Guest Blogger- Hello My Crazy Adoption blog readers!

Today I am bringing you some tips for decorating your home. Not just any decorating mind you! While there is a time & a play for seasonal decor … and a time & a place to have interior decorators (for those that do) … there is also a time & a place for family. Can I say MORE than a time & a place? Dare I say it: family should be incorporated into your every day living – every day! In this day & age, it is easy to get swept up into the world of Ikea or Pottery Barn or many other stores that help you design, decorate, organize and create your space. But the biggest mistake I see people making? NOT incorporating family photos into their world & their walls.

In June of this year (http://machcphotography.com/2010/06/using-photographs-personalizes-a-space/) I talked about my love of 9 by Design (I’ve heard they are filming a new season! wahoooo!) and the simple sentiments that Cortney shared, “using photographs personalizes a space.” I couldn’t agree more!

Here I’m sharing with you how my own clients (http://machcphotography.com/) have used our child & family sessions to their advantage, making their living spaces more personal than ever. I hope seeing their ‘real life’ examples gives you the strength to do one of a few things a) hire a professional photographer once a year so you can get some family photographs with YOU in them (yes, I am talking to you, mom! occasionally I have a few dads who are behind the cameras in their families, but usually it’s mom on that point n’ shoot – which means she is NEVER in the picture!) and b) get your professional images up on your walls at home. There is nothing more amazing than when I walk into my clients’ homes and their 18 month old greets me with smiles, giggles & pointing to a row of family photographs, where all I can make out is that he is telling me about “dada” and “brother” and their fun time skipping rocks together. If you don’t believe your children notice, I hope that story makes you stop in your tracks. They do! There is nothing more enjoyable for them than seeing your family love displayed on the walls at home for them to look at & share with anyone who walks through that door.

Many of the images you see here that are displayed in them main living areas of these family homes, are no less than 16×20 in size. No less! Yes, the term ‘go big, or go home‘ comes to mind … although maybe we should change it to ‘go big for your home’ what do you think? When you are looking at a family of four or more, the family photograph (that includes all of you) should be no smaller than 16×20. Use matted & framed 5x7s, 8x10s, and 8x12s to fill smaller spaces in your home, leaving the prominent display areas for large family images that immediately make an impact when your family & friends walk through the door.

This family (IMG_2584KBfamily walls) created a Fine Art Canvas gallery display based on some sample designs I sent her way. In the end, what you are looking at is (6) 10x10s, (3) 10x20s and (1) 16×20 (the middle family image). With the chair & the side table, you can bet this makes an immediate impact upon walking in their home.

I hope you enjoyed this quick look into how I’ve worked with my clients in developing their own personal space. Nothing will give you greater joy and fill your room with instant love than hanging photographs of those you love in the space you spend your time. Your kids will thank you for it for years to come!

To see more on my blog, please visit: http://machcphotography.com/
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Happy Decorating!!