You remember the lovely bedroom redesign that I did with the help of Membership Reward Points from American Express, yes? Well now I am working with them again to host a Twitter Chat with HGTV designer John Gidding. John will be giving tons of advice next Thursday on how to decorate and find creative ways to stretch your budget — just like I did using my points.
John and I will be on Twitter for one hour on Thursday, July 29 at 8:30p.m. EST/ 5:30 p.m. PST (search #AmexHome). John will be answering your home design questions about anything from creating amazing guest spaces to choosing the right colors for your home. He’ll also have plenty of inexpensive ways to get your home ready for sale and ideas for upgrading rooms on a tight budget.
Now, you may have noticed the whole HUGE giveaway thing we’ve got going on here…
How do you enter to win?
Comment on this post with your questions for John and we’ll discuss some of them during our Twitter Chat. By leaving a comment, you’ll be entered to win items like a KitchenAid mixer, a Bissell vacuum, or a set of Cuisinart cookware (all of which can be bought with Membership Rewards points). There will be ten winners in this giveaway! Here are the prizes:
- Cuisinart® 10-Piece Commercial Cookware Set
- Cuisinart GR-4N Griddler
- Krups FBC2 6-slice Convection Toaster Oven
- All-Clad 6.5 Quart Stainless Slow Cooker with Ceramic Insert
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer with Attachment Pack ( Empire Red)
- Wusthof Classic 8-Piece Block Set
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- DeLonghi Esclusivo Magnifica Super Automatic Machine
- Viking® Professional Digital Hand Mixer
- Le Creuset® 7.25 Quart Round French Oven
(All of these items are available on membershiprewards.com.)
This giveaway is open to US residents only, one entry per person. Ten winners will be randomly chosen on July 30 to win one prize each. International readers are welcome to participate in the Twitter Chat and submit questions, but are not eligible to win. Remember you can ask anything about design and home improvements — this is a fun chance to get advice from an HGTV designer!
I know many of you are following me on Twitter @makingitlovely, but you can also follow John @JohnGidding. If you want to get some ideas for home improvement immediately, go to membershiprewards.com/home. And be sure to follow along to #AmexHome with John and I on Twitter next Thursday.
* Update *
Thanks for joining us for the Twitter chat, everybody! Comments (and therefore entries) are now closed. Congratulations to the ten winners: Aimee (aimeeroo), Mim (mimsfam), LeeAnn (leeannhuber), Sara (naturemurph), Sarah (Sarahquail110), Cara, (cara.andersen), Suzy (sayitaintsuzy), Sarah (Pooglit), Devon (devon.cook), and Kc (kcerveny).
Amy
July 22, 2010 at 9:28 amWe have wood paneling in our basement, it goes 1/2 the way up the wall, with drywall on the top. We want to paint it white to brighten up the room. What is the best way to paint this paneling?
Stacey
July 22, 2010 at 9:29 amWhat pieces are worth investing in for an eventual upgrade from a small apartment to house? I worry about buying the couch/dining room table/etc. of my dreams now because it may not work in a bigger space once I buy a house.
Christine P
July 22, 2010 at 9:29 amAs a renter I am unable to paint the boring walls in my place, what would be an inexpensive and non-permanent way to add color and life to these walls?
Alyson
July 22, 2010 at 9:29 amI cannot believe how nice the merchandise is!
john-
how long after receiveing card and accumulating points can you start to use them?
thanks!
Felicity
July 22, 2010 at 9:29 amHow can we incorporate my husband’s numerous busy Persian rugs into my beachy, pale, simple style?
Anna
July 22, 2010 at 9:29 amWhen re-doing a kitchen on a budget, what are some tips to change the look without breaking the bank?
Kate
July 22, 2010 at 9:29 amI would love ANY of these things!!!
My question is: How do you keep eclectic themes going in a small space without the space being overdone?
MegRuth Photography
July 22, 2010 at 9:30 amIt may seem like a mundane question but all the corners of the walls in our house are rounded. I want to know where the proper place is to paint. Is it the middle of the rounded edge? Or do I go all the way to one side?
I want to paint accent wall colors and I’m lost as to wear to stop…
Thanks!
