Affordable Spring Home Decorating Trends

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Affordable Spring Home Decorating Trends</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – When the economy takes a downturn, people tend to stay in. For home environments stuck in the winter doldrums, easy and affordable updates can create a cozy spring haven.</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"We’re expecting people to stay closer to home this year, so we’re seeing a lot of decor inspired by travel to faraway places," says Nancy Bohnett, Academic Director of Interior Design for The Art Institute of Las Vegas. "Imagine the exotic places you’d like to visit and be inspired by the native styles. Animal prints, bamboo and the relaxing vibe of wine country are all top trends this spring."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Vivid Natural Hues</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Taking your cue from nature doesn’t necessarily mean using only neutral or subdued tones. Get inspired by the proud peacock and add bright, rich jewel tones. Dress up a basic wall with a piece of art in shimmering blues and greens and highlight a special piece of furniture or high ceilings with a tall vase filled with teal, royal blue and celadon fronds. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/1c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/1c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Exotic Influence</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Asian-inspired bamboo accent pieces are beautiful and practical, offering storage for everything from books to the remote control. The bamboo console, end table and coffee table from Seventh Avenue (SeventhAvenue.com) create a tropical oasis in your living space for an affordable price. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Add an exotic sense of romance to your bedroom with touches of zebra print, giraffe and cheetah. Enhance the feeling of a getaway space with an indoor fountain to relax with the soothing sounds of flowing water. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>A Taste of Wine Country</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Invite friends and family for a relaxing evening in. Create a cozy nook with a small table to hold bottles of wine and glasses. Warm up the walls with an ochre paint, add soft uplighting with a torchiere or two, and freshen up your existing furniture with a stretch pique slipcover in burgundy or chocolate. </p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Energy Efficient</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Eco-chic is in, especially when going green is easy. Thermal window treatments are available in many styles and colors and add a layer of insulation to your windows and patio doors, helping to save on heating bills in the winter and cooling costs in the summer. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/1a.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/1a.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Saving Time and Saving Money</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">It’s still possible to update your home during tough economic times. Look for deals online and through catalogs. Companies like Seventh Avenue offer credit plans with low monthly payments. They also save you time by compiling unique homescapes to inspire you in redecorating your space. For more information and inspiration visit SeventhAvenue.com. </p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>