Fall Outdoor Decorating 2012 Ideas
Add to the natural autumn beauty of your yard with harvest inspired outdoor decorations. This ideas will span the season from September to Thanksgiving.
Easy Pumpkin Crafts for Halloween 2012 By Kayla Kitts from HGTV
By : Kayla Kitts
Kayla Kitts is an assistant editor for HGTV.com. When she’s not scouring the internet for delicious design inspiration, she’s shopping for home decor to spruce up her apartment, spending quality time with D'Artagnan, her adopted cat, and finding any reason to be outside. Her favorite design style: eclectic with a vintage, retro vibe.
Don’t judge me when I say this: I didn’t carve my first Halloween pumpkin until I was in college. GASP! I know. Growing up, we were less into the pumpkin carving and decorating that goes into Halloween and more into the treats and dressing up. Now, pumpkin carving/decorating is a tradition for me, especially now that you can do more than just carve a silly grin across its face. (Chevrons and silhouettes, anyone?) Here are some cute, quirky and even sophisticated pumpkin-carving ideas to get your porch ready for Halloween.
Parsnip and Carrot Pumpkin Family
Use vegetables, craft foam and accessories to create a loving, or scary, pumpkin family. (Go ahead and grab the kids for this one!)
Monogrammed Pumpkin
Add a sophisticated and personalized touch to your indoor or outdoor decor with this simple monogrammed pumpkin project.
Cute Owl Pumpkin:
Keep the owl trend going strong with this easy-to-make pumpkin project. Bonus: It requires no patterns or carving skills.
Add Worm Orang to you Home : 2012 Ideas
Let the hues of fall inspire your decor. The bright reds, golden yellows, and vibrant oranges can be mixed and matched with evergreen colors, such as blues, greens, or neutrals, to create a cozy and comfortable look that carries panache year-round.
Deep color creates a cozy ambiance in this sitting area. A curvy vine pattern on blue-green wallpaper softens the masculine lines of the dark wood shelving and brown wing chair. To keep the room lively, vibrant orange curtain panels frame the window while orange pillows prevent the chair from becoming a dark mass in the room. Orange accents, such as a small runner on the side table dot the room with the peppy hue.
Subtle variations of orange harmonize perfectly in this sunlit living room. From the apricot walls to the peachy curtains, the various shades make the color interesting but not overpowering.
Orange and hot pink make a harmonious pair. A large piece of artwork adds brightness to the white walls. Orange pillows and throws are a warm and cuddly touch. Both shades are present in the one-of-a-kind chandelier.
Make an impact with colorful furnishings that don't require permanent commitment. In this lively living room, slipcovers bring saturated color to basic chair and ottoman shapes. A bargain armchair found at an estate sale got a new personality with splashy solid red. A new cube ottoman matches with orange slipcovers banded in red. For a bit of visual relief, the large sofa is slipcovered in plain white. The side table, a tag sale find, gets new life with a coat of bold red paint.
Orange walls dominate the color palette in this dramatic yet inviting dining room. A tone-on-tone pattern adds depth to the energetic vibe and keeps the broad expanse of vibrant wall color interesting. Complementary blue creates a focus in the paired artwork on the wall and brings in a cool note of color to balance the warmth of orange. Frames and furnishings provide solid shapes of black and dark brown to counter the delicacy of the patterns.
Vivid, zesty orange is a perfect hue for any room, such as an office, that would benefit from orange's energetic vibe. In this basement craft room/office an adjacent wall in lime green provides a cool contrast to the hot orange but keeps things in the citrus family. Tone-on-tone painted flowers on the orange wall add lively pattern. Slipcovers on the chairs encapsulate the color scheme with powder blue, lime, and orange stripes, introducing the third color, blue, into the mix.
If your work space could use an injection of pure energy, bring in some vivid orange paint and fabrics to do the job. Extend the life of old chairs with slipcovers made of orange, pink, and yellow pattern fabric. Rejuvenate a wicker table with tangerine spray paint and create a new striped rug in an afternoon with paint, painter's tape, and a canvas drop cloth. Add some flirty cotton curtain panels and you have a room designed with and for productive energy.
This living room is small on space but long on style with orange sofas and orange walls. An unusual complementary color scheme of orange and blue serves to rev up each hue.
A deep orange adds life to this bedroom. During the day the color is bold and energizing. At night it's warm and cozy. The wooden bed frame, side table, and chair work together to ground the bright walls. The antique blanket chest at the foot of the bed brings together all the colors in the room.
