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August 1, 2013

DECORATORITIS -- I HAZ IT - by Kathy Ivan

It's my turn to blog again and here I sit looking at a blank screen wondering what in the world I should talk about. I feel like I've covered just about everything of interest and y'all are bored to tears every time you see my name come up on your screen. (I hope that's not the case, but . . .)

Looking around my home office, inspiration finally struck. No, not writer-type inspiration. I'll need that later tonight when I start working on the book.

Decorator inspiration. See, I bet that's something new you didn't know about me. I love finding ways to decorate the spaces where I live on a budget. Although I get easily bored if I've looked at the same things over and over for months (or years) on end, the decorating bug will hit and I'll start making changes.



I just redid my bedroom on a very tight budget. I bought new bedding to change up the color scheme from dark chocolate browns and blues, which I've had for a couple years. I lightened the color palate, going lighter, brighter, and a bit bolder. A new bedspread with a white background, and green palm trees with small coral/orange-colored flowers sporadically throughout. I added a couple of bright orange pillows for pops of color and voila, instant change. A green vase on the dresser and it's done. It didn't cost a lot of money because most of it was on sale, (hey, I never pay full price for anything) and the paint color on the walls didn't need changing. But it feels fresh and new.

While I can't afford to completely redo my whole house, I'll often do something small which can make a big impact. Maybe some new throw pillows for the sofa, or a new mirror for the wall. (Sometimes I'll already have the pillows in the closet, so a no-cost change—which is always a great thing.)

So, if you start feeling claustrophobic or need a jump start of inspiration, try a little home decorating. It can be as simple as moving something from one room to the next. Try it for yourself next time you feel the need to be adventurous.

Remember, change isn't always a bad thing . . . little tweaks can make all the difference.

Kathy Ivan writes hot sexy romances with lots of suspense and a dash of paranormal. She currently lives in Texas, where she'll do just about anything to avoid the heat. She's currently deep in her writing cave, plotting her next suspense-filled adventure.

13 comments:

Sylvia said...

Kathy,
Come decorate my house. I'm the worst at decorating. Right now I'm searching for a painter. My goal is to get my kitchen and my bathroom repainted now and then I'll do the rest myself. Love your idea of just buying little pieces to change everything.
Sylvia

Kathy Ivan said...

Hi Sylvia, you'd be surprised at what a difference just adding a little pop of color can make. Or just rearrange a few pieces of furniture. It can refresh the space and save a lot of money, which is always a good thing!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

I need a picture!!! I redid my bedroom a while back and love the improvements. It's good to change things up.

Pamela Stone said...

Hi Kathy,

We are so alike in that way. When I get down, I redecorate. However, I'm a minimalist. Clutter makes me claustrophobic. I redecorate by tossing out things that have accumulated and buying maybe one new item to lighten and brighten. Cool blog and no we don't groan when we see your name.

Kathy Ivan said...

Vicki, I hadn't made the bed when I posted the blog, so I didn't take a picture! You don't want to see the bedspread all bunched up at the bottom of the bed. LOL

Kathy Ivan said...

I'm with you, Pam, I don't like a lot of clutter either. I have a few strategic pieces about, just enough for flavor but hopefully not too much. I think in a previous life I was a hoarder and now I'm trying to be really good about not keeping stuff I don't need. If I'm not using it, I get rid of it. (Although that definitely wasn't always the case, as my yard sale will attest to!)

Unknown said...

Kathy, I love seeing your name! Great post. I tend to decorate my house when I move in then hate to change anything. I need to be more adventurous.

Can't wait for you next book!

Kathy Ivan said...

Hi Geri. Nope, I get bored way to easily to keep things the same. I'm a creature of habit when it comes to work and writing, but living space needs to be changed up frequently.

New book coming soon (fingers crossed!)

Linda Steinberg said...

Me too. I love minor redecorating, especially functionally. I love shelves, racks and containers. Used to be, I'd wander down the home furnishings aisle and if it said, 'some assembly required,' I'd move on. But now that I have a live-in handyman on retainer, the sky's the limit.

Literally. I just turned the sitting room off my bedroom, which used to be a junk area, into a comfy reading area. It needed a ceiling fan, but the ceiling is 14 ft high and there was no electrical or attic access. My fellow found a way to do it, and I love my 'new' room.

The clutter in my house drives Pam crazy. I try to put it up on walls (hence my love of shelves) but I have so many mementos from overseas trips that I can't bear to part with it.

Good post, Kathy.

And Sylvia, I may have a good, cheap painter for you.

Phyllis said...

Fun post, Kathy. I am very much like Geri. Move it in and that's it. I will move it someplace else if I find it doesn't fit in a place I first placed it...lol. That is my limit.

I do get inspired to change, but really doing it? Nah.

Unknown said...

Great idea to change things up and keep our eyes and minds fresh.

Thanks for the post, Kathy!

Joan Leacott said...

I'm looking forward to the day my son moves into his own house in October. I've got dibs on his room for a bigger office. :)

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