Decorating Ideas

Porch Decorating Ideas

January 9, 2015 Jennifer Davenport 5 Comments

Create a beautiful outdoor space on a budget!

I wanted to share my porch decorating ideas with you! I LOVE my back porch, and last summer I gave it a porch makeover. I needed to come up with some smart budget decorating ideas. We needed to pay for our summer vacation after all!

So, after looking for flea market finds, painting some unfinished furniture, and purchasing plants, we had a whole new porch!

If you are wanting to save money on your porch makeover, buying unfinished furniture is the way. I painted this Adirondack loveseat with Behr outdoor latex paint.

I shopped at the flea market for smaller pieces of accent furniture. I wanted them to look worn and dated, and better yet, I didn’t have to do any painting! The table in front of the loveseat is an old piano bench that I paid $15 for!

Every porch needs a rocker! I purchased two unfinished rockers and painted them a dark green to give some contrast to the white furniture and gray floor.

What porch is complete without a swing? There is something so nostalgic about a swing! I will warn you, painting this was no easy task! I was one happy camper when it was finished!

Lighting

I want to share with you one of my favorite porch decorating ideas! It is what makes my porch spectacular in the evening!

Isn’t this romantic? I used grapevine and outdoor Christmas lights! Craft stores now sell grapevine in a bag that is much more pliable than if you pulled apart a grapevine wreath.

I used a staple gun to attach the grapevine, but if you have a metal porch you can use 3M adhesive hooks.

Once the grapevine has been attached you can add greenery. I actually like to change it up with the seasons. In the spring and summer I use greenery and flowers, in the fall I add leaves, and in the winter I add red berries to the grapevine.

You can buy a bush of flowers, and then just clip them into smaller pieces and weave them into the grapevine. It is so gorgeous lit up in the evening!

Don’t forget about candles! Here I placed a square mirror underneath each candle to reflect more light.

Don’t buy an expensive lamp for your porch. Between the pollen, rain, and overall outdoor dust, it will get dirty quickly, especially the shade.

Porch Decor

A wreath is a perfect accessory for your porch. I change out my wreaths with the seasons.

I found these pillows at T.J. Maxx. Then I was so excited to find ribbon the same color as my “smile” pillow! Now, this is a happy porch!

When you are choosing your porch decorating accessories, don’t overdo it. It is easy to get your porch cluttered quickly. Less is more when it comes to porch decor.

Your porch is a great place to have some fun and whimsical signs!

I love hand-painted and vintage looking signs! They add just the right touch to any porch decorating.

I found these antique glass insulators at the flea market. I placed them all around my porch.

Baskets are another one of my favorite cheap decorating ideas. I found this one at the flea market. It is perfect for holding magazines.

Plants

Live plants add the perfect touch! Again, don’t go overboard and make your porch look like a jungle. Don’t leave your plants in plastic containers; buy interesting pottery.

Buy different size live plants. I purchased two of the same kinds to place on both sides of the loveseat. My father made this beautiful, rustic birdhouse.

Always keep healthy plants on your porch. If they are starting to die and turn brown replace them. Nothing looks sadder than dying plants.

A Touch of Fabric

When decorating outdoor spaces, don’t forget to add some color with fabrics. The pillows I chose for my porch have a little beach style.

I change out my pillows often. I’m a bit of a pillow addict!

An outdoor rug just warms up the space. I found this raffia outdoor rug at Trees -n- Trends for under $20! When it gets dirty, I just hose it off.

For more fabulous porch ideas please visit my friends Dave and Mary over at Front Porch Ideas. Better pour a cup of coffee first!

Swag Window Treatments You Can Make In An Afternoon!

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport 1 Comment

I’m hosting a free GIVEAWAY video series on how to make three different types of valances. Easy online video series with step-by-step instructions! Winner announced October 29th! Good luck!

Swag Window Treatment

This is an EASY swag window treatments idea! I came up with this simple pattern a few years ago, and my clients love them! If you can sew a straight line, thread a needle, use a staple gun and drill, then you can make this curtain!

If you are looking for beginning sewing projects, this pattern will be a great one to start with! It isn’t overcomplicated! But get ready, once your friends and family see it, you may be getting drapery orders!