Brighten Your Outlook
Deep color creates a cozy ambiance in this sitting area. A curvy vine pattern on blue-green wallpaper softens the masculine lines of the dark wood shelving and brown wing chair. To keep the room lively, vibrant orange curtain panels frame the window while orange pillows prevent the chair from becoming a dark mass in the room. Orange accents, such as a small runner on the side table dot the room with the peppy hue.
Orange Crush
Subtle variations of orange harmonize perfectly in this sunlit living room. From the apricot walls to the peachy curtains, the various shades make the color interesting but not overpowering.
Side by Side
Orange and hot pink make a harmonious pair. A large piece of artwork adds brightness to the white walls. Orange pillows and throws are a warm and cuddly touch. Both shades are present in the one-of-a-kind chandelier.
Under Cover
Make an impact with colorful furnishings that don't require permanent commitment. In this lively living room, slipcovers bring saturated color to basic chair and ottoman shapes. A bargain armchair found at an estate sale got a new personality with splashy solid red. A new cube ottoman matches with orange slipcovers banded in red. For a bit of visual relief, the large sofa is slipcovered in plain white. The side table, a tag sale find, gets new life with a coat of bold red paint.
With Complements
Orange walls dominate the color palette in this dramatic yet inviting dining room. A tone-on-tone pattern adds depth to the energetic vibe and keeps the broad expanse of vibrant wall color interesting. Complementary blue creates a focus in the paired artwork on the wall and brings in a cool note of color to balance the warmth of orange. Frames and furnishings provide solid shapes of black and dark brown to counter the delicacy of the patterns.
Juicy Hues
Vivid, zesty orange is a perfect hue for any room, such as an office, that would benefit from orange's energetic vibe. In this basement craft room/office an adjacent wall in lime green provides a cool contrast to the hot orange but keeps things in the citrus family. Tone-on-tone painted flowers on the orange wall add lively pattern. Slipcovers on the chairs encapsulate the color scheme with powder blue, lime, and orange stripes, introducing the third color, blue, into the mix.
Citrus Punch
If your work space could use an injection of pure energy, bring in some vivid orange paint and fabrics to do the job. Extend the life of old chairs with slipcovers made of orange, pink, and yellow pattern fabric. Rejuvenate a wicker table with tangerine spray paint and create a new striped rug in an afternoon with paint, painter's tape, and a canvas drop cloth. Add some flirty cotton curtain panels and you have a room designed with and for productive energy.
Orange Everywhere
This living room is small on space but long on style with orange sofas and orange walls. An unusual complementary color scheme of orange and blue serves to rev up each hue.
Light Bright
A deep orange adds life to this bedroom. During the day the color is bold and energizing. At night it's warm and cozy. The wooden bed frame, side table, and chair work together to ground the bright walls. The antique blanket chest at the foot of the bed brings together all the colors in the room.
New Kitchen Lighting Design Ideas 2012 From HGTV
Lighting designer Eddie Cohen of Design Light, Inc. shares his top six tips for improving task lighting in the kitchen.
Track lighting is the most multipurpose lighting since each light can be positioned to focus on different areas in the kitchen. Design by Joshua Foss.
Pendant lights are both decorative and create nice pools of light over countertops. Design by Gail Drury.
Choose light bulbs with different beam spreads for different effects. Floods are wide and create a more general lighting, while spot lighting works well to highlight specific items. Design by David Stimmel.
Recessed lighting is a great way to focus light throughout a kitchen. It is important to have a lot of light on work surfaces, such as countertops, stoves and the sink area. This type of lighting can be aimed exactly where you most need it. Design by Andreas Charalambous.
Under-cabinet lighting is great for kitchens because it focuses the light onto the countertop, which is the main work surface in a kitchen. This type of lighting is also a very inexpensive add-on for existing kitchens. There are many different light bulbs such as halogen, xenon and fluorescent that can give your kitchen a completely different effect. Halogen and incandescent light are best. Design by Andreea Avram Rusu.
In-cabinet lighting is a great accent for a kitchen. It can make finding what you need so much easier and can also make for a great look if you have glass-paneled cabinets. A bonus is that this type of lighting brings great illumination to the room. Design by Gail Drury.
Track lighting is the most multipurpose lighting since each light can be positioned to focus on different areas in the kitchen. Design by Joshua Foss.
Pendant lights are both decorative and create nice pools of light over countertops. Design by Gail Drury.
Choose light bulbs with different beam spreads for different effects. Floods are wide and create a more general lighting, while spot lighting works well to highlight specific items. Design by David Stimmel.
Small Home Office Design Ideas 2012 From HGTV
Whether placed in the corner of a room, along a wall or in an unused recess, these small spaces can make ideal home offices for those lacking square footage. Check out some of our favorite home offices that make the most of small spaces.
