Fear is a feeling, not a fact. Living and Dining Rooms Photo By: Ralph Oswald; Design by Gregory Augustine of August Interiors Photo By: Decorating Den Interiors Clean and streamlined, modern style is characterized by a neutral color palette, strong geometric shapes and asymmetry. The most common features of a modern interior are white walls and neutral tone-on-tone color schemes. The words sleek, smooth and polished will come to mind when you think of this design style. Design by Emily Henderson A relaxed style that appeals to the senses, romantic design is characterized by femininity, a pastel color scheme and sheer, light fabrics. When outfitting a romantic living room, silk, chenille, matelasse and velvet are absolute musts for pillows or throws. Don't forget to add a little sparkle, too. Crystal, pearlized shell and silver accents will instantly romanticize any space. Design by Sarah Richardson If you can't choose one style, go eclectic. It's a mixture of different styles and periods, but pulls the look together through a similar texture, finish, pattern or color.

Most often, an eclectic space can be defined by its multitude of fabrics. Designer Steven Miller combines various finishes and textures to create this eclectically-styled living room that includes various accessories and design styles. Originating in countries north of the Mediterranean Sea, this style pulls in colorful, Spanish-inspired details, from the ornate furniture to the textured walls. cheap wall art nzMediterranean colors typically mirror those of the sea and sky, but can also include warm hues of yellow and lavender. country style home decor canadaMosaic tiles, often seen in kitchen backsplashes or on the floor, are the most popular (and sought-after) features of Mediterranean interiors. cheap wall decor diy

Design by Ashley Astleford Contemporary living rooms feature softened, rounded lines and contain neutral elements with pops of bold color within a tone-on-tone color palette. Get the look by pulling in pieces of furniture with clean lines and slim silhouettes. A vibrant hue or geometric pattern can be brought into the design by simply adding throw pillows or a bold area rug. Asian style pulls in a variety of looks, including design elements from Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand. cute ways to decorate a white christmas treeBamboo, tatami and silk fabrics make up these naturally feng shui spaces. christmas decorating ideas from natureFurnishings, although sparse, include low-profile chairs, sofas and tables often paired with seat cushions or pillows. living room decorating walls

Design by Jane Ellison If you're looking for a perfect marriage of traditional and contemporary designs, then a transitional interior may be for you. In a transitional interior, furniture lines are sophisticated, simple and often feature either straight or rounded profiles. To keep the focus on the simplicity and sophistication of the room, designers will keep color palettes neutral and decor to an absolute minimum. Image courtesy of Decorating Den Interiors In an Old World living room, distressed, textured and dark-stained surfaces are preferred over those that are polished and maintained. Upon entering an Old World interior, you're immediately drawn into the age and history that comes with that room. Each rough-hewn beam, archway and woven tapestry tells a story into the aged life of that Old World-styled home. Design by Lori Venners Classic and comfortable, traditional design features furnishings that are consistent and familiar in style. It may not be an unexpected look, but it's timeless and can still look fresh and effortless.

Pull in a traditional color palette by balancing peach and green tones with aubergine and tan. You can enhance these hues with bronze accents and warm woods to create an inviting interior, like this cozy living space. To provide a true traditional look within any living room, add still-life oil paintings, gilt frames and ornate stands. Design by Tina Mellino Midcentury modern style is characterized by simplicity and natural shapes. This era of design is most known for its mass-production of household objects, including the popular Eames chair and Howard Miller sunburst clock. Midcentury modern designs are often emphasized by ample windows, an open floor plan and the idea of bringing the outdoors in, like in this prime living space. Cottage design is a colorful, comfortable look characterized by pastel, botanical palettes and painted furniture with weathered finishes. Living room furnishings often include iron and wicker chairs covered with stylish floral cushions. You don't have to say goodbye to your favorite pieces of furniture just because they've seen a little wear and tear;

the aged surfaces will make them fit in beautifully within a cottage-style space. Living Room Design GuideIn most homeowners life there will come a time when remodeling and upgrading your current amenities will be a way of life. Whether you are wanting to add space to your rooms, upgrade materials, or because your home needs more functionality, taking on a remodeling job could be in your near future. Before you get started, there are several factors to consider.  While your favorite home and gardens show may make it look easy in a few days – here are 10 things not to do when taking on your remodeling home job.Every DIY remodeling project isn’t considered equal. Before you decide which project to begin first at your home, determine what skill set and experience you have to execute your project. Many home projects will involve more expertise than others. While you may think all you need to do to replace a lighting fixture is detach the current fixture – you may forget that turning off the electricity to that circuit and other necessary requirements are necessary.

In order to save money many homeowners think of hiring or asking their friends and family to help. This can lead to costly mistakes, injury, and damage to important elements in your home. While friends and family can be used for moving belongings, furniture, cleaning and other household “chores” – only let experienced family and friends assist with your home renovation.While you may have done your homework on how much your materials, labor, and miscellaneous remodeling components will cost, there always should be a budget for going over budget. Many remodeling projects will involve unforeseen circumstances that will not be conveyed until the project starts. Opening up walls can often lead to electrical, structural or plumbing surprises. Remodeling older homes can often unveil mold, pipes leaking or rotting and deteriorating wood. Keeping this in mind, create a lower budget than you think you will need, just in case.Similarly to your budget, time is another resource that is valuable and shouldn’t be underestimated.

While many home improvement shows are able to complete projects in a 2-3 day time span, there is countless number of hours of professionals working behind the scenes. To gauge how much time you will need will largely be based on your experience level, if you have the proper tools to carry out the project and if you have assistance to execute the job in a timely manner. Take all of these into consideration when planning a time schedule. If you plan to take time off from work, factor in a day or two more on the front and back ends, just in case.Many homeowners assume that any construction or remodeling they do on their home is fair game. Depending on where you live, the local building codes and statutes may need to be considered. Especially if you are digging outside your home for a pool, pouring a structural foundation, or installing certain electrical/plumbing/mechanical/structural components may need a building inspector to review for safety.If you choose not to do the all of the remodeling project yourself and you hire a professional contractor – communication and conveying your intent is essential.

Photographs that you find on Freshome, your favorite magazine or ones that you collect from house ware brochures will help tremendously. Many homeowners forget that contractors will need an idea of exactly what result you’d like in your remodeling job – don’t rely on just your verbal explanation and their interpretation to get the results you are seeking.You may think this is self-explanatory but hospital emergency rooms around the world are filled with home improvement accident injury victims that could have been prevented. When working on high areas ensure you have the proper scaffolding, ladders, extension poles, and fall-protection safety wear to execute your job safely. If you are unfamiliar around high power tools, working around electricity and other technical portions of your home, hire a professional for your remodeling project.Before you start hammering nails or demolition your bathroom wall, ensure you have all the components before hand.  If you are ordering appliances, materials, and other deliverable items – wait until they are delivered before starting your home renovation.

While you may be anxious to get started, often times delivery dates get confused and your kitchen or bathroom could be inoperable for days waiting for fixtures to be delivered! Wait until all of the renovating components are in your possession.While you may have seen a great looking kitchen in your interiors magazine that you perused last week or that outdoor patio and summer kitchen are ‘to die for’ ensure you have all the specifics beforehand. Research what the cost of materials, labor – if you hiring a contractor, time it will take, and what preparations will need to take place for this renovation to fruition. Many projects require you and your family to be inconvenienced for days, or weeks at a time, and the possibility of not having a kitchen, bathroom, etc.. or access to an essential room for a period of time could be a reality. Do your homework beforehand to make sure you are up for the entire job before you start.For many homeowners the reality of home renovation may look dismal if cost, time and resources are unknown.