$1 : Turn Dollar Store Finds into Home Furnishings

Smart Move Design was given a challenge by our local newspaper. We were handed $25.00 to see what kind of home decor we could buy or create from the dollar store. We scoped out the best dollar stores in town and got creative. For the full article and before and after photos of all the items, click here

Have fun with murano glass beaded wallpaper

Faux glass bead wallpaper makes for a lovely and glamorous look for your wall anywhere in the home. The wall coverings shed beautiful light to give an impact. They give a statement to any space and are available in a wide array of colors. This is an easy way to bring color and texture into your home while making an impression on the space itself.

Guest blogger: Katherine Fountain

Decorated Stair Risers

I wanted a new look for the stair risers at my Smart Move Design office but didn't want to paint. This was done in an hour using wrapping paper. (I found the paper at Hobby Lobby and it had a nice one inch grid on the back for easy cutting). I cut the paper to size, painted modge podge on the risers, placed the paper on the risers and smoothed it out, then trimmed with an exacto knife.

Adding Luxury to Your Home

One of the easiest ways to add luxury to your home is through custom, decorative paint treatments. Sponge painting? Très 1990. Want murals in your kids’ rooms, entry hall inspiration to greet your guests? Maybe harlequin diamonds or a chair rail? Whatever it may be, decorative paint treatments are a simple and chic method for upping the luxury in your home life.

Last year we had the pleasure of working with Sarah Moribito of Sarah Harris Designs in the 2010 Parade of Homes. This year she will be working with us once again and bringing her talents to the Sciuga and Pigliavento homes in the 2011 Parade of Homes. Give her a call to bring her talents to your home.

Letting Light In

A big difference can be made in the appearance of your home with the use of natural lighting, and also has proven health benefits. Having more light in the home increases productivity and makes you feel better! Having skylights is a great way to utilize day lighting, but if your home doesn't have them there are still ways to use natural light. Get rid of heavy draperies. Use curtains that are more transparent to let more light in. Opt for no curtains or a valance. Consider adding transom windows above your current windows. It is also a good idea to utilize large windows, or any window in the home as a focal point. Bringing more natural light into the home is like bringing the outdoors in! When staging your home to sell, potential buyers love a home that is light and bright!