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).
Kelly
July 22, 2010 at 1:01 pmTips on dealing with shower tiles I don’t like?
Kris
July 22, 2010 at 1:01 pmHow do you decide how big/tall bedside lamps should be?
Jane Little
July 22, 2010 at 1:02 pmDo you have any suggestions for a temporary backsplash in a rental kitchen?
Ashley
July 22, 2010 at 1:05 pmI always have trouble keeping our living room from screaming “TV!!!” And now my fiance decided to buy a 46′ flat screen. What should I do?
Diane
July 22, 2010 at 1:05 pmHow do you find vintage furniture that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? The thrift store scene and the craigslist options in my town are pretty crappy. I’m always so jealous when I see people on blogs bragging about their amazing finds!
Ashley
July 22, 2010 at 1:06 pmI have a really long living room with the front door in the middle, what are your suggestions on making more of an entry space?
Audra
July 22, 2010 at 1:06 pmIs it possible to love the Ikea Expedit too much? :)
Audra
July 22, 2010 at 1:07 pmMy serious question: How to create a mudroom/entry way in a space where there is not an actual mudroom/entry?
Amy G
July 22, 2010 at 1:09 pmCan you offer a suggestion on kitchen lighting to replace hideous drop ceiling fluorescent?
Heather
July 22, 2010 at 1:09 pmWhat window treatments provide the most bang for their buck? I have tons of windows and custom blinds are so expensive.
Michaela
July 22, 2010 at 1:10 pmWill a floor rug in a shade similiar to the wall color make a room look bigger than a patterned dark carpet? This is for a living room that is 14 x 10 ft.
Adventures In Babywearing
July 22, 2010 at 1:10 pmWhen I look around my house I just see something that needs fixed up in each room. It’s overwhelming and makes me just want to take a long nap. Is there a secret to where I should even start?
(Love all of these prizes!)
Steph
Amelia
July 22, 2010 at 1:10 pmHow to define a dining nook in a rectangular eat-in kitchen?
meredith
July 22, 2010 at 1:12 pmLOVE John Gidding! He is my favorite designer on Designed to Sell.
I have a question regarding curb appeal updates. I don’t know who to call. On Curb Appeal, they refer to the professionals as “designers,” but would a landscape designer/architect be able to help with entries and porches — or an interior designer be able to help with the landscaping? I just don’t know who to call to get started.
Thanks!
Brooke
July 22, 2010 at 1:12 pmWhat would be the easiest/cheapest way to update a tiny kitchen? Our counters are currently 12″ tiles (that I am not a fan of)… is there a way to change out the counter top cheaply?
Emily T.
July 22, 2010 at 1:17 pmI have builder-grade cabinents in the kitchen and bath. I’m dying to paint them, but worry that I’m “ruining” a good wood stain. Will painting the cabinents hurt us for resale?
natalie
July 22, 2010 at 1:18 pmwhat a crazy good giveaway!!
Sarah
July 22, 2010 at 1:18 pmHow do you know when enough is enough in terms of matching accent colors or everything else?
Rachel Premo
July 22, 2010 at 1:18 pmWow! What an awesome giveaway! My new husband and I just bought a condo and our family room has two windows on the front corner of the room–one on each of the two walls of the corner (does that make sense?). I would like to cover them somehow but am at a total loss–I’m afraid that putting formal curtains on them would look funny due to the small size of the windows and the fact that they’re on the corner.
I’m also looking for some budget-friendly light fixtures for our dining area and the whole rest of the house.
Sarah
July 22, 2010 at 1:20 pmWhat tips do you have to successfully meld a taste for modern/sleek decor with a love for vintage/beat up/used? I gravitate toward modern design and I love how clean it looks, but I love items that have been used and are old and beat up. I’m not sure how to make these two sides co-exist peacefully in one house. Thanks!
Catherine
July 22, 2010 at 1:22 pmI am moving into my first solo apartment in August. Do you have any advice on bang-for-your-buck decorating tips for someone on a budget? Thanks for this awesome giveaway!
Clare
July 22, 2010 at 1:22 pmWhat’s your take on pictures in a stairwell? Do they belong there, or it is too grandparent-esque? If pictures are OK, is it a good place to highlight family photos, or should those stay in more personal spaces?
Courtney
July 22, 2010 at 1:23 pmI have a small apartment and big ideas. I feel like I have too many themes/prints/STUFF. Any ideas on how to pair down?
