Think beyond taupe, vanilla or beige. Mr. Fontana seems to think that too many house design shows focus on the same drab colors. Don’t be afraid to explore color and texture.

In cases where you’re unable to afford a texture like marble or wood, there are inexpensive do it yourself tricks around the house plan.

Fontana performed a demonstration to create a faux marble finish that works as a backsplash, or even wall. An application of Venetian plaster also referred to as ancient stucco-coating introduces an element of texture to any house  plan

Mr. Fontana’s mantra  is 

Recycle. Repaint. Reuse.

During the presentation, Fontana also showed another house plan design idea. With an honeysuckle hued paint and the a brush application on medium density fibreboard (MDF), a piece of flooring turned into the appearance of a wood floor in a matter of moment.

The interior designer who appears on HGTV’s “Design on a Dime,” indirectly boasted about a most recent achievement for the manufacturers of Charmin’s Ultra Soft to create a design out of the popular toilet paper. Using the outline of toilet paper rolls, Fontana created a bronze looking imprinted wall.

Fontana also advises, employing the “quantum design element.” The concept entails designing a house plan that conjures a feeling. The premise is to create an ambiance that is functional, cohesive and at the same token tells a story.

What does your house plan convey about your lifestyle?

Introduce an element of red, like the poinsettia as seen

Be green. Douglas firs, evergreens and synthetic trees are the nucleus of traditional Christmas decorating ideas. But for those, who are trying to go green, the carbon footprint used to chop, transport and then to purchase the tree is quite substantial given its short lease. To compensate for the tree, be sure to recycle it with a local company that can make use of the remains.Read more design tips and Christmas decorating ideas…

Assume an artistic approach.

This Christmas decorating idea is the ultimate solution for the wall that needs to be painted before or after the New Year. It also happens to be an alternative to the natural or fake Christmas tree. Arrange several strands of lights in the shape of a Christmas tree, on a stark wall, using thumbtacks. The design tip solves space issues in  diminutive living rooms.

Introduce an element of red.

Poinsettias are a seasonal bouquet, introducing a splash of red as in the traditional color scheme. Christmas stockings or crimson-hued candles are exemplar of other red elements.  Design tip: Place  a red cinnamon candle in a hurricane glass.

Incorporate Christmas decorating ideas with regular decor accessories

Incorporate it.

Christmas ornaments that blend in with the rest of the décor, present tasteful holiday decorating. Incorporate Christmas ornaments with everyday decorative accessories. Instead of discarding old tree ornaments, place in a crystal bowl. This Christmas decorating idea works with pinecones too.  Add seasonal figurines (Santa Clause, reindeer, the manger scene) among other accessories.

At House PlansandMore.com, we found the following design tips worth trying.

Bows and wreaths.

Don’t forget that wreathes and bows make for contemporary Christmas decorating ideas. Also, with a little imagination or research, you can create your own.

Design tip: Gather long thin, pliable twigs, evergreen branches and a red bow to create your own wreath.

Seasonal sensations.

Create your own scent of the season. Take evergreen oil and sprinkle on leaves and pinecones in a potpourri holder, slowly heat cinnamon oil. Or in a pan, slowly bowl cinnamon, vanilla and orange peel.

Share your favorite Christmas decorating ideas.

Cover everything. Prevent paint splatters and extra work by covering everything: wall boarders, trimming, floors, windows, the ceiling and others. Use a blue or green painter’s tape.

Design tip: Use the color of psychology to select a good hue for designing a room. As for selecting a complementary paint color, a well known design tip is to match lighter colors to smaller spaces, creating an illusion of a large room.

Spackle it. Prior to painting the walls repair any imperfections in the wall, filling in holes.

In situations where the walls are in bad condition or preparing for a significant color change, apply primer prior to painting.

Design tip: For walls with surface marks and novice painters should avoid high gloss paints. Since glossier paints are unforgiving on imperfections, use on small surfaces.

Paint a smooth application.  For a professional paint job, dip the bottom half of the bristles into the paint can. Do not wipe the paintbrush on the side of the can. Left handed painters should start in painting in the right corner of the wall, working toward the floor.  Right handed painters should start  on the upper left corner.