Corner Office
A desk tucked into a corner of a loft bedroom provides a quiet space to work, while surrounding shelves keep the space cozy and add an efficient storage solution. Design by John Gidding.
Bedside Muse
Black furnishings are sleek additions to this bedside workspace. Artwork leaned against the wall and an elegantly crafted lamp provide simple inspiration for guests. Design by David Scott.
Playful Divide
Even in a larger room, you can set aside a small amount of space for a chic home office. This space uses floor-to-ceiling shelving in a playful arrangement to partition the room. Design by John Gidding.
Closet Space
A small space between closets is just enough room for shelves and a simple desk insert. White paint keeps the space fresh, and the modern office chair of thin, bent wood beckons you to take a seat. Design by Brian Patrick Flynn.
Walled Study
If you have an empty wall, you have the perfect spot for a small-space home office. A wooden desktop atop white cabinets provides ample workspace. Extra-long wall shelves are accentuated by painting their interior red, adding a pop of color to the mostly white space. Design by RMS user just-beachy.
Work Cycle
Multitasking opportunities abound in this home office creatively placed in the laundry room. A built-in desk overlooking the deck provides a spot to catch up on e-mail and bills while waiting out the laundry.
Clean Finish
White walls and varied wood tones conspire to make a sophisticated office space tucked into a hallway. Dark wood floors add richness to the space, while the light wood drawers alternate with a white work surface to differentiate functions. A narrow wall niche provides shelving to display objets d'art for a splash of color. Design by Andreas Charalambous.
Tucked Away
Robin’s-egg blue is a sweet backdrop for this office nook, while layers of offset shelves create an informal mood above. A molded plastic Eames-inspired chair completes this tween workspace. Design by Sarah Richardson
How to Make an Illuminated Pumpkin Topiary : Halloween 2012 Ideas
We turned three plain pumpkins into a glowing centerpiece to light up a front porch, Halloween party or Thanksgiving table.
By : Joanne Palmisano
drill with large bit (optional)
scissors
extension cord
3 carving pumpkins (we used faux pumpkins by Funkin)
holiday lights with 25 to 50 clear bulbs
brilliant metal spray paint
3 strands of wire with crystal beads
dry-erase marker
painter's tarp
By : Joanne Palmisano
To make this festive centerpiece, we drilled holes in the pumpkins, painted them silver then added some holiday lights and a few crystals.
Tools and Materials
serrated knifedrill with large bit (optional)
scissors
extension cord
3 carving pumpkins (we used faux pumpkins by Funkin)
holiday lights with 25 to 50 clear bulbs
brilliant metal spray paint
3 strands of wire with crystal beads
dry-erase marker
painter's tarp
Carve and Cut
Carve a hole in the bottom and the top of the three pumpkins and remove the innards. On the bottom pumpkin, make the hole a little to the side so the light strand's plug can get through. Do not cut hole near the stem in the top pumpkin. The hole has to be big enough to be able to put your hand in and pull the light strands through the holes.
Mark for Light Holes
Use a dry-erase marker to make small circles where you want the bulbs to come out of the pumpkins.
Cut Light Holes
Use a serrated knife or a drill to cut out the circles. Double check the size by inserting one of the bulb sockets (take the bulb out to test it). Make the hole bigger until the socket can fit through, but not too big — you don't want the bulb to slide out.
Paint
Place the pumpkins on a tarp and spray-paint them with the brilliant metal paint. Let them dry.
Prep the Lights
Check that the lights are working and then remove all the bulbs from their sockets. This will make it easier to thread the strand through the pumpkins.
Thread the Lights
Starting with the bottom pumpkin, pull the sockets through the holes and then screw on the bulb to keep it in place. Make sure you leave enough of the strand to come out of the bottom of the pumpkin and plug into an extension cord or outlet. Work your way up the pumpkin and then come out the top and move into the next pumpkin. Leave some wiggle room in between.
Add Extra Sparkle
Wrap the pumpkins with crystal strands (cut to size if necessary) around the bottom, middle and top to give the topiary a little extra glamour.
2012 Bargain Window Treatment Ideas
Instantly transform simple store-bought panels into something special with these quick and easy window treatment ideas.
Designed by Elaine Koonce
Flower Style
Faux flowers find a new use on these panels. Randomly placed flowers add dramatic visual appeal to plain green window panels. For a look that's not as cohesive and a little more fun, choose a variety of faux florals for a flower patch panel.
Flower Style: Make It
How to Make It
Go to a craft store and find faux flowers that fit the look you're going for.
