Kids Bedroom Ideas

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport 3 Comments

Ideas to Help You Pull Together a Great Room!

Do you need some kids bedroom ideas? Are you at a loss where to begin? Well, no worries! This page will help you get started on your way to creating a fabulous room! I’m glad you’re here!

Everyone remembers what their bedroom was like when they were a child. I had a pink room, with pink curtains, pink wallpaper, and my bedspread was pink with large daisy flowers. It was an over-the-top “girly-girl” room! But, I loved it, and it was a room that made me feel comforted, happy, and safe. And that is what we want to create for little special someone.

So, let’s get started creating a room for your little one. Whether you are looking for girls bedroom decorating ideas or boys bedroom decorating ideas, applying a few good design principles is all it takes to create a room your child will love!

Theme

Deciding on bedroom themes that you and your child both agree on can sometimes be a little tough! A child’s imagination can dream up a room that can be way over the top. And sometimes, as parents we stifle their creativity with our own agenda. A balance needs to be created so both of you are happy.

When deciding on a theme, try to focus on a theme that can have a longer transitional time. For example, a child who is wanting a certain cartoon character at age 4, will probably not be interested in that same character at age 6.

Functionality

When it comes to helping kids stay organized, implement a plan ahead of time and it will help guarantee success. Think about easy kid’s storage ideas that your child can do by themselves. Baskets are a fabulous way to help them stay organized. If they are too little to read, then label the baskets with photos of what items you want in the basket.

It is always smart to research “storage ideas for kids room”. If your room is on the small side, consider purchasing 4 drawer plastic bins and put them on the floor in the closet. This is what I used for my son’s socks, underwear, and shirts. Label all the drawers for your child to be able to organize easily.

Make sure your child’s room is safe by having electrical outlets covered, long drapery cords tied up, safety hinges on chest lids, and nonskid backings under rugs.

Kids Furniture

Nowadays, furniture companies are really focusing on the idea of transitional furniture. Cribs that can later be turned into a twin bed, is an excellent investment. One of the first things you need to consider is the room’s space. How many pieces of furniture do you really have the space for, and what is most important? Planning is important when considering kids bedroom ideas.

Children love to have sleep-overs! So, if your space allows, a double bed is a good idea. If you don’t have the space, you could purchase a bunk bed, or a trundle bed.

A small desk is always a good idea if you have the room. This is definitely a transitional piece of furniture!

Purchase a tall, long mirror for their room. Even if your child isn’t old enough to dress themselves, a mirror is an entertaining toy to every munchkin.

Visit a flea market for unique furniture that you can paint yourself. Add unique character to the room without spending a lot of money! This is what truly makes kids bedroom ideas unique and individual!

Kid's bedroom decorating ideas from Jennifer Decorates.com

My husband and I made this headboard for a special little cowboy!

Kids Room Wall Decor

There are a lot of different ideas that you can do to add color and character when deciding on kids bedroom decor. Removable wall art is so popular right now! I love it! You can just about find it anywhere! It can be wall words, to illustrations of flowers or sports. Just don’t go overboard. Mix and match the design of this room.

Hand-painted, unframed canvas is always a great idea. And, one even better is for you to purchase a canvas, paint, and brushes, and let your child create their own canvas! If you are looking for easy kids craft ideas, this one is perfect. They have an afternoon of fun, and then end up with their own personal wall art.

Check into a local muralist and see what ideas they have about wall murals for kids.

Kids Window Covering

When it comes to kids bedroom ideas, I personally don’t like everything to match perfectly. After you decide on your theme, then you should have an idea of what colors you want to use. Mix and match different patterns. If you can’t find the exact comforter, or bedspread, purchase a solid color, and put your color and design in the pillows and the bed ruffle.

Make an easy swag curtain for their room. Or again buy a solid color valance and add embellishments like ribbon with a hot glue gun.

Have fun with the fabrics, and don’t stress about everything being a perfect match!

Okay, there is your starting point for kids room decorating ideas. Just click on one of the links below for boys bedroom decorating ideas or girls bedroom decorating ideas and get even more specific gender related ideas.

BOYS BEDROOM IDEAS

GIRLS BEDROOM IDEAS

Need ideas for a sports themed room?

Nautical Boys Room

The sky is the limit when it comes to finding kids bedroom ideas. Just plan ahead, read about painting tips before painting a bedroom, plan out your fabrics and furnishings, and have a good time. Enjoy every moment. I promise they truly don’t stay little very long!!!

I hope you enjoy these kids bedroom ideas!

Exterior Home Ideas

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport

Creating colorful curb appeal on a budget!

