Picture Perfect Home Decorating Tips From a Pro (375)

(NewsUSA) - Decorating can be one of the most exciting times during your experience as a homeowner. Not only are you creating the essence of your home, you are also adding your very own personal touch and style.

One of the easiest ways to add unique spice to an ordinarily drab room -- incorporate exceptional artwork.

"Many of my clients are simply amazed at how effective a colorful painting can be at bringing new life to a room that has become tired," says Matthew Johnston, an artist known for his vibrant Tall Tulips paintings (talltulips.com).

However, as easy as it sounds, purchasing and hanging a painting on the center of the wall isn't going to cut it in most cases. Johnston offers his advice to ensure your next painting purchases work with your room rather than against it:

Large High-Traffic Rooms

For family rooms, living rooms and rooms off the kitchen, Johnston recommends figurative diptych paintings to create a story within each area. Diptych paintings consist of two separate panels that hang together and work as one.

"In my figurative diptych paintings, each figure has their own physical space, yet they are a couple," says Johnston. "Their face is cropped, and viewers can imagine themselves as being in the painting. The viewer has to look to other parts of the painting to imagine a story ... each individual person can create a different story for the painting."

Awkward Wall Spaces

For stairways, long hallways and between windows, Johnston recommends using a tall, narrow painting, like his Tall Tulips.

"They are perfect for hanging up a staircase," says Johnston. "You can hang the Tall Tulips at different heights following the risers up the stairs; a great look for a difficult space."

This style of painting also works well because they are bright and don't require ideal lighting.

Focal Wall Areas

Spaces like the area over a fireplace will get a lot of attention from passersby. Hanging your prized piece is the perfect step for these spots.

"Many of my clients choose my large floral paintings," says Johnston. "Oftentimes, they will hang these on a wall which faces the front door ... to make an impression when first walking in the home."

To learn more about Matthew Johnston and his work, visit www.talltulips.com.

Armstrong Williams: Giving Back to the Industry He Loves (383)

(NewsUSA) - There's something to be said for the media gurus who immerse themselves in the whole industry. Multi-media mogul Armstrong Williams began as a South Carolina high schooler with an aptitude for public speaking and wound up hosting a daily radio show and nationally syndicated TV program, "The Right Side With Armstrong Williams."

The 51-year-old entrepreneur has never shown signs of slowing down. His early PR work turned into a full-fledged devotion to broadcasting, and now he's a regular conservative columnist for publications like Newsmax and the Washington Times.

Williams is also frequently invited as a guest commentator on networks such as MSNBC, Washington Watch, C-SPAN, Sky news and Joy Behar's "Say Anything."

The Washington Post describes the radio host as "one of the most recognized conservative voices in America." He's also a provocative voice who doesn't believe in partisan politics and isn't afraid to challenge anyone, be they representatives or their constituents.

"Although my fundamental values haven't changed, my perspective has broadened. Above all, I do not delve into partisan politics," says Williams, who's always willing to take on legislators.

Williams is all too familiar with the political landscape in Washington, noting that "public policy is inherently grey," but his expertise exceeds the realm of politics.

Now that Williams has hosted television and radio programs, including his daily 6-7pm EST Sirius 128 Live broadcast, and solidified himself as an assertive political analyst, he's branched out to running entire stations.

Williams has two decades of experience producing public affairs and entertainment programming, but with the help of Sinclair Broadcast Group, his company Howard Stirk Holdings, LLC now owns two full-powered broadcast stations, NBC 25 WEYI, Flint, Mich. and CW WWMB 25, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Williams' venture emerged from a larger deal in which Sinclair acquired the assets of 18 other TV stations -- further cementing Sinclair as America's largest independent owner of broadcast TV. Williams' longstanding professional history with Sinclair shows he's already versed in managing programming, advertising and producing prime-time specials.

"[The] announcement fulfills a lifelong dream to own and operate broadcast facilities and give back to an industry that I love," Williams says. "Many in the industry talk about diversity and expanding opportunity, but here the Sinclair Broadcast Group is putting words into action."

Learn more at www.rightsidenews.com.