Minggu, 28 Juni 2009
Victorian Decorating For Nostalgic Home Decor
In recent years an increasing number of people have become interested in Victorian style and this includes Victorian decorating. It is not too hard to give your home a Victorian look but it is not a cheap way of doing things.
Although people are interested in using Victorian decorating styles in their homes they don’t want to go the whole way – so other than a few eccentrics or English stately homes don’t expect to see the Victorian kitchen with the kettle hanging over an open fire. Most people who favor Victorian decorating have fitted kitchens, some have them made in natural wood but this is about the only concession. Some aficionados may have a plant on the kitchen window ledge and pans hung from hooks.
Victorian style was quite ornate and because of the hypocritical Victorian morality even the tables had to have their legs covered – in some homes the chair legs were also hidden by a sort of valance. The Victorians made great use of wallpaper and again this was quite ornate, often sporting a flowery pattern. The mantle over the fireplace was also kept covered during the Victorian era but very few people choose to do this today.
The Victorians liked their furniture to be well stuffed, usually with horsehair. Most of the chairs had upright backs and there has been a rise in the number of people favoring this type of chair. If you are going for a Victorian Decorating style then you would do well to remember that they liked heavy drapes. This was because they were not just seen as window decoration but were used as a way of keeping the draft out (no double-glazing) and the room warm. They were often accompanied by heavy lace curtains underneath. Many Victorian homes had lots of books and ornaments. It was not unusual to see a side table that was completely covered in framed photographs.
You can still get hold of genuine Victorian chairs and tables with their ornately carved legs but as they become more popular so the price gets higher. Another favorite from the past in this style of decorating is the grandfather clock. Modern examples of this are quite good though it is possible to find an original - again at a price. Beds were ornate and made of wood or cast iron with bolsters, a sort of long pillow, and often two pillows as well. The sheets and blankets were covered by an eiderdown quilt for extra warmth – no duvets for the Victorians. It was usual to have a jug and bowl on the dresser for the morning wash.
Most people who try Victorian decorating don’ t go the whole way – it is just too fussy for modern life. However, the Victorian style wallpapers, curtains and chairs are increasing in popularity.
Author : Lee Dobbins
Picture Cradit : http://www.lookiloos.com/
Sabtu, 27 Juni 2009
Professional Home Decorating Is In the Details
Home decorating. For countless people all across the globe, these two words bring out an inner turmoil that leaves them frustrated and longing. I dont even know how many times Ive heard men and women complain, My house looks like I just threw a bunch of stuff into each room. It doesnt look professional. It doesnt seem to flow or blend. Its just there. This is an all-too-common problem. Youll be glad to know, however, that there is a simple solution to this home decorating woe.
One thing most interior designers quickly learn is that home decorating is all about the details. Almost anyone can choose flooring and furniture for a room. Furniture usually comes in groupings thats simple enough. Flooring? A good, basic choice is something neutral that coordinates with the furniture and wall colors. But if you only toss kitchen furniture into a room and stop there, youll have a very lonely, plain, boring area. What will bring this room (any room for that matter) to life are the details.
Home decorating need not be a struggle. Have some fun when decorating your room. For example, when deciding on what to use in your kitchen, choose a theme. If you like fruit or dragonflies, use that as a basis to decorate. Your furniture and flooring do not need to contain elements of your theme. Remember: Home decorating is in the details not the basics.
If you choose a fruits & vegetables theme for your kitchen, you can add some beautiful placemats and napkin rings to your table. Choose something unique - perhaps placemats in odd shapes or sizes that have a border, which coordinates with your theme. Then, to continue your home decorating plan, add drink coasters or serving bowls in a like style.
Dinner plates or platters in solid colors work well to mix and match with whatever theme you choose, and they keep your room from being overrun with fruits & veggies. Dont think plates and platters have to stay on the table, however. Use your imagination when doing your home decorating. Plates and platters also make wonderful wall art. Simply use plate holders that can be found at most discount department stores. Serving bowls work well for flowers, greenery, or other types of arrangements.
