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 Plant an Eco-Garden

Look for organic versions of whatever pesticides and fertilizers you want to use. Runoff can flow into sewers and drains, so try and keep it nontoxic.

Photo: iStock

Chemicals

Avoid ’em. Look for organic versions of whatever pesticides and fertilizers you want to use. Runoff can flow into sewers and drains, so try and keep it nontoxic.

Water

Conserve it. This one’s kind of a gimmee, but it’s important! Drip-irrigation systems generally conserve more H20 than sprinklers. If you must sprinkle, don’t overdo it, and make sure the sprinkler you’re using isn’t clogged.

Peat

Avoid it. This common decorative and moisture-retaining moss is not very sustainable and regenerates slowly. An eco-friendly garden should be based around plants and items that are…well…sustainable.

Local

Grow it. Since local plants are native to the environment, they’re your best option for growing with minimal pesticides and fertilizers. Going local with your plants also means less energy and money spent delivering the plants to your area—another carbon-footprint reducer.

Wood

Avoid endangered. If you use wood as decor or for fencing in your garden, make sure it’s eco-friendly—and definitely not endangered. Consider bamboo, which lives for a long time, grows heartily, and is pretty unique.

Sun

Absorb it. If you opt for garden lights or other illuminated accessories like fountains, go for ones that are solar powered.

Not sure how to make your garden stand out? check out How to Accessorize Your Garden.

-- Paula Kashtan

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