(ARA) – Your home is your oasis; the place you go to relax, regroup and reenergize. If you desire some balance in not only your life but in the world at large, maybe it’s time to incorporate the principles of both Feng Shui and green living into your design.

The two concepts are compatible, says Cheryl Amantea, chair of both the Advertising and Fashion & Retail Management degree programs at The New England Institute of Art in Boston. “Feng Shui incorporates plants, sunlight, cleanliness and the elements of running water and circulation of air, so it’s not a stretch to put the ‘green lifestyle’ in with Feng Shui.”

“Feng Shui (pronounced fung sch-way) means ‘wind water.’ It connects what is seen (environment) with what is unseen (energy) — often referred to as chi (pronounced chee),” says Amantea.

Chi can be found in your color scheme and placement of objects, with each color symbolizing different characteristics. Aptly enough, green symbolizes life, growth, vitality and energy. Yellow and earth tones represent health, while blue is symbolic of knowledge and red is used for power.

Placement is key to creating a positive chi. “Picture your home as an octagon,” says Amantea. Find the true front door of your home and, according to interior design student Adam Neidlinger at The Art Institute of Indianapolis, ensure air and energy are moving in a steady nurturing manner.

“The flow of the energy or chi through a space can be increased or decreased by the objects being placed in the room,” says Neidlinger. “Wouldn’t you rather get energy from a natural, sustainable, green object than from a manufactured, most likely chemical-filled object?”

Bamboo is a great element because it is natural, clean and it quickly regenerates itself. Live plants are also important according to Neidlinger. “Plants renew the air which is what carries the energy in a room.”

LEED accredited architect and engineer Samuel Hurt who instructs at The Art Institute of Indianapolis agrees with Amantea, but is not exactly sold on Feng Shui as green living. “Personally I’m a bit skeptical about Feng Shui and some of the claims, but that doesn’t mean it is a completely useless way to clean up the environment,” says Hurt.

Through his teaching of sustainable design and his renowned, sustainable work on buildings in the Midwest, Hurt has become well-versed in the green movement. He believes that if Feng Shui wants to combine with sustainable design, however it is defined, we are all better off.

“If Feng Shui can assist in reducing contamination in the world, then that is fine. And good for anyone else who can advance the same cause, no matter what the particular path may be,” says Hurt.

Dr. Peggy Way, adjunct psychology professor at Argosy University, Nashville, considers Feng Shui and green living as a means to promote positive mental health and stress reduction. “Utilize Feng Shui and green living to create a personal space that will help sustain and renew you in the midst of a stressful professional life.”

“Intentionally seek out the ribbons and colors of nature and let the experience restore you. Don’t neglect outdoor space. Consider creating a small natural garden. This is the time of year for garden and landscaping shows where many exhibitors will focus on natural environments and natural forms of growth,” Dr. Way says.

“By all means seek your own groundedness in the natural world so that you can be nurtured and that as you are nurtured in spirit you will find that same nurture is spilling over into the lives of others around you.”

To learn more about The Art Institutes, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: chi, feng shui decorating, feng shui decorating tips, feng shui tips, green decorating, green living

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(ARA) – Most parents would agree that raising teenagers is never easy. But in a down economy, when many American families are trimming extras from their budgets, it can be even more difficult to keep teens happy, entertained and engaged in family life.

With the prospect of unemployment and falling home values on many parents’ minds, sending teens on a ski trip with friends, or funding mall excursions and meals out, are just not in the budget anymore. Parents may find it’s a better investment — both for their homes and for their teens’ development — to create a haven at home where teenagers can socialize for free.

“Like most teenagers, my son really enjoys hanging out with his friends,” says Ann Mackinnon, mother of a 15-year-old boy living in Minneapolis. “But a lot of the things that kids like to do outside the house cost money that just isn’t in the budget right now. Instead, we decided to turn our basement into a place where my son Ian and his friends could spend time together. It’s cheaper then sending him out somewhere, plus it gives me the peace of mind of knowing where he is, what he’s doing and who he’s with.”

Turning your basement, game room or family room into a teen haven doesn’t have to cost a bundle. Here are some helpful hints:

* Make it Game Time — Video games are a big part of social life for many teens, but don’t overlook the value of board games and table games as well. Besides the Wii and PlayStation, stock your teen haven with teen-friendly board games. Consider adding a table hockey or foosball game if space and budget allow.