Sarah
July 22, 2010 at 9:30 amIf you could do only one thing to improve the curb appeal of a house, what would it be?
Sarah
Helen | numsi
July 22, 2010 at 9:31 amAny ideas for making an old, run-down, shoddy kitchen cutting edge and modern on a minimal budget until we can afford to overhaul it? Thanks, awesome giveaway by the way.
Amber
July 22, 2010 at 9:31 amWhat are you very best money stretching tips? Oh and what would you hang behind a super long couch???
katie
July 22, 2010 at 9:32 amI am desperate for kid storage ideas- too many barbies spilling out everywhere, & too many ugly plastic bins!
Diana
July 22, 2010 at 9:32 amMy breakfast nook/Kitchen area has a beautiful bay window that looks out to the back yard. What sort of window treatment would work well here? I’m tired of looking at a sad, bare window.
janet
July 22, 2010 at 9:32 amIf you might be putting your house on the market in the next year, what are some things to start taking care of NOW?
Jeannette
July 22, 2010 at 9:33 amMy question is: Do you have any tips for how to display mementos or family heirlooms, that may not go with your decor, but have a lot of meaning and you want to display? In my case, I have champagne flutes from when my husband and I got engaged and then got married, and I feel like they are just floating on a shelf with no excitement.
Jennifer G
July 22, 2010 at 9:34 amI am trying to make my bedroom set up/color scheme feel more warm and cozy. It has vaulted ceilings, and the only to solid walls are half hexagon shaped at the top (hope that makes sense). The other two walls have (1) a large window and 2 sets of double mirrored closet doors and (2) closet door and double door entrance. It feels like a large empty galley and I am clueless as to where to even begin.
Christi
July 22, 2010 at 9:34 amWhat a great giveaway!
I do have a major question—say a family of 3 is “stuck” in a 2 bedroom home. But whoops! Turns out you’re expecting a second baby. What are some good ideas/tips for cramming two Kids (one in a toddler bed, one in crib) into a smallish sized bedroom (but still look adorable)? Would love any suggestions! Thanks!
Megan
July 22, 2010 at 9:35 amI never know how to hang curtains and what length to get! How many inches above the window? And how far from the sides of the window should the brackets be? What about tie backs?
Marina
July 22, 2010 at 9:35 amI would love ideas on how to select color to paint my house. What should I consider, besides my taste, when choosing a color? The landscape? Other houses around me?
It is such a huge commitment, I’m so scared to make the wrong choice.
Susan H
July 22, 2010 at 9:36 amWhat is the best budget items to add in a bedroom that will make a big difference in it’s overall look? Thanks!
Alexandrialeigh
July 22, 2010 at 9:36 amTips/techniques on how to position furniture in a living room. What are the steps you go through to figure out where everything should go? I’ve re-arranged the furniture in my living room three times since moving in and can’t get it to feel right, because the room has kind of a unique set-up. When is it time to bring in an expert?
Katie Mahoney
July 22, 2010 at 9:36 amI’m on the verge of buying a fixer-upper bungalow in Houston’s Heights. It’s very exciting, but I’m having a difficult time deciding on colors for the kitchen remodel. I want something fun, that will be cozy and personal, but also be classic enough to allow for resale. Right now, I’m leaning towards soapstone countertops, white and black tile, white cabinetry with glass panes on the upper cabinets. But I want some color in there, too! I’m shying away from red because it’s so cliche, and was leaning towards a rich dove grey and barely green subway tile backsplash.
What are your thoughts on adding color to a mostly black and white space without being cliche or too jarring on the eyes?
Rachel
July 22, 2010 at 9:36 amHow do I arrange a long narrow living/dining room with the front door centered on the longest wall without feeling like people are walking directly into a sofa when they come in?
anna
July 22, 2010 at 9:36 amJust bought a new small house and are trying to decide whether we should knock the wall between the kitchen and living room down, or put in some french doors. Personally, we love french doors, and aren’t the biggest fans of open floor plans, but we really want the house to feel bigger… what to do, what to do…
Sarah Hutchinson
July 22, 2010 at 9:37 amWhat’s the best way to make a gallery wall look cohesive instead of cluttered? Should I stick to frames that are the same style, color, size, etc.? I have so many black and white photos and don’t know where to start!
