Fun New Decorating Ideas

For Bailey McCarthy, decorating is a way to inject cheer into everyday life. There are zigzags and stripes, vibrant artwork and happy accessories. "I want my house to show who I am, which is someone who isn't afraid of bold patterns or whimsical ideas," says Bailey, a designer, blogger and boutique owner (biscuit-home.com). Her Austin, Texas, Colonial, where she lives with husband Pete and daughter Gracie, will make you smile and may even tempt you to try something unexpected of your own.

Bailey held on to this velvet fabric for three years before finding a use for it: to re-cover the couch.

The living room is open to the kitchen, so she had vintage armchairs re-covered in the same color as the barstools.

Bailey painted the inside of her Ethan Allen china cabinet a soft pink that matches the flowers on her dining chairs. For a similar look, try Cool Melon by Behr.