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Showhouse Deck with a View

Outdoor Design

Designing an outdoor space can be tricky. Like any space, there are challenges to overcome. However, when it comes to outdoor spaces, there are a few things to consider. Here are just 3:

1. Provide shelter from the elements (sun, wind, etc.), and bugs;

2. Choose weather-resistant, comfortable furniture; scale is important, but, the bigger the better;

3. Soften the look of the space and make it inviting with and outdoor rug and pillows; these can also add splashes of color.

Enjoy your space, Rena

Hanging Wall Art

There are many ways to hang pictures or art on a wall. As a general guide, follow these tips if you desire your space to be perceived in a particular way:

1. Formal Decor - hang your pictures or art vertically. Think of a soldier standing at attention. This is a good option for most any space.


2. Casual Decor - hang your pictures or art horizontally. Think of someone reclining or lying down. This is a good option for bedrooms.


3. Use the design principle of Movement when hanging pictures or art on a staircase wall. But, as shown in the photograph this method of hanging art can be used in other areas.


For more tips, follow my tweets under redecorating.

Enjoy your space, Rena

Pizzaz with Paint

Painting a wall is nice, but adding stripes is twice as nice! Horizontal stripes will make a space appear wider and vertical stripes will make a space appear taller. Hue knew?

Enjoy your space, Rena

Space Queries

What if my space is too large?:

1. Use a paint that is warm or has a dark value (shade).
2. Designate as many seat groupings as you can while still allowing for easy traffic flow.
3. Provide intimacy with lamps.

What if my space is too small?:

1. Use a paint that is cool like blue.
2. Avoid over-scaled furniture or too many pieces.
3. Strategically place mirrors to double your space.
4. Avoid heavy curtains to allow natural lighting.
5. Use overhead lighting.
6. Use appropriately scaled furniture in the space.

What if my space is too narrow?:

1. Paint the space with a horizontal stripe to trick the eye.

What if my space is too long?:

1. Paint the furthest wall a dark hue.

Enjoy your space, Rena

Write a comment and tell me what you think.

Curb Appeal Helps Sell Houses

Eye catching curb appeal is critical because buyers need to want to see the interior. At a bare minimum, the flowerbeds need to be freshened, grass mowed, and the walk-way swept. Make sure the little things that are no longer noticed by a seller, but will scream deferred maintenance to a prospective buyer, are addressed. The cracks in the sidewalk must be repaired before they start chipping away at the asking price. It is amazing how much money a prospective buyer deducts from the asking price because of minor imperfections.

Another reason curb appeal is so important is because realtors typically tell buyers to drive by houses to see if they like the outside before proceeding to make an appointment to show the inside. Realtors know how important curb appeal is to buyers.

Remember, if a buyer doesn’t like the outside of the house, chances are they won’t want to see the inside.

Enjoy your space, Rena
Tell me what you think of this post. Leave me a comment.

Fixing the size of a Window

Tall Windows: To visually lower the window place a piece of furniture under the window to bring the eye down. If you opt to place a piece of furniture under the window, use a fitted window treatment such as shutters, shades, or blinds to avoid entanglements with curtains and drapes.

Short Windows: To make windows appear larger or elongated, install a row of fixed shutters beneath or above the window and operable shutters on the actual window panes.
Enjoy your space, Rena

Grouping Collectibles

Displaying bric-a-brac or collectibles is one of the easiest ways to add personality to a space. More good news is that the items don't even need to be related to each other in terms of size, shape, color, or purpose. What makes groupings work well is arranging them in odd numbers. Try it!

Enjoy your space, ReDecorating by Rena

Choose the color for your space carefully

Color has the ability to evoke emotional responses in people so consider the style and mood of the room and choose the color accordingly. For instance, red is a stimulating color well suited for family rooms. Green, on the other hand, is a calming color that would be a good choice for a space dedicated to relaxing.

Because there are countless colors to choose from it is helpful to utilize what professional decorators call the rule of three. That is, use only three colors, excluding neutrals, in their various values, intensities, and textures to avoid a space that is overwhelming with too many colors that may or may not be complimentary. Enjoy your space, Rena