Note:

In this tutorial we are going to be using a fun fabric for a young girl’s room. I will be using the same pattern idea as the first swag window treatment pictured at the top, EXCEPT it was made with 1 1/4 yards of fabric.

The reason I used less fabric is because the flowery fabric was a little thicker, and I did not want the curtain to be as full or as long as the stripe swag treatment pictured.

If you are wanting the more formal and fuller swag like the first swag pictured, then choose a fabric that seems to drape well and be sure to use 1 1/2 yards.

So, keep that in mind when making your choices. It is amazing how a different choice of fabric can give you two similar, but yet different looks.

Supplies Needed:

1 1/4 to 1 1/2 yards of designer fabric
(add 1/8 of a yard if you want to cover the top of your boards)
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 yards of lining
1 1/2 yards of trim
staple gun
yardstick
1×4 board
glue gun
” L ” shape brackets
drill

Step 1

Trim the edging off both sides of your drapery fabric. Tip: The colors that are in little circles on the edging tell you the exact colors that are in the drapery fabric. This is a wonderful way to match other fabrics as well as paint colors.

Next, lay your lining down right sides together, and then lay your designer fabric facing right-side down. After you have right-sides together pin all the way around. Be sure to make a small mark indicating the top of your curtain.

Step 2

Now, just sew both sides and the bottom. Just let your zipper foot come close to the edge as shown and follow all the way around the three sides.

Turn your curtain ride side out, and make sure to use a pin to gently pull out the corners. Next, press your edges using a little spray starch.

Step 3

You are now ready to attach your trim at the bottom. You are going to do this BEFORE you begin gathering up the sides. I use a glue gun to attach my trim because I do not want any stitching to show on the back.

Step 4

After you’re finished attaching your trim, turn your fabric over. Tip: another trick I use to make sure there are no wrinkles in the curtain, is to take a yard stick and run it across the fabric until it is smooth.

Next, you are going to mark where you will be hand sewing in order to form the gathers. I know I said hand sewing, but it won’t be a big deal. On each side of your swag window treatment measure 8″ down from the top. Mark a small dot with a yellow highlighter. Then measure 8″ from the edge and make a tiny mark. Do this all the way down. Once completed take your yardstick and match all the markings and draw a straight line until you reach your original mark.

So, just to be clear, you will have a straight line following up your curtain which will be 8″ from the edge. Your line will stop 8″ from the top edge.

Step 5

You are ready to hand sew the gathers. You will want to double your thread for strength. Start at the bottom and push your needle through both pieces of fabric. Take your needle in and out at about an 1″ to an 1 1/2″. Do this about 4 times and then pull tight. Run your needle back through the gather, pull tight again, and then run them back through again, and repeat.

NOTE: You will need to re-thread your needle with new thread about three times on each side. This is best, as thread will become weaker with excess use. When you are getting close to the end of the thread, just whip stitch it in place several times. Re-thread your needle and start over in the same spot.

Step 6

Measure your window and add an extra two inches to the final measurement for your board. (Home improvement stores will cut the boards for you for free if you don’t have a way to do it yourself.) Make sure to get the cheaper pine 1×4 boards!

Cover your board with your lining. Attach using the staple gun. Just pretend you are wrapping a present.

Put the staple side of the board facing up and mark the middle of the board. Next, take your ruler and measure 1″ from the edge of the board on three sides. Make a small mark indicating the middle of your curtain.

Place your board on the floor and attach the middle of the curtain to the board first. Staple all the way down following your inch marks.

When you are ready to come around the sides it is so much easier to work with if you place your curtain on a table.

Next cover the top of your board.

Step 7

You are now ready to hang your swag window treatments. I always like to hang above the window frame about 4″-6″ because it gives the illusion of a larger window!

You want to put your “L” shape brackets right above the window along the outside edge, not going farther out than the window trim. Measure and mark evenly. Drill your “L” shape brackets into the wall first. You may need to use wall anchors.

Place your curtain on top of the ” L ” shape brackets making sure your curtain is centered and then drill your screws in.

Now your curtain is not complete until you attach the sides. I use my staple gun and put one staple into the curtain attaching to the wood frame.

After both sides are attached you will need to “fluff” the curtain and line up the swags. And that is it!

