yellow, yellow/orange, orange/purple. Coordinate your color selections with any existing plants or decor that remain on your porch.

• Buy mums in odd numbers - 1, 3, 5, etc.

Don't ask me why this seems to work, but it does. Arranging plants in odd numbers is always more visually appealing.

• Even a small size plant make a big difference.

If your budget is tight, using even one small mum next to your front door can add spark. Combine in a group planting with your existing plants.

• Vary height.

If you have steps up to your front porch, consider placing small sized mums on the sides of the stairs. This can look spectacular and give your guests a warm welcome as they approach your home. Also, you can vary height using planters, plant holders, or existing tables on your porch. Even wooden crates can work.

• Combine with pumpkins, gourds, haystacks.

What says fall more than pumpkins! Add these to your mums on your stairs or in a group arrangement on your porch. Look for interesting colors or gourds in unusual shapes to create interest. Haystacks can be used a backdrop for your beautiful mums as well.

• Use decorative planters.

Place the simple plastic pot that the mums come in into a more decorative planter.



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
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10 Autumn Decorating Ideas

10 Autumn Decorating Ideas

Celebrate fall by beautifying your home with some of the season’s natural bounty.

With autumn on its way, folks all over are jumping in their cars and driving to the country to grab a glimpse of the season's natural splendor. Bring some of that beauty home with these simple ideas for fall home décor.

1. Be the talk of the town with a playful pumpkin version of a snowman. Stack three pumpkins in graduated sizes, drilling holes through the pumpkins and inserting a large stick to secure. Add stick arms and a face using a black marker.

2. Make a quirky topiary by placing a sturdy branch in a box or flowerpot, weighing it down with bricks or rocks that you then cover with nuts. Cut or drill a hole through the largest pumpkin, and place on the branch. Top with two smaller pumpkins.

3. Accent a door or wall with a swag of Indian corn. Use twine to connect the ears, knotting the twine after adding each ear. Tuck in pressed maple leaves for even more color. Then loop the twine at the top to hang.

4. Don't just throw all those tree trimmings in the trash this autumn. Place a bundle of bare branches in a large terra-cotta pot and weave little white holiday lights to create the perfect décor for your home.

5. Have a ball by wrapping colorful dried leaves around purchased plastic-foam balls from a crafts store. Glue the leaves on, then wind thin wire around and around to hold them firmly in place. Stack a collection of balls in a basket for rustic country style.

6. Make an autumn garland for your mantle with colorful apples. Use an awl or knitting needle to pierce through the apples from side to side. Pull twine through the hole and knot it to hold the apple in place. Spice up the display by alternating apples with gourds, walnuts, or leaves.

7. Lead trick-or-treaters to your door or dinner guests to the back patio with country luminaries made with old glass jars. Put a bit of sand in the jar and set a small candle in the sand. Line the sidewalk with the luminaries or even hang them from trees with wire.

8. Decorate a wreath for your front door with clusters of berries, ornamental grasses, and other fall finds. Purchase a wreath form at a local crafts store, then simply attach the berries and grasses with wire or hot glue.

9. Turn mini pumpkins into decorative candleholders. Just carve a hole large enough for a tea candle in the top of the pumpkin. Arrange a bunch across a mantle or down the middle of the dining table.

10. For a fragrant treat, fill a ceramic bowl or wicker basket with oranges, lemons, pine cones, nuts, and pieces of evergreen. Place the container just inside the front door for a special welcome home.

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Color your home for Fall!

The weather is turning cooler and my favorite season of all is just around the corner.  Here is a great idea for getting your home ready for fall.

Color crush

Get ready for fall by adding some of the season's hottest hues to your home. Here are some of this fall's must-try shades.

• Violet: Violet is the perfect transitioning color to use as the seasons change since it's bold yet versatile and elegant.
• Yellow: A burst of canary yellow adds that special element of surprise to your decor. Isuggests painting the backs of your bookshelves or the insides of your drawers for some added color punch during the fall season.
• Raspberry: Raspberry hues are excellent for adding a touch of vibrancy. Scatter raspberry-hued accents against your navy blues or soft neutrals.
• Fall colors: Mimic the color you see outside. Inspiration can come from the beautiful colors of falling leaves, cool hues of rainy days or warm tones of morning sun.

Changing seasons allow for new and fresh color choices!. Fall's saturated colors bring new warmth and comfort into your home. I love incorporating the beautiful rich hues into a space. I suggests accessorizing with autumn tones by adding flowers, blankets, pillows and warm scented candles to open up your space and welcome the new season. "Color will enhance your space to match any mood or season.  We have plenty of home decor available for you at Distinctively Home at Battle Ground Village.  Stop on by and take advantage of our sales and new arrivals!



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
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How To Decorate With Zebra Print

How To Decorate With Zebra Print

Animal prints are commonly used in home decor and zebra is one of them. The monochromatic colors and interesting pattern make it a great accent in the decor. Zebra print comes with many different products from rugs and throw pillows to lamps, sinks and even bathtubs.