Do you have children? They most likely need a nightlight in the kitchen for those midnight drinks of water. Instead of plain, ordinary beige nightlights, look for stained glass or others made of interesting materials. From coasters to candles to aprons, keep your theme and the colors within it in mind, and youll find a world of intriguing home decorating details that will truly bring your room to life and give it personality.
Youll also find that home decorating shopping leads to the discovery of unique gift ideas. So many people seem to have difficulty decorating their homes. Therefore, they love to receive well-thought-out items that help make the rooms of their homes more becoming. As you shop for decorating details for your own home, keep your friends in mind. Youll run across more unique gift ideas than you ever imagined. As you do, purchase them or make a list of which friend could use which items.
Avoid buying items that dont work with your colors/themes. For instance, using the theme above, you would want to choose a platter shaped like a bunch of grapes to hang on your wall rather than a picture of a rooster. Select napkin rings shaped like a twisted chili pepper or in a solid color over napkin rings with sailboats on them.
When you create a plan and know what youre looking for, home decorating (and finding unique gift ideas) becomes a lot easier. Before you know it, you may even actually enjoy decorating your home!
One thing most interior designers quickly learn is that home decorating is all about the details. Almost anyone can choose flooring and furniture for a room. Furniture usually comes in groupings thats simple enough. Flooring? A good, basic choice is something neutral that coordinates with the furniture and wall colors. But if you only toss kitchen furniture into a room and stop there, youll have a very lonely, plain, boring area. What will bring this room (any room for that matter) to life are the details.
Home decorating need not be a struggle. Have some fun when decorating your room. For example, when deciding on what to use in your kitchen, choose a theme. If you like fruit or dragonflies, use that as a basis to decorate. Your furniture and flooring do not need to contain elements of your theme. Remember: Home decorating is in the details not the basics.
If you choose a fruits & vegetables theme for your kitchen, you can add some beautiful placemats and napkin rings to your table. Choose something unique - perhaps placemats in odd shapes or sizes that have a border, which coordinates with your theme. Then, to continue your home decorating plan, add drink coasters or serving bowls in a like style.
Dinner plates or platters in solid colors work well to mix and match with whatever theme you choose, and they keep your room from being overrun with fruits & veggies. Dont think plates and platters have to stay on the table, however. Use your imagination when doing your home decorating. Plates and platters also make wonderful wall art. Simply use plate holders that can be found at most discount department stores. Serving bowls work well for flowers, greenery, or other types of arrangements.
Do you have children? They most likely need a nightlight in the kitchen for those midnight drinks of water. Instead of plain, ordinary beige nightlights, look for stained glass or others made of interesting materials. From coasters to candles to aprons, keep your theme and the colors within it in mind, and youll find a world of intriguing home decorating details that will truly bring your room to life and give it personality.
Youll also find that home decorating shopping leads to the discovery of unique gift ideas. So many people seem to have difficulty decorating their homes. Therefore, they love to receive well-thought-out items that help make the rooms of their homes more becoming. As you shop for decorating details for your own home, keep your friends in mind. Youll run across more unique gift ideas than you ever imagined. As you do, purchase them or make a list of which friend could use which items.
Avoid buying items that dont work with your colors/themes. For instance, using the theme above, you would want to choose a platter shaped like a bunch of grapes to hang on your wall rather than a picture of a rooster. Select napkin rings shaped like a twisted chili pepper or in a solid color over napkin rings with sailboats on them.
When you create a plan and know what youre looking for, home decorating (and finding unique gift ideas) becomes a lot easier. Before you know it, you may even actually enjoy decorating your home!
Author : Lisa Spaulding
Picture Cradit : http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/
Rabu, 24 Juni 2009
Designer Wall Tapestries: A Unique Choice in Home Decor
For centuries many different cultures have used tapestries to decorate their buildings, churches, and homes. Today that trend has continued. Tapestry wall hangings are one of the most accomplished and durable textile-based art forms and comes from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, giving the tapestry a true historical view.