* Master the Munchies — Teen boys are notoriously big eaters, so be sure to have plenty of teen-friendly (and hopefully healthful) snacks on hand if you’re hosting your son’s friends. You could even add a small refrigerator in your teen haven to keep beverages and snacks cold and within easy reach for both genders.

* Set the Mood — Atmosphere has a big impact on mood, especially if you’re an already-moody teenager. Be sure to provide plenty of comfortable seating where teens can lounge with their friends while they chat, watch TV or surf the Internet. Consider setting the mood for the room by adding punch with teen-friendly decor like a wallpaper mural of your child’s favorite sport. You’ll find plenty of well-priced, easy-to-install wallpaper murals at www.MuralsYourWay.com. Or, to make a really big splash, have the company make a full-sized mural out of one of your teen’s favorite personal photos, such as a snapshot from her dance recital or his football team’s group picture.

* Make Yourself Scarce — Just because your teen is hanging around at home with his friends, don’t think it means you’re automatically invited. Teen havens only work if parents respect the child’s space and make their presences barely felt.

“Of course I keep an ear and eye out for what Ian and his friends are doing in our basement,” says Mackinnon. “But I really do try to respect their privacy and I don’t hang out with them. Just as I wouldn’t want his friends to infringe on our family time, I try not to horn in on Ian’s time with his buddies.”

With a few simple steps, parents can turn their home into a place where teens will be happy to hang out — and save themselves some money in the process.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: basements, decorating a basement, decorating for teens, teens

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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(ARA) – You’re proud that he made it through four years of college. You couldn’t be more thrilled that she landed her dream job, even if it’s in a city 1,000 miles from home. 

But if you’re an empty-nester feeling pangs of loss as adult children move out, look for the silver lining — you can finally reclaim those areas of your house previously dedicated to the kids. 

By 2012, 40 percent of all American households will be headed by someone 55 and older, according to the National Association of Home Builders. If you’re among them, it’s time to think about how you will redecorate and repurpose spaces in your home, including bedrooms and playrooms, which have been kid-controlled for so long. 

Reclaiming your home after the kids move out can lead to improved homeowner satisfaction and enjoyment, improve your home value, and even — some studies show — increase marital satisfaction. Not sure where to start? Here are a few helpful hints: 

Bedrooms 

You may not have been permitted to enter your child’s room throughout her teen years, but now that she’s off on her own it’s time to get in there, rip down those rock band posters, toss out the closet-worth of clothes that she outgrew years ago, and turn her room back into a functioning part of the household again. 

You can either turn the room into the guest bedroom of your dreams, complete with linens and drapes out of a home fashion magazine, or you can tailor the space to your own needs as a home office or crafting room. Simply turning the space into a more adult environment can enhance home value, real estate experts agree. Home selling shows regularly feature selling specialists advising homeowners to replace kids’ clutter with a more grown-up look that will be more appealing to potential buyers. 

The quickest way to help a kid’s room grow up — after you remove the bunk beds and lava lamp — is to repaint walls in neutral, sophisticated tones; replace worn, stained carpet; and replace kid-friendly curtains in primary colors with drapes in more subtle patterns and hues. 

Play areas 

If your family rec room has long served as a staging area for kids’ slumber parties or acted as a repository for excess toys, it’s time to turn the space into something the grown-ups will enjoy. Clear out kid-specific items like the foosball table and the racks of Sponge Bob DVDs, and bring in that big-screen, high-def plasma TV you didn’t buy before because you couldn’t bear the thought of sticky fingerprints all over it. 

Add that wet bar that you always wanted but were afraid would prove too much of a temptation for your teens. Install a surround-sound system and turn the space into a home theater. 

Freshen the decor with adult colors or further personalize the space with an easy-to-hang wallpaper mural. Imagine replacing that wall of chalkboard paint with a mural of the New York City skyline, or a restful image of a lush, green forest. You’ll find a variety of grown-up-friendly images at www.MuralsYourWay.com. You can even have your own favorite photo — from that second honeymoon you finally got to take or your glory days on the high school football team — turned into a customized wall mural. 