Exterior home ideas can be affordable and easy to do! You can make some easy low-cost improvements that will make a world of difference! Sometimes it is all about taking a step back and giving your home an honest evaluation.

Maybe you just need some door wreaths, or repaint your shutters. Whether you are looking for front yard curb appeal because you are trying to sell your home, or just need some updating, a few easy and simple ideas can really transform your home!

Honest Evaluation

Walk out to the curb and stand there and pretend you have never seen your home before. What kind of impression does your home give you? What things do you like, and what things do you not like? Make a list of the things that need improving.

Take another look at your home in the evening. If you are selling your home remember many people drive by homes for sale after work. Is your home dark and unwelcoming? Make sure you have it lit up in the evening.

Clean Up

Most of the time when I help clients with their curb appeal ideas, the first thing we need to do is clean up! Overgrown shrubbery, hoses laying out, empty plastic pots, and cobwebs are not attractive! Is your sidewalk brown with mold? If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can rent one from any home improvement store. Pressure washing makes everything look brand new.

Does your front door need a new coat of paint? What about adding a “pop” of color like red or yellow? Does your door hardware need replacing? How about adding some decorative house numbers to your door.

At the top of my list for curb appeal ideas would have to be front door wreaths. Adding decorative wreaths to your door is a way to give an inviting and welcoming feel to your entrance. It is also another way to add a little color to your front door. Your front door really should be eye-catching and interesting.

Front Porch Decorating Ideas

One of the biggest factors in curb appeal is having things neat and tidy. This most definitely includes the front porch. Sometimes the biggest mistake people make when decorating a front porch, is over decorating and making things look cluttered.

Keep things simple and neat when choosing your front porch decor. Even though you may be decorating small spaces, a fewer larger items look much better than many little items.

Exterior Home Ideas – Window Boxes

Window boxes add such character to a house, especially if your home is country cottage style. You can also have large window boxes on your porch like the one pictured above.

I love the color of the window box! Gorgeous!

Consider placing an attractive potted plant in your yard. Make sure to place it in a flower bed, or up against your house. It never looks good sitting out in the yard all by itself!

I wish I could say this is my house, and these gorgeous flowers were planted and grown by me. This is a photo I took of a home in Franklin, TN.

The stone walkway is stunning, along with the black urns filled with boxwood and more beautiful flowers.

Everyone can dream right?

Exterior Lights

Take a look at your outdoor lights on your porch or garage. Are they old and outdated? Consider dusk to dawn lighting with a motion sensor. What is great about this type of lighting is that it stays on dim until there is movement, then once the lights sense movement, they turn brighter. You never have to remember to turn your lights on in the evening.

One of the Easiest Exterior Home Ideas is to Add Decorative Garage Door Hardware

For an easy and dramatic exterior home ideas project, you can add decorative garage door hardware and totally change the look of your whole house! And, what is even better is it will cost you around $25 a door!

Dining Room Decorating Ideas

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport

Turn your dining room into an inviting space!

Dining room decorating ideas can be pretty straightforward and not difficult to implement. The difficult part is not letting this room become your dumping station. Most people tend to use their dining room as either an office or an extra playroom.

However, once you spend the time and money to decorate and design this room, keeping it clean and neat really becomes a whole lot easier. You walk through with a feeling of peacefulness, rather than having your sub-conscious whisper, “You need to clean up this room”. It truly is one of the best ways to bring peace to your home and heart. So, before you start any dining room decorating ideas, turn on some music, fix a cold drink, and go clean.

Whether you are decorating a small dining room or a large dining room the basic rules are the same. Let’s go step-by-step and layer by layer to help you decorate your dining room beautifully and elegantly!

Now you may be wondering why aren’t we talking about paint colors first? Well, because there are certain furniture finishes that actually clash with different paint colors. So, if you don’t already have your furniture, you need to start with your furniture choices first.

So, what makes this room pretty easy to decorate? Well, for one thing, your dining room furniture choices aren’t difficult. Table and chairs are the first obvious choice; then you have to decide whether you want to go with a hutch or a buffet.

Some rooms may allow for another piece of furniture, but this must be chosen wisely. You do not want to overcrowd the room. If in doubt, leave it out.

Buffet or Hutch? I typically lean toward a buffet. With a buffet, you can add extra lighting by using two buffet lamps. You have the opportunity to do more accessorizing, and if you have a smaller dining room, a hutch tends to shrink the room.

Painting Your Dining Room

Choosing interior paint colors for any room can be one of the most difficult decorating choices to make! The paint needs to coordinate with your flooring and your furniture choices. And, that little tiny square paper sample that you come home with from the home improvement store never looks quite the same once it is painted on your wall.