In modern times tapestries have become a very popular element of home decor and they are being used in many unique ways. Many elegant styles from floral and landscapes to medieval tapestries, and modern art can be used to create a tapestry that's truly a work of art, providing the weaver has the skill to do so. These add an entirely unique dimension to this traditional form of art, while many interior decorators and art enthusiasts enjoy the many benefits of tapestry art.
Traditional tapestry wall hangings, particularly those from Medieval times, were produced from wool. This provided a strong fabric for applying many dyes and pigments as well as the added durability and maintenance. Wool tapestries when mixed with synthetic polymers have the distinct advantage of preserving the traditional warmth of standard wool tapestries. The basic use of natural materials has remained a staple with tapestry weaving, even with present day weavers.
The modern wall tapestry makes the most of varying blends of fibers, using new and improved fibers to reproduce classical art works and famous tapestries from the past. With the improvements made to pigments and dyes, we can buy faithful reproductions of historical tapestry designs like those found in many European museums and churches.
Another popular choice is the use of chenille for modern tapestry wall hangings, mainly because it is a flexible material that is soft and adaptable. It can be used in a broad range of home decorative settings, including wall tapestries, cushions and tapestry throws. When decorating your home chenille tapestries can add an elegantly soft touch, that adds warmth and versatility to any decorative setting.
A chenille tapestry can often be used in many ways, such as a wall hanging or used as a tapestry throw for your sofa or chair. However the real popularity of chenille tapestries comes from the fact that they can make the room feel warm and comfortable.
If you would like to add something unique in decorative style, consider choosing a tapestry that will bring a breath of fresh air into your living space. Some spaces can present a decorating challenge, such as an office or fairly large room. Many forms of high quality art tapestries can aide the home decor enthusiast, as well as add a sense of history, expand living space visually, create the basis for a theme, add color and give your home,personality and charm.
Choosing a tapestry and using it creatively can minimize and solve a decorating problem by presenting a flash of color or opening a window to another time or place. With a vast range now available it is easy to find a wall tapestry that will provide you with many years of viewing enjoyment.
If a room is small and needs something to make it feel less cramped, consider choosing a tapestry that has vibrant colors and blends well within your existing decor. This could be a city, floral, castles or a traditional tapestry design such as Medieval. Choosing a horizontal tapestry will help add width to a room or try opening a space by choosing a tapestry with doorways and windows.
If your room is large, tone it down by hanging a series of small to medium size tapestries drawn together. This creates the illusion of a smaller space and can bring a large, blank wall down in size. Hanging small tapestries together will add a truly distinct look and feel. When decorating in this manner be sure to choose tapestries of a similar theme and style.
European Wall tapestries can encourage reflective and tranquil moments, enlighten any living space and are perfect subjects of conversation. They also elevate our decorative needs, add charm and warmth to our homes.
All of these qualities have made wall tapestries a popular choice amongst art lovers for centuries. Today with the use of modern weaving, fabrics and centuries of age old tradition, wall tapestries are as charming, versatile and beautiful as ever. A tapestry wall hanging is an heirloom that can be past down for generations.
Author : Sean Russell
Picture Cradit : www.saladotex.com
Selasa, 23 Juni 2009
The Use Of Shades As Home Decoration
Vertical blinds can add style to any room. Depending on the look you’d like to create, you have a multitude of choices as far as style, color and texture. These blinds provide a simple, low maintenance, affordable way to add interest to windows and doors in your home. Each provides a different look and feel for a room. It’s important to know what kind of mood you’re looking to capture before you make a selection.
The advent of technology and choices has afforded buyers with more choices than ever before. Blinds are no longer offered in just one size, color and material. You can find them made of PVC, wood and metal. They’ve evolved in their operating mechanisms. Some are even automatic, which is convenient for the elderly or those unable to manage operating them manually.
Blinds are not just for offices anymore. They started to appear in the home as efficient covers for patio doors, but now their use has spread to anywhere you’d use regular shades. Bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens now sport vertical blinds as window coverings. Printed, fabric covered, colored or textured, blinds can help you bring a room together. And installation is simple. You can do it yourself, or call a professional.