Seize the opportunity to re-feather your empty nest to your tastes. And don’t feel bad about doing it. Studies show that redecorating an adult child’s room so they know they “can’t go home again” actually helps them better make the transition to independence. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: empty nest decorating, murals, wall murals, walls

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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(ARA) – Faux finishes just aren’t for you, and painting one wall a different color isn’t enough of an “accent” for your interior design tastes. Yet you’re tired of looking at the same four walls day after day. 

How do you dress them up in a way that will make a statement without blowing your decorating budget? Borrow a page — or a wall — from the handbook of top designers and add impact with a wallpaper mural. Easy-to-install wallpaper murals are as flexible and eye-catching as hand-painted murals, plus they are cost-effective and do-it-yourself friendly. 

“Murals right now are my favorite design element because I can go big, bold and beautiful in a way that’s really fresh,” says Jonathan Fong, a Los Angeles-based interior decorator and author of “Walls that Wow.” Fong found a cost-effective source for wallpaper murals in MuralsYourWay.com. “Murals create a dramatic focal point for a room. Have one wall with a mural and your whole room changes.” 

Modern murals have gone far beyond the whole-wall look you might remember from the ‘70s. Technology has allowed mural makers to delve into an inspiring array of designs, create more vibrant colors and eye-opening perspectives. It’s even possible to create your own custom wallpaper mural from a favorite photograph. 

Here are a few ideas to use wallpaper murals to create a statement in virtually any room of your house: 

* Turn a blank wall into a full-size accent with a floor-to-ceiling mural. It’s possible to find a wallpaper mural to match any decorating theme — from a view of Yankee Stadium as seen from home plate for your basement game room, to your favorite scenic photo from your honeymoon to dress up your family room. 

* If a full wall is too much a statement for you, consider framing a smaller mural or a series of small murals in a central location in a room. Small, framed murals are a great way to make a snug room, or one lacking windows, feel bigger and more open. 

* If your hallway is just a pass-through for your family, consider spicing it up with murals. Fong used larger-than-life custom murals of chandeliers to accent one wall of a hallway in a Beverly Hills mansion. A smaller scale mural can create interest and flow in a hallway in your home too. 

* Many contemporary designs feature architectural niches as accents throughout the home. Rather than simply hanging framed artwork in the niche, consider creating a more striking effect with a wall mural cut to fit the space. For example, if you have a niche over your garden tub, place a tropical or woodland scene or a close up of a large bloom there to bring the outdoors in and create a focal point for the room. 

Using a wallpaper mural to make a statement can be a very cost-effective design tool. “I wanted to see if it was possible to do large custom graphics for the home at an affordable price,” Fong says. “So I did an Internet search and found MuralsYourWay.com. I was surprised at how affordable it was. I’ve priced out regular wallpaper and to create your own custom wallpaper with the exact image you want costs even less.” 

“The decor of your home should represent your personality as well as your interest,” says Thom Filicia, former design specialist for the Emmy-winning Bravo series “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” and current host of Style Network’s “Dress My Next.” “MuralsYourWay is a great resource to add your personal stamp in a creative, fun and whimsical way.” 

“Your walls are the largest decorating canvas in your home,” says Fong. “If you do something interesting with your walls, it can make more of an impact than any piece of furniture or accessory in the room.” 

For more ideas on how to make a statement with murals, visit www.MuralsYourWay.com. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: murals, wallpaper murals, walls

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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(ARA) – For many of us, the thought of decorating in the modern style can be a scary one. Images of sterile, stern lines come to mind, often suggesting cold and unwelcoming environments. But the idea of modern doesn’t always mean minimal and white. Today we’re seeing designers and homeowners alike pairing rustic finishes and furnishings with crisp aluminum and glass details. The look is a sort of rustic transitional. The beauty of transitional design is that it affords the ability to create an eclectic look, pulling from both traditional and modern stylings.

An obvious interest in pieces that evoke a respect for nature and are sustainable accounts for the some of the mix, but for many it’s the desire to blend simple lines with warm finishes that has caused this transitional look to take hold. Transitional design is perfect for homeowners who want an easy take on modern or a slightly edgier approach to traditional. The room most comfortably wearing this transitional cloak is the kitchen. Here, the look is accomplished by designing a kitchen with clean lines, featuring contemporary full access cabinetry while incorporating a very traditional walnut wood. The benefit of a transitional kitchen is that homeowners can still have the comfort of traditional elements without sacrificing modern technology and up-to-date amenities and storage features.

