At Apartment Therapy, we want to show you the way that real people live. So when I show up to shoot a tour, I don’t bring a whole truckload of props with me—usually it’s just me and my camera. Still, over the years I’ve developed a few quick tricks that I occasionally employ on shoots. They’re all simple things—tiny tweaks to get a home camera-ready—and they’re all things that you can do in ten minutes or less (really!) to make your home perfect for the most important of audiences: you.

Cut the clutter

A lot of what I do on shoots is just moving things out of the way. Almost everybody has these little spots of clutter—a box over here, a pile of papers over there. You may barely even notice these things, because you’re so used to seeing them. A neat trick I’ve found for spotting clutter that you can no longer see? Take a picture of your home. This will help you see it through new eyes, and maybe inspire you to find permanent homes for things that are sitting out.

Take something away

Was it Elizabeth Taylor who said that you should get dressed, look in the mirror, and then take off one accessory? (Ok, it was Coco Chanel, which makes more sense.) I would challenge you to do the same thing for your home. So many interiors have just a little too much stuff. And it’s really nice stuff! When I shoot interiors, I often feel torn as to which things to take out. But removing one or two items creates a more breathable, relaxing atmosphere, and gives the things that are left a chance to really shine. This doesn’t mean you have to get the rid of the things you love—move them to another room, or put them in storage, and then rotate them back in (and take something else out) when you’re ready for a change.

Let your furniture breathe

Another trick I often employ is taking furniture pieces and moving them just slightly farther away from one another. Try it! Even a few inches can make a big difference. If you have the space, giving your furniture a little extra room to breathe can give your space a lighter, airier, feel. Another trick? Pulling furniture just a few inches away from the wall.

Add flowers!

If you look closely, you’ll notice a thing that many of the most beautiful house tour shoots have in common: fresh cut flowers. A touch of nature adds liveliness and texture to a room, and can help to soften the lines of a modern space. Having fresh flowers all the time could get a bit expensive, but you can achieve the same effect with a houseplant, which is (hopefully) a one-time purchase.

Embrace the diagonal

One way to make a picture a little more exciting is to take one thing in the photo and angle it just a bit. You can try this with furniture pieces like accent chairs or ottomans—there’s no rule that says everything has to sit on a grid. By looking at your home like a stylist, you can unlock the potential that’s been there all along.

There are various types of paints that withstand water, either a wet basement walls, storms or constant immersion. Find a paint that is water repellent or waterproof. The kind of paint you choose will depend on the type of work you’re doing and the surface on which you will apply. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation and priming. Even the best paint does not look good if applied on a dirty or damp surface. Never apply the paint without proper ventilation and use a face mask to help with the fumes.

Exterior paint

Exterior latex paints, enamel and oil are water repellent and designed to last several season and through storms. Varnish also creates a water resistant surface when applied correctly. Some exterior paints are formulated to particular climatic conditions. Latex paint is lower in volatile organic compounds (VOC) than paint that is oil based.

Masonry Picture

Masonry paint used on stucco, concrete and cement are latex-based or acrylic. Oil paints are not suitable for masonry surfaces. A coat of paint can help masonry waterproofing a basement leak if the surface is properly prepared; some situations require special waterproofing primer. If you are painting a concrete floor or deck, be sure to choose a recommended floor polish; they are made to endure repeated use and washings.

Marine paint

For surfaces that are frequently or constantly soaked you might consider using marine paint, also called coating or waterproofing. Marine paints are popular for use on metal surfaces and can form a protective coating that retards rust and corrosion.

Other finishes

If you are painting a wooden surface, you can consider products like varnish and lacquer finish. These mixtures of resin and solvent can be applied to untreated wood or wax, oil or stain for durability and gloss, and dry on the surface when the solvents evaporate. Applying varnish or lacquer is a more difficult process to apply than paint; you need to do your homework or get help from a professional.