Each room can have its own feel, due in part to the colors and styles of the blinds used. They can also be dressed up and layered with curtains and valances. They can be used as decoration by being covered in fabric that matches or accents other items in the room, or they can be subtle, and offset with a valance that matches the room d้cor.
They can be long or short. They can work to visually adjust the size and shape of the window through the size you purchase. You can make a window appear larger by mounting the blinds to hang wider and/or longer than the actual window.
They’re great for controlling the light that is coming into the room. They can be slightly opened to admit a limited amount of sunlight, or they can be drawn to the side to expose the entire window. They can also help somewhat in blocking drafts emitting from cracks around windows and doors. This can ultimately help with energy efficiency.
With all the options available, you don’t have to choose just one. Whichever blinds you select, you can be assured you made the right choice.
Author : Eric J. Slarkowski
Picture Cradit : www.eclipsenyc.com
Senin, 22 Juni 2009
How To Use Hardwood Flooring To Bring Color Into Your Home
If you are sick of your carpeted or tiled floors, then it is time to consider a kind of flooring that has been bringing warmth and beauty into homes for centuries. Wide plank hardwood flooring brings an old-world charm into a home, but it does not limit the house in that way. Modern homes look just as gorgeous with wide plank floorings as a cottage full of antiques.
The beauty of wood floors is that they are both timeless and stylish, adding a touch of class and a warm glow to any room. They are easy to dress up with an ornamental rug or beautiful to show uncovered in all their glory. There are plenty of woods to choose from as well, which will help to determine the width of the cut as well as the exact color that you will get from the flooring.
For a warmer, almost golden glow, take a look at an Ash floor. If you want a more rich look, American Cherry flooring is a warm reddish brown that will have you admiring the floor for hours. Birch is a very pale shade, but has variations between light and slightly darker that draw the eye. If you want your floor to have a color all its own, then check out a sample of Brazilian Cherry. The bright red of the tree is stunning to say the least. Eastern Pine is a beautiful golden color that warms up a room nicely, but for the real variations in the grain you will want to take a look at Heart Pine. The swirling of the grain of this wood is breathtaking. Hard Maple is a pale shade that sets a wonderful stage for bold furniture and d้cor, and would look lovely in a gallery style room.
Hickory looks wonderful with golden wood and darker knots, and would fit in well with cabin style decor. Red Oak has a reddish tint to the rich wood, and is full of the swirling of the grain. Mahogany is a dark red color, and is very consistent in the coloring. Sassafras is a warm color as well, showing an almost orange glow. Soft Maple is similar to the Hard Maple, but stains slightly better. Walnut is a gorgeous reddish color that is marbleized throughout, showing beautiful patterns. White Oak is also a warm golden color with lovely patterning to it.
There are lots of color choices in hardwood flooring. To find the right shade for your project, the best strategy is to take a photo of your furniture to the flooring supplier. See what works best with your kind of furniture. If possible, get some samples of wood to take home. No matter what style of house or apartment you are decorating, hardwood floors will bring a timeless appeal and a new richness of color to your surroundings.
Author : Neil Street
Picture Cradit : www.ahmyhome.com
The beauty of wood floors is that they are both timeless and stylish, adding a touch of class and a warm glow to any room. They are easy to dress up with an ornamental rug or beautiful to show uncovered in all their glory. There are plenty of woods to choose from as well, which will help to determine the width of the cut as well as the exact color that you will get from the flooring.
For a warmer, almost golden glow, take a look at an Ash floor. If you want a more rich look, American Cherry flooring is a warm reddish brown that will have you admiring the floor for hours. Birch is a very pale shade, but has variations between light and slightly darker that draw the eye. If you want your floor to have a color all its own, then check out a sample of Brazilian Cherry. The bright red of the tree is stunning to say the least. Eastern Pine is a beautiful golden color that warms up a room nicely, but for the real variations in the grain you will want to take a look at Heart Pine. The swirling of the grain of this wood is breathtaking. Hard Maple is a pale shade that sets a wonderful stage for bold furniture and d้cor, and would look lovely in a gallery style room.