The easiest way to accomplish the look is to work with a custom kitchen designer. Custom cabinetry allows designers and homeowners to make a number of modifications including finishes, materials, sizes and shapes. Additionally, custom kitchens can incorporate more or less of either style.

“By combining contemporary and traditional looks, you can bring a fresh twist to something familiar or take a little risk without losing comfort,” says George (Butch) Achey, president of Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. “Transitional kitchens often mix European and American details, bringing a bit of Milan together with a slice of Philadelphia. Cool and warm.”

An easy way to achieve the transitional look in the kitchen is through wood species, custom colors and a variety of accessories. The trick is to find the perfect combination that suits your personal taste. If you happen to like modern amenities such as glass, steel and concrete, but don’t want a strictly contemporary kitchen, select a door style that reflects a more traditional design to warm up the space. To modify a traditional space, think hardware, stainless steel appliances and a simple, flat door style. Go for cool warmth. Go transitional.

To learn more about transitional design and the benefits of custom cabinetry, log on to www.plainfancycabinetry.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Cool, custom cabinetry, Rustic Modern, Transitional Design, Warm

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Adding or switching out accessories and other small touches can certainly make a refreshing difference.

Today’s on-the-go homeowner demands furniture that performs double duty to provide high function without sacrificing style. Amid today’s challenging economic climate, families are calling for quality and casual trends that can resonate for years to come, all at smart prices.

Thoughtful splashes needn’t cost thousands: Consider accessorizing rather than renovating. Low-cost, easy changes can enhance a home’s value and the pleasure in reveling in a unique and personal living space.

Many people often forget that new window treatments are the quickest fix for a room. They provide texture and an instant face lift. Layering throws and pillows adds depth and comfort, and brightening a dining room with crisp table linens and stately candle accessories adds a touch of refined class. Of course, a simple fresh coat of paint can both cleanse and color any room.

When transitioning to furniture, pieces need to have hidden features that enhance value. Think lamps with adjustable height capabilities, nightstands and mirrors with built-in power strips for recharging those handheld devices that get us through the day, and dining-room tables with drawers to cleverly and neatly house placemats, napkins and other accessories.

“Homeowners don’t need to spend a fortune to enliven their living space,” says Jeff Allison, executive vice president of home at JCPenney. “Adding or switching out accessories and other small touches can certainly make a refreshing difference.”

Consider an area rug: Small punches of color via an area rug -- whether on a hardwood floor or low-pile carpet -- add interest to any space.

JCPenney is listening to today’s time-crunched, style-conscious consumer looking for casual yet high-functioning home furnishings and, in response, is launching Linden Street, a new private brand of functional, attractive home furnishings and accessories now available at JCPenney stores nationwide, JCPenney Catalog and on www.jcp.com.

Here are some additional easy ways to refresh a room:
* Reframe photos: Attractive, well-made frames not only add class to a space but place special attention on precious memories.
* Consider an area rug: Small punches of color via an area rug — whether on a hardwood floor or low-pile carpet — add interest to any space.
* Re-arrange furniture: Simply moving the couch, armoire and coffee table makes for a whole new room.
* Eliminate clutter: A room can appear much larger — and more sophisticated — utilizing smart solutions like a storage ottoman.
* Bring the outdoors in: Plants and other greenery infuse instant life.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Accessories, accessorizing, furnishings, tips, Window Treatments

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Looking for simple ways to make over your room? Removable wall decals from www.roommatespeelandstick.com are easy, cost-effective tools.

Resale value isn’t the only reason to redo a kitchen. Even if the home is a rental, or resale is far in the future, the room where families spend most of their time together cries out for a personal touch.

Taking your kitchen from everyday drab to your personal “fab” doesn’t require a complete makeover or the budget of a home-remodeling reality show. A few simple, cost-effective cosmetic changes can create a big impact – even in smaller spaces like galley kitchens.

Switching out cabinet and drawer hardware can create an ultra-modern or traditional effect in a kitchen. And accessories like a bold area rug or an eye-catching toaster can do double duty as both decoration and utility item. The best way, however, to create big impact in a small space (or on a tight budget) is to dress up the walls.

