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).
monique
July 22, 2010 at 2:31 pmI live in a rental with dark green carpet and cream colored walls. All my furnitures is dark brown, so everything looks like tree colors. should i get new furniture to offset the dar green carpet?
Tina
July 22, 2010 at 2:32 pmhow do you know when the room is finished? I never feel like the room is exactly where I need it to be and it never feels quite polished enough. how do you know when to just stop and enjoy your work?
Sheridan M.
July 22, 2010 at 2:33 pmTips for extra hidden storage in kitchen without a lot of cabinet space.
Kristi
July 22, 2010 at 2:34 pmMy husband and I have different decorating styles. How can we live in the same house, combine our styles and still get along?!
Hayley
July 22, 2010 at 2:36 pmHi! I need lighting advise for a large living room space with no built in lighting- I keep looking at floor lamps but they are either directed reading lamps or dorm room halogen lamps. I would like to light the space- but as a rental I cannot do a hanging lamp. Any suggestions for a small budget?
Cheers!
Marisa
July 22, 2010 at 2:36 pmHow can we improve the look of our rental kitchen? The laminate counter-tops are particularly hideous with the laminate-covered cabinets. I’m thinking of covering the cabinets with fabric, but would love other suggestions.
Jessica
July 22, 2010 at 2:36 pmany advice for an apartment where you can’t paint? looking at white walls all the time gets old…
Jenny Ziembicki
July 22, 2010 at 2:36 pmHi guys!! I am looking for advice on alternatives to the uninspired plywood doors that cover my current storage space. Although this area supplies much needed storage space in my open loft, it seriously lacks style. Any suggestions??
Marisa
July 22, 2010 at 2:37 pmOops, didn’t include my email with that last post. This one has it… just on the off-chance that I win something!
How can we improve the look of our rental kitchen? The laminate counter-tops are particularly hideous with the laminate-covered cabinets. I’m thinking of covering the cabinets with fabric, but would love other suggestions.
Alyssa
July 22, 2010 at 2:40 pmHi:) Any suggestions for alternatives to dropping a basement ceiling? Easy and inexpensive, please!
denise
July 22, 2010 at 2:43 pmWhat kind of paints have you found are best for what applications?
I chose a semi-gloss to paint some metal stools, based on advice from a Home Depot employee, and found that it is chipping. Argh!
Faith
July 22, 2010 at 2:45 pmMy son’s room is facing a busy street and gets a lot of street noise because of it. Is there a type of window covering that helps reduce noise?
Kat
July 22, 2010 at 2:48 pmI wish I knew more about electrical wiring. I desperately want a sputnik style chandelier, but reproduction ones are so expensive! I love the original fixtures, but I don’t trust their old wiring. How can you turn a thrifted lamp from a fire hazard to a fabulous fixture on a budget?
Amy
July 22, 2010 at 2:49 pmAny suggestions for incorporating artwork into decor without it overwhelming the room?
Angie
July 22, 2010 at 2:49 pmWe just bought a house in Las Vegas and need to cover eighteen large windows and two small windows. We need some inexpensive solutions that can withstand the incessant heat. Thanks!
Grace
July 22, 2010 at 2:50 pmWe are expecting our second child in a couple of weeks. We have a 2 bedroom and I’m not sure how to make this small bedroom appropriate for both a boy (new baby) and a girl (she is 2 years, 4 months). We purchased a white bunk bed, and the walls are currently a pale yellow, but I’m stumped as to what to do design-wise. Help!
Suzie
July 22, 2010 at 2:50 pmWhat an awesome giveaway!!
Aside from ripping out and replacing ugly kitchen cabinets, is it best to paint them or re-stain them?
Julie
July 22, 2010 at 2:54 pmHow to paint wooden baseboards?
McKenzie
July 22, 2010 at 2:54 pmI live in a super small apartment where the kitchen and living room are all in one. Any ideas on how to split the spaces apart so I don’t feel like I’m hanging out in the kitchen?
Heather L
July 22, 2010 at 2:54 pmWe live in a cozy 1950’s bungalow that we love but unfortunately that leaves our family of four (mom, dad, and 5yr old twins) sharing one very tiny bathroom. Any suggestions for making our tiny space “feel” larger?
