Home Décor on the Outside

Now that summer is finally here there are plenty of things that you can do outside to make your
house a home.
Leaving flowers to one side, it is easy to create little oases in the garden to generate interest.

Pergolas

A sturdy robust pergola is a lovely addition to any garden, whatever size or shape. A small one
can accommodate a cosy little bench for two, or a large open sided one for al fresco dining.

If you don’t have the money for the wood to build one, then collect branches (offer to do some
pruning for a neighbour) until you have at least twenty supple ones of about 2m – 2.5 m in
length. Sharpen the bottom of the branches and stake them into the ground in a semi circle with
the ‘entrance’ facing a pretty part of the garden. These branches should be arched over and
weaved together with some strong twine. Over time these will harden and set into place. For
extra strength put three branch ends as stakes around the three enclosed sides of the pergola.

House signs

Instead of a boring number on the front of your house, swap it for a beautiful hand painted sign
like this onehttp://trudysilcox.co.uk/. A fine quality house sign will last and last and really enlivens up the entrance to
your home. If you don’t have the money to buy one, then find a quirky piece of wood and paint,
burn or carve your house number or name into it.

Rockeries

There is always plenty of stone around to build a rockery and a large stone pile can add a lot
of interest to a dull corner of the garden. Another idea, if you live near the coast, is to decorate
it with driftwood and other things you might find. If you are really lucky you may discover some
beautiful sea glass.

House of Trees

As opposed to a tree house, you can grow a house out of trees. This is a project for the patient
person, but it can look amazing. Decide on the shape of your house and map it out in a wire or
wooden frame. You don’t have to do this, you can let the house find its own shape organically
over time. Buy some fruit trees with long ‘withy’ branches and plant them at good intervals. In
the winter months, shape the ‘house’ by tying the branches to the frame with soft materials.
When the branches grow out in a direction you don’t want, either bend them back in to shape or
trim them off. You can use dead branches to fill in the gaps until the house has grown into the
space.

Enjoy your garden. It will beguile you and bring you closer to nature.

Redecorating the Home By Using Things for Different Purposes

Making home improvements may seem out of reach when you’re living on a budget. However, there
are many ways to change the look and feel of your home without spending any money at all. By using
things you already have around the house, you can update your decor with unique home accents.

Beautify the Bookshelves

Chances are you have a cluttered bookshelf or two in your home. Whether you love the classics or
prefer contemporary literature, book collections have a way of outgrowing shelf space. Instead of trying
to squeeze another shelving unit into your living room or bedroom, make the most of what you have by
looking at the books as decorations as well as good reading. Try rearranging volumes by height or color.
Stack some horizontally rather than placing everything side by side, or alternate large and small books
for an eye-catching change.

Bookshelves also make great places to display your favorite decor items. If you have knickknacks, flower
arrangements or treasured photos that have been sitting in the same places for ages, make space for
them on the bookshelves to break up the rows of volumes. You can even use large knickknacks as
unique bookends.

Make Use of Glassware

Everyone has an empty bottle or two on hand. You might also have some old cups, glasses or mugs that
are taking up cabinet space. Gather these together and see what various shapes, sizes and colors you
have. Pick out your favorites to use as unique decorations.

Bottles with thin necks make great candle holders for funky drip candles or traditional tapers. If you
prefer the look of flowers, use bottles as vases or get some inexpensive cloth flowers and create an
arrangement that will last for years. Tall glasses make lovely vases as well, and even mugs can be used
to hold small arrangements of your favorite wildflowers during summer months.

Turn shallow cups and glass mugs into interesting accent pieces by placing a layer of marbles, stones or
even dried beans at the bottom and tucking a brightly colored votive candle inside. Or layer different
colors of your chosen materials for an eye-catching effect.

Get Crafty

Don’t throw out those scraps of yarn or bits of fabric and paper left over from past craft projects. They
can be used to dress up common household items. Collect a few different materials in contrasting
colors, grab some craft glue and try some of these fun projects:

• Turn an old lampshade into a beautiful collage

• Glue buttons, small toys, or pieces of old wallpaper along shelves in a child’s room

• Deck out large frames with accents that complement the pictures or paintings inside

• Grab a big flowerpot, give it a crazy design, turn it upside down and use it as an accent table

Budget restrictions don’t have to keep you from having a beautiful home. Simply taking stock of what
you have on hand can turn up all kinds of interesting decor ideas that won’t cost you a penny.

Trevor Price is a writer and marketer for Sunburst Shutters. When he’s not writing Trevor enjoys reading
and the outdoors. Connect with Trevor on Google +. Sunburst Shutters has built shutters and custom
window coverings for customers across the United States since the 1970’s.

Easy Tips on Revitalizing your Deck

Now that summer is upon us, it’s only natural that we spend more time outdoors to enjoy the sun. Many
individuals choose to enjoy the summer outside, such as the pool, the beach or the backyard. But for
homeowners, the deck is a natural draw for a variety of purposes, whether it is entertaining, sunbathing
or simply just relaxing. However, you’ll have to make sure that your deck is ready for these activities
and the months coming ahead. The following tips can help you make sure that your deck is ready for the
summer:

Clean

This outdoor space is a great area for parties, small gatherings and sole enjoyment. However, it’s
difficult to utilize the deck if it is a sight for sore eyes. Therefore, one of the first steps that homeowners
should take is to clean their deck properly. Before starting to clean a deck, make sure that you remove
all furnishing and objects from the area. Sweep for any loose debris, such as dirt and leaves, followed
by rinsing the deck off with a pressure cleaner. In addition, you may want to use products such as deck
cleaners, stains or sealers in order to give your deck a more comprehensive cleaning. But make sure that
you understand which products are best for the type and material used for the deck.

Furnish

Once the deck is in spotless condition, the next step is to make it flourish with furniture. However, the
amount of furnishings on a deck depends on a number of factors:

What is the size of your deck? If your home boasts a sizable deck, then you may have more freedom
when it comes to choosing furnishings. However, keep in mind that the more furniture you have, the
more upkeep it will require. On the other hand, if your deck is of a modest size, then you may need to
be more efficient with your space.

What is your intended purpose for your deck? If you tend to be more of the entertaining type, then
there are a variety of furnishings that can aid with this purpose. For example, tables and multiple chairs
are essential for hosting parties. A BBQ grill or deck bar are also great ways to boost your party to
another level. However, if you’re more of the relaxing type, then you may want your deck to reflect this
sensibility. Comfortable lounge chairs or Ottomans are great ways to relax, read, or enjoy the sun. Side
tables are also a welcome addition, perfect for holding a book or a cool glass of your favorite drink.

Decorate

There are a variety of ways in which you can brighten up your deck and give it a more personalized
feel. Pillows, seat covers, and throws are a great way to add color and comfort to your space. Lighting
is also an important factor, as it can set the mood and atmosphere of parties and nighttime activities.
Homeowners should also keep umbrellas in mind, a vital addition to any deck preparing for hot, sunny
months. Finally, adding potted plants can add beauty and nature, adding to the environment of summer
on your deck.