If you’re looking to spice up your kitchen – especially if you rent – wall décor products like removable wallpaper or wall decals can be an easy, cost-effective way to make over your kitchen.

When deciding just how to use wall décor products in your kitchen, consider the room’s major design challenges. Are you working with a windowless space? Is the room small and crowded with cabinets? Is it a galley kitchen? Does your seating face a wall? Here are some tips for using wallpaper and decals to deal with these common design challenges.

A few simple, cost-effective cosmetic changes like Brewster’s Wall-Pops can create a big impact, even in smaller kitchens.

Without Windows

A strong pattern on an open, light-colored background can help “open up” a windowless space. Consider a bold graphic wallpaper for the largest wall in the kitchen to make a strong design statement and create a feeling of stylish space and openness in a small area.

Crowded with Cabinets

A desire for adequate storage space in a small kitchen can create an area crowded with cabinets. To tone down this visually overwhelming look, consider replacing solid cabinet doors with glass ones, or removing doors altogether. This will produce a more open look. To create visual interest, line the back of cabinets or the walls behind shelves with wallpaper in a bright, fun pattern.

Galley Doldrums

Galley kitchens don’t have to be dull. You can use wallpaper or decals to establish a focal point for a plain, utilitarian galley kitchen. A variety of decal decorations can achieve a beautifully pulled-together look. Check out www.wall-pops.com or www.roommatespeelandstick.com for a variety of simple peel-and-stick decals – from geometric shapes in bright colors that you can use to create your own design, to themed decals that you can switch out to match the season.

Staring at the Wall

If all the seating in your kitchen faces one wall, you’ll want something interesting to look at – even if you only drink your morning coffee there. A wallpaper mural can turn a blank kitchen wall into an enticing focal point. Nature-themed patterns are in vogue right now, thanks to the eco-friendly movement. You can bring the outdoors in, and create a restful atmosphere, with nature scenes or even just a simple pattern that evokes an element of nature, such as graceful bamboo stalks in a basic color.

For more ideas on decorating small kitchens with peel-and-stick decals or easy-to-install wallpaper murals, visit www.wall-pops.com, www.roommatespeelandstick.com or www.seabrookwallpaper.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

To see today’s new innovative new wall décor products, visit the following Web sites:

w ww.brewsterwallcovering.com
www.cheswall.com
www.seabrookwallcoverings.com
www.thibautdesign.com
www.wallquest.com
www.yorkwall.com

Tags: decorating small kitchens, easy-to-install wallpaper murals, galley kitchens, kitchens, peel-and-stick decals, removable wallpaper, wall decals, wall décor, Wallpaper, wallpaper murals

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What is the one fall home fix-up project that takes only a couple of hours and yields the biggest bang for the buck of any exterior home renovation?

The hottest new style in garage doors is the carriage house design. It’s available in steel, wood or composite materials and in many price ranges.

Here’s a clue: This project adds style, energy efficiency and security to your home, and the preparation is easy and mess free — all you need is an Internet connection and a telephone. For most people, the answer does not immediately come to mind: it’s a stylish new garage door.

Think about it. If your house has an attached garage, the garage door may comprise more than one-third of your home’s front facade. If that home is more than five years old, your garage door probably is a solid-colored, raised-panel door that looks like every other garage door in the neighborhood.

A new door, quickly and correctly installed by a local professional, will differentiate your home and add style, value and curb appeal. The hottest new style in garage doors is the carriage house design. It’s available in steel, wood or composite materials and in many price ranges.

Tom Wadsworth, long-time editor of a garage door industry trade magazine, says the carriage house garage door is “the first major new design in garage doors in more than 25 years.” He says that all major manufacturers have joined “the carriage house craze” and offer thousands of unique variations of the doors.

A garage door is an important home improvement project. It is typically the first thing people notice when they pull into your driveway or pass your house. Doors also offer protection against severe weather and theft, help you save money on heating bills and substantially increase the appearance and value of your home.

Many homes have basic garage doors that lack style and curb appeal.

A nationwide poll of realtors revealed more than 71 percent felt a new garage door added to the value of a home, even adding as much as four percent of the selling price. That means $10,000 on a $250,000 home, which is a huge deal for people wanting to sell now during a difficult real estate market.