Jeni
July 22, 2010 at 2:55 pmHow do I make my Mexican tile floor “work!” (I am not a fan of the SW look ;)
danielle
July 22, 2010 at 2:56 pmAny suggestions for dealing with our windows? They are pretty terrible! They have no molding around them, and the sill is this small weird faux marble laminate outcropping.
Lucille
July 22, 2010 at 2:58 pmWhat’s the best way to create closet space in a multi-purpose basement? We use our basement as a guest room, music instrument space, and overall storage space.
Thanks!
Best,
Lucille
Laura
July 22, 2010 at 3:00 pmWhat are the rules for mixing furniture from different eras/styles? I like my eclectic style but worry it looks too disjointed. What’s the best way to keep it looking cohesive?
Jen T
July 22, 2010 at 3:01 pmAny advice on how to combine two very different styles in one smallish office? I have a pretty basic, modern desk, and my boyfriend has a big old captain’s desk. Everything about them is different, down to the finish. And we have a bunch of dark brown Ikea bookcases because we needed something really inexpensive to hold everything as a temporary fix.
Christa M
July 22, 2010 at 3:02 pmI have a drab 1990’s navy, cranberry and hunter green plaid living room set, how can I make it look modern and chic without going the slip cover route? I love fun, bright & colorful and I’m not afraid to mix patterns. THANKS!
Sandra
July 22, 2010 at 3:03 pmI have a very limited budget and want to update both the inside and outside of my home, eventually. Which should I tackle first?
Mary
July 22, 2010 at 3:03 pmI have a big empty wall behind the couch in my living room, but i’m too cheap to buy art that would fill that large of a space. (it’s a large couch in front of a 15 foot wall with a 9 foot ceiling) I already have a collage of framed pictures of family in another room so I need a creative way to fill the space (i’ve already decided against simply putting fabric on art stretchers). any ideas?
Sou
July 22, 2010 at 3:03 pmWe are in the process of selling our home. Can you give me any staging tips please?
nic
July 22, 2010 at 3:04 pmI have a cruise-ship-small bathroom without any cupboard space. I’m a renter, so I don’t have any real options for remodeling, but what would you suggest for storage in such a cramped space? There’s nowhere to even place towels!
Thanks!
Jenny R
July 22, 2010 at 3:05 pmWhat tips do you have for settling design disagreements between husband and wife?
KatieO
July 22, 2010 at 3:06 pmThere are so many people who say dark or rich colors aren’t a good choice for smaller rooms…what is your opinion about that? Do you have any advice (do’s/don’ts) on choosing richer colors (i.e. some better than others, any criterion to be aware of when choosing)?
landofozfam@gmail.com
Stacy
July 22, 2010 at 3:20 pmI love this question!!
Monique Morrow
July 22, 2010 at 3:07 pmWe are renovating and redecorating our living room. We are putting in a honey colored laminate floor and the walls will be painted a teal blue. The windows will have white curtains. SHould I go with a white, espresso or birch colored entertainment center?
LeeAnn
July 22, 2010 at 3:12 pmMy husband and I will begin our DYI outdoor room this fall (once the weather cools down!). In your opinion, what are the biggest mistakes homeowners make when creating an outdoor living space? I’m hoping you can help avoid lost time, sweat, and tears!
Ryan Green
July 22, 2010 at 3:13 pmI have a small Victorian home, but my style is mid-century modern. I’ve taken to painting all my rooms white or gray, but instead of looking clean and modern it looks plain and boring. What other colors do you suggest using to keep things bright, clean, and modern?
alexis
July 22, 2010 at 3:15 pmHow do you recommend dressing up a home office?
Stacy
July 22, 2010 at 3:16 pmHow do I cover ugly wall scripts….”dream, inspire, live” in my rental without painting?
suzannec
July 22, 2010 at 3:17 pmI’m helping my parents spruce up their 1950’s ranch style house, getting ready to sell it.
Can you offer a few easy & cheap staging ideas?
Mrs. Kinne
July 22, 2010 at 3:20 pmHow can I find space for all of the things I need to store in my tiny, little kitchen?
amanda hitchcock
July 22, 2010 at 3:21 pmHow should I mix my style with the “manly’ness” that my boyfriend wants?
charity
July 22, 2010 at 3:23 pmWhat tips do you have for combining masculine and feminine decoraring styles to create a welcoming space. Should some rooms be more masculine and some more feminine?