Wash paint supplies. To protect and ensure the continued use of paint brushes, wash immediately after use. Cover remaining paint cans with a plastic bags, storing in a cool and dry space. 

Design tip:  Give a room depth by introducing  an accent color, different from the rest of the room’s décor.

Although many interior designers have a knack for integrating a number of colors, the best design tip is to maintain a continuity of color.

Shelving plans stack up to stylish shelving designs

Introduce an alluring focal point comprised of collectibles, favorite periodicals, and other ostentatious embellishments. 

Design tip: Bedeck shelving plans in similar hues or a theme that maintains style continuity. 

To select the right shelving plans, first evaluate what purpose the shelf unit(s) will serve. This determines what kind of shelving plan is suitable to accommodate the weight of the stored items.

Avoid an unwanted surprises, measure the area where the shelving  plans will occupy space of the room or wall.

Prior to selecting shelving plans for any space, check the condition of the walls where the shelving unit will hang. Plywood, distressed and warping walls may not have the capacity to withstand hanging shelving units.

As an alternative, shelving designs like the one pictured on the right can accommodate various sized objects. The bottom cabinet conceals items that do not concur with the rest of the items.

Corner shelving plans and shelf units with enclosed cabinetry are another astute tactic for economizing on space. At HousePlansandMore.com, Project Plan #593-066D-1521 utilizes corner space without dominated a smaller room. [Please click "shelving plans" to review the aforementioned image.]

For example, some shelving designs come equipped for showcasing memorabilia, towel bar shelves  (i.e. baseball), In cases where the shelving plans will store cumbersome items, opt for a craftsman style unit.

 For additional shelving plans and house plan design ideas, visit HousePlansandMore.com

According to Alex Bandon of This Old House, a new set of cabinets can cost anywhere from $5000 and upward. However—for less than $1000, homeowners can do-it-yourself via cabinet refacing. All that’s needed are new cabinet doors, wood veneer and precise measurements. Prior to embarking on the cabinet refacing shop around for contemporary design ideas.   

Next on the kitchen renovation design checklist is the countertop. Since, food preparation requires workspace, the counter top is an aesthetic piece of real estate. Depending on what the budget calls for, counter tops  are available in a myriads of materials (stone, recycled and laminate countertops).

Laminate countertops are durable, withstanding significant wear and tear.

Clear the entire counter space. Consider which colors would enliven the room and match the other accents. Certain home design stores provide sample materials. Although dark countertops are timeless, remember to consider if you plan to introduce new kitchen light fixtures.

Did you know…? Certain web applications provide a rendering of how the kitchen renovation designed with different counter space will appear. Sweet Home 3-D Freeware allows homeowners to upload the kitchen’s existing floor plan to test colors, textures and furniture design ideas.

Design tip: Be sure to consider a new backsplash to complement new or older counter tops. The latest renovation kitchen design trend entails using ceramic and mosaic backdrops. as seen at House Plans and More.com.

• Create a realistic cleaning schedule for each room. From dusting to organization, devise a checklist of tasks.

• Inventory the necessary cleaning supplies: paper towels, gloves, broom, mop, dust clothes, antibacterial household cleaners garbage bags, storage containers, et cetera.

• House Plans and More advises three effective ducting tactics: 1) Since, dust or fine particle matter moves down, begin spring cleaning on the highest floor of the home. 2) Start by using a  dry dusting cloth to clean surfaces and then move onto using cleaning solutions and water. 3) Sweep, vacuum and mop are the order for cleaning floors. The idea is to alleviate any floating dirt from resettling. 

• Don’t forget to clear, clean and reorganize those out of the way spaces, which are often dust magnets. 

• Once each room is dusted and vacuumed  change air filters more than six eight weeks old. 

Design Tip: Give rooms an update, rearranging furniture, improving lighting.

• In the refrigerator, be sure to remove all containers, jars and contents to clean each shelf with an antibacterial all-purpose cleaner. Place a box of baking soda to prevent refrigeration odors.

• Throughout the home, reorganize drawers, which contain a mélange of items. Find  a new place to store similar items.

Design Tip: Conduct a design assessment of each room. Remove outdated decorative accents.

• Remember to recycle or donate any household items that do not belong in a landfill.  