Thank you!
Mara
July 22, 2010 at 1:23 pmI have finally moved into my dream home… a 1950’s modern ranch house with a view!! Yay!! The ceilings in the living room and bedrooms are made of natural wood planks and open beams. Love them in the living room, not so much in the bedroom. Would it be a SIN to paint them? I feel like I might be sorry one day, but I don’t like them now. Any ideas?
Sarah Cass
July 22, 2010 at 1:25 pmDo you have any tips for a small studio, to successfully create a separation between a bedroom and the rest of the living space?
Morgan Grunewald
July 22, 2010 at 1:25 pmHow do I combine my husband’s love of modern and minimalistic style with my more traditional style?
Rebecca
July 22, 2010 at 1:25 pmMy windowsill is currently painted (not by myself) a semi-gloss white. Whenever I place plants, etc. on it, which I really love to do as it adds color to my apartment, the planters leave a mark on the windowsill that I cannot clean off.
What do you recommend I paint this windowsill? The surrounding wall is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Meditation Eggshell Finish (sort of a khaki). Please don’t tell me not to put anything on it, that would break my heart.
Thanks!
Jayna
July 22, 2010 at 1:26 pmIve bought a new house with an open concept (open living room / formal dining area & kitchen) how do I best blend all these living spaces together? Thank you for your help!
Missy
July 22, 2010 at 1:26 pmWhat is the single most impactful improvement you can make for less than $100?
sangeetha
July 22, 2010 at 1:26 pmany advice for a very busy mom to get all her decorating work done?
Kristina
July 22, 2010 at 1:27 pmI’m a renter in a very “factory standard” early 90s style kitchen in a vintage apartment. Think of this, but with maroon tile (yikes!): http://tinyurl.com/37mok33.
We’re allowed to paint away, so I’m thinking of painting tiles and walls. Any suggestions? Wall colors?
lisa
July 22, 2010 at 1:28 pmHow can I incorporate natural/organic elements and textures to my modern space?
Thanks!
Allison
July 22, 2010 at 1:28 pmWhat are some decorating tips for people living in rentals? I’d love to paint our apartment but we aren’t allowed to, what are some other options?
My husband’s decorating taste is rustic and outdoorsy. He likes lots of wood, and dark rich colors which is great but I’m on the other side of the fence. I tend to gravitate towards a clean, modern style…so how can we meld the two styles without looking spastic?
kelly
July 22, 2010 at 1:29 pmany tips for covering/changing ugly cabinets and countertops in a rental that cannot be permanently altered?
Lori Vann
July 22, 2010 at 1:30 pmWhat do you think of beadboard in a kitchen? Husband thinks it would look dumb (below the chair rail), but I think it would be beautiful with a light shade of “tan” on the top.
Got to do something, previous owners left HIDEOUS wallpaper!
Katrina Niswander
July 22, 2010 at 1:30 pmWhat advice would you have for good home design on a budget – A VERY limited budget? I am a college student (hence the limited budget) who is looking to make her 2 bedroom apartment more chic. What are some simple ways to make a space more inviting and beautiful with little cash?
WES
July 22, 2010 at 1:31 pmI have a long room (23Lx17W) with lowish ceilings, how to I make the ceiling appear to be taller? It is also a popcorn ceiling which makes me sad, will that affect what I can do? I am very willing to paint the room
The Maiden Metallurgist
July 22, 2010 at 1:31 pmHow can I best use the dining room as a double duty office?
Allison
July 22, 2010 at 1:31 pmYou seem to have a clean and simple style. Where do you find inspiration?
Miss B
July 22, 2010 at 1:31 pmLove the giveaway! So much fun and thank you! My dilemma is cords! I hate them and want to know options. I’ve heard that designers put them behind the walls, who would do this an electrician? A contractor? Is it spendy? I am not talking about just the home office but in the living room everywhere you can’t just hide a cord under a rug or behind a desk, what are the options?
Brooke R.
July 22, 2010 at 1:31 pmWhen renting a home with little storage space, what are some good tips for storing things like Christmas decor?
Suzy
July 22, 2010 at 1:31 pmBook storage! How do I downsize space-wise my book collection without having to dramatically weed? Any storage ideas?
Mandy
July 22, 2010 at 1:32 pmOur apartment doesn’t get much light. What is your favorite way to bring more light into a space?
