Decorating With White 2013 Summer Ideas

When decorating a room, expensive or difficult to change elements are best left neutral. For whites, consider the variety supplied by a creamy wool rug, white linen slipcovers, shiny silk pillows, and a furry throw. Contrast comes in the form of black accents, which can be as powerful as hot pink in an all white room.

Use white to separate and emphasize your forays into colorful decor. In this room, white walls and shapely textured furnishings set a chic neutral stage for vibrant ceramics, glass, and a collectible pink chair. A shelving unit creates a display grid on the white wall that adds dimension in the room and spreads the notes of pink and blue over a larger space.

Slipcovered in crisp white and dressed for dinner, modern chairs add a touch of minimalist formality to this white dining room. The shaded chandelier and simple window shades sum up the classic-modern style of the space. The white palette is enriched with a subtle ivory tone on the walls.

Layers keep a white room from being one-note. Prop framed mirrors against a wall or over a mantel. Look for interesting mirrors at thrift stores or tag sales and paint the frames in shades of cream and white. Slightly overlapped or placed against one another, the large mirrors will practically double the natural light in the room. Add another piece in front of the mirrors, preferably something with a similar tone and an interesting shape, such as this old French clock, to create depth.

Contemporary amenities are dressed in traditional design elements in this timelessly elegant white kitchen. Glass-front cabinets and thick marble counters confer period authenticity, while stainless steel appliances add a modern counterpoint. Oak plank flooring grounds the room and brings warm, natural color to the mostly white space.

White brings cohesion to a large room and its different layers of color and texture. In this bright and breezy living room, wide-plank pinewood floors and finishes emphasize the house's history, while the dark tones contrast with the contemporary white walls and slipcovered seating in an old-world/new-world combination.

Add signature flourish, intrigue, and even texture to an all-white bath. In this unique space, a quartz tile surface is embossed with a subtle wash of lace pattern that dances in the natural light. Augment the luxurious spa feeling with lots of white: towels, floor covering, and shower curtain it's a surefire way to refresh.

This Victorian flat was transformed to give it the ambience of a modern loft. White paint coats the formerly dark wood architectural elements such as the fireplace mantel, allowing the relief carvings to stand out in greater prominence. Using white and black on furnishings allows the modern and Victorian styles to blend seamlessly.

Springy greens in the fresh flowers and the muted sandy tones of timeworn accessories give this living area country charm. Slipcovers can be tossed into the laundry if spills threaten to ruin the pristine scene.

White in this space is interrupted only by an occasional plant or expanse of wood, and seems cool, calm, and collected. Subtle variations of white and cream add interest to this space, while fresh flowers and plants help unite the indoors to the outdoors.

Easy Decorating Ideas for Summer 2013 from BHG

Bring the colors and feelings of summertime into your home with our best tips and tricks everything from furniture arrangements to the smells of the season.

Think of your home as a summer rental, and you'll see it in a whole new light. Throw open the doors and windows, pull back the curtains, and get rid of pieces that are dark, gloomy, or fussy. Stow away heavy accessories, throws, and unnecessary small decor items until it's time to cozy up for fall.

To add organic appeal, consider planting succulents in a large shell. The tiny plants last for a long time and require little care, making them the perfect addition to a summery tablescape. The natural elements also add texture and character to this chic end table display.

Consider buying accent dishes to add splashes of summertime color and pattern to your next dinner party. Mix bright floral, tropical, or nautical theme dishes with your everyday plates and bowls. To ramp up the summertime look, clear a small table to create an impromptu bar, and arrange bottles and glassware on a pretty serving tray. Fun elements such as stir sticks and paper umbrellas create a look that is perfectly seasonal.

While a fireplace is a great focal point, consider rearranging your furniture away from it during the summer. Rather than huddling around the hearth, shift the focus of the room toward a beautiful window or French doors. Stow away heavy draperies and hang gossamer sheers that flow with the breezes.

Summer is as much a state of mind as it is a season, so transform your spaces to embrace all the benefits it has to offer. String paper lanterns on tree branches around an outdoor patio to allow gatherings to last well into the night hours. Or should the weather turn stormy, cozy up by lamplight on a covered porch. Because pleasant summer days sometimes fall few and far between, you'll want to take full advantage of the time you have to spend outside, rain or shine.

Give a tired chair or side table new life using high-gloss spray paint in a summery hue, such as sky blue or grassy green. The glossy paint creates a fun lacquered look and gives an old piece a fresh and modern edge. Make sure to properly prime the furniture to help the paint adhere to the surface and wear longer.

Brighten dark walls with colorful art pieces. Affordable pieces can be found just about anywhere online or at flea markets and resale shops. A large piece or a collection of smaller pieces also provides the perfect blank wall solution for large, open rooms.

