• The Knot
  • The Nest
  • The Bump
  • The Blush
Become our fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

how to: add style to your home

Is your home just crying for a makeover? Whether you're looking to do a total redecorating job, need help merging your styles, or just want to give a room a little pick-me-up, you're in the right place with our expert decorating advice. Choosing your decor style can be tricky territory for newlyweds, especially if you've never lived together and your home styles aren't entirely in sync. But even if you've been sharing your space for a while, choosing your decor style means incorporating both of your needs. So where to begin? If you're starting from scratch or looking to redecorate, you need to think big. Luckily, we've got expert decorating advice on key rooms, from 5 tips for a luxurious living room to 6 secrets for a sexy bedroom. Have a question about more specific home styles? You'll find stylish solutions to all your questions, from best bedding options to doing over your bathroom. Or do you just want ideas for easy (and inexpensive!) decor fixes? Spice up your living space with our tips on budget bedroom makeovers, easy decor tricks, and displaying photos and art. We've also tracked down fabulous decor finds to suit all different home styles, including shabby-chic favorites, decor picks on a budget, and colorful kitchen accents. And check out style how-tos on everything from dressing up your mantel and arranging your coffee table with flair to creating beautiful blooming arrangements and using feng shui. With our expert decorating advice, choosing your decor style is simple.

More about decor style Less about decor style

what's hot around the web

Home Buying Help – Money Management Tools – Home Decorating Ideas – Free Recipes

How to Buy Eco-Friendly Flooring

Want to update your stomping ground? Here’s the scoop on what’s new underfoot. What do bamboo and coconut have in common? They’re the biggest trends in eco-friendly flooring. Shocked? We are too. Check ’em out.

Flor
What it is:
Carpet that’s sold as tiles
Best spots: Just about anywhere, even the garage! Slap on the dot adhesives and pop them on the ground.
Keep it clean: The vacuum is your best bet. Dunk individual tiles in the sink for deep cleanings.
Cost: $60, Fuzzy Button 4-tile rug, FLOR.com
Why we’re lovin’ it: Perfect for the renter or duo who’s always shaking things up

Bamboo
What it is: A very fast-growing grass harvested over and over from one plant
Best spots: Dining room or bedroom
Keep it clean: Dust or vacuum.
Cost: $3 to $11 per square foot, Lowes.com, iFloor.com
Why we’re lovin’ it: So many shades to pick from! Now we get why the panda has been hoggin’ it.

Coconut Shell
What it is: Take a wild guess. Give up? It’s exactly what it sounds like: the outer coating of one of our fave tropical fruits. The shell is recycled, cut into smaller pieces and held together with an organic resin.
Best spots: Almost anywhere...even the bathroom, but the shower is off-limits!
Keep it clean: Treat it like you would wood: Dust often and mop.
Cost: $25 to $35 per square foot, NemoTile.com
Why we’re lovin’ it: As if the piña colada weren’t reason enough to love it!

Cork
What it is: Comes from the bark of a Mediterranean oak tree
Best spots: Kitchen, dining room or den. It provides a nice soft cushion for those always-on-your-feet, hangin’ around areas.
Keep it clean: Sweep, dust or vac.
Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, iFloor.com
Why we’re lovin’ it: It’s finally time to move beyond the bulletin board and bottle stoppers. This new go-to material repels pesky insects and mold—plus, it’s fire-resistant too!

Nestpert: Matt Karlin, Nemo Tile

For more Eco friendly ideas, Check out How-to Plant an Eco-Garden.

-- Krissy Tiglias

Oct 11, 2010

See More: Buying Guides , Decor Trends , Decor Tricks