Kim
July 22, 2010 at 3:27 pmWhat are some ways to maximize clothing storage in bedrooms in old houses with tiny closets and not lose out on style?
Meredith
July 22, 2010 at 3:29 pmI’m hoping to buy a house in the next few months. Do you have any tips for finding homes with character in neighborhoods where houses all look the same? I’m afraid we’ll end up in a townhouse with a little/non existent yard with builder grade everything inside.
Kristin
July 22, 2010 at 3:30 pmGray walls. Best earth tone colors for a master suite with gray walls? I don’t have any bright bold colors in my house so I feel funny putting them in the master bedroom.
*Nicole…side note: I see a tiny little smiley face in the lower middle/left of your web site, very cute :)
joanne
July 22, 2010 at 3:31 pmOur deck is currently stained red; which we abhor. Do you think it would be better to stain over it in a dark color (expresso) or to paint it white with porch paint? Which is more durable? I would welcome any other suggestions about this topic as well!
Thank you!
Brooke
July 22, 2010 at 3:31 pmOur fourth bedroom is a walk-through from the third bedroom. How can I continue to use these both as guest bedrooms, while still providing enough privacy for each of the guests?
Alison Stutin
July 22, 2010 at 3:31 pmHow would you recommend I get over the fear of not doing as good of a job as the professional’s would do when it comes to diy home improvement and decorating projects?
crystal
July 22, 2010 at 3:33 pmI really love clean lines, neutral colors, and having a place for everything in my house. We are really comfortable living this way, however it seems like friends and family feel awkward when visiting – not wanting to mess up pillows, put drinks on the coffee table, use the towels or dishes that are in open shelving, etc. Is there a way to make our house seem more lived in for situations like this?
Maggie
July 22, 2010 at 3:33 pmFor a client with an eclectic design aesthetic (all over the map) how can you achieve a cohesive feeling throughout the home without editing to the point of pigeon-holing their look?
Allison R.
July 22, 2010 at 3:33 pmWhat are some ways to make the most of a small place (like a dorm room) on a budget, yet still make it personalized?
Regan
July 22, 2010 at 3:34 pmWhat do you think will be the next big counter-top trend?
Helen
July 22, 2010 at 3:34 pmAny tips for poor, starving college students who want to live in a stylish apartment but are on a tight budget, and cannot do anything that would jeopardize their security deposit (e.g., poke holes in the walls, paint, put up wallpaper, etc.)?
Thanks!
kristin F
July 22, 2010 at 3:35 pmHow can I combine my dining room space with a much needed playroom, leaving dining space available?
Courtney
July 22, 2010 at 3:37 pmCan you tell us where you get all your lovely vases. I am having a hard time find anything that is simple & chic.
Also, I have open niches above my kitchen cabinets that have been empty since I bought my home (one year).
What should I put in them? The family before us had fake ivy & that is so NOT an option! ;)
THANKS!!!
Jessi @ The Design Slice
July 22, 2010 at 3:38 pmWhen shopping online, how can you best guess what the real color of items will be (i.e. rugs, pillows, fabric, etc.)?
Rianna
July 22, 2010 at 3:38 pmAny ideas for a college student moving into their very first house?
Jarman
July 22, 2010 at 3:41 pmWhen reupholstering a fabulous freebie furniture piece on a budget, how do you recommend compromising between practical and “WOW” fabric? Help!
Kendra
July 22, 2010 at 3:42 pmHow can I make my tiny kitchen (no windows/no natural light) look brighter and more cheerful?
lily
July 22, 2010 at 3:43 pmjohn, with so many shows and projects going on at once, how do you keep each design feeling fresh and unique? where do you go for inspiration?
Maggie
July 22, 2010 at 3:44 pmI love the look of mixing patterns, but how many is too many? Are there any pattern mixing rules you personally adhere to?
Becky
July 22, 2010 at 3:44 pmI am about to move into a mid century modern house. Any tips on how to tie in the kitchen, unfortunately remodeled in the mid 90s, with the great vintage feel the rest of the house has?
