Category: DIY

Do It Yourself

Take Time To Gather Decorating Ideas

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black and white sofa chairs

“Revolutionize Your Living Space: Unleash the Power of Home Decorating”

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

One of the things that drives me the craziest about people who are decorating their new homes is seeing them rush into many decisions and then regret them soon after. As a designer, that is the worst thing I see. It might be surprising that one of the biggest things I have to tell people is to relax, slow down and enjoy the process of gathering decorating ideas before they commit to anything.

I think part of why people are in a rush to decorate their new homes is because our culture is all about rushing and getting things done quickly. So few people like to enjoy the process and really make intentional decisions about their home. I think that having a home is one of life’s best gifts, and therefore I love seeing people take that gift seriously and make the most of the opportunities they have.

When you realize what a privilege it is to have a space to call your own then I think you will value the decorating process even more. I think only as you see the value of the home will you value taking time to gather decorating ideas. By gathering decorating ideas keep in mind that I am not suggesting that you take six months or a year to gather an endless amount of ideas that you will never use. I do, however, mean that you should take a few weeks and really look at your options before making any big commitments.

Do your homework

One of the all-time best places to look for decorating ideas is in magazines that are focused on home decorating. Order a subscription to a couple of good ones or borrow some magazines from a friend. Just get yourself into them and start looking at what is popular right now and what catches your eye. You will quickly learn that the things that catch your eye have a pattern to them and you’ll be off and running to creating your personal style in no time.

While it is wise to ask for opinions and suggestions from decorators, friends and family, ultimately you have to choose what kind of decorating ideas to incorporate into your own home. So be cautious about letting others influence you too much. Don’t be afraid to try something unique or to go out on a limb with a decorating idea. The best place to experiment is within your own home.

The Art of Transforming Your Home

Imagine stepping into your home and feeling a wave of serene joy. This isn’t just a house; it’s your personal sanctuary, a reflection of your unique style and aspirations. Achieving this requires more than mere decoration; it demands a deep understanding of the art of home decorating. This process is transformative, both for your space and your personal well-being. Through carefully selected colors, textures, and furnishings, you can create an ambiance that soothes your soul and invigorates your spirit.

It’s not just about following the latest trends or mimicking a showroom setup; it’s about creating a space that speaks to your personal narrative, incorporating elements that reflect your journey, tastes, and experiences. A well-decorated home can elevate your mood, inspire your creativity, and provide a comforting backdrop to life’s daily hustle. It’s about making your home a reflection of your inner world, a place that resonates with your personal ethos, and a canvas for your life’s memories.

Why Decorating Matters

woman decorating wall with round wooden mandala panels

But why should you, as a homeowner, invest time and effort into decorating ideas? The answer lies in the profound impact it has on your daily life:

At its core, decorating is more than just an exercise in aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that resonate with our personal narratives and enhance our well-being. For homeowners, engaging in the process of decorating is not just about adhering to the latest design trends; it’s about making conscious choices that align with their personal style and practical needs.

  1. Emotional Comfort: A well-decorated home serves as a sanctuary, a haven where one can relax and rejuvenate. The right arrangement and choice of elements can bring a sense of calm and order, easing stress and promoting relaxation. The colors, textures, and items you choose to surround yourself with can significantly influence your mood and emotional state. From cozy textiles that provide warmth and comfort to artwork that inspires and uplifts, every detail contributes to creating a space that nurtures your well-being.
  2. Personal Expression: Home decor is a powerful tool for personal expression. Through your choices in furniture, art, and accessories, you communicate your personality, interests, and values to anyone who steps into your space. Each piece can tell a story, whether it’s a cherished heirloom that speaks to your family history or a new acquisition that reflects your current passions and interests. This personalization makes your home not just a physical space but a living tapestry of your life.
  3. Enhanced Functionality: Thoughtful decoration is not only about beauty but also functionality. It involves optimizing space usage, making your living environment both aesthetically pleasing and practical. This can include smart storage solutions that reduce clutter, multifunctional furniture that adapts to your lifestyle, and room layouts that facilitate movement and interaction. The goal is to create a space that not only looks good but also works well for your daily life, accommodating your needs and those of your family.

