DECORATING TIPS

~Letter from Rachel~

Hello, I’m Rachel Santos, Laura James’ older sister. Laura’s story, Lilacs for Laura, tells about my turbulent past, but the best is yet to come! You really must read Roses for Rachel. I find true love at last. And in the next story, Violets for Vanessa, you’ll see my dream of building a home on Rose Hill Drive come true – thanks to my wonderful new husband.

I’m having such fun decorating! Until recently, I lived on a very tight budget, so I learned to decorate on a shoe string. With this in mind, Dianne asked me to share some of my fun and frugal tips with you.

Most importantly, use what you have. Search your cupboards for pretty dishes to hold candy, potpourri, candles, plants, fruit or nuts. Hang pretty plates on the wall. Display decorative cups, mugs, or containers on a shelf. Scrounge through closets for accessories, fabrics, books, and what-not.

Battered furniture can be painted or stained for a fresh look. Worn upholstery can be covered with a pretty slip cover or even sheets. Toss a few colorful pillows onto a sofa or chair. Pull things together by using fabrics that coordinate but don’t necessarily match. Choose a color from a pattern in the room for a pillow, curtain, or accessory in another part of the room.

Paint or stain old picture frames and make your own mats by covering cardboard with fabric or wallpaper. Frame snapshots, children’s drawings, wedding invitations, greeting cards, or beautiful magazine photos for artwork.

Walk around your house and evaluate. Get a totally different look by moving furniture around. Bring a piece of porch furniture into the living room, or take the living room rocker into the bedroom. Switch an end table with a nightstand and try a lamp or plant in a different spot. Move art and accessories between rooms for a whole new vibe.

Finally, scavenge yard sales, flea markets, and clearance sales for new items. Even a modest home can shine with creativity and warmth. Believe me, I had a lot of practice making my tiny rental house into a cozy Victorian cottage. Everything I did was inexpensive or free. It’s fun using my feminine nesting instincts and creativity.

Have fun making your house into a home you love!