Using decorative plates as home decor, has become a very popular trend in todays homes. Let's explore several fun, easy ways to be creative with plates, and at the same time, enhance your homes character.

Decorative plate sets are the perfect decorating idea to add interest and charm to your kitchen. Decorating with plates is very flexible for the small and unusual wall areas found in the kitchen.

With the use of inexpensive plate hangers, you may quickly enhance the wall border above your cupboards. Just take a moment to lay out your plates along your countertop, to get a feel for how you would like them spread and arranged. Use a tape measure if you like. Consider adding a garland of berries or greenery along the upper edge or mix in some word art--or both--for a great, trendy look. "Play" with arranging the plates in pairs, or threes, try hanging them at different distances from the ceiling--create a flow and a focus, for a more interesting, creative look.
Other small areas in your kitchen can use the flexibility available when decorating with plates. You may make an arrangement above the kitchen sink or stove. Display plates next to a paper towel holder or spice rack. Many kitchens have a wall space at one end of the cupboards--that is the perfect space for decorating with plates. You may hang a multiple, vertical plate holder here. This will allow you to change out the plates with the seasons or holidays. Quick. Easy. Fun.

Simple touches add that special look and feel to your home. Decorating with plates are a great way to accomplish it.

Try some of these ideas:

1) Hang decorative plates around your china cabinet -- a natural...

2) Accent larger wall decor with plates. You may hang next to framed art, a mirror or a tapestry in any room--living, family or bedroom. Remember, size is important here.

3) Decorate along windows with decorative plate sets. Use them to bring out the rooms accent colors. Include plates with word art for an extra personal touch.

4) The flexibility and size makes decorating with plates a great choice for the bathroom.

Of course, one of the main keys to decorating with plates successfully, in any room, is that the plates compliment the theme and style of the room.

I hope that you can see that decorating with wall plates can enhance any wall in your home. There are also fabulous decorating ideas for plates on table top easels too. Take a look at the following ideas:

Show off your beautiful plates, trays and platters! Where? Use the ledge created above your kitchen cupboards. This is a a great way to store your larger plates and trays and decorate at the same time. Mix in your matching vases, pitchers and teapots for a warm, homey look. The lines between art and functionality have blurred--make your beautiful pieces serve a dual purpose. For the finishing touch, add a backdrop of greenery or viney garland and a string of lights to accent the entire arrangement.

Tabletop plates with word art are a hugely popular accent piece for every room today. Place plates on a bookshelf, on an end or coffee table, snack bar, desk top, dresser...yes, you will find them an inspiring accent anywhere.

The designer version of decorating with plates is the decorative charger. These home decor pieces are generally 14" to 29" in diameter and are displayed on an easel. they can really add a unique touch to a room--they are especially popular for Tuscan-Italian and Country decorating. You can find them in a variety of mediums: potter, glass, ceramic, metal and resin.

The larger size chargers are the perfect accessory for the floor--in front of the fireplace or bookcase. On an end table, piano top or dresser, they are very eye catching. They can be a stand alone piece or place vases, candlesticks or containers with them.

Who would have thought, the practical, functional plate a decorator must have!

This article is provided to you by Belinda Crouse, owner of http://www.homedecoratingstudio.com and Cotton Seed Studio. I have a BS degree from South Dakota State University in Textiles and Clothing- Retail. I have been the owner of a gift, craft and home decor business since 1983. I opened Cotton Seed Studio, a home decor, personal product, gift and coffee bar shop, in January 2006. I also do custom design projects, specialty boutiques and have started doing home staging for local realtors. Early in 2007, we introduced our on line home decor catalog: http://www.homedecoratingstudio.com

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