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 Make No-Sew Curtain Panels

If you're sick of your old curtains, buy inexpensive fabric and try the no-sew approach to give new life to your windows. Not only is it cheap, but it's easy and the results look good. Here's how to do it:

Photo: The Shade Store

1. Measure

For width, go a little more than half as wide as your curtain rod for each panel. Length is up to you, but be sure to add about two to six inches on the bottom for a finished hem and two to four inches on top for the rod (about four to ten inches overall).

2. Cut

Snip the fabric you’ve chosen to the desired length and width. Since the width is pretty flexible, it’s easier to simply leave it the width of the fabric rather than cutting, as long as it’s in a relatively close range. For the top and bottom, don’t worry too much about cutting a perfectly straight line -- you’ll be folding over both.

3. Iron

Place your fusible web tape (you can find this at craft stores -- it’s the stuff that lets you iron fabric pieces together) roughly two to four inches down from the top on the back side of your fabric. Use a measuring tape and pencil to be sure you’re getting a straight line. Remember, you’re doing this to create the pocket that your curtain rod will go in, so make sure to look at your curtain rod and take its size into account. Then, just fold over the fabric from the top and iron from one side to the other to get a seam with no creases. Do the same thing at the bottom of your fabric!

Now learn how to fake expensive curtain hardware!

-- Paula Kashtan