Mixing With Colors

Zebra print looks good in almost any color scheme. In neutral interiors zebra accents add detail to the room while in colorful rooms a black and white zebra print looks more neutral and yet brings patterned accent into the decor. Use a zebra-printed lamp, stool or rug in the colorful room to make it look even more interesting. Zebra print also comes in different colors so it can fit into the color scheme but still add pattern accent to it.

Mixing With Patterns

Mixing zebra with other patterns is possible and even more so makes for an interesting decor. Zebra goes well with stripes, certain florals, polka dot, and checkered patterns. Mix and match different prints and patterns to see what suits best for the decor.

Surfaces

Decorating surfaces with zebra print can be challenging as bigger surfaces covered with zebra print can be overpowering. Use the print sparcely and only on one wall. For a bigger impact you can use zebra curtains and carpets in the decor since they are not that overwhelming. If you still want a zebra wall think about zebra-printed headboard, artwork, or not very busy zebra-printed wallpaper pattern.



Posted by Joanne Vanderhoef
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Wow your windows FREE workshop!

We are offering FREE workshops to help you dress up the windows in your home!   Every Saturday, September - October from 2-3 join us and learn some great window dressing techniques!  Registration is required so call fast!  Seating is limited!

360-723-5570

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4 Ways to Use a Room Divider

Room dividers come in a variety of sizes, styles and designs from traditional, Old-World privacy screens to Asian-influenced rice paper screens, contemporary folding screens and much more. No matter what style of decor you prefer, there is sure to be a folding room divider that will make an excellent accent to your decor.

Like many other home accents, room dividers are not only beautiful additions that will enhance the look of your decor, but they are also functional pieces that can be used for many different practical purposes. Here are only a few ways that you can use a room divider.

Creating 'Zones' in Your Home
One of the most useful purposes a room divider offers is to do exactly what the name implies: divide your room. If you live in a small space and are using rooms for multiple purposes, try clearly defining which part of the room is which with your folding room divider. For instance, many people set up their home offices in their bedroom or in a guest room. While this is very convenient, it doesn't make for the most relaxing sleeping area. Section off the office by surrounding the computer desk or workspace with a folding room divider screen. Blocking the view of the office from the bedroom will make it a more peaceful place to rest, while fewer distractions make for a more productive workspace. The same concept can be applied to creating a cozy breakfast nook, or dividing your large living room into a combination family room and dining area.

Add Privacy to Any Space
Using any of our room dividers as a privacy screen is an effective way to create a concealed dressing area or a way to block off any area from view. This is a great idea for a guest room, or even for your daughter's bedroom. Not only does it add a feeling of security, but a room screen also makes a wonderful accent to any bedroom.

Hide Clutter and Increase Storage
Incorporating storage areas into a stylish room design is something that designers often struggle with. A simple solution for this is to choose a room divider that accents the look of your space, and behind it, place storage carts, laundry hampers, or other storage and organization pieces. This way, you have added storage space to your home without losing any of your home's stylish appeal.

Interesting Accents
Be creative! Room dividers have many uses that can complete the look you are hoping to achieve. Place one against a bare wall to add the look of interesting texture to your living room, or unfold one and slide it behind your bed as a unique and original headboard. With our room dividers and privacy screens, the possibilities are limitless. 

 

Reference Home Decorators Collection

 

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Give your home a little boost!

If you want to give your home a little boost, you don't have to completely redecorate. Check out these easy home décor ideas anytime you need a quick change.

• No one wants to hear it, but cleaning your house is the best way to make it look great. Wash the windows, dust the lampshades, polish the silver – the list goes on. But when everything sparkles and shines your house will look fantastic and you'll feel great.

• Buy some inexpensive ribbon and stick it (either with double-sided tape or a glue gun) around the room as a border. Outline each wall and run it up the corners.

• Lay a patterned area rug over your solid carpet. It gives the room a whole new look.

• Wallpaper your front entryway with a really bold or dramatic design. It makes a fabulous first impression.

• Paint the backs of your bookshelves or cover them in wallpaper.

• Rearrange your furniture. It's free and your room will look completely different.

• Treat yourself to new extra large fluffy towels in the bathroom. It's a simple indulgence and will make you feel like you're visiting a spa every time you have a shower.

• Add an unusual, sculptural item to every room in the house. It could be a lamp, a vase, or an unusual piece of art. Every room needs a conversation piece.

• Cut out pictures from your favorite coffee table book. Frame them and hang them on the wall. It's an inexpensive way to fill your rooms with fantastic pieces of art.

• Cover the inside or outside of a lampshade with fabric. The outside if you want a bold change, the inside if you want a subtle change.

• Can't afford a nice headboard? Make your own. Buy some molding and attach it to the wall above the bed in whatever shape and height you like. Wallpaper or paint the inside.

• Spray paint a vintage chandelier a vibrant new color.

• Add a natural element to every room. It can be as little as a plant or as much as a sea grass rug or raffia wallpaper. It adds depth and texture in a way nothing else can.

• Pull out your best silver and use it every day. What are you saving it for?

• If you've got an ugly brick fireplace, paint it. It's not hard and it looks amazing.

Visit Distinctively Home Interiors for a variety of home decorating ideas!

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