Inspiration: The outdoors. "We live in a log house and wanted to keep the rustic feeling," says mom Lori Mercado.
Location: LaGrangeville, NY
Mom's favorite element: The tree. "I love the silhouette look. I just freehanded it and added little birds on the branches to give it that extra touch."
Decorating tips: "If freehand painting intimidates you," Lori says, "then find an image from a book or magazine and project it onto the wall." You can do this by renting a projector that hooks up to your laptop.