If you think installing a new garage door project is “easier said than done,” think again. GarageWowNow.com, a non-commercial Web site, explains the impact that a new garage door can have on a home. It’s a resource that helps homeowners redesign the outside of their homes, and the site offers tips on garage door design and gives them an opportunity to view scores of door styles.

The Web site also provides before and after photos that show how a garage door dramatically changes a home’s appearance. It also features a list of all the major North American garage door manufacturers and a handy Find a Dealer/Installer Zip Code Search to help people look for the nearest qualified garage door professional.

Hiring a pro is a smart move. Garage doors are heavy and operated by springs under extremely high tension. It’s dangerous to install a door yourself.

Log onto www.GarageWowNow.com and call for professional installation. After only a few hours of the pro’s work, you’ll get a stunning home makeover that will make you proud every time you pull in your driveway.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: garage doors, home makeovers

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Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology provides homes with beautiful illumination while reducing the negative environmental impact of traditional bulbs.

With more and more people concerned about the environment, building and decorating green has never been more popular. One of the easiest ways for homeowners to limit their environmental impact is to consider replacing the lighting inside their home.

Incandescent bulbs waste energy and burn out quickly, and when the more energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs outlive their usefulness, they pollute the earth with the toxic mercury they contain. A new lighting revolution is giving homeowners an innovative option.

The LED Difference
Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology provides homes with beautiful illumination while reducing the negative environmental impact of traditional bulbs. Here’s why it is fast becoming the leading eco-friendly choice:

* LED lights are long lasting: 20 times longer.
LED provides uncompromising light that will last 20 times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb and five times longer than a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL). You may never have to change your bulb again because each light is estimated to last 50,000 hours.

* LED lights use less energy: 85 percent less.
Incandescent and fluorescent bulbs consume substantially more energy than LED’s. You can easily observe this based on the amount of heat they give off. LED options generate almost no heat and consume a whopping 85 percent less energy than incandescents and 50 percent less than flourescents. For example, eight LED retrofit replacement bulbs consume only 96 watts and provide enough light for an entire room.

If every U.S. homeowner replaced one incandescent bulb with an LED, it would have the same effect as having 4 million fewer cars on the road.

* LED lights produce less waste: No hazardous toxins in your home.
Because the LED lights last so long, there is less waste going into landfills. Unlike compact fluorescent bulbs, these lights do not contain dangerous mercury. You won’t have to worry about disposing of the bulbs properly or having toxins in your home.

Adding LEDs to Your Home
Homeowners are using LED lights anywhere they have 6-inch recessed cans installed. Check GreenHomeExperts.com for options that will seamlessly fit into the architecture and lighting needs of any home. LED retrofit replacements are easy to install and can be screwed into existing recessed lighting fixtures. Some existing fixtures or housings may require minor modification. Although you may want to hire a handyman to help with installation, many homeowners are able to complete the task themselves. An expensive electrician should not be required.

Visit www.GreenHomeExperts.com to help green your home and save money with high quality, energy-efficient LED lights.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: eco-friendly lighting, LED, LED lights, Light Emitting Diode

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When ordinary pumpkins just won't do, paint a collection of pumpkins and decorate them with scrollwork designs for instant I-did-it-myself appeal.

As Mother Nature wows us with fantastic fall colors and scenery, the latest trends in fall decorating and entertaining bring the beauty of the great outdoors inside. Give your home some fall-time flare by adding nature-inspired decor with unexpected crafty details.

“This fall, decorating trends are inspired by nature, but the key is to use these elements in new and exciting ways. Interesting themes, new colors and surprising details are making fall 2008 distinctive,” says Susan Atchison, manager of trend development for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores.

Here are some decorating ideas and trends that you can try in your home:

1) Make pumpkins fun.
Pumpkins are the quintessential symbol of fall, but why not put a new twist on a classic? When ordinary pumpkins just won’t do, paint a collection of pumpkins and decorate them with scrollwork designs for instant I-did-it-myself appeal.

“Try painting artificial pumpkins, called Fun-Kins, a variety of colors. Rich blues and reds will provide a classic look. Then decorate with dimensional copper paint or iridescent brown paint,” says Atchison. “For a fun, brighter look, get inspiration from traditional prints by painting argyles, dots, checks, plaids and stripes in exciting color combinations for a fun mix-and-match pumpkin grouping that can be used year after year.”