Making swag window treatments really isn’t that hard.

What a versatile custom curtain! Just a 1 1/2 of drapery fabric and an afternoon of sewing and you have some gorgeous swag window treatments!

Table Centerpiece Ideas

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport 5 Comments

Create an inexpensive flower arrangement, and other ideas for your dining room table

One of my favorite table centerpiece ideas is using real flowers. Real flowers make the most stunning centerpieces! It really isn’t difficult to arrange flowers. With this step-by-step tutorial you can create a stunning arrangement that will impress your guests!

There are many things that make up great table setting ideas, but having a beautiful centerpiece is one of the most important.

You Can Make This Centerpiece!
Let’s Get Started!

You can learn how to make a floral arrangement for any occasion. Whether you are simply entertaining guests, or you need some wedding centerpiece ideas. So, below is a step-by-step tutorial and other advice on inexpensive table centerpiece ideas.

Picking fresh flowers is important. I purchase my flowers at Sam’s Club. They have great prices, and their flowers are always in great condition.

When you purchase flowers that have a little net over them, these are flowers that will be very fresh. The net helps keep the petals undamaged until they are ready to be placed in an arrangement.

Choose a pretty container for your flower arrangement. I find my containers at garage sales and at the flea market. I have actually painted this one different colors for different occasions.

You will need a floral foam block. There are foams for artificial flowers and real flowers. Make sure you grab the foam for real flowers. This foam soaks up water like a sponge!

TIP:

Many times some of the flowers you purchase will not be open yet. Add warm water to your foam block and this will cause the flowers to open up faster.

The key to creating a beautiful and large arrangement is having small, medium, and large flowers. Start with your largest flowers first, then medium, and last your smaller flowers and greenery.

These flowers are lilies and have a thick stem making them perfect for the center flowers.

Always trim off the leaves from your floral stems. Leaves soaking in your water will turn it green quickly!

Place your first flower in the middle of your container. This first flower will determine the height for the whole arrangement. The higher the flower the larger the arrangement.

Notice in the photo the two lilies that are flanking the middle lily are lower. That first lily in the middle is your beginning height and should remain the tallest flower.

I may add some more lilies in later, but for now these three look great. Now it is time for the medium size flowers. There are several colors and variations for me to chose from, but I am starting with green chrysanthemums.

You can see three in this photo, but there is a fourth chrysanthemum on the other side. You want your centerpiece to be beautiful from all sides.

Next, I am adding my beautiful roses. I have white ones and pink ones.

Fill in the gaps dispersing your roses evenly around. You don’t want any flowers to be too close together.

Continue adding more of your medium size flowers. Step back and take a look at how things are shaping up. Are you even all the way around?

I loved this greenery that came packaged with the flowers. I used it first around the middle lily.

The greenery and smaller flowers will begin to fill in the gaps.

These flowers are my all time favorite flowers. They are called Alstroemeria. They are a member of the lily family. I love them because they last for days! They are so delicate and beautiful.

Let some of your flowers spill over your container. It will give an airy and light look.

The last flowers to add is the ever delicate and sweet baby’s breath. Be careful to not add clumps of this little flower. Trim it down before placing them into the foam.

Again, let your baby’s breath pool over the side. Isn’t that pretty?

For the last step, I like to add a little Spanish moss. Choose moss that looks natural, not too green, or too brown. You really don’t want it to stand out, it should be used to fill in any extra gaps. Use it sparingly.

Here is my video on arranging real flowers:

For this table centerpiece idea, simple colors, and an ornate container made all the difference.

More Table Centerpiece Ideas

This is a lovely centerpiece idea. Place a candle lantern in the middle, and two flower arrangement on each side.

This is a table centerpiece idea on of my client’s made for her dining room table.

Candles Are So Romantic!

I filled the glass hurricane with a bag of crushed seashells from the craft store. Nothing is more beautiful than a glowing candle.

I found this unique wood piece at the flea market. I love the patina, and it creates a beautiful base for the candle.

Purchase inexpensive small glasses and place a flower to float in the water. Perfect, easy, and inexpensive.

Modern Decorating Ideas

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport Leave a Comment

I’m anxious to share these modern decorating ideas! I was privileged to have some unique and fabulous clients that needed some modern style ideas for their home.

