Now is your chance to put what you learned into action in your own home! Specifically, in this project you will have the opportunity to make over some areas of your home, including a console table, a coffee table, a fireplace mantel, a bookcase, and a dining room table based on what you learned in each of the respective lectures.

Below are the specific instructions for each area. I encourage you to upload pictures of your newly styled spaces!

Assignment #1: Decorate your own Console Table:

First, find a console table in your own home or just a flat surface that is at least 36" (91.44 cm) in length.

Then either:

Use one of the 3 approaches that I described to decorate your table (You can find a review of these 3 approaches as a downloadable file in this section); OR
Use at least 3 of the 7 golden rules to create your own fantastic display!

To decorate your table, try to use objects you have in your own home. Remember, this can include, but is not limited to, lamps, books, plants, flowers, vases, candles, sculptures, decorative bowls, decorative boxes, clocks, and any items from nature. Remember to use a variety of textures. Most importantly, have fun with it!

Assignment #2: Decorate a Coffee Table

Take this opportunity to stylishly decorate your own coffee table! First, identify the shape of your coffee table (rectangular, square or round)

Then, you can either:

Use one of the 3 approaches that I described to decorate your coffee table based on the shape of your coffee table (You can find a review of these approaches as a downloadable file in this section); OR
Use at least 3 of the 7 golden rules to create your own beautiful display!

To decorate your table, try use objects you have in your own home. Remember, this can include, but is not limited to, books, plants, flowers, vases, candles, sculptures, decorative bowls, decorative boxes, and any items from nature. Remember to use a variety of textures. Of course, most importantly, have some fun with it!

Assignment #3: Decorate a Fireplace Mantel

This is a great time to decorate your own fireplace mantel! First, determine whether the room your fireplace is in is a room that is more informal or formal.

Then, you can either:

Use one of the 3 approaches that I described to decorate your fireplace mantel based on whether it's in an informal room or a formal room (You can find a review of these approaches as a downloadable resource in this section); OR
Use at least 3 of the 7 golden rules to create your own beautiful display!

To decorate your table, try use objects you have in your own home. Remember, this can include, but is not limited to, plants, flowers, vases, candles, sculptures, decorative bowls, decorative boxes, and any items from nature. Remember to use a variety of textures. As always, have fun with it!

Assignment #4: Decorate your own Bookcase

This is a great assignment that will allow you to put together your own great looking bookcase!

Try out each of the 5 different approaches that I described to decorate your bookcase (You can find a review of these approaches as a downloadable resource in this section); OR
Use the 7 golden rules to create your own creative and beautiful displays!

To decorate your bookcase, try use objects you have in your own home. Remember, this can include, but is not limited to, books (of course!), plants, flowers, vases, candles, sculptures, decorative bowls, decorative boxes, clocks, and any items from nature. Remember to use a variety of textures. Have fun!

Assignment #5: Decorate a Dining Table

This is a great time to decorate your own dining table! First, determine whether your dining room is more informal or formal.

Then, you can either:

Use one of the many approaches that I described to decorate your dining table based on whether it's in an informal room or a formal room (You can find a review of these approaches as a downloadable resource in this section); OR
Use at least 3 of the golden rules to create your own beautiful display!

To decorate your table, try using objects you have in your own home. Remember, this can include, but is not limited to, plants, flowers, vases, candles, sculptures, decorative bowls, canisters, cake stands, tea sets, etc. As always, have fun with it!

Assignment #6: Practice Adding Molding to a Room

Given your newfound knowledge in the world of moldings, you have decided that you want to add as many decorative moldings to your living room that make sense based on the style of the room and what you are trying to achieve.

Here are the specifics:

It's a somewhat small living room and you would like it to appear larger.
It has an 8' (2.44 m) ceiling and you would like to make the ceiling appear taller
Your walls are painted a cream color
Your home and your decor lean more towards the traditional style

Based on this information, which moldings would work well? Be sure to specify size and paint color for the molding as well. Write down your answers and feel free to review the "Molding Measurements and Guidelines" document for assistance.

Teresa Hill Topper

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