My number one advice to clients is always, GET A SAMPLE! Even if you have to purchase several samples, it is worth it. Buy some $.50 foam brushes that you can throw away, and paint your samples on several pieces of cardboard. Next, tape them up on all four walls. Why? Light hits every wall differently, and your paint color will look different on every wall.

Leave it up for a day and evening, and really spend some time looking at it and pondering about which paint color really speaks to you.

My personal preference is to have a subtle color on the walls, and then have my drapes and accessories the “pop” of color in the room.

Dining Room Window Treatment Ideas

Now, let’s talk about window treatment ideas. When choosing your drapery style for this room, look for fabric that has colors that complement the wall color. Using two long panels to flank the window doesn’t overpower the room but gives it overall softness and elegance.

For the hardware, I cut a large wooden rod down to 18″, then drilled a hole for the finial. Not only did it save money, but I really like the look.

The dining room is the one room where I do like to have fabulous drapes. My top dining room decorating idea would be making sure your window treatments compliment and accentuate your furniture. Window treatments make a world of difference!

Accessorizing Your Dining Room

If you decide to go with the buffet, I love a floral arrangement on the buffet between two buffet lamps. Another dining room decorating idea is to have some sort of candle arrangement on the dining room table. Have only one floral arrangement in your dining room.

Try to choose a floral arrangement that pulls out some of the colors from your room.

I’m sure you have been in an expensive interior decor store and priced floral arrangements! I know, I gasp every time! So, here’s the thing, you can make your own silk flower centerpiece. Don’t be intimidated! My page on making your own arrangement is step-by-step and is an easy floral arrangement for a beginner. Just be patient and keep working with your flowers, and I promise you will be able to make a stunning centerpiece!

I love buffet lamps. Buffet lamps are one of my favorite dining room decorating ideas! I always put a 40-watt bulb in them to keep a low ambient light. When deciding on your lamps, take both the base of the lamp and the shade into consideration.

A rug under the table adds warmth and beauty, as well as protection for the floor. Just remember to purchase a rug large enough to pull a chair all the way out from the table.

If your budget allows, splurge on a beautiful light fixture! I recently purchased this light fixture, and it made a world of difference! I won’t even show you a photo of what I used to have!

If you are changing your light fixture, it would be an easy time to add a medallion to your ceiling. You can buy these unfinished at any home improvement store.

Well, what are you waiting for? Make your list, “Dining Room Decorating Ideas”, and get started! Just be sure to send me a dinner invitation!

Be sure to send along any dining room decorating ideas you have finished in your home!

Christmas Decorating Ideas To Make Your House Glow!

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport

There are so many different Christmas decorating ideas, that every year I learn about a new idea and I’m off an running! I love Christmas, and everything that comes along with it! But, one thing I have learned, is to not go so overboard that it completely wipes me out and takes the fun out of holiday decorating. So, below are a few ideas to help you make your holiday sparkle.

Christmas decorating ideas from Jennifer Decorates.com

What is it about Christmas that brings out so many emotions and so many memories? Everyone has a favorite memory, one that seems to float above all others. And in the end, it is more about the memories we make, than the money we spend.

There are many holiday decorating ideas that you can do on a budget. And sometimes, the most beautiful cheap Christmas decorations are made from bringing the outdoors in! A few pine cones and Christmas ball ornaments laying on the top of a dining buffet can be simply elegant! I think kids Christmas crafts can be some of the most endearing displays in the home.

Here is a list of Christmas decorating ideas. Just click on the link, and you are on your way to creating some holiday happiness.

Christmas Wreaths

Mesh ribbon is so easy to work with when making this Christmas wreath. Give it a try! Do you love burlap? Take a look at a tutorial on making a burlap wreath, and a whimsical wreath!

Decorate a Mantle for Christmas

I have a step-by-step video showing you how to decorate a mantle for the holidays! You CAN do this, I promise! We will walk through it together, and all your friends and family will think you hired a designer!

Be sure to check out my other videos, and become a subscriber to my channel! We are going to have a lot of fun together!

Another Christmas Mantle Idea

Table Setting Ideas

Create a stunning white Christmas table setting this year!

Christmas table setting idea from Jennifer Decorates.com

Learn to create an elegant Christmas table setting on a budget! Come check out this black and gold themed table setting!

Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Here is a page all about decorating a Christmas tree.

For more inspiration dive into another page full of Christmas tree pictures.

Does adding ribbon to your tree cause major frustration? Learn how to add ribbon like a pro while lowering your blood pressure.