How to Embark on Your Decorating Journey

centerpiece on coffee table beside sofa with three pillows

Embarking on your decorating journey is an exciting venture that allows you to reinvent your space and, by extension, your life. Here are some strategies to guide you:

  1. Define Your Style: The first step in your decorating journey is to understand your style preference. This might involve exploring different design aesthetics – from sleek minimalism to eclectic bohemia. Consider what resonates with you emotionally and aesthetically. You can take style quizzes, browse interior design websites, or create mood boards to visualize what appeals to you. This self-discovery process is crucial as it lays the foundation for your decorating choices.
  2. Seek Inspiration: Once you have an idea of your style, the next step is to gather inspiration. This can come from various sources, such as home decor magazines, online platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, or even from observing the decor in cafes, hotels, or homes of friends and family. Keep an open mind and explore different perspectives. Remember, inspiration can strike from the most unexpected places.
  3. Plan Your Space: Consider the functionality of each room in your house. What mood do you want to create in each space? What are the practical needs? This stage might involve sketching out floor plans, considering lighting options, or even thinking about how different textures and materials work together. It’s about striking a balance between form and function, ensuring that each room serves its purpose while contributing to the overarching aesthetic of your home.
  4. Choose Your Palette: The colors you choose play a pivotal role in setting the tone of your home. Color psychology can help you understand how different hues impact emotions and behaviors. For instance, blues and greens typically evoke a sense of calm, while warmer tones can energize a space. Think about the ambiance you want to create in each room and choose your palette accordingly. This decision will influence everything from your wall colors to your choice of fabrics and accessories.

Your Thoughts?

What decorating challenges have you faced in your home? How have your decorating choices impacted your daily life? Now, we turn to you, our readers. What decorating challenges have you faced in your home? How have your decorating choices impacted your daily life? We’re interested in hearing about your experiences and learning how we can offer more tailored advice. Share your stories in the comments section below or on our social media pages. Your insights not only enrich our community but also provide valuable perspectives that can inspire others in their decorating endeavors.

Wrapping It Up

Remember, your home is more than just a physical space; it’s a canvas for your creativity and a mirror of your life’s journey. By embracing the art of decorating, you enhance not just the aesthetic appeal of your space but also your overall quality of life. Your home should be a source of inspiration, comfort, and pride, a space that reflects who you are and what you love. Through thoughtful decorating, you can create a living environment that tells your story and makes every day a bit more beautiful and meaningful.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey with your home? Sign up for our newsletter for regular tips, trends, and inspiration. Follow us on [social media page below] for a daily dose of decor wisdom and to engage with a community of like-minded homeowners. Share your progress, celebrate your achievements, and be inspired by others’ transformations. Let’s create homes that are not just places to live but spaces that tell our unique stories and enrich our lives. Join us, and let’s make every home a masterpiece of personal expression and comfort.

Eager to dive deeper into the world of home decorating? Sign up for our newsletter for regular tips and inspiration. And don’t forget to follow us on [social media page] for daily doses of decor wisdom and community insights. Your journey to a more beautiful, functional, and personalized home starts here!

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How to Install Wall Vinyl Graphics

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Removable Interior Wall Vinyl Graphic (User’s Guide)

How to install your new Wall Vinyl Graphics?

Why would we need a special users guild for the application of wall graphics?

During applications Interior vinyl wall graphics pose unique challenges. Walls may have a number of different obstacles to over come or understand however, with a better understanding of how to apply them you will have better success in the application method.

Picking the correct vinyl type

To have a successful installation for your new wall vinyl graphics, its important to understand the difference between wall vinyl and sign vinyl.

The two different features from wall vinyl to sign vinyl is that wall vinyl is removable having a different glue adhesive so that these are removable without ruining you wall upon removal. Most often wall vinyl has a matte finish and vehicle or exterior vinyl has a gloss finish.

So you get a better understanding lets first start with what not to put wall graphic on.

Before you install your vinyl Wall application

Wall graphics must be applied to a clean smooth, dry and non-porous interior surface. Freshly applied paint should be allowed to cure for a minimum of four full weeks before installing any wall vinyl graphic applications.

Finished graphics that have been shipped should be removed from shipping packages and stored flat at room temperature for 24 hours before application. Note: Wall graphics do not perform well when applied to low or zero VOC latex paint coatings!

When applying wall graphic it must be told that not all walls are suitable for vinyl decal applications. Wall graphics can only be applied successfully to surfaces that are clean, dry, smooth and a non-porous interior surface.

Any of the following conditions can cause poor adhesion or product failure:

  • Highly textured walls
  • poor initial paint bond
  • poorly painted wall edges
  • patched area that have not been sanded and/or primed before being painted
  • moisture behind drywall
  • high humidity areas including but not limited to (garages, entry ways and bathrooms
  • wall paper or other wall coverings
  • Applied to freshly painted walls while in the curing process

If your wall is to be newly painted or has just been repainted, the goal is to achieve a good bond between the substrate and the primer/paint. When applying the primer, it is important to use a high quality, oil based primer such as Kilz or Zinsser.

Once the primer is dry, apply two coats of a (the preferred paint) high quality semi-gloss enamel or avoid paints with low or no VOC to ensure a cohesive bond. It is important to know that not all paints are equal.