Sara
July 22, 2010 at 9:38 amHi. I was wondering if you have any simple ideas for a stylish headboard? Thanks-
Ivy
July 22, 2010 at 9:39 amHow do you bring together different types of wood finishes? My floors are a kind of cherry (not dark, more sherry colored). I have a few nice furniture pieces that have moved with and been given to me over the years and it’s a mish-mash of light and dark woods. I’ve gotten away with it in larger apartments by doing covers or tucking away some of the furniture that really looks odd, but now I have a smaller apartment and everything is more out in the open. I’d love to keep all the pieces, but I feel like the apartment just looks confused. Any suggestions?
heather
July 22, 2010 at 9:40 amWhat a cool opportunity, Nicole! Congrats and thanks for including us in the fun!
My ultimate design issue: How do I maximize storage in a tiny bedroom without sacrificing good style?
Brooke
July 22, 2010 at 9:41 amI need more inspiration for interesting floor treatments. We chose painted concrete due to a limited budget. What could we do besides a typical area rug? Paint the floor in patterns? Use vinyls? I’m at a loss.
Jaz
July 22, 2010 at 9:41 amCurtains! I want to update my house with curtains and am afraid to spend the money! Where do I find reasonable priced “updated” curtains that don’t look cheap? Do I wait for Pottery Barn to have a sale? Do I trust Ikea even though I can only see them online? Do I go for white to just be safe? Do I sew them my self with some wacky pattern? I am so confused!!!
Elizabeth
July 22, 2010 at 9:41 amHi,
I would like to fill a wall with a large piece of artwork. I find that even posters/prints over 48″ can top the $300+ price range. Do you have any affordable solutions that would be easy to execute?
Thanks!
ansley b.
July 22, 2010 at 9:41 amlooks like john will many, many questions to answer! this is an incredible give away–lots of those items are on my “would love” list!
abby
July 22, 2010 at 9:42 amHello! I have been thinking about painting my cabinets and replacing my laminate counter tops with butcher-block. My husband and I plan on moving in 5 years or so. Would it be too risky to paint the cabinets a dark olive color instead of white? I love the look of dark cabinets with wood countertops, but I don’t want to have to remodel again before we move.
Jennifer
July 22, 2010 at 9:42 amWe have an older Colonial style home, and we love the older historical details – glass doorknobs, old chandeliers, beautiful fireplace, etc. What are some tips, or ideas you would have, on how to stay true to the styling/historical aspect of the house without making it look like my grandma lives here?
jen@homeinthecountry
July 22, 2010 at 9:43 amI need some landscaping help… We’re in the upper midwest (zone 5), and we’re going to redo the landscaping in front of our cedar-shingled home, which gets part to full sun. We’re looking for hearty bushes, flowers, herbs, or plants that require little to no effort to maintain. We’d love any suggestions on plants/pairings of plants that you can offer! Thanks!
alison
July 22, 2010 at 9:44 amI’m wondering what his thoughts are on painting trim in a house all white…I have a beautiful wood door that I hesitate to paint, can I have white trim, and a wood front door and surrounding trim? So perplexed!
Thanks,
Julia
July 22, 2010 at 9:44 amMy question is when doing it yourself how do you maintain momentum for finishing a large project? About to begin tackling an entire apartment makeover and I’m concerned about losing steam for the project !
Sarah
July 22, 2010 at 9:44 amWhat are three design elements you can’t live without in making a home homey, or shall we say lovely? :)
Michelle
July 22, 2010 at 9:45 amAwesome giveaway! Can’t wait to hear the interview!! I would like to know if there is an easy guideline for the furniture in your home that should be nice, quality, going to last a long time vs. furniture that is cheap and easy to change or paint? I have a hard time committing to a style or color long term, but I want the furniture not to look temporary or cheap.
Betsy
July 22, 2010 at 9:45 amI need advice on making a den that was converted from a garage into something more cozy. This is not our primary living space, so I’m not super stressed about it but it just feels like a big box to me no matter how I arrange the furniture… Thanks!