Welcome summer by entertaining outdoors. Low tables, floor pillows, and strands of clear outdoor lights will set a merry mood. Winning combos of bright colors, such as turquoise, red, and white, create a festive atmosphere and will keep everyone in a party mind set.

Modern Bedroom Decorating With Summer Color 2013 New Ideas

Green painted beaded board walls lend organic appeal to this sunny bedroom. Nature inspired art prints and accessories sprinkled throughout the room also nod to the outdoors. The four poster in blonde maple adds a rustic simplicity to the bedroom, while nearly sheer plaid curtains soften the corners of the bed.

White walls and sheer patterned draperies allow this bedroom to look open and airy despite it's small size. The wood flooring and the dark painted dresser introduce visual weight to the room. An eclectic assemblage of bedding citron sheets, sea glass green shams, and block print linens add sink in comfort to the cozy bedroom.

Accents of royal blue, orange, and hot pink add oodles of color to this otherwise neutral bedroom. The tones play out in less vibrant shades on the antique rug, a move that makes the room look pulled together, but also plays up the modern-traditional style of the room.

The barely green walls, white architectural details and a palette of grays in this bedroom allow personality-filled accents to truly shine. While the elements of the room are decidedly eclectic, they are well edited and the room isn't overcrowded. Next to the bed, an elephant shaped statue functions as a tiny night stand. The patterned area rug adds warmth underfoot and style leading up to the bed.

In this bedroom, a patterned fabric bed frame functions as a work of art. The colorful print blends well with the warm wood accents throughout the rest of the room. Beige and white bedding and curtains echo the look of the bed frame. Scale plays an important role in this room's design. Because the ceilings are tall, the walls needed to be treated accordingly. The oversize mirror fills the space above the bed better than a regular sized mirror and the large damask pattern on the curtains adds interest to the solid fabric without become too busy.

The all-white walls in this bedroom get a style boost thanks to a panel of patterned fabric hung behind the headboard. A use of midtone grays creates a dynamic color palette while remaining neutral. Assorted furniture shapes bring the room to life from the rolled ends of the upholstered bed, to the unique bench perched on animal legs.

Strict symmetry makes a big style statement in this bedroom. The two beds are identical, right down to the arrangement of throw pillows and sunburst mirrors above the beds. The bench between the two beds serves as a nightstand for both, eliminating the need for two pieces of furniture. Warm walls, window treatments, and flooring contrast the dark finish of the traditional-style beds. Handblocked textiles on the beds add unique pattern and interest.

A patterned, fabric covered headboard says style against white walls. Wide striped draperies infuse the room with another layer of pattern, but they don't steal attention away from the headboard. Coral accents throughout the space provide warmth and color. Smaller scale patterns on the bedding and solid pillows complete the room's pattern mix.

Decorating Porches Ideas For Summer 2013

Whether it's a four season, three season, enclosed, or sunroom, your porch can become an inviting and relaxing gathering spot or at home getaway with a few simple design tricks. Ready your outdoor spaces for a fun filled summer of grilling, patio parties, and relaxing.
Get inspired by these creative ideas for adding personality and practicality to your outdoor living spaces.
I hope you like it ........... Enjoy !!!

This sunny screened porch welcomes visitors with an eclectic collection of furniture and accessories. The cozy seat cushion atop the wicker sofa provides the perfect spot for relaxing. A trunk turned coffee table offers a surface to place a tray of drinks as well as a hidden storage area for blankets and spare pillows.

A small skylight above the seating area in this indoor porch welcomes views of the sky. The wood paneled ceiling treatment draws the eye upward and emphasizes the skylight. Screened windows prevent unwanted critters from making their way inside without disrupting any views of the outside.

In this sunroom, simple, mission-style furniture gets a dose of personality thanks to a handful of colorful decorating touches. In one corner, a blue-painted chair contrasts the look of the other dark wood furnishings. A graphic area rug beneath the coffee table adds a splash of whimsy and helps ground the seating arrangement.

Striking orange accents add warmth to this indoor porch. Geometric print throws on the armchairs tie expertly in with the orange painted table and benches. The blue gray shutters hung in one of the windows help cool down the warm orange hues.

Styles collide in this unique, rustic-meets trendy sunroom. A dramatic stone fireplace surround and furnishings of weathered wood convey down home comfort. Accents of mint green, such as the painted ceiling beams and upholstered sofa, incorporate of-the-moment style.

A narrow screened porch off the back of this home provides a summery dining spot for the whole family. The red painted chairs along the sides of the dining table add a splash of color to the neutral space. Screens on all of the windows act as barriers that help keep out unwanted critters and crawlers.

Wicker furniture is often a staple of outdoor living, however, these sleek lined pieces look anything but ordinary. A sisal rug beneath the seating arrangement helps define the area. The two sided fireplace adds warmth and light when the sun goes down.