Carrie
July 22, 2010 at 3:45 pmI have an old home with very little closet space. What are some ways to add storage without sacrificing style?
marika
July 22, 2010 at 3:47 pmWhere do I hang curtains when the 2 windows on the same wall are different heights (because the ceiling height changes)? One ends about 1 foot from the ceiling and the other ends 2 feet from the ceiling? Should the curtains be at the same height or at different heights to reflect the different ceiling heights?
Shunta
July 22, 2010 at 3:48 pmJohn,what is an affordable way to bring the luxurious feel of a 5 star hotel to a master bedroom? I REALLY would like to have an “ahhhh” feeling at the end of the day when I go to my room. the kind I get when I stay at the Four Seasons (which isn’t often!! lol) or somewhere similar!
Aviva
July 22, 2010 at 3:56 pmWe recently bought a house. For the past few years, I have oggled stainless steel appliances but now I finally have the kitchen to put them in and they’re starting to lose their luster for me. I’m worried about them looking too cold or being hard to clean but mainly, I’m worried about stainless steel being on the way OUT. What do you think?
KateZ
July 22, 2010 at 4:04 pmWhat is the best (& cheapest!) solution for wall to wall bookshelving for apartment renters? Any creative ideas or brands for affordable modern book shelves?
Oh man, we really need like half the things on the giveaway! Fingers crossed!
Kyle
July 22, 2010 at 4:07 pmI want to upgrade up kitchen without doing to total remodel. What upgrades with give me the most return on my investment?
Abbie
July 22, 2010 at 4:10 pmWhat’s the best way to set up a home office when you don’t have an entire room to devote to it?
Julie
July 22, 2010 at 4:14 pmMy Husband and I are looking into to buying our first house. We have a black sofa, love seat and arm chair set for our main living area. I’m always concerned about the black furniture making the living space too dark. Any suggestions on how to incorporate the sofa/loveseat/chair while keeping the space light but still family friendly?
Melanie
July 22, 2010 at 4:17 pmAny tips for switching out dated hardware (e.g., light fixtures, door knobs, hinges) without breaking the bank? I’ve looked into all new hardware, and it’s going to be expensive to switch over my entire large (and brass-full) house.
julie
July 22, 2010 at 4:18 pmWhat do you see as the next up and coming “trend” in color?
Lizzie
July 22, 2010 at 4:19 pmAny creative flooring ideas for a teeny, tiny bathroom that currently has peel and stick linoleum?
Lexi
July 22, 2010 at 4:19 pmI love colored tile accents, but I am afraid I will get sick of it in my bathroom or that it would turn potential buyers off. Any advice for a less permanent option?
Laura
July 22, 2010 at 4:20 pmAny tips for refreshing a dated headboard? I’m thinking paint, but am afraid it will end up too country and not fresh.
Grace
July 22, 2010 at 4:24 pmAmazing giveaway! I am moving back to my hometown and my parents house for a little while and I’d like to make my room have more of a studio apartment feel. What tips does John have for people working with small living spaces?
Katie Feit
July 22, 2010 at 4:26 pmMy dressing room is tiffany blue with gold molding. I am having the worst time picking out curtains for this room. There is only one window so the curtain needs to allow light in but I would also like it to be somewhat of a statement. Any suggestions for a curtain to pair with the blue and gold?
Sierra
July 22, 2010 at 4:34 pmI tend to have a very eclectic style, and love everything from 60’s mod to craftsman. Do you have any suggestions for tying different rooms together that are very different styles to keep things from feeling to spazzy?
Elizabeth
July 22, 2010 at 4:35 pmHow can I deal with very low ceilings? The room I have is large and wide but has low ceilings and only two small windows. It’s almost basement-like but is on the first floor. Thanks!
Colleen R.
July 22, 2010 at 4:35 pmDo you have any tips for those of us with the standard apt kitchen? I love my apartment but the kitchen cabinets are all a medium blonde “wood” that fits neither with my more graphic decor, nor with the dark wood trim and doors throughout the rest of the place. Since many apartments have kitchens like this, do you have any suggestions for making it less “standard” and more fun?
Megan
July 22, 2010 at 4:36 pmI love my mid-century house… except for the popcorn ceilings! Oh God, they’re bad. I try to convince myself that they look like cool, mission-era stucco. Is there any way to detract from their horridness without actually removing them?
