You Know Your Home D�cor is Frumpy and Stale when?.

As a decorator, I have gone into many different homes and met homeowners with questionable taste. One thing I am shocked about is people living in a time warp. I recently had a client who hired me because they had an "ah- ha moment" seeing their living room style on a circa 1980's sit-com rerun. Yes, their living room had not been restyled in 25 years. Sometimes people just decorate like their mother did because that is all they have ever known. Let's not be frumpy and stale.

So how can you tell if you are living in a time warp and need to freshen up your home's look? Here are just a few of the telltale signs:

  • Look up. What do you see? If you see a popcorn ceiling or glitter mixed with ceiling paint, you have an outdated look.
  • Now, look down. Do you see dark carpeting? over 10 years old? Do you see wall to wall plush carpeting? The trend is most definitely hardwood floors with gorgeous area rugs
  • Look to the side. Do you see any fake wood paneling whatsoever? The darker and shinier it is, the worse it is. No paneling!
  • What do you see on the wall? Please don't tell me that you see white paint. The trend is color, color, and color. Don't be bland! A rich complex color can bring your room up to the new
  • If you removed a picture from the wall, will there be a telltale sign that it hung in that exact spot too long? Paint fades over the years, ya know. Be sure to change the accessories around every few years. I bet that picture is hung way too high also. Is it hung more than 6 inches from the top of the sofa? See told ya.
  • Do you have over 5 photographs of children who are now grown? Subtract points if the frames are all different types and sizes.
  • How about the furniture? Is it lumpy and bumpy (formally known as cascade back style)? It reminds me of rolls of fat. Yuck! The updated look it smooth sleek lines with classic styling. Toss it to the curb with its buddy, the extra large lazy-people recliner.
  • Speaking of the couch, please don't let me see a knitted afghan folded over the back of the sofa. I love things made by Grandma too but it doesn't need to be the focal point. It is no longer fashionable to place a folded blanket of any kind over the back of the couch.
  • How about the accent pillows? The old style of placing matching pillows at each end of the couch is dated too - just because they came with the couch doesn't mean you have to use them. Spice it up with pillows of contrasting colors, unique motifs, and hip textures.
  • Let's check out the kitchen. This is an easy room to tell if is out of date. On the floor, do you have bold geometric vinyl? Are your appliances harvest gold or avocado? Do your cupboards lack character? Do they have their original knobs and pulls? Are the counters a color like 70's Brady Bunch orange or even 80's country blue? It really pays to redo a kitchen but if you can't right now, update the knobs, get a rug, and gallons of paint. And the bonus question:

    11. On your bathroom counter, is there a grouping of lotions and potions? The big pump bottle of everyday moisturizer? On your bedroom dresser, you don't have your collection of perfume bottles of scents you haven't worn in several years, do you? Don't you remember your mother doing this? Let's not decorate how mom did.

    Now you know if your d�cor is frumpy and stale. You also know a few ways to make it fresh. Next, how about those pleated slacks?

    Julie Dana is a professional Interior Redesigner and Accredited Staging Professional. Her company, The Home Stylist, offers online decorating consultations, do-it-yourself decorating plans and real-estate staging. Visit http://www.thehomestylist.com to take a fun style quiz, vote on a color poll, and sign up for free decorating e-newsletter.

    In The News:
    Erin Kuiper named General Manager of InBuckeye, the city's only hyperlocal news source
    Introducing "¡Skewed Up!" Your New National Online Humor NewZine
    Deep analysis of a quirky documentary "Prince of Eurasia: Monotheism and Devils" of the director and executive producer Prince Oak Oakleyski
    Ingrid Smith Home Alone on the Phone!
    "Jim Peters At Night" Does Its 100th Show

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Discount Rugs - Buying a Discount Area Rug

    A quality area rug for your home can be an... Read More

    The Art Of Selecting Your Homes Art

    Art should be personal. Selecting pieces that you really love... Read More

    Upholstery Upkeep

    Upholstered armchairs and sofas are comfortable and attractive additions to... Read More

    The Value of Antique Cuckoo Clocks

    As cuckoo clocks have been around since 1730 and have... Read More

    You Know Your Home D�cor is Frumpy and Stale when?.

    As a decorator, I have gone into many different homes... Read More

    Do It Yourself Bathroom Curtain

    Need An Easy Bathroom Curtain Idea?I've always had a hard... Read More

    Kitchen Island Design Ideas - The Look, Size, And Features

    Kitchen island design ideas not only include choosing the right... Read More

    Practical Feng Shui ? Debunking the Myths

    Most of the information that is available concerning Feng Shui... Read More

    The Benefits of Waterbed Sheet Sets

    It is a good idea to purchase a full set... Read More

    The Increased Popularity of Granite Kitchen Countertops

    The popularity of granite kitchen countertops has increased dramatically in... Read More

    Custom Mini Blinds

    In the mini blind market, you have three types of... Read More

    Light Imitating Art - How to Use Lighting as a Decorative Feature

    Lighting is often thought of as a necessity, which it... Read More

    Contemporary Rugs - Home Decorating With Contemporary Area Rugs

    Got a room that's crying out for a bright accent... Read More

    Decorating on a Shoestring Budget

    Right now one of the most popular shows on television... Read More

    A Unique Look at Murphy Wall Beds

    California has always been a fertile spot for fresh ideas,... Read More

    An Introduction to Air Purifiers

    Air purifiers have been around in various forms since the... Read More

    Measuring Space - How Much Room Do You Really Need?

    When planning your home d�cor, it is vitally important to... Read More

    Add Beauty and Elegance to Your home with Oriental Rugs

    Oriental rugs can be purchased in a great variety of... Read More

    Save Money & Time... Plan Home Decorating Projects

    Why is planning home decorating projects important? Let's start by... Read More

    Using Psychology of Color to Influence the Mood of a Room

    The living room is the setting which will blend the... Read More

    Warm And Cozy Down Comforters Will Turn Your Bed Into A Luxurious Sanctuary!

    Down comforters provide you with a luxurious natural warmth that... Read More

    Beyond Paint: Decorating Walls With Stencils

    Painting walls in various colors is a quick and easy... Read More

    How to Brighten Your Decor with Hand Painted Ceramic Tile

    At one time, ceramic tile was only for the wealthy.... Read More

    The Hunt for Vintage Kitchen Sinks

    Want to relive the excitement of California's gold rush of... Read More

    Feng Shui Interprets Exposed Beams

    What constitutes a balanced room according to feng shui theory... Read More

    Decorating a Kids Room

    The most important thing to consider when decorating a child's... Read More

    Decorating with Table Fountains

    With unlimited possibilities available, table top fountains can add understated... Read More

    The Benefits of Ceiling Fan Lights

    One of the first improvements that ceiling fan inventor Philip... Read More

    Bollywood Boudoir... On A Budget

    "Bollywood" is the next really big thing in interior decor.... Read More

    Discount Bathroom Vanities

    Discount bathroom vanities can be found in many places, some... Read More

    Why Silk Plants Instead Of The Real Thing?

    Should I buy silk plants and flowers for my home... Read More

    Using Vintage Hankies To Decorate The Bedroom

    Vintage hankies can make interesting wall d�cor! These treasures of... Read More

    Jazz Up Your Room With Folding Screen Room Dividers

    Using a room divider or folding screen can be a... Read More