Crafty country is a great way to design as long as you remember one word: moderation. The frills and flowery stencils of this design are not only parts of it. Another part of country is simply that you are crafty and you create your own unique items. Make a desk out of an old door; make screens out of window shutters; use an old window with berries and holly glued on to make a beautiful Christmas decoration. Being creative is really most wonderful part of crafty country style. Your friends will marvel at your ingenuity as you create a style that is yours and yours alone.

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network - http://www.diyhomedecorating.com - a large and growing decorating and decor website featuring articles, tips, advice, and popular decor shopping.

Trompe-L'oeil: Trompe-L'oeil is French for "fool eye." This finish fools eye into thinking that wall has a marble or granite finish. This is probably most difficult finish to accomplish on your own. For creating marble finish, you use a technique very much like sponging, but this one takes a bit more talent. Visit local stores to see if they have classes or tips on achieving this style.

These are four primary types of faux finishes. The first two are fairly easy, while latter two are significantly harder. Before attempting any of these, plan well so that you can estimate cost, and visit your local hardware or design store for classes or helpful hints. Having a buddy to take classes with you or practice with you will make experience more fun. You can even do one room in your house and then decorate a room in your buddy's house; fun never ends!

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network - http://www.diyhomedecorating.com - a large and growing decorating and decor website featuring articles, tips, advice, and popular decor shopping.