Reclaimed wood ceiling beams, wrought iron accents, and stone flooring convey old-world style in this sunporch. French doors along one side of the room welcome visitors from the inside. On the opposite wall, heavy curtains can be thrown open to welcome fresh breezes or closed if the space ever feels chilly.

A four-season porch design for casual entertaining is enhanced by equally casual furnishings. Adirondack chairs are an always-welcome classic, perfect for lounging. In this space, the design was adapted into a sofa, which easily accommodates two people. An infusion of red, white, and blue in striped motifs creates a nautical look that exudes summer style.

An infusion of airy cottage style is the perfect complement to the flood of natural light that fills a window-lined enclosed porch. Mimic the look of a classic cottage front porch by installing beaded board on the ceiling. For full on cottage style, use plenty of wicker accessories, flowers, and soft, bright colors like the frothy aqua on this dining room set. If you're enclosing an open-air porch, create continuity by using the same trim and window styles in the enclosure that's in the rest of your home.

This screen porch is a breezy spot to spend spring, summer, and fall days. A light stain on the porch floor, white furniture and walls, and a wood table provides a neutral backdrop. Bright accents on the pillows, vases, and candelabra fill the space with color. For updates on a budget, limit bold colors to accessories. They are less expensive than large pieces of furniture and easier to update when you crave a change.

This stacked stone fireplace not only adds warmth to the screen porch, it also acts as a privacy screen, partially blocking the view from the outside into the porch addition. To give your porch substance, add in architectural millwork, such as these the simple pilasters with columns.

This screen porch gets a punch of color from bright furniture and accessories that can withstand the elements. Colorful outdoor grade wicker chairs and zippy vinyl lamps that mimic paper party lanterns pop against the white walls and window treatments.

Make the most of a small porch with slender furniture. A small bistro table-and-chairs set adds functional seating to this home's casual porch, while not overwhelming the tiny space like a larger set would.

Give your porch a boost with a little bit of paint. Revive worn chairs with a few coats of paint in a bright hue. Or try painting your door a striking color. Black paint turns this ornately trimmed door into a worthy focal point.

Add the functionality of a dining room to an enclosed porch with a few basic furniture pieces. Start with an intimate round table and comfortable chairs, then incorporate a sideboard, credenza, or buffet. A versatile piece of furniture like this one adds storage as well as a place to set up food and drinks for a porch dinner party.

Patio Decorating Tips For Summer 2013

A charming patio filled with amenities can be a warm weather getaway, right in your backyard. Create a patio you can enjoy with these tips.

In landscapes that include lots of different plant types and textures, too much additional pattern can be overwhelming. Small doses are a good way to provide visual relief as well as interesting contrast to furniture. This patio set's solid-red seating cushions are paired with red and white pattern accent pillows for a pop of style.

Patios that are shielded from the elements can also, unfortunately, be shielded from cooling summertime breezes. If you have a structure overhead either a real roof or a pergola you may be able to include a ceiling fan, which can help drop the temperature up to 10 degrees. Outfit your ceiling fan with a light and you'll have a reliable source of overhead illumination, too.

If you have limited backyard space, you may want to screen your seating area from your neighbors. There are a variety of visually pleasing ways to do that, including attractive fencing, tall trees (which also supply shade), shrubs, or a hedgerow.

Exterior lighting has many functions ensuring safety along walkways, offering ambience as natural light fades and should be an integral part of any patio design. A pendant fixture above this table can cast light on diners lingering after the sun has set.

A paved or bricked patio space that ends abruptly will feel out of place with a larger landscape around it. A better solution is to use materials to gradually transition  and reinforce a connection  between the two. Here, irregularly shaped pavers provide a pathway from patio to lawn, and mulch and containers segue neatly into planted areas.

A deck that's created with materials that are in polar opposition to a house will look out of place indeed. Use your home's architecture for cues as to color and type of construction. Here, stucco walls supply the neutral base, while stonework adds welcome visual complexity to the intimate fireplace area.

Small shifts in color or material supply welcoming visual interest underfoot on a patio. Consider a border, or use different sizes of stones to delineate seating or eating areas like this red brick helps designate the dining area and warms up the blue flagstones.

Decorative elements certainly have a home on a patio, particularly if they're either outdoor-safe or protected from the elements. If your style is a bit eclectic, or favors a theme like this woodsy one, let the decorating scheme reflect that, with sculpture and centerpieces.

In the absence of a change up of fabrics or hardscape, plants can be a welcome way to add living décor to a patio space. Intermix grasses and foliage-focused plants for variety in both hue and style.

Even a small fountain or birdbath lends a soothing sound or draws birds and butterflies. Petite water features can also act as a charming focal point, like this birdbath centered in a small circular brick patio.