Katie
July 22, 2010 at 1:33 pmI really like the layering trend, but I’m having trouble achieving it. How do I layer tactfully (so it doesn’t look cluttered) on a budget? Are there key pieces?
Thanks!
Rita
July 22, 2010 at 1:33 pmWhat will be the next big color trend in home decor? (looking past yellow and grey)
Alisa
July 22, 2010 at 1:35 pmI really like the way you hang your pictures! I’ve never seen it done that way before.
Chelsey Barnes
July 22, 2010 at 1:35 pmSo, I live in a small apartment above a bar. First question: It’s a tapas bar, and they must cook onions EVERY morning because it’s all my hallways reeks of in the A.M. What’s the easiest way to get cooked onion smell out of a carpet permiated with it?? Second question! My living room is small but has a a spiral staircase, HOW IN THE WORLD can I decorate around it without it looking too cramped or tacky?!?
jennifer
July 22, 2010 at 1:36 pmI have 2 small children and my living / dining room area is also their play space. Any recommendations for integrating the play space and toys into the living area? As well as storing (hiding) them? One of the first things you notice when you walk into my apartment, is the piles of toys – ugh!
Tracy
July 22, 2010 at 1:36 pmDear John,
My husband’s taste is traditional/classic when it comes to style, and mine is more modern/clean line/mid-century mixed with some Swedish sensibility. He’s into everything ‘subtle’ and neutral, while I don’t mind burst of color. So far, I’ve been ‘losing’ at this ‘match’ because the in-laws and my parents are also into his sense of style and have been bombarding us with their old furniture LOL.
He loves them because he found them cozy, good rememberance from our childhood days.
While I love his nature for preserving things and liking the ‘original’/classic style I’m going crazy because nothing in our first house feels like ‘me’ or at least ‘part of me.’
How do you combine such different style and to convince him that just because it’s modern, it doesn’t mean it’s less cozy?
Thank you, John.
Jill Marie
July 22, 2010 at 1:36 pmHi!!
I am very curious to know how you mix several different types of decor and make it all look like it belongs together?! I just moved into a new home and I while unpacking I’ve noticed that wow, I have a lot of different items that really don’t go together but that I love for very different reasons!
Familiar question?
I could just paint all my items red (my favorite color) and then sprinkle them throughout my living space?
Thank you so much for your help!
I love your vision and design sense!
Cheers!!
Kim
July 22, 2010 at 1:38 pmI’m looking for ecofriendly kitchen counter ideas that don’t cost an arm and a leg. :)
Sara
July 22, 2010 at 1:38 pmMy kitchen backsplash is tiled in black, and takes up almost an entire wall (it was like this when we bought the house). A kitchen remodel is not in our budget right now. What are some inexpensive ways to brighten up the room (and make it look less 80s!)
Thanks!
Tara
July 22, 2010 at 1:41 pmWe’re military and move all the time (well, at least every couple of years) and I’d love tips on how to keep things comfortable and happy and homey for our three children, while moving from place to place, even when the floor plan or aesthetic of the new house is completely different.
CM Walsh
July 22, 2010 at 1:41 pmI have laminate countertops which are tired and dated. Are there surfaces besides granite that will wear well and look good? On a budget? Thanks!
Emily
July 22, 2010 at 1:44 pmI like the trend of painting one wall in a room with an accent color, but how do you know whether to do a lighter/darker shade of the original or something totally different?
Thanks!
Devyn
July 22, 2010 at 1:46 pmWhat style approach would you suggest for someone moving overseas? I love my current apartment but will have to get rid of most of my stuff as I can’t reasonable move it all. I’d like to get some items before I leave that will work in new small apartment AND travel well, and I’m lost as to where to start! Should I wait and buy everything there (Korea)??
Meghank
July 22, 2010 at 1:47 pmWhat do you really think of Ikea products, specifically cabinets…
Ellen
July 22, 2010 at 1:47 pmHi!
How can I perk up a long skinny living room? I have 1300 sq feet, woodburning stove at one end, TV must be in the middle! Help!
Ellen
Allison M
July 22, 2010 at 1:49 pmWow! This is fun! I live in a great condo, but it was built in the early 80’s. I have an entire mirrored wall in my dining area that is not going to come down. Any advice on how to “Camoflauge” a mirrored wall and bring it into the 21st century? THANKS again!
Meaghan
July 22, 2010 at 1:49 pmI have a very ugly black metal spiral staircase in my apartment that I rent – Any suggestions on how to spruce it up in a way that won’t trip me up?