Michele
July 22, 2010 at 9:46 amHi,
What’s the best way to bring together different wood finishes of furniture? I was thinking of painting some.. what are good colors to paint wood furniture and what is the best paint to use?
Thanks!
Bri
July 22, 2010 at 9:46 amDesign magazines always say to keep your renovations within the “style” of the house to maintain the feel. I can wrap my head around this for something like a victorian, but what about a 60’s ranch house? There doesn’t seem to be much style to begin with. Does this mean I’m free to do whatever I want or are there style cues I’m missing?
Christy
July 22, 2010 at 9:47 amI have a big red couch that was given to me as a graduation present 8 yrs ago. It’s still in good shape but the red has really faded. It has big arms so I’m scared to order slipcovers I love, such as Pottery Barn items. Do you have any advice on purchasing slipcovers? Making your own? Thanks!
Stephanie
July 22, 2010 at 9:47 amWhat decorating elements should you always DIY? Which are worth it to hire someone to do?
Caitlin
July 22, 2010 at 9:47 amMy Question: Where can I find great fabrics, wallpapers, etc. for DIY projects. I save lots of money by creating a lot of decor items myself, but sometimes it’s hard to get the look I want because materials are so expensive (Hellooo orla keily wallpapers).
Thanks!
Hannah
July 22, 2010 at 9:48 amWhat are the rules for choosing the size of a rug for a room?
Becky
July 22, 2010 at 9:49 amAs someone who tires easily of my bedroom decor (well all rooms really), what are some key pieces you would recommend purchasing for a bedroom that can be easily transitioned into different decorating styles without having to buy all new things?
Aimee
July 22, 2010 at 9:49 amWow! It sounds like it would be such a fun Twitter chat. Going to mark it down and try to make it.
As for questions. Any tips for designing small spaces? Our bedroom could use a spruce up, but it’s very small. Not sure what could help it feel larger. Thanks!
May
July 22, 2010 at 9:51 amOur current rental has a deck out back that’s just dying to me made over. Any easy, cheap and simple diy projects that can spruce it up? I’m not sure if we’ll ever have an outdoor seating area again, so I don’t want to invest too much money into it. But it’s a waste not to use the space!
Ellen Gilchrist
July 22, 2010 at 9:52 amWe rent a house that has a less than adequate kitchen. What are some non permanent, rental friendly solutions for lack of cabinet and counter space? (There is an entire unused wall with just a radiator screaming for a solution!)
Grace Hester Designs
July 22, 2010 at 9:52 amCan you share 3 design rules you live by?
Thanks for the opportunity!
Cheers,
Grace Hester Designs
http://www.gracehesterdesigns.etsy.com
Liz
July 22, 2010 at 9:52 amI am expecting a baby girl, due next month, and am getting the nursery ready. The room is already painted green. I wanted to do pinks, yellows, and corals with the green in her room, but we have a big red lazy boy (for late night feedings) that doesn’t really match. Is there an inexpensive way to incorporate the red chair into a girly color scheme, or an easy way to do a slip cover so it matches better.
kelltalen
July 22, 2010 at 9:52 amWhat are your top five places to shop for home furniture and decor?
Meghan
July 22, 2010 at 9:52 amThe cheap tile that was used in the renovation of our kitchen before we moved in has cracked all over the place due to our soft Texas soil and the house shifting (and also probably due to poor installation techniques). I’m wondering what options I might have for choosing an affordable and durable yet environmentally-friendly kitchen flooring. We cook almost every day and have two dogs, so we want something that will stand up to a lot of use.
Mama Em
July 22, 2010 at 9:52 amDo you have any tips for decorating brick walls that don’t involve drilling into the brick? Our most challenging wall is behind our headboard in the master bedroom. Thanks!
alyse
July 22, 2010 at 9:52 amDo I need to retain the era and style of my 1919 bungalow in everything we do in our house? Is it okay to mix styles?
Liz
July 22, 2010 at 9:53 amWhat a great giveaway. I would love some ideas of what to do with displaying collections.
