DECORATING TIPS

~Letter from Rachel~

Hello, I’m Rachel Santos, Laura James’ older sister. Laura’s story, Lilacs for Laura, tells about my turbulent past, but the best is yet to come! You really must read Roses for Rachel. I find true love at last. And in the next story, Violets for Vanessa, you’ll see my dream of building a home on Rose Hill Drive come true – thanks to my wonderful new husband.

I can’t wait to decorate! Until recently, I lived on a very tight budget, so I learned to decorate on a shoe string. With this in mind, Dianne asked me to share some of my fun and frugal tips with you.

Most importantly, use what you have. Search your cupboards for pretty dishes to hold candy, potpourri, candles, plants, fruit or nuts. Hang pretty plates on the wall. Display decorative cups, mugs, or containers on a shelf. Scrounge through closets for accessories, fabrics, books, and what-not. Before getting rid of old clothes or blankets consider re-purposing the fabric. Also consider dying fabric for a fresh color.

Drape an old tablecloth over a curtain rod for a new look. Gather to camouflage any rips or stains. To tie back, use wide ribbon, braided twine or a hunk of rope. To make a colorful throw pillow, sew two linen napkins or placemats together. If you don’t sew, purchase stitch witchery in any sewing department or fabric store. This wonderful product fuses two pieces of fabric together when ironed.

Battered furniture can be painted or stained for a fresh look. Worn upholstery can be covered with a pretty quilt, sheet or blanket. Toss a few of those colorful pillows onto a sofa or chair. Pull things together by using fabrics that coordinate but not necessarily match. Choose a color from a pattern in the room for a pillow, curtain, or accessory in another part of the room.

Paint or stain old picture frames and make your own mats by covering cardboard with scraps of fabric, ribbons, or lace. Frame snapshots, children’s drawings, wedding invitations, greeting cards, or beautiful magazine photos for artwork.

Walk around your house and evaluate. Get a totally new look by moving furniture and accessories around. Bring a piece of porch furniture into the living room, or take the living room rocker into the bedroom. Switch an end table with a nightstand and try a lamp or plant in a different spot.

Finally, scavenge yard sales, flea markets, and clearance sales for new items. Even a modest home can shine with creativity and warmth. Believe me, I had a lot of practice making my tiny rental house into a cozy Victorian cottage. Everything I did was inexpensive or free. I can’t wait to decorate my next home.

Have fun making your house into a home you love!