Devon
July 22, 2010 at 1:50 pmI’m moving for the first time, and have little to no furniture. It’s extremely overwhelming to try to prioritize furniture purchases, especially because I literally have nothing. Where do I start?
lauren b.
July 22, 2010 at 1:51 pmi’m planning a nursery for our impending bundle of joy, but don’t want to spend too much on anything baby won’t be using for more than a year or two. what pieces are worth splurging on, which pieces should i save on, and what sort of things should i forgo entirely? i can’t wait to hear your tips. xo.
Kate
July 22, 2010 at 1:52 pmHow do I use several patterns without making the room seem busy? I have brown furniture and a brown rug (due to the boyfriend) in my living room. I am trying to accent with apple green and navy but want to avoid things looking drab but also not too busy. I LOVE white but we have a dog and that means dirt.
Sasha
July 22, 2010 at 1:53 pmJust moved in with boyfriend, who has a very different clutter tolerance (none) and decorating style (sparse) than mine (moderate and organic mid-century modern, respectively). Any advice on navigating the negotiations?
Copy Cat Chic
July 22, 2010 at 1:53 pmIs it always a no-no to paint a small dark bedroom a dark paint color? How do you make it work, so it doesn’t look like a cave?
Julie
July 22, 2010 at 1:54 pmWe have a historic home with a small, outdated bathroom with no tub. How vital is a remodel and tub addition for re-sale purposes. It is the only bathroom in our house.
Lara
July 22, 2010 at 1:54 pmI live in a townhouse, and my living area and dining area is all one big room. What can I do to visually separate the space? I want to have the feeling of a more formal dining room, as well as a comfortable living space.
Leah
July 22, 2010 at 1:54 pmWe have old laminate countertops and the edges on one of them is chipped. So ugly and so frustrating! We don’t have the funds to replace the entire countertop like we would want to with corian or bamboo. I was wondering if you have any dyi tips for us on how we can fix our eye sore? :)
Michael
July 22, 2010 at 1:56 pmDo you have any guidelines for creating an attractive vignette on a bedroom dresser?
Colleen
July 22, 2010 at 1:58 pmHow can I bring in color to our drab living room without making it too busy?
help :)
Margaret
July 22, 2010 at 1:59 pmDoes anyone make a (preferably) square coffee table, or low occasional table, or ottoman with oodles of storage, preferably behind doors, drawers, or lids? But please don’t suggest those nasty little leatherette storage stools whose lids flip to trays or C&B’s gigantic treasure chest. Thanks!
Nate
July 22, 2010 at 2:00 pmWhat tips do you have for combining a love of modern interior design with an equally strong love of vintage architecture? Our 99-yr-old craftsman needs some interior help, and I’m struggling with how to make it feel hip and modern without losing it’s identity as an old house. I have seen done well on a few blogs (like this one!), but I fear that my own choices might not so successful. Thanks!
Theresa
July 22, 2010 at 2:01 pmDo you know of any inexpensive ways of updating a countertop without replacing it?
Christina
July 22, 2010 at 2:02 pmLiving in NY is really known for it’s tiny apartments and my apartment bedroom is a great example of that. There are only 2 walls that I can put stuff in front of and I’m having a hard time making it look neat (not crazy cluttered like it is now) and functional. How can one cake a regular square room that is fairly small and fit all of their belongings while one wall has a window with a wall AC built in (hotel style AC) and the opposite wall is the mirrored closet? Can you tell we need help! This doesn’t even go into our small kitchen area and my love for food (hence the food blog I run). Thanks!
Shannon
July 22, 2010 at 2:03 pmI have a large, open main floor. What’s the best way to differentiate between the kitchen, dining room and living room, with keeping it flowing and harmonious?
Anne @ http://livelovedecorate.wordpress.com/http://livelovedecorate.wordpress.com/
July 22, 2010 at 2:03 pmIf our family may move in 5-10 years, should we be concerned about resale impact when we make changes such as potentially painting cabinets, etc?
Shannon
July 22, 2010 at 2:06 pmI have stain glass windows in my living room and it’s driving me nuts to find the right wall color to make them pop. Do I match colors with one already in the window. Contrast? I’m lost!
Tracy K
July 22, 2010 at 2:08 pmHow do I start my bathroom update? Pick out paint? Pick out a vanity? Pick out flooring? I’m lost!