Pop flower heads off the stems.
Arrange flower heads on a panel and glue in place with a hot-glue gun.
Tip: Lay down protective covering on working surface to keep glue from leaking through.
Achieve a designer look at the fraction of the price with this creative design. Search your local fabric store for discount fabric that can be used to create window panels. Then put your creativity to the test by sketching out a leafy design that fits your style.
How to Make It
For one large branch, trace out the pattern first with a white chalk.
Make three size leaves on card stock; cut out pattern.
Trace the leaves on the branch pattern.
Using acrylic or fabric paint, hand-paint branch and leaves.
Let dry. Use a cloth to wipe off excess chalk.
Fun and whimsical, this unique look is simple to duplicate. All you need are a handful of buttons and some creativity.
How to Make It
Arrange the buttons in a pattern you like on the panel.
Using fabric glue, glue the buttons into place.
Lay flat to dry.
Romanticize any room with this bold drapery that beckons the princess inside us all. A pretty two-tone effect adds visual interest but does not take away from the beautiful delicacy of the detailing in the sheers.
How to Make It
Make a cut at the top of the sheer, tear (do not cut across).
Fold over and iron, repeat.
Sew seam.
Fold sides over (twice) and iron and sew.
Sew the top of the sheer to the top of the panel.
Cut the bottom length 2 inches longer than the panel; iron, fold and hem.
Finish off with a diamond belt clip.
These floor-length panels are great for a kids' playroom or bedroom. Not only will your little ones love seeing their names in big letters, but they can help make these easy treatments.
How to Make It
Purchase 9-inch oil-based board stencils.
Overlap boards so letters are at the desired distance apart.
Trace stencil with a pencil; remove the cardboard stencils.
Paint inside the drawn lines.
From traditional to modern, this treatment is perfect for any decorating style. Sheer blocks allow some light into the room but do not take away from the privacy functionality of a solid panel.
How to Make It
Lay panels flat, then place three poster boards cut to 14 x 22 inches on top, making sure the distance between the three boards is even.
Use a white chalk to trace around the boards; remove boards.
Cut out squares.
Lay your sheer fabric over the holes, pin into place and cut the sheer to size.
Move the panel to an ironing board. Lay flat again and use iron-on adhesive to secure in place. (Make sure iron is on medium heat so you don't melt the sheer.)
Use 7/8-inch chocolate grosgrain ribbon to finish off front cuts and secure with a 3/4-inch iron-on adhesive.
Iron both front and back to help adhere the adhesive.
Top It with a Scarf
Scarves are a great way to add color and texture to your treatment, yet still maintain a tailored look. If you're having trouble finding two of the same kind, opt for scarves that have similar patterns or colors.
How to Make It
Purchase two women's dress scarves in patterns and colors that fit your decor.
Cut in half, hem.
Lay them over top of panel and pin in place.
Sew one at a time (bottoms scarf first).
You can take any pair of plain drapes and dress them up in a few easy steps. Because the panels are embellished only in thin stripes, the more detail the better. We chose to use several types of ribbon, buttons, and beaded trim for our treatment, but the list of embellishments is endless.
How to Make It
Purchase several different ribbons, trims and buttons in the color combination of your choice.
Plan an arrangement of layers.
Measure and draw a line across the panel to line up the beaded trim. Continue to add the other layers above and below the center ribbon.
Use an iron-on adhesive for the ribbon and flat trims.
Use fabric glue for the smaller, round, and irregular shaped trims.
To complete the look, glue on buttons.
It's never been simpler to take an existing window panel and make it fabulous. If you are new to do-it-yourself projects, this embellished window treatment idea is perfect for you.
How to Make It
Purchase three colors and sizes of ribbon.
Cut large ribbon to 8 inches, second size to 6 inches, and small to 4 inches.
Iron all ribbon in half.
Line up the three sizes together, pin in place and sew a quick stitch at top to secure.
Draw a line across the panel where embellishment is desired.
Pin ribbon blocks in place. Then stitch across the length of the ribbon to secure it to the panel (you can also use iron-on adhesive to make this a no-sew project).
Using an iron-on adhesive, secure medium and small ribbon in horizontal strips, to complete the look.
Designed by Elaine Koonce
Flower Style
Faux flowers find a new use on these panels. Randomly placed flowers add dramatic visual appeal to plain green window panels. For a look that's not as cohesive and a little more fun, choose a variety of faux florals for a flower patch panel.
Flower Style: Make It
How to Make It
Go to a craft store and find faux flowers that fit the look you're going for.