• In each room, start cleaning at the point furthest from the door. For a thorough clean, chart a cleaning path that does not require an traversing back and forth.

Design tip: For a refreshed look, reassign household embellishments, pictures, candles and such to other rooms.

 Click design tips to read more spring cleaning and home décor ideas.

Guest house plans acclimatize company with accents emblematic of a spa. Imagine a luxurious space that feels like a peaceful respite from the rest of the home and accommodates guests. Designed with the elderly parent, visiting children or other frequent houseguests, guest house plans are the blueprint to unwinding company and promoting relaxation.

We gleaned several guest house plan tips at HousePlansandMore.com. Here are the findings:

Privacy. Although the House Plans and more points out that “a guest house can also be converted to a home office,” Best House Floor Plan considers an in-home spa, tucked away from the main action as the utmost alter ego for the guesthouse.

Closet Space. To get away from the traditional closet space, we went to House Plans and More to shop for a built in storage space, which appears as a cabinet. The one that appears in this photo, about organizing closets, departmentalizes coats, shoes, hats, and miscellaneous items. The storage cabinet is comprised of deep drawers, cabinets and shelves.

If the guest house floor plan is stocked with a large closet, House Plans and More reminds us that real guesthouse hospitality means not using the space to store household inventory, clothes and exercise equipment. Also, we learned that two-tiered closet rods maximize hanging space.

Based on our research, we decided to incorporate these design ideas to the guest house plan:

-    We chose earthy tones of sienna, sea green and a light turquoise to instill a sense of natural tranquility.

-    Replicating a spa-like ambiance, we opted for guest house plans with genuine timber, marbles, and sustainable materials.

-    To decorate with multifunctional amenities, we chose various sized pillows in divergent patterns, but the same color scheme to add tangible comfort.

-    Intensifying a tranquil environ, aromatherapy, infused soy candles were thoughtfully displayed to evoke a sense of calmness.

As for additional guest floor plan ideas, review these luxury mansion house plans.

Related Articles:

Guest House Decorating Ideas

Thinking Pink

The Guest House: A Visitor’s Home Away From Home

]]> http://www.besthousefloorplans.com/index.php/2009/12/guest-house-plans-design-tips-ideas/feed/ 0 http://www.besthousefloorplans.com/index.php/2009/11/interior-design-tips-inspiring-a-hospitable-entryway/ http://www.besthousefloorplans.com/index.php/2009/11/interior-design-tips-inspiring-a-hospitable-entryway/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:27:31 +0000 tni_adm http://www.besthousefloorplans.com/?p=225 Entryways don’t require all the decorative details that other rooms of the home demand. It doesn’t take much effort to transform dismal into a stunning entranceway.

Step 1
Starting with the basics, remove everything in your entryway, including pictures, plants and wall ornaments. Clean the ceiling, walls and floor.

Step 2
Next, now that the room is empty, allow the imagination to run wild. Consider the type of mood you hope to evoke when visitors enter.

Step 3
Consider your wall alternatives. To make your entryway appear expansive, select light colors, offering iridescence. Light greens, pale blues, beiges, and canary yellows are a few hues, which inspire a sense of cheeriness.

Floors can make or break any entryway.  Between tile, wood finishes, and bamboo, there are several floorings to consider.

Step 4
Select the best accents. A mirror, pedestal, magnificent vase, distressed cabinet coat rack, pendant lighting, cabinet, bench and or plants are the usual entryway objects of attraction. While it’s acceptable to intermingle eclectic accessories, country and modern furnishings, be sure to pool decorative accents that maintain the entryway’s design continuity.

Step 5
Keep the transition from the entryway to the rest of the home as seamless as possible. In other words, an ultra modern entryway does not bode well with the elegantly designed great room.

Optional Entryway Home Design Tip:

For the walls or floor of your entranceway, consider mosaic tiles of various colored hues. The visual appeal presents an element of texture and depth. Using a favorite theme (nature, abstract or whatever), make this the focal point on either the wall or the floor background. This design tip alleviates the need to use other decorative embellishments.

Related home design tips articles:

Tactics Keeping the Laundry room and Mudroom Green

Home Office Design Tips and Considerations

More design tips

Foyer and Entryway Decorating Tips and Ideas

Decorate Your Entry or Foyer