Also, I was thinking about installing white beadboard in the bathroom, is it tacky to use white beadboard and a dark stained vanity? are they suppose to match?
Courtney
July 22, 2010 at 2:08 pmWhat are your thoughts on using tile for a kitchen counter?
HollyP
July 22, 2010 at 2:12 pmI am trying to expand my liveable space by finishing my basement. The ceiling is very low. What is the key to successfully turning a cement basement into an attractive, liveable space?
crystal
July 22, 2010 at 2:16 pmDo you have any sources for affordable stylish curtains?
Erin O.
July 22, 2010 at 2:18 pmWe’d like to install crown molding in our house, but we have vaulted ceilings. So there is an angle (greater than 90 degrees) where the wall meets the ceiling. Can you install crown molding there? Thanks!
Marcie
July 22, 2010 at 2:19 pmI have a mostly neutral decor in my main living area, three rooms that are all visible to one another. We recently ripped up the old carpeting and refinished the wood floors beneath. I need color in these rooms. I can’t decide if I should stick to neutrals for the large area rugs and get the color from accessories, or try to incorporate color in the rugs. And if so how do I coordinate the rugs without them looking too matchy?
Katie
July 22, 2010 at 2:19 pmWhat is the best way to add storage to a room without adding more pieces of furniture (maximize closets, under the bed, existing dresser, etc.)?
Thanks!
Wendi McCombs
July 22, 2010 at 2:20 pmshould you spend your money on new paint for a house or new rugs? Which would make the most impact?
coasterkim
July 22, 2010 at 2:20 pmHow do I tell my boyfriend he has awful taste without hurting his feelings? Should I just let him do whatever he wants in his “man cave”?
Allison
July 22, 2010 at 2:21 pmWhat is the hottest color combination right now, and is it different from room to room?
Chris L
July 22, 2010 at 2:23 pmWe’ve recently revamped our screened in front porch – new outdoor carpeting, beadboard ceiling, recessed lighing, etc. But since the porch is not enclosed, I’m struggling with how to best accessorize the space and bring in color with items durable enough to handle the outdoor elements. Any suggestions?
Lisa
July 22, 2010 at 2:24 pmWhat are a few inexpensive ideas to brighten up a rental house? (can’t paint or put too many holes in the walls)
Kelly S
July 22, 2010 at 2:24 pmHow do you style a mantle without resorting to the usual- candles, mirrors, picture frames? I want to do something different without spending a lot of money or making it too fussy, but has a unique, eclectic, (yet still uncluttered) feel.
Fiona
July 22, 2010 at 2:26 pmI love the practical use of space John always seems to achieve. How would you suggest an amateur without design training best tackle a home layout? Pen and pencil, or is there a good, inexpensive program you would recommend?
Thanks!
Angela
July 22, 2010 at 2:26 pmHow do you accessorize a room so that it doesn’t look bare yet not overwhelmed?
Jessica J.
July 22, 2010 at 2:27 pmWhen you have a bathroom connected to your family room, how crucial is it to coordinate the colors (since you can see into the bathroom from the couch)? Should they both be painted the same color, or different shades of the same color, or just different colors that complement one another? Thanks!
Leila
July 22, 2010 at 2:27 pmI have 11′ ft ceilings and enormous 7′ windows (not a bad problem to have, I know!), but no budget left for window coverings and the standard 29″x72″ cheapies are too small. Do you have any ideas for inexpensive ideas/sources for my dilemma so I can have some privacy from the outside?
Jeni
July 22, 2010 at 2:28 pmCan you give any easy, inexpensive tips for sprucing up an all white rental apartment?
zzipper
July 22, 2010 at 2:28 pmHow do I display my grandmothers hand-sewn quilts in my modern home?
Amy
July 22, 2010 at 2:29 pmFun giveaway!
I’ve got a really specific question: we have casement windows throughout our home, and the crank knobs on the bottom sill limit our window treatment options. Any suggestions?
Edda
July 22, 2010 at 2:29 pmI’d really like to change my living room without spending a lot of money — we have a camel colored sofa, white walls, and Brazilian cherry hardwood floors. what do you suggest we do to make quick and easy fixes to making the room appear more open and more crisp?
Becky
July 22, 2010 at 2:29 pmHow do you suggest someone go about figuring out what their style is?
Mary
July 22, 2010 at 2:31 pmI rent and have a tiny kitchen with minimal storage and no pantry. Do you have any suggestions for clean, organized food storage?