Megan
July 22, 2010 at 9:53 amThere are a lot different trends out there that I like. How do I use them in my home without it looking cluttered.
Karin S.
July 22, 2010 at 9:53 amHi, John,
I’ve used the same palette of warm, autumnal tones throughout our 1916 wood-frame bungalow, so I can move pieces around; the feel of our furnishings is traditional (oriental rug, some antiques, rolled-arm leather sofa) with a lot of funky touches from travels in India, Mexico, etc. My question: how do I bring in some modern-feeling elements that will blend well? We’re on a tight budget, so no big purchases!
tawn
July 22, 2010 at 9:54 amshould every wall in a home be painted in the same tonal range?? i really love the contrast of having a mix of bold and lighter rooms. a friend of mine, who is the artist/paint store associate, disagrees with me.
Sarah
July 22, 2010 at 9:54 amCan you suggest some ideas creative storage options, maybe things that can do double-duty? Our house is older and does not have much built-in storage, and I’m always looking for fun, creative, stylish options. Thanks!
Kaci
July 22, 2010 at 9:54 amI have a glass-topped coffee table that I would like to make new again – textured glass is too expensive so I was thinking of tiling it. I really like the look of stainless steel tile – where can I do this under a budget?
Jenn A.F.
July 22, 2010 at 9:54 amMy question is, if you are renting a house (don’t own), and don’t have the option to paint the walls, is there anything else other then simply hanging artwork and stuff to jazz up wall space? I need a temporary fix that won’t ruin the walls when we move.
Jill@nokoikonomia
July 22, 2010 at 9:55 amI’d love to hear tips and advice for using really bold, bright colors (I’m thinking orange) on the walls in rooms.
Becca
July 22, 2010 at 9:55 amIf you only had $100 to spend, what would be the best project to take on to change things up in your home? Besides painting! :)
Lori
July 22, 2010 at 9:56 amCan you have too much painted furniture? I’m loving the look of crisp, glossy white paint right now! Also, I’d love to hear tips for being frugal AND stylish!
Angela
July 22, 2010 at 9:56 amIs there any way to decorate with a chandelier in a room with low ceilings?
andi
July 22, 2010 at 9:57 amOur next renovation project is our master bathroom. We have some ideas, but we are on a tight budget. What are some tips for creating a high-end looking bathroom on a tight budget?
Carolyn
July 22, 2010 at 9:57 amCan you mix metals in your accessories? Like brass and polished silver? Or even a brushed nickel and an oil rubbed bronze? I seem to have a few things with different metals and I’d like to incorporate them into my living room. Do I set up small collections of like finishes? Or mix them all over? Thanks!!
Suzanne
July 22, 2010 at 9:58 amWhat’s the one project that adds the most value to a home?
Bridget
July 22, 2010 at 9:58 amDo you have any design tricks for pre-furnished spaces like dorm rooms? Working around the crappy wood desks, the non-matching paint colors, the ceiling tiles—I want a beautiful place without feeling like, well, a dorm room. And in general, the thought that it’s easy to take something beautiful and make it even more beautiful, but taking a dorm room and getting to a place you really want to spend time? That’s hard.
Jennifer
July 22, 2010 at 9:58 amI just moved into a smaller home and I am trying to find ways to add storage without adding bulk (if that makes any sense). I really like to have a clean and open feel to my house, but even though I am purging a lot, I still would love any pointers on how to add stylish pieces that still work really hard for a family in need of storage.
Ali
July 22, 2010 at 9:58 amWhat do you recommend for people who live in apartments that can’t paint or remodel?
Christa
July 22, 2010 at 9:58 amJohn, do you ever get disappointed or upset when I client doesn’t see your vision? When you have the perfect plan, but they want to change the one thing that makes it perfect?
Elizabeth
July 22, 2010 at 9:59 amWhat are your go-to ideas for decorating a non-paintable apartment? How do you make it yours without losing your security deposit?
katrina
July 22, 2010 at 9:59 amWhere are your favorite places to shop when working with a tight budget?
Shannon
July 22, 2010 at 9:59 amHow do you convince yourself that you’re satisfied with your current decor? Every time I see a new idea I want to redecorate completely!
