Decorating Tips and Tricks

Learn what features you can enjoy now and expect a nice return on when, and if, you sell your house. We discuss not only what potential buyers are looking for now, but even more importantly, features you might want to live with before you call a realtor. Like the title says "LIVE WELL _then _SELL OVER ASK"! Some features we wholeheartedly agree will make your home more attractive to buyers, others...

Recently we covered a hot topic on how well designer items would do selling on Amazon. This led to a personal challenge to find gorgeous home decor items we loved, but with one caveat. They had to be available on Amazon. Challenge accepted! Here's our list of beautiful things for your home, all available on Amazon. Anita's favorites are Safavieh Aspen red and green rug HERE Safavieh micro loop col...

We had so much more to say after last week's MUST KNOW DECORATING TIPS episode that we had to record a part 2! This part 2, unlike many sequels, is just as great as part 1 - maybe even better! Today we annouce the book give away winner! Listen in to hear who won a signed copy of "My Creative Space" by Donald Rattner. If you are the lucky one email us at decoratingtipsandtricks@gmail.com and give u...

Today we are covering our very favorite must know decorating tips! These are the best of the best tips to make your home beautiful, comfortable & happy. Some of the key TIPS are: Consider the big picture before you start decorating Take a photo of the room before you start. It will reveal truths your eyes might be ignoring. Remember Function trumps style Go bold in small spaces Use unmatched c...

Today we talk about romancing your home. Or better yet, decorating your home so it romances you! We have ideas that push the envelope of what might be typically considered ‘romantic’ and those that clearly fall into that category. Each item will add a delightful touch to your home and in turn make you feel wonderful. That sounds pretty romantic doesn’t it? And today isn’t all hearts and flowers, y...

Today we help you learn to be your most creative self! This episode is filled with tips/advice on cultivating your creativity. We also have a give away of a signed book that is all about fostering creativity in the way you design & decorate your home. Listen in to learn how to easily enter to win a signed copy of My Creative Space by Donald Rattner. Also click on the Venus et Fleur box to the...

This episode is all about finding the inexpensive version of some high end looks. We accepted the challenge of getting the look for less. First we selected some high end items for your home, then we scoured the internet to find less expensive versions of each item. Anita picks are below. The high end dresser is HERE The low end version is HERE The high end mirror is HERE The low end mirror is HERE...

And it's our birthday on Friday!!! That's right, we share a birthday, so we're celebrating this week. Ok, let's spark up the episode topic - fireplace ideas & inspiration. Hearth, surround, mantle, firebox and more we have suggestions and advice for every aspect of your fireplace. We even have a source to add a fireplace without the need of ANY traditional elements like a chimney, flue etc. Ha...

We are making some new decor moves to be spot on for the new year. You should too! Listen in to hear how you can incorporate some of the tempting trends ahead. Listen to our 2020 Trend Forecast episode and then start making some new decor moves to be in step for 2020. Listen HERE . Down size if that feels right for you. Now is the time to go smaller and make those fewwer square feet absolutely fab...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! While we ponder & plan all the possibilities for 2020, today we dwell in the practicality. The things you should do right now to prepare your home to be a well oiled machine for 2020. Doing these things saves you time, $$, space & energy. Leaving more of all that for the possibility part! We participate in the Amazon Associate program so we may receive a small fee if you...

It's round about the time to start putting away the Christmas decor. Some feel their homes look bare now, while others love the clean slate, and minimalist look that January brings. No matter which side of the fence you sit on, we're talking about things you can do to transition your home from the holidays to a winter look. Greenery, pine cones, cozy touches & metallics work well all thru the...

Let's talk about lessons that will make you a better decorator. We love learning, and sharing all we have learned about making your home beautiful. Here are some of our favorite lessons. Take a picture of the room first. When you look at the photo, you'll notice things you didn't notice standing in the room. And then as you make changes you'll have a before photo. Be sure to take a photo after you...