Most home decor items are very popular among people. By changing a couple of things in your home, you can bring a big change into one’s personal space. Even a minute change in your interior design will make it feel new and refreshing. Decorating your home is one of the best ways to transform bored and tired looking rooms to a rejuvenating, healthy and happy atmosphere.

Home decoration involves several things like colors, furniture, fabrics and other accessories. For some people home decor can involve several thousands of  dollars while it just takes some imagination to make grand changes.

Hiring a professional home decorator is always a great idea, but it involves a lot of money. A professional decorator will definitely bring a trendy and sporty look to your home and they are well aware of the latest trends. They have a very professional viewpoint compared to an amateur decorator, as they have both experience and talent. Decorators are able to transform your boring, non-happening place to an exciting place to hang out in.

One can also use home improvement software, which can give you a visual of how your new room will look.  Most of the professional painters make use of home decor software as they provide accurate idea of ​​the display of your home after improvement. This software also expands the vision of decorator as you can see the ideas on the screen of the computer.

Home decor is chosen according to the size of your home and you may need to buy or keep things away according to the size of your home. If the size of your home is very small then you need to go for a very simple and elegant home décor and you shouldn’t go to add additional decorative pieces and furniture.

Sometimes a task at first glance is easy, like hanging an object on the wall of a room, but can become complicated if you’re not sure how. Hanging, for example, a large mirror can become a problem if you are not quite sure, because it can fall in when least expected and cause damage to the person who is looking at or passing in front of it.

For this reason, you should make sure that the systems for hanging heavy objects hold perfectly throughout, not just one time, but many years. For objects that are particularly heavy, such as murals or mirrors of large dimensions, can be hung in an effective, simple and durable way by using special fittings for hangings.

Types of Hardware

Such grips are metal and may even support up to ninety pounds of weight, and even more. They consist of two distinct parts. One goes into the wall and secures with four resistant screws and anchors. The other part has a projection which is screwed to the object with four screws. You must use two sets of hardware of this style, one on each side of the mirror or object you want to hang, and then engage the projection in the slot.

To perform this task, you need the help of another person in order to avoid accidents. If you want to get extra strength on the walls, it is necessary to use wall anchors. These can be of many types. Some are standard, that holds a lot of weight and are designed for hollow walls and false ceilings. They also can come in metal and chemicals that are the most resistant. For plaster walls, there are special bolts.

Scratched or worn dining tables and chairs can be a valuable discovery at a garage sale. By refinishing and updating the surface, an old dining set can become great dining furniture. Before selling your current dining room furniture, consider resurfacing it and adding a modern look to the room without the cost of purchasing a new set.

Restoration

Restoring is the process of washing, stripping and sanding furniture to apply a new paint finish. The tables and chairs can have a new darker or lighter shade than the previous stain or can be painted with a matte finish paint for a new style. For example, try to change a room with a tinge of cherry to a dramatic black or a bright white to add a more modern look to a room.

Accents fabrics

The dining chairs’ solid wood can be uncomfortable to sit. Adding padding to make them more comfortable seats and will also add a new style to the furniture. Purchase prefabricated padded seats at craft shops and stretch colorful fabric over the seat of the chair to keep the stuffing in place. Ensure the fabric at the bottom of the seat of the chair using fabric glue or staple gun.

Opposite colors

A dining table does not have to be the same color as your chairs. Rooms with contrasting colors add drama and depth to a room. Try to combine bright white dining chairs with a deep black dining table. Vinyl chairs covered with purple or blue can also be combined well with tables in black or white. Mix and match different colored chairs in a set, like a red chair, blue, green and yellow with a wooden table to add a colorful mix in a dining room.

Faux finishes

Faux finishes add depth and warmth to the walls of a room, but can also be applied to a dining table. Popular styles include dining sets aged styles that have a base color that breaks through the surface of an upper layer. For example, a deep bronze color can be displayed in the cracks of an old white finish. Buy a faux finishing kit made specifically for furniture, not to wall surfaces at a local home improvement store.