Using Natural Elements & White Decorating Ideas

Here is a page full of elegant Christmas decorating ideas.

Ready from some white Christmas decorating ideas? Doesn’t this snowman look adorable?

Do you love rustic Christmas decor? Take a look at a log cabin I decorated for the holidays.

Christmas Door Decorating Ideas

Look for some cheap Christmas decorations to make? Well, making a Christmas door decoration is cheap, fast, and easy! Why not make “JOY” a Christmas homemade gift for someone?

Christmas in a Log Cabin

Come see a cabin I decorated for the holidays.

Bows and Homemade Happiness

Learn how to make a bow for your wreath.

Looking for some homemade Christmas gift ideas? Make some delicious Italian Christmas cookies.

Learn to make a burlap Christmas tree skirt!

Come see my snow village glass lamp.

Easy and Inexpensive Christmas Decorating Ideas

Here is a page full of easy Christmas decorating ideas that is also easy on the pocketbook!

Okay, which one of these Christmas decorating ideas are you ready to get started making?

Just an honest testimonial about the trials of decorating for the holidays:

Every year, I get so excited to start decorating my home for Christmas. But, to be perfectly honest, about 4 hours into it, I begin to feel overwhelmed. There are boxes everywhere!! It looks like I haven’t even made a dent!

My mood goes downhill; I begin to resent the Christmas songs playing on my radio; and then I wonder, Does anyone care how much work this takes?” Yep, I begin the Christmas pity party for one.

Finally, it hits me: I cannot make my home look like a magazine! First of all, my budget won’t allow for that, and second, a photo in a magazine is a quick, still shot in time! We live in our home!

It was then, I began to simplify my decorating. And, here is the funny thing– nobody in my family noticed! It made things easier on me to realize my family isn’t looking for perfection.

So, the Christmas music is back on, the boxes are back in the attic. Some boxes still have things in them, like the nutcracker that can’t crack nuts, but no big deal, I have my sanity and eggnog!

With a little extra planning, your holidays can hopefully be a little less stressful. Remember, the power to create special memories for others is a gift and a privilege.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Cheap Decorating Ideas that look fabulous!

December 8, 2014 Jennifer Davenport

Finding cheap decorating ideas isn’t too difficult. Finding ideas that don’t look cheap is hard! We have been remodeling our home for 15 years. Through the years, I have really learned many things about how to find budget decorating ideas.

I’d like to share some of my favorite inexpensive decorating ideas to help make your home beautiful on a budget! This page is all about cheap decorating ideas that anyone can do!

My first piece of advice on learning about home decorating on a budget is you have to become a DIY’er (do-it-yourself)! Learning to do things yourself isn’t about making things that are perfect! It is about overcoming your fear of doing something new. There isn’t one room in my home that doesn’t have at least one second-hand piece of furniture.

Paint, Paint, Paint!

I am always asked what is one of my top cheap decorating ideas? It has to be painting! Paint is probably my absolute favorite way to give something a complete makeover! Whether you are painting kitchen cabinets, painting a room, trim, or trying your hand at furniture makeovers, paint makes an unbelievable transformation! Learning to paint, and doing it yourself will save you so much money!

Do you have a bathroom cabinet that is in great condition, but is old and outdated? Even if your cabinet is stained wood, you can paint it! All you need is a good primer.

One of the biggest decisions is whether you want to use latex paint or oil-based paint. I prefer working with latex paint because of the clean-up. However, I would choose oil-based paint for areas that are going to get a lot of wear and tear. For example, I would use it for kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, and painting stair rails.

Oil paints take a lot longer to dry, but they tend to hold up to wear and dirt much better. Just always allow plenty of time for drying between coats.

Furniture Makeovers

Nothing saves more money then learning how to do your own furniture makeovers. To me, nothing is more rewarding than transforming an old, ugly piece of furniture into your own furniture design idea!

So where do you find old pieces of furniture at great prices? My top three places to look are flea markets, garage sales, and Craigs List.

I paid $15 for my bedroom dresser. I painted it and added new drawer pulls. What a deal is that? When you are looking at a piece that you would like to give a makeover, take a step back and look at the bones of furniture. Does it appeal to you? Next, check all the drawers and make sure they work well.

You can save so much money learning how to hunt for furniture and then take the plunge and learn to paint it.

Cheap Decorating Ideas for Light Fixtures

Light fixtures can be expensive! Learn to paint them, and you will save a ton! I know I’m talking about painting again, but you can paint light fixtures too!