They are from South Africa, and have a wonderful collection from their many travels throughout the world.

Our first job was to tackle the living room. This room has a vaulted ceiling, and is open and airy. The light filters in beautifully.

Before

Here is a before photo. The couch was not working for their needs, and they felt like the room just didn’t flow and wasn’t cozy.

Many time clients have too many small decor items, and it tends to make the room feel cluttered. Don’t be afraid to use large accessories.

The first change that was made, was purchasing two matching couches. One was pushed up against the wall, which opened up the room even more. A large square coffee table balanced out the two loveseats. A large palm nestled between the couch and window gave a “pop” of color.

Simple long stationary valances soften the room and add color and texture. Bamboo shades offer even more interest to the room, and flow with the rest of the earthy tones in the living room.

We hung two large round rattan baskets going up the stairs. When you have high ceilings, don’t be afraid to decorate high on the walls. This brings the eye up and makes the large open room much more cozy.

I found these fabulous jars at a unique decorating store. I poured coffee beans in them, and placed them on a woven basket lid.

This fabulous fabric was a steal for $8 a yard. The zebra print was perfect. If you are making your own pillows, I highly recommend downy pillow inserts. They stand the test of time! Flat pillows are very unattractive. Downy inserts are worth the splurge.

A large tobacco basket with a resin deer head sculpture mounted in the middle is the highlight of the room. Finding unique wall decor is one of the key elements in modern decorating ideas.

This is the entryway. The mirror came from Hobby Lobby, and the lamp is from T.J. Maxx. Don’t over clutter your tables. Less is more!

Want to really add some modern details? Place laminate flooring on your walls! How great does this look?

Come take a look at the dining room and kitchen.

Living Room Curtains

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport Leave a Comment

Living room curtains can make all the difference! They add warmth and softness to a room. Whether your style is formal or casual, curtains add the final touch.

Beautiful curtains are on the top of my living room decorating ideas. So, whether you have custom draperies made, or purchase ready-made panels, choosing the right curtains, and installing them correctly will turn your room into a cozy and comfortable living space.

You can choose a simple swag valance, or long draperies. Drapery panels that are stationary and frame a window give so much depth to a room.

When choosing long panels, you always want to consider hanging them about 6″-12″ above the top of your window frame if space allows. This adds more height to your room, and shows off your drapery hardware.

Drapery Hardware and Hanging Drapes

Let’s talk about drapery hardware and hanging draperies for a minute. Drapery hardware can be very expensive. Depending on your style, elegant looking drapery hardware is a must. It really shows off your drapes.

One little trick I use to save money when I am going to use long drapery panels, is cutting the wooden pole down to 18″ – 20″. You can buy a 96″ pole from the home improvement store. You will be able to get four cuts, whether you cut your rod 18″ or 20″. That will do two windows, if you are putting panels on both sides of your windows.

Next, you will need to drill holes for your finial screws. Make sure you choose a drill bit that is the same size as the screw in your finial.

Instead of a rod pocket, putting your long drapes on rings really shows off the pole and finials. This is very easy to do! If you have cut your rod down to 18″ – 20″, purchase 5 rings for each panel. You will also need drapery hooks.

Take your drapery hook and slide it into the back of the panel, making sure it doesn’t poke through to the front. Also, make sure you have inserted it far enough down to not show at the top.

You will want to space your five drapery hooks evenly across your panel. Then simply hang your drapery hooks through the eye of your rings!

Okay, here is one of my FAVORITE drapery hardware ideas I’ve discovered! I was looking in a craft store and found these metal finials. They were in the section where you find cabinet hardware!

These particular metal drapery finials cost me $3 a piece! (half off, of course!) The tops unscrew, so you can place your drapery rings on, then attach the finials back on and hang your drapes!

Valances

Another option for living room curtains is to have long panels, and add a valance to go over them. With this choice, your hardware doesn’t show.

Bamboo Window Coverings

If having fabric draperies is not for you, then opt for bamboo window coverings. I love them! They are easy, elegant, and compliment many different decors.

Living room curtains don’t have to be extravagant and over-the-top. Just choosing window treatment ideas that reflect your style, and adds some softness to a room is all you really need.