Covering windows can be the biggest an most expensive challenge in some rooms. However, the challenge is well worth the effort to make it perfect when the results are as dramatic as the examples you will see below.

Your window coverings can make or break the feel of your room, so take some time, do some research. Take some pictures of your room with out the curtains and try different ideas with software programs so that you will make the right window treatment investment! And most of all…don’t rush the project and have fun with it!

1. Great alternative from curtains, using shutters on your french doors.

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Eating together as a family is sometimes the only time a busy family gets to sit together and find out what is going on in each other’s lives.  Why not make it a special time with the perfect atmosphere. If you are only using your dining room for special occasions, then you could be missing out on a great bonding experience on a regular basis with your loved ones. Every day is a reason to celebrate, so don’t forget to make time for those special family moments in the dining room!

1. Check out the before picture on this dining room. What a transformation! We love the contemporary feel of this room. The light fixture is very special and unique and the floating shelf in the hall is a perfect solution for a narrow busy hallway.

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Pushing the bed against the wall in a kids room add space for playing around.

This little camper is completely ready with even a sleeping bag on his bed. And painted signs to his next adventure.

Lots of pillows and a framed-mated picture add that decorators touch and, what the heck, kids LOVE to bounce around and throw pillows!

This beautiful basement done by Candice Olson of Divine Design proves that a basement doesn’t have to look dark and dreary. And it also proves that a basement doesn’t have to have a wet bar to be totally awesome and fun. What you can’t see in this photo is that there is also a sofa and entertainment area along with this table and wall bar. A+ for impact without pricey construction.

Sometimes the beautiful arched windows that are being incorporated into new houses are a bear to dress.

This model home gives an inexpensive and simple solution. You don’t need a ton of fabric for this either. This treatment also unifies what would look like two sets of windows on top of each other. For privacy you could add blinds or pleated shades to the bottom windows or to both the top and bottom.

Kudos for this look!

Guess what I saw in this model home? Something extremely practical and useful!

A basket for pillows and blankets when they are not in use! This is a great idea. I also use nice big baskets at the the front and back doors of my house for shoes, dog leashes and other stuff that seems to accumulate in that area. Don’t forget to go through it every week or so to remove items that are not needed–like your son’s slippers that he out grew last year!

Happy decorating (and organizing)!

A basketball lovers dream. What a fun room for a boy or teen. This show how creative you can be with letters. Shown here to create a fun feel of movement and action. The wire basketball player with a ball hanging in front ads the final touches. Classy and sporty!

1. Alison. This is a light surround look great for a French Country, Southern Living or North Hampton decor.

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Lets face it, if you have a teenage son living with you, he may only be at home for 6 more years –give or take. This is your chance to make your teen’s room something special. Then, as he goes out into the world from boy to man he will remember what a special place you created for him at home. Sports, Space, Water, The Great Outdoors, Urban or City Themes: whatever your teenager is into, you have options to express that in his room, you can present them in a variety of ways.

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My preferred shape for a dining room table is round because at a rectangular table you only can visit with the people next to you. At a round table, you can converse with everyone; you also can seat more people “in the round.”

If your room layout demands a rectangular table, consider one supported by a center pedestal or trestle. The lack of legs at the corners increases your seating options, allowing you to position chairs all around. - Candice Olson from the book:
Candice Olson on Design