Lisa
July 22, 2010 at 9:59 amHow can I maintain organization and increase storage on and around a relatively small desk?
Megan
July 22, 2010 at 9:59 amI am a single woman who recently bought her first home. I have a variety projects that I could use help with – everything from hanging a chandelier, to re-doing a bathroom to fixing my gutters. What is the best way to research contractors and find people to help with home repairs? I’m new to the area and at a loss!
Beth
July 22, 2010 at 10:00 amAli took my question! I think that renters often struggle with decorating because there are so many restrictions on what they can do. I’m an office manager for an apartment complex, so I’d love to have more ideas to offer my residents. I hope he answers this one!
AND — wow! What a fabulous giveaway! :) Thanks for promoting this conversation and for hosting such a great giveaway!
Kelly
July 22, 2010 at 10:01 amWhat is your favorite store to shop at for home decor?
Lindsay
July 22, 2010 at 10:02 amAre accent walls over? If so what are other ways to bring a bold color in to a room without going over the top?
Angela
July 22, 2010 at 10:03 amGreat giveaway! Can you tell me the best way (or your favorite way) to display family photos? Thanks!
Erin
July 22, 2010 at 10:03 amWhat can apartment-dwellers do to create decor with an impact when paint or wallpaper isn’t an option?
Rachel
July 22, 2010 at 10:03 amHow do you mix different colors of wood stained pieces? How do you mix older, more vintage pieces with newer, more modern pieces?
Sheri
July 22, 2010 at 10:04 amHow do you feel about layering throw rugs on top of wall-to-wall carpet, and are there any rules you follow?
vedjen
July 22, 2010 at 10:04 amHow would you decorate a shared kid’s room using affordable (Ikea-range) furnishings?
Brianne
July 22, 2010 at 10:05 amI will be moving into a new apartment in about a week. I love the place, but the kitchen counters are an ugly, green laminate. I can’t change the counters since I am renting. Is there something else I can do to beautify my counters?
jen
July 22, 2010 at 10:05 amI would love to know more about how to integrate color into a living space with a neutral starting point (floors, couches, walls). I feel like it always looks so forced and obvious. I hope that makes sense :)
ohbrooke
July 22, 2010 at 10:06 amAlways looking for quick fixes in a rental. You know those ugly cabinets and formica faux wood countertops? Do you embrace the quirky and go with a funny rug and linens, or do you switch out the knobs and try to mask some of the ugly?
Emily M
July 22, 2010 at 10:06 amWhat is your recommendation for an inexpensive piece of artwork to fill a large blank on a wall above say a sofa? We’ve got 2 rooms with nothing above the sofas…help!
katie d.
July 22, 2010 at 10:06 amI have original pine paneling in 2 rooms in my house, and i’m starting to get sick of it. paint it? tear it out? what do you think?
Heidi A
July 22, 2010 at 10:07 amI have an old home (early 1930’s). How do I keep the historic appeal while modernizing the look?
Audrey
July 22, 2010 at 10:08 amIs there a rule on what wall colors home buyers might be turned off by? I’m not afraid of color, but I fear future homebuyers may be. :/
Sarah Q
July 22, 2010 at 10:08 amDo you have any tips for a temporary but functional(and appealing to the eye) backsplash behind your stove in a rental?
Deborah
July 22, 2010 at 10:08 amHi guys,
Do you have recommendations for kitchen countertops if we can’t afford granite?
Thanks!
Erin B.
July 22, 2010 at 10:08 amI need to refinish my light oak floors in my 1925 bungalow. Would you recommend keeping them light even though we have darker wood around all of the windows and trim, or should we go a little darker? It’s a small space, so I would like to do something that makes it look a little bigger.
Kelly S
July 22, 2010 at 10:08 amDo you think room colors should compliment each other, or coordinate or can each room be a different color without looking like a circus?
Erin
July 22, 2010 at 10:09 amI know its important to invest when purchasing big furniture pieces, but are there accessories that it makes sense to splurge on?
Richelle
July 22, 2010 at 10:09 amOur redecoration budget is approximately zero right now – what are your top 5 repurposing tips to give a room a fresh look?