Here is a photo of a chandelier I purchased at a garage sale for two dollars. I’m sorry I don’t have the before photo, but it was a hideous brass color. Craft stores sell faux rust products that are so easy to use! I applied this faux painting technique, and then purchased new shades. The shades were boring, so I added beading and trim with hot glue! Gorgeous!

I’m not sure if every city has one, but many Habitat for Humanity has retail outlets where they sell surplus building materials at a fraction of the cost of a retail store. Our store carries a lot of light fixtures that were taken out of homes because they replaced them with new updated lights. So, you will find many brass fixtures that you could paint.

If you don’t want to try the faux painting technique, spray painting is an easy way to go. Purchase a matte finish color, and then once dry coat with matte polyurethane. (Polyurethane comes in a spray can also.)

Another idea is applying a metallic paint color to your fixture. This idea won’t work for brass, but if your light is a dull black or brown, it is a perfect idea.

My dining room chandelier was dull black. I sponged on a little antique gold paint and it changed the whole look! Once it was dry, I took a small brush and applied polyurethane to protect the finish.

Doing a simple application like this, and changing out your shades, will give you an updated cheap look, that isn’t cheap looking!

Cheap Table Centerpiece Ideas

Find a beautiful white bowl from T.J. Maxx or Target and fill it with green apples! The simplicity of this idea is a great cheap centerpiece idea.

I love to use candles as centerpieces also. Look at discount stores and half-off sales at local craft stores for candle glass urns. Put a large candle in the urn, and then add glass beads around the bottom. Simple and easy! For the holidays you can replace the glass beads with unique items like candy corn for Halloween, and cranberry’s for Christmas.

Cheap Wall Decor

Wall decor can be expensive. But, with a little creativity you can come up with some really unique cheap wall decor ideas! Write your favorite saying on canvas! Stencil the words, or trace around pre-cut letters. Then color your letters using acrylic craft paint.

Don’t be afraid to shop garage sales or thrift stores for cheap home decorating ideas!

This is a wonderful idea is from Youraretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com This was a mirror that used to be attached to a dresser. She painted over the mirror with chalkboard paint, and then painted the wood trim! I LOVE this idea!

Slipcovers

Slipcovers are a great way to give an instant makeover to any couch or chair! If you are looking for easy sewing projects, this is it! Learn how to sew them yourself with this great tutorial!

If you don’t want to sew your own slip-cover many shops and on-line stores carry slipcovers at great prices. If you purchase a light colored slipcover, then you can add decorative pillows for that “pop” of color. You can even change your pillows out during the summer and winter seasons. Pillows are an inexpensive way to add a little change to your home decor.

Cheap Decorating Ideas for Accessories

Change out some of your accessories. Remember, sometimes, less is more. Keep it simple and remember the “decorating in three’s” rule.

I found this little tray at an antique store. It sits in the corner of the bathtub. I rolled three washcloths and set them beside a small glass jar full of bath salts. Then I bought one cream-colored, silk hydrangea, cut the stem short and placed it into a small vase. Not only is this extremely elegant, but cheap!

Change out your pillows! This makes a big impact at a small price. You can make two 16″ pillows out of a yard of fabric!

Or my favorite place to look for pillows is T.J. Maxx and Marshall’s. Many times I find down pillows! I love them because they are easy to “re-fluff”!

Probably one of the most unattractive interior decorating mistakes is keep what I call “sad” pillows. Pillows that are flat and worn are not appealing!

I purchase a lot of my home decor accessories from discount stores. The smartest way to decorate with accessories, is not to over decorate with your accessories. Don’t have too many little items scattered everywhere. Stick with the “rule of three’s”.

Cheap Decorating Ideas for Bathrooms

Want a quick budget bathroom makeover? Give your bathroom a quick makeover with a new shower curtain! Purchase new shower curtain rings, and a new shower curtain rod that matches the rings.

Are your towels sad and worn? Are you tripping over the strings? Time to get new towels! New towels make a huge difference! For added elegance have them monogrammed.

Don’t buy more than two different colored towels for your bathroom. For a neat decorating idea for your guest bathroom, place a hand towel over your bath towel, and then tie a ribbon around both.

Cheap Decorating Ideas for Window Treatments

Learning to sew will save you so much money when trying to find cheap decorating ideas. I hate sewing clothes, but sewing curtains really is easy!

If sewing isn’t your thing, then purchase ready-made panels from Target and add trim with hot glue to give it a custom look!

Think outside the box when it comes to drapery hardware. Here I hung some drapery panels from decorative hooks I found at a craft store for half price!

Cheap decorating ideas will help you save money when you need to decorate your home on a budget! I think they are fun and rewarding!