2) Make it a crafty Halloween.
Halloween is a frightfully fun time, and with the holiday landing on a Friday this year, there’s bound to be a little extra celebration. Consider using inexpensive or leftover craft items to create frightfully fun Halloween decorations for little cost.

Atchison suggests making Jack-O-Lantern Illusions, which are made out of a quilt hoop that is painted orange with a fun jack-o’-lantern face hanging in the center with clear thread. They’re quick and easy and look fabulous hanging from the ceiling indoors or on trees outside.

3) A table aplenty.
Showcase the essence of fall’s natural beauty with a sparkling centerpiece everyone will adore. Fill jars and bowls with decorative fruits like apples and grapes, but add pizzazz with nontraditional fruits such as pomegranates or mangos.

“Put your own creative spin on the project by adding things you’ve purchased or found on a nature walk like pinecones, dried flowers or feathers,” says Atchison.

Add a special touch for your next dinner gathering by creating personalized handcrafted harvest place settings. Choose a decorative foam or plastic fruit and use copper paint to inscribe the guest’s name. Add a feather or other decorative detail and you have a tasteful place setting that turns into a fun take-home party favor once guests are ready to go.

4) Accents around the home.
Adding a touch of color throughout the home can transform it into an autumn environment in no time. Utilize colors to bring the feeling of the season into any room, from bathroom to kitchen to porch. Gorgeous golds and oranges, rich burgundies and browns, plus touches of teal and sage vividly reveal fall’s splendor.

Add a splash of color with a wine-toned table runner or visual appeal with a simple bunch of dried fall flowers filling the air with the pleasant aroma of the season.

“This fall, decor with a natural essence is popular, but be creative. Adding unique details to traditional items or utilizing colors in new and exciting ways can really make your house stand out,” concludes Atchison.

For more information and to get supplies for creating the perfect fall decor for your home visit www.Joann.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Supplies and tools:
* Fun-Kins Carvable Pumpkins, various sizes
* Acrylic paint in colors of choice
* Paintbrushes — 1-inch and 1/2-inch flat
* Spray gloss varnish
* Dimensional paint, copper and iridescent brown
* Plate for paint

Directions:
1. Basecoat the entire pumpkin with acrylic paint. Let dry.
2. Shake the dimensional paint bottle to get a full load of paint at the nozzle. Beginning at the stem, create a swirl. Continue around the stem, varying the swirls, and building upon the original ones. Continue about a quarter to a third of the way down the pumpkin.
3. Add dots to the design, if desired.
4. Return to the stem and decorate it.
5. Set pumpkin aside to dry.

Tip:
Paint Fun-Kins Carvable Pumpkins in 2 stages — first with stem up, second with stem down. When painting the bottom, stand it stem down in a container that supports it until it’s dry.

To get spray gloss varnish at the base, insert a disposable cup or other tall object inside the hole at the bottom to lift it from the surface. After spraying the surface that faces you, rotate pumpkin to get the other surfaces. Spray the stem from the top as well.

Craft 2) Jack-O’-Lantern Illusions
Skill level: No experience needed.
Approximate crafting time: 1 hour each plus drying time.

Supplies and tools:
* 14-inch, 16-inch and 18-inch quilting hoops
* Acrylic paint — three different orange colors
* Foam brush
* Clear polyester thread
* Thin hand-sewing needle
* 9-by-12-inch craft foam, 3 sheets 3 mm thickness, black
* Tacky glue
* Scissors

Directions:
1. Paint inside and outside of all hoop sets and allow to dry thoroughly. Use a different color orange for each size. Two or three coats may be needed to achieve desired effect. Hang to dry.
2. Design jack-o’-lantern faces and cut out from black craft foam.
3. With clear polyester thread and needle, poke tiny hole through top of each face piece and tie to inner hoop to make face mobile.
4. Glue the outer hoop at right angles to inner hoop.
5. When dry, tie a piece of thread to hoop screw and hang.

Scrollwork Fun-Kins

Craft 1) Scrollwork Fun-Kins

Tags: craft projects, crafts, fall home decor, fall home decor trends, Jack-O’-Lantern Illusions, pumpkin decor, Scrollwork Fun-Kins

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