Camila Picchioni
July 22, 2010 at 4:36 pmWe have a white {diiiirty} love seat and would be nice to give it an upgrade!!!
Would be awesome to know how to give a new look to an old couch!!!
Noreen
July 22, 2010 at 4:40 pmI have a long and not wide room: 30′ x 13′ and I am constantly baffled by it. Any easy tips for furniture and layout? It seems soooo long!
Stacey
July 22, 2010 at 4:42 pmwho knows! maybe i’ll get lucky!
Julie
July 22, 2010 at 4:42 pmAny ideas for affordable window treatments for an enormous sliding glass door in my living room? I’m in an apartment so I don’t want to go too crazy with custom drapes, but I need something to block out the afternoon sun.
Megan
July 22, 2010 at 4:42 pmOur front door opens right into our medium sized rectangle of a living room. How can we compensate for not having an entryway?
Hannah
July 22, 2010 at 4:44 pmMy husband and I live in a small apartment. There aren’t very many options for furniture layouts. I like to find a layout and stick with it, but my husband is compelled to rearrange everything at least every two months. Can you suggest relatively inexpensive changes we can make to our decor on a regular basis that will not only have a big impact on the way that rooms feel, but also satiate my husbands need for change?
Laura
July 22, 2010 at 4:49 pmour living/dining/kitchen area has two-story cathedral ceilings. We have 6.5′ book cases against one wall but I still feel like I’m not using all the space well (in terms of looks, not function). What can I use to take advantage of the high ceilings and draw the eye upwards?
Katherine
July 22, 2010 at 4:50 pmHow can I allow more natural light into my family room without having to nix the idea of having curtains?
Ashley
July 22, 2010 at 4:51 pmI’m a college student and I’m looking for a fashionable way to store stuff in my dorm room next semester. Do you suggest anything or know a way I can make clear plastic bins/roll-away end table cuter? thanks!
Jamie G.
July 22, 2010 at 4:52 pmI have too many projects on my list. It is so overwhelming that I don’t know where to start and can’t seem to complete a project. What is the best way for me to prioritize so I can finish one project without starting another?
Mel
July 22, 2010 at 4:52 pmHi there,
My husband and I rent but the hardwood floors in our 1930’s home are totally wrecked. Scratches, stains, the works! Any innovative/animal friendly/cheap ideas to either spruce them up or cover them up with something?
amanda
July 22, 2010 at 4:52 pmany ideas for stylish tv stands?? they are all so unattractive!
Celeste
July 22, 2010 at 4:52 pmMust have item for a living room? besides couch(es), coffee table, etc.
Tim
July 22, 2010 at 4:53 pmAny tips on how freshen up older picture frames without ruining them?
ashleyD
July 22, 2010 at 4:53 pmwe can’t afford new carpeting, but must do something about the guest room. should we paint the floor??
rachael gregg
July 22, 2010 at 4:56 pmOMG, i would love any of this stuff! as an art student, im broke. dont even own a vacuum and would LOOOOVE to win this one! of course everything on this list is awesome, and my college-closet-sized apartment could use any item on this list.
a sharp knife? that would be amazing.
Angela
July 22, 2010 at 5:00 pmWe have a large music collection (records & cds) – do you have any suggestions for music storage that is accessible but out of sight?
Lisa
July 22, 2010 at 5:00 pmI feel like my apartment never gets enough light. What are some attractive and affordable lighting options that REALLY add light to a room, not just a soft glow? Thanks!
Abbie
July 22, 2010 at 5:02 pmI love watching Curb Appeal for inspiration, but I live in a townhouse with some not-so-appealing vinyl siding that cracks under the extreme temps here in CO. What are some budget-friendly ways to give the outside of a townhouse better appeal when it seems everything is working against you… no yard, crummy siding, etc.?
Gretchen
July 22, 2010 at 5:03 pmI feel like painting is a great and cheap way of updating a room. My living room is painted a light yellow, except for one wall which is brick. I just bought a used wooden bookshelf that I want to paint as a cheap way to make my apartment look pulled together. I was thinking of red to go with the brick wall. Bad idea? Good idea? Any other color suggestions for the bookshelf? How about a dark shade of yellow? How do I pick out the right color and shade?