Hacienda Home Style .com

I just joined this program because it sounded like a really great place to find new interior design advice.

Not only does this site give you lot’s of really great pictures to drool over… but they have a chat area for decorating or design advice.

The first picture I opened is the one featured at the left. The reason I am drawn to it is because we just adopted a new “huge” flat screen tv and I’m having a hard time designing around it.

The new TV has created a few decorating troubles for my Spanish style home. I had the old Television located in a great rustic pine cabinet. Several of my friends have given me some advice about concealing this monstrosity… but nothing that has grabbed me as a “great idea”.

This room has some similar details as the room I am using for the “media” room… but my fireplace is located in the dining room. what I love is the sofa and the media cabinet.

The way this media cabinet fits on the wall with the fireplace is unique and… well… it just works!

I did check the “chat/advice” area and it’s dead. I mean it is a ghost town. But the pictures on this site are amazing. It’s like going to a ton of home shows and model homes all in one spot… never have to leave home… and you can see them anytime you want! How cool is that.

http://haciendahomestyle.com/interior-design-advice

Although I don’t recommend this membership for advice… gee you can get lot’s of decorating advice from me on my “free” forum any day of the week. ~ http://www.thatpainterlady.com/forum/

I do love to have one spot that provides me with lot’s of magazine style photos with a variety of photos of the same room. So I have to give this membership site a thumbs half up. It’s worth a one month membership to see all the great ideas!

Interior Design Advise Membership

Homeowners all over the country take time out of their busy schedules to redecorate or remodel their homes when they tire of how their home looks.  If you like the look of Spanish Style Décor, why not roll up your sleeves and create your dream décor.  Here’s a plan for Spanish style decorating.

Before you start redecorating or remodeling, set aside the money you’ll need for the work and new items.  If there is major work to be done, such as removing a wall or adding new cabinets, you’ll want to have a contractor do the work.  Plan for at least 15-20% more than what you think will be needed to cover unexpected budget problems.

Look through home decorating magazines and at television shows that illustrate Spanish style decorating.  This will give you inspiration as well as help you determine which items are absolutely necessary and those that can wait.

Create a board that will help pull things together and keep all of your ideas in one spot.  If you don’t think a board will do, save everything in a specific folder or three-ring binder.  Pick a color for the walls, what accent colors you will use, and which items you would like to use as accessories.

With the furniture you have, decide how you will arrange your furniture in keeping with Spanish styles.  What textures or patterns will you use to compliment the style?  Then make a plan of which work will be done first, next, and so on until the work is complete.

When you plan for Spanish style decorating, don’t be afraid to use rustic items in your plans.  Vibrant colors and various textures are common in Spanish decorating.  Red, orange, blue, and yellow are common elements of Spanish décor.

Spanish style decorating is casual and comfortable.  Don’t worry about buying anything formal unless planning a formal dining room.  Furniture should be comfortable and big enough for the entire family to enjoy.  Dark woods and leather are common design elements.

Wrought iron is considered very Spanish and using grille grates will give an authentic look to your rooms.  Terra cotta pottery is also common for this décor.

Don’t forget to include rustic tile flooring to finish out your Spanish look.  Hardwood floors are another element that you can use with this style.  You can soften the look of the room by adding Native American blankets and Spanish style rugs.

When you plan for Spanish style decorating, keep in mind the variety of colors, texture, and weight of the items of this style of décor.  Vibrant colors are juxtaposed against the black of wrought iron, but that’s just the way the Spanish like things.

Budget Makeovers: Give Your Home a New Look

photo credit: Schoop Digital

Many two-story haciendas have a small wrought iron balcony. They may appear to serve no real purpose, but they’re a great place to add a splash of color. Decorating a small balcony is economical but can pack an artistic punch to your home.

It may seem that people who fail to decorate small balconies have no flair or decorating savvy. Bare balconies scream for attention no matter how small they are.

You can find a number of ways to dress yours up.

• Take into consideration how much space you have available to you. Do you have glass doors leading out onto the balcony? Create the illusion of a wider space by changing the door to two thin glass doors rather than one regular sized door.

• What does the view from the balcony look like? If it’s a beautiful view, you won’t have to do much at all. However, if there is something blocking your view, you may want to dress it up by adding plants to it. Hang ivy plants over the side and let them grow to the full length of the balcony. Go vertical by using the walls on either side of the door to hang other design elements.

• Choose something with color. Whether you choose potted flowers or a sculpture of some kind, add a splash of color when decorating a small balcony. You may also want to hang large paper lanterns to give your balcony light as night falls.

• Do you have room for a seat or two? Perhaps you can find a small wrought iron table and chairs. This would be the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea with a friend. If you can’t manage that much furniture, find an old trunk, get some pillows, and create a seat in the corner of your balcony.

Don’t fill every nook and cranny when decorating a small balcony. Open space can be a good thing, especially when the area you have to work with is small. Again, if you can, use vertical spaces to your advantage.

Take the time to create your own private oasis. Think about how you’d like to use the space on your balcony and then see what you can do to make that a reality. Tranquility is possible when decorating a small balcony. All it takes is a little bit of time, imagination, and ingenuity to see your dream come true!

Traditional Mexican Style Exteriors

photo credit: ClatieK photo credit: nlnnet