Hickory looks wonderful with golden wood and darker knots, and would fit in well with cabin style decor. Red Oak has a reddish tint to the rich wood, and is full of the swirling of the grain. Mahogany is a dark red color, and is very consistent in the coloring. Sassafras is a warm color as well, showing an almost orange glow. Soft Maple is similar to the Hard Maple, but stains slightly better. Walnut is a gorgeous reddish color that is marbleized throughout, showing beautiful patterns. White Oak is also a warm golden color with lovely patterning to it.
There are lots of color choices in hardwood flooring. To find the right shade for your project, the best strategy is to take a photo of your furniture to the flooring supplier. See what works best with your kind of furniture. If possible, get some samples of wood to take home. No matter what style of house or apartment you are decorating, hardwood floors will bring a timeless appeal and a new richness of color to your surroundings.
Author : Neil Street
Picture Cradit : www.ahmyhome.com
Minggu, 21 Juni 2009
Change the Look of a Room Easily With Fireplace Accessories
It's not hard to transform the appearance of a room in a number of ways. You can give it a new coat of paint, recover your furniture, install new flooring, or simply change the wall decor. It can run to a lot of money depending on what you decide to do. Obviously a major renovation will be much more expensive than a few decorator touches. If you don't want to spend large sums of money, you can make a big difference to the look and feel of a room with a fireplace makeover. It can be a dramatic change or just a subtle difference giving the whole atmosphere a new feel. You can accomplish this quite easily by replacing some of your fireplace accessories. Anything from a new mantel to a small change like adding a remote control or a hearth rug can make a difference.
Your fireplace can look as elegant or as cozy as you like simply through your choice of accessories. For example, adding or changing your fireplace mantel surround can have a major impact on your personal decor. Mantels come in a variety of materials and looks. Some people decide that they like the mantel they have and just want to add some special touches to make it look new. You might also wish to choose a new kind of material and a contemporary design to update the appearance. Anything goes if it suits your personal style. If you're looking for a more rustic look, consider installing a wooden mantel. And it's perfect for arranging an ornamental display during holidays or special occasions.
A basic and essential requirement for a fireplace is a grate. They're important for protecting the interior of your firebox, making it last longer. Maybe you haven't used your fireplace on a regular basis and are now planning on using it as part of a functional heating component of your home. If so, be certain that your fireplace grate is appropriate for your needs. Those who use their fireplace infrequently will do well with either a steel or cast iron grate. However, when you use your fireplace on a regular basis you should always use the thickest steel grate you can find that fits your fireplace.
Other accessories can accent or change the whole appearance of your fireplace as well. Take a look at glass doors and fireplace screens, an elegant firewood basket, or even a fan kit. Just some simple changes like a new fireplace tool set can make your fireplace more of a focal point, and also make tending to your fire a little easier. Your fireplace doesn't have to limit you in regards to the overall appearance of your decor. There's a wide range of fireplace accessories that will enhance your decor in any way you wish.
Author : George Blade
Article Source: www.submitarticlesfree.com
Picture Cradit : http://www.papashearth.com,http://elitechoice.org
Decorating With A Focal Point
Every rooms design should have a focal point. This is an area in the room which the eye is drawn to the first time someone enters. You want this area to stick out yet blend with the rest of the rooms design. This can either be a great furniture piece or art work which is on the wall. It can be anywhere in the room, not just on the wall.
Furniture pieces are most often used as the focal point because they're large and command immediate attention. Antique furniture and heirlooms are particularly suitable as focal points because they're often very tough yet ornate. At the same time, such items usually have a lot of history and stories around them, making them great conversation pieces for public areas. Similarly, dramatic pieces like a glass-top dining table or a richly upholstered couch will work well as the focus of a room.
If grandma didn't pass any of her old furniture down, you could also turn an architectural element of the room into a focal point. Fireplaces, for example, are very obvious and very effective focal points due to their size. You can clue visitors in to the status of your fireplace by, say, clumping some furniture directly in front of it. Decorating the mantel with bright colors and shiny items also achieve the same effect. Alternatively, an accent wall done in a bright shade of paint or a standout wallpaper can attract the attention that a focal point requires.
