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 Your Own Wall Stencil

Making your own wall stencil is deceptively easy. All it takes is some thick, clear plastic material (also called stencil blanks and easily available at craft stores), an X-Acto knife, a Sharpie, and some sort of pattern. Here's how to do it:

Pick your pattern

If you’re artistically blessed, you can simply freehand a drawing for your stencil. If you’re more like the rest of us, you’ve still got options. Look online for a simple line drawing, or find a pattern you like on a T-shirt, wrapping paper, or anything else that catches your eye. Wrong size? Just photocopy the image to blow it up or shrink it.

Draw it on

Use a Sharpie to trace the design onto thick plastic craft-store material. Or, if you’re using a design from the computer, just print it out and trace it onto the special paper.

Cut it out

Now it’s time for the X-Acto knife: Use it to carefully cut around the traced design and -- voila! -- you’ve got your stencil.

You can also learn how to frame your fabric.

Nestpert: Jennifer Bertrand, season three Design Star winner.

-- Paula Kashtan

Oct 21, 2010