Pop flower heads off the stems.
Arrange flower heads on a panel and glue in place with a hot-glue gun.
Tip: Lay down protective covering on working surface to keep glue from leaking through.
Branching Out
Achieve a designer look at the fraction of the price with this creative design. Search your local fabric store for discount fabric that can be used to create window panels. Then put your creativity to the test by sketching out a leafy design that fits your style.
Branching Out: Make It
How to Make It
For one large branch, trace out the pattern first with a white chalk.
Make three size leaves on card stock; cut out pattern.
Trace the leaves on the branch pattern.
Using acrylic or fabric paint, hand-paint branch and leaves.
Let dry. Use a cloth to wipe off excess chalk.
Button Burst
Fun and whimsical, this unique look is simple to duplicate. All you need are a handful of buttons and some creativity.
Button Burst: Make It
How to Make It
Arrange the buttons in a pattern you like on the panel.
Using fabric glue, glue the buttons into place.
Lay flat to dry.
Sheer Elegance
Romanticize any room with this bold drapery that beckons the princess inside us all. A pretty two-tone effect adds visual interest but does not take away from the beautiful delicacy of the detailing in the sheers.
Sheer Elegance: Make It
How to Make It
Make a cut at the top of the sheer, tear (do not cut across).
Fold over and iron, repeat.
Sew seam.
Fold sides over (twice) and iron and sew.
Sew the top of the sheer to the top of the panel.
Cut the bottom length 2 inches longer than the panel; iron, fold and hem.
Finish off with a diamond belt clip.
Say It with Stencils
These floor-length panels are great for a kids' playroom or bedroom. Not only will your little ones love seeing their names in big letters, but they can help make these easy treatments.
Say It with Stencils: Make It
How to Make It
Purchase 9-inch oil-based board stencils.
Overlap boards so letters are at the desired distance apart.
Trace stencil with a pencil; remove the cardboard stencils.
Paint inside the drawn lines.
Blocked Beauty
From traditional to modern, this treatment is perfect for any decorating style. Sheer blocks allow some light into the room but do not take away from the privacy functionality of a solid panel.
Blocked Beauty: Make It
How to Make It
Lay panels flat, then place three poster boards cut to 14 x 22 inches on top, making sure the distance between the three boards is even.
Use a white chalk to trace around the boards; remove boards.
Cut out squares.
Lay your sheer fabric over the holes, pin into place and cut the sheer to size.
Move the panel to an ironing board. Lay flat again and use iron-on adhesive to secure in place. (Make sure iron is on medium heat so you don't melt the sheer.)
Use 7/8-inch chocolate grosgrain ribbon to finish off front cuts and secure with a 3/4-inch iron-on adhesive.
Iron both front and back to help adhere the adhesive.
Top It with a Scarf
Scarves are a great way to add color and texture to your treatment, yet still maintain a tailored look. If you're having trouble finding two of the same kind, opt for scarves that have similar patterns or colors.
Top It with a Scarf: Make It
How to Make It
Purchase two women's dress scarves in patterns and colors that fit your decor.
Cut in half, hem.
Lay them over top of panel and pin in place.
Sew one at a time (bottoms scarf first).
Trim & Ribbon Treatment
You can take any pair of plain drapes and dress them up in a few easy steps. Because the panels are embellished only in thin stripes, the more detail the better. We chose to use several types of ribbon, buttons, and beaded trim for our treatment, but the list of embellishments is endless.
Trim & Ribbon Treatment: Make It
How to Make It
Purchase several different ribbons, trims and buttons in the color combination of your choice.
Plan an arrangement of layers.
Measure and draw a line across the panel to line up the beaded trim. Continue to add the other layers above and below the center ribbon.
Use an iron-on adhesive for the ribbon and flat trims.
Use fabric glue for the smaller, round, and irregular shaped trims.
To complete the look, glue on buttons.
Ribbon Masterpiece
It's never been simpler to take an existing window panel and make it fabulous. If you are new to do-it-yourself projects, this embellished window treatment idea is perfect for you.
Ribbon Masterpiece: Make It
How to Make It
Purchase three colors and sizes of ribbon.
Cut large ribbon to 8 inches, second size to 6 inches, and small to 4 inches.
Iron all ribbon in half.
Line up the three sizes together, pin in place and sew a quick stitch at top to secure.
Draw a line across the panel where embellishment is desired.
Pin ribbon blocks in place. Then stitch across the length of the ribbon to secure it to the panel (you can also use iron-on adhesive to make this a no-sew project).
Using an iron-on adhesive, secure medium and small ribbon in horizontal strips, to complete the look.