It's time to start thinking of transitioning your decor from Christmas to winter. Winter is such a peaceful, quiet and beautiful time of year. It's about snuggling in warm blankets, drinking hot cocoa around a fire in the hearth, enjoying time with family and friends. Just because the holidays will soon be over, doesn't mean that the fun has to stop. We participate in the Amazon Associate program...

Best of: Creating Cozy Cozy is so inviting anytime of the year, but especially when the temperature dips & the calendar turns to the holidays. We have some easy tips & suggestions for creating cozy in your house, along with some specific decor items that can instantly transfrom a room with cozy. We participate in the Amazon Associate program so we may receive a small fee if you purchase th...

In this episode we blow your mind & the doors off your kitchen cabinets with a treasure trove of great information, advice, ideas and of course, tips! All this information will help you make your kitchen cabinets not only timeless & beautiful, but make them work for you. We cover it all in depth & detail from the materials, design, styles, finishes. All the options for undertaking a ki...

Best of episode: If you are looking for gift ideas, you'll love this list. It's some of our very favorite things. You might want to buy these for someone else or for yourself. The hair dryer/round brush HERE Pet portraits for your pets HERE Yoga pants with the phone pocket HERE Le Creuset Stoneware French Press HERE French Duralex containers (very practical gift!) HERE Honey spoons HERE Rescue Me...

The powder room may be small, but boy can it be mighty! It's an important room that can wow guests with just a little bit of extra effort. Today we are sharing some easy ways to refresh your powder room so you can enjoy it and your guests feel pampered. We mentioned embroidered tissue box covers, CLICK HERE We participate in the Amazon Associate program so we may receive a small fee if you purchas...

Today we are revealing how to create a stunning tree. We've got loads of ideas and tips to help you create a beautiful and memorable tree no matter if it is faux, real, big or small. We cover it all & top it off! Watch Kelly's YouTube video with a great tip for decorating a tree HERE . Prelit hinged trees are super easy to set up HERE We love to use a base of silver ornaments on our trees. The...

Upon popular demand we have put together another gift giving episode! We, and all of you relish the joy of giving a thoughtful and beautiful gift. We think this list will have the perfect suggestions for anyone on your list ~ including YOU! ( Best gift for us? Leave us a raving review on itunes. Give HERE ... Many Thanks!! ) Kelly's finds: Phone Soap - smart phone sanitzer & charger HERE . Mak...

This is part of our 'Best of Series', and we'll be doing 'Best of' episodes on every Weds from now until the end of the year. Enjoy! When transitioning from summer to fall you can up your general happiness by focusing on home. Taking care of your home is a form of self care that can really increase your overall happiness. Ramp up your happiness at home with our tips and advice. Happier at home = h...

Looking for new Christmas decor for your home? Sometimes when you open up the boxes of Christmas decor, you things look sad and tired. It might be time to change things up and add something fresh and new. We've done the shopping for you, so check out the cool things we found. Many of these items are bargains too. As Amazon associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. Kelly's mentions: Feather Tr...

Christmas decorating does not have to be an endurance test. If you are thinking about freeing yourself from the bin, this is the episode for you! Learn the holiday decor hot spots that you can focus on to great impact without all the effort. Less is MORE at Christmas time when your decor is elegant & considered. We go room to room & give you specific ideas on how to create a beautiful stat...

Real or faux ~ which way to go? Today we not so much debate, but clarify the facts surrounding the real vs faux Christmas tree controversy. The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decor. Traditions and memories are made under, around & about this holiday focal point. People are often staunch in their opinions of real or faux, but are all the facts clear...? Today we discuss the virtue...

Have you shopped for a mattress lately? It can be so confusing. Which one is best for a back sleeper or a side sleeper? Can you try out the mattresses that are only available online? Which one is best? Is organic really worth the price? We're not laying down on the job, or well for this one, we might be. Anita is shopping for a new mattress, and she has done a lot of research. Two organic mattress...

It really is better to give than to receive. Picking out the perfect gift for a loved one, hostess or even for a person/family in need is so much fun. Today we share a great variety of gifts we love & think you will too! Adopting a family through Habitat for Humanity is a wonderful way to gift others this holiday season. Contact your local Habitat offices to connect with a family in need. Marb...