Your home, your style: Tips on how to merge your personal style with your home's style

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Your home, your style: Tips on how to merge your personal style with your home’s style</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">(ARA) – Everyone has his or her own sense of style. Whether yours is classic, trendy, bohemian or even retro, you know what looks and feels great for you. Another way to express that personal style is through your home’s decor.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"By incorporating elements and colors that reflect your personality, you’ll be sure to create a home that’s comfortable and uniquely you," says Lisa LaPorta, TV design personality. "With a few simple tips, you can easily transform your home into a more stylish space."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Use your closet for inspiration</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"One of the most asked questions I get as a designer is ‘What color should I paint my walls?’" says LaPorta. "The best tip is to think about your wardrobe. Chances are you have a strong palette that you like to wear, so why not incorporate those favorites into your home, as well? You’ll feel as comfortable around them as you do in your favorite clothes."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If you like classic colors and shapes, stick to a neutral shade for a subdued backdrop. Prefer louder looks? Try an accent wall in one of your favorite hues, like a bright red, burnt orange or regal purple. Regardless of your taste, a new color that reflects your style will easily update any room so it’s perfect for you.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">But you’ll need much more than the right color to transform your room. "You need all the help you can get to make the paint process easier, especially if you’re an amateur painter," adds LaPorta. "By using a high-quality paint brush, like the brushes made by Purdy, you’ll end up with a wall finish that looks like it was done by a professional."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Accessorize wisely</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">It’s simple to make a statement by adding a few key accessories. "It’s the little details that make a big difference and many options are available to meet any design taste," says LaPorta. "Updating the hardware in your kitchen or bath is a great way to make an impact quickly and inexpensively. It’s like the jewelry for your home."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If you like a clean look, stick with sleek metal accents like chrome or stainless steel. If you prefer something more ornate, try knobs or pulls with an intricate design in an old world finish, like oil-rubbed bronze.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Lighting is another way to make a stylish statement. Candles add soft lighting to any space, and you can find a shape, height and scent that’s perfect for anyone. Pendant lights in a bold color add character and pizzazz, whereas chandeliers are perfect to add drama and glamour to more formal spaces.</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/10b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/10b.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>Materials matter</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"The types of materials you use in your home say a lot about who you are and your style," says LaPorta. "To bring warmth and a sense of traditional styling, add some wood accent pieces to any room – frames, a bench or even a basket for magazines. It’s easy to take a particular material and make a statement with it." If you’re more minimal and like a trendy, contemporary look, try using metal as your showcased material. From end tables to vases to artwork, you can find metal pieces anywhere, like discount stores or specialty shops. Just be sure to include elements that suit your style and your space.</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Fabrics found in your home should reflect your wardrobe, too. If you’re a "no-fuss, no-muss" type, cotton blends are a must when it comes to blankets and slipcovers. Just as with clothes, cotton is easy to clean and provides a crisp, classic look. Do you like things that have a more luxurious feel to them, like a blazer that makes a statement or a sweater that begs to be noticed? Heavier fabrics, like velvet or chenille, are more up your alley.</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">"The choices are truly endless when it comes to personalizing your home," says LaPorta. "By selecting elements that are reflective of your tastes and styles, not only will you be satisfied with your space, but you’ll be sure to impress all who visit your home." For more information about Purdy paint tools, visit <a href="http://www.purdy.com/">www.purdy.com</a>  or learn painting tips at <a href="http://www.youcansavethewalls.com/">www.youcansavethewalls.com</a> .</span></p></span>