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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.

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How to Decorate with Photography

This one's simple, right? Just have a nice photo framed and throw it up on the wall? Sure, you can do it that way. But there are so many more fun ways to play with photography. Here are a few:

Photo: Joseph Montezinos / The Nest

Blow it up

Instead of a small, predictable framed photo, go for something poster-sized. Or group four smaller photos in a poster frame. This is especially good if you’re going for a modern or contemporary look.

Change the tone

Black and white or sepia tones look great on most photographs and can make something really colorful a little more neutral if that suits a room better.

Wallpaper it

Your photography doesn’t have to be framed -- in fact, you can use copies of the same photo in whatever size you like to create a cool wallpaper effect. Try it on just one wall as a focal point to see what you think.

Crop close

Most photos look better when closely cropped. It can be tempting to try and tell the whole story in that one photograph, but you don’t have to. Zooming in creates more interest and mystery.

Get help

If you’re having trouble knowing what direction to go in, talk to a local art teacher or student; their advice is free and they probably have cheap, good resources for projects like this. There are a lot more places out there to get help than you realize!

Now get tips on how to decorate with vintage.

Nestpert: Jennifer Bertrand, season three Design Star winner .

-- Paula Kashtan

Oct 21, 2010