Instructions

30 minutes 30 minutes

How to Install your Wall Vinyl

  1. Step one: Upon Arrival

    Make sure hands are clean and dry! This helps to not dirty your painted wall.

    Your new wall vinyl will arrive packaged in a cardboard mailing tube or a stay flat envelope, depending upon the size of your wall graphic order.

    Whats inside? Note: Your wall graphic comes with a paper substrate as the backing, in the middle the vinyl graphic itself and on top is the transfer tape.
    Contents: Your vinyl material order will have inside

    i. Your order contents

    ii. Installation instructions

    iii. Blue Masking Tape

    iv. extra large craft stick

  2. Step Two: Place Decal flat on hard surface for 24 hours at room temperature

    After opening package if your wall graphic is large and needed to be rolled for shipping, unroll decal immediately and place flat on a level surface in a room temperature environment for 24 hours.

  3. Step Three: Surface Preparation-

    Make sure painted walls or substrates are clean, dust free, paint dry for at least a month and smooth example: (eggshell finish may not work)!

  4. Step Four: Additional materials needed


    – Level
    – Pencil
    – Tape measure
    – Credit card, drivers license and/or debit card (as squeegee)
    – Dentist pick (Helpful but not necessary)

  5. Step Five: Installation process

    After your decal has been flat for 24 hours now your ready to install:

    When installing your wall graphic, always apply the materials using a dry application: under no circumstances should a wet application be used.

    Also be careful using a heat source during installations, this can cause warp-age and materials may not register to walls.

    Lay the graphic image side down, on a flat surface and pull the back corner of the liner out about three inches and sharply crease.

  6. Step Six: Mark your wall for the graphic destination

    i. Mark location center on wall,
    Note: (your wall graphics center has already been marked for you).

    ii. Now flip graphic back over and using the blue tape on top of graphic to temporarily stick the wall graphics to the wall; making sure centers are aligned!

    iii. Check to make sure letters are level with a level. Measuring up to ceiling also helps keep the vinyl graphic the same equal distance from one side of graphic to the other.

  7. Step Seven: Remove wall graphic paper substrate

    Now that your wall graphic is secured to the wall with the blue tape flip the graphic upside down and slowly remove paper back substrate on a 45 degree angle.

    Hint: (if graphic is long as a friend or family member to help)

  8. Step Eight: Securing the Wall graphic to the wall

    Wall graphic is still upside down now slowly bend or roll downward from top to bottom, while slowly using your craft stick, squeegee or credit card working from center to outside.

    Depending on the size of your vinyl graphic; using your squeegee work from the center or the top to the edge. Use overlapping strokes while applying a small portion of graphic at a time.

    Then return and repeat on other side of vinyl graphic.

    Note: Large wall graphics from decals decor n more come with half the paper backing (substrate) sliced in half for easier application.

  9. Step nine: Removal of transfer tape

    Now that Wall Graphic and transfer tape are stuck to wall make sure all air and any creases are worked out using the squeegee from the center. The craft stick helps on the edges.

    To enure edges stick to wall- when the entire vinyl graphic has been completely applied to the wall, reapply pressure with the squeegee around the edges multiple times

  10. Removing the transfer tape

    Removing the transfer tape can be tricky if you do not have good adhesion to wall.

    Slowly from one upper corner peel back transfer tape on a 45 degree angle keeping tape close to wall do not pull outwards. If decal starts to come off the wall push decal back slowly and re-squeegee that area to adhere to wall better.

    NOTE: If small areas keep coming off with transfer tape a dentist pick helps push it back down

  11. Step Ten: Final Step

    Check to make sure all air pockets are removed by rubbing them to the outside edges of the vinyl being careful not to damage wall graphic.

    Clean wall and your done.

    Congratulations!!

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Care and Maintenance for you new wall vinyl graphics

In order to maintain your wall graphics original appearance it is important to adhere to these following guidelines:

  • Inspect graphic regularly
  • When cleaning graphics, use only mild soap and water solution. Do not use products that contain oil or bleach products in them
  • If the graphic is to be cleaned regularly a lamination is required to maintain graphics integrity.
  • Hand clean graphics only. Beginning at the top and work down.
  • To remove difficult items such as lipstick or crayon, use a citrus-based cleaner to remove the stain, then immediately rinse with a mild soap and water solution.
  • If your wall graphic has seems, do not wipe cleaning solution into seam. This will cause the edges to curl up from the wall.
  • Use a lint free micro-fiber cloth to dry after cleaning
  • If wall graphic is in close proximity to a hard floor surface and is cleaned regularly. It is recommended to use a clear silicone on all seams on vinyl graphics near floor surfaces.

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