If you have a painting which you haven't been able to use so it has been sitting in the basement catching dust, bring it up. This may be a great focal point into a room and you'll finally get your use out of it. Wall art will always catch anyone's eye and they'll wonder what it is and where it was purchased.
As you are focusing on the rest of the room you can't forget the floor. By adding a great area rug you'll be able to change a plain wooden floor into something fantastic. There are so many shapes and designs out now for area rugs that something is out there for anyone.
Focal points can be whatever you want them to be. So be creative and make sure it is your own style and brings out the personality that everyone knows you have.
Author : Betsy Cash
Article Source: www.submitarticlesfree.com
Picture Cradit : http://static.howstuffworks.com
Furniture pieces are most often used as the focal point because they're large and command immediate attention. Antique furniture and heirlooms are particularly suitable as focal points because they're often very tough yet ornate. At the same time, such items usually have a lot of history and stories around them, making them great conversation pieces for public areas. Similarly, dramatic pieces like a glass-top dining table or a richly upholstered couch will work well as the focus of a room.
If grandma didn't pass any of her old furniture down, you could also turn an architectural element of the room into a focal point. Fireplaces, for example, are very obvious and very effective focal points due to their size. You can clue visitors in to the status of your fireplace by, say, clumping some furniture directly in front of it. Decorating the mantel with bright colors and shiny items also achieve the same effect. Alternatively, an accent wall done in a bright shade of paint or a standout wallpaper can attract the attention that a focal point requires.
If you have a painting which you haven't been able to use so it has been sitting in the basement catching dust, bring it up. This may be a great focal point into a room and you'll finally get your use out of it. Wall art will always catch anyone's eye and they'll wonder what it is and where it was purchased.
As you are focusing on the rest of the room you can't forget the floor. By adding a great area rug you'll be able to change a plain wooden floor into something fantastic. There are so many shapes and designs out now for area rugs that something is out there for anyone.
Focal points can be whatever you want them to be. So be creative and make sure it is your own style and brings out the personality that everyone knows you have.
Author : Betsy Cash
Article Source: www.submitarticlesfree.com
Picture Cradit : http://static.howstuffworks.com
Sabtu, 20 Juni 2009
Color Decoration at Home Design
Color Trends at Home Decoration:
Orange is Hot for 2008 and 2009
The color Orange continues its stellar run as a fixture for home d�cor color in 2008; and the leader in Color forecasting, Pantone, projects that the Orange color trend will continue on to 2009. It's no surprise why, Orange is a warm, inviting, dynamic, invigorating and energetic color.
Fall Color Infusion - Decorating with Flowers
Want to add a some natural autumn color palettes to your home's exterior this Fall? Then get ready to have some fun gardening: Replace summer annuals with fall bloomers such as royal purple, lavender and gold pansies to update the look of your garden. You'll stop traffic with curb appeal that will last for months.One of America's classic flowers, the chrysanthemum, happens to be a fall bloomer. Take advantage of its magentas, dark reds and shocking pinks and plant them in window boxes or outdoor planters.
Home Decorating based on your Color Personality
Confused about selecting color for your home? Why not try choosing decorating colors based on your unique personality? I decided to have a bit of fun and searched out several websites that discuss color personality types.
The Pratt and Lambert color quiz was the most comprehensive color personality test of all those I reviewed. Taking into account not only color likes but other factors that make you uniquely you. This test was the only one that returned a color scheme that was very similar to my personal decorating style. I was impressed. According to the Pratt & Lambert site my color personality:
Colors in this palette are reminiscent of a sunny seaside. These combinations are refreshing and invigorating. They provide sparkle with lightness while also imbuing a sense of soothing calm. Oceanic hues are ideal for making a bathroom, bedroom or study an oasis. These colors provide a balance for those with a hectic life. The person who decorates with these colors is looking for their home to be their escape.
Home and Garden TV has an interesting color wheel that you can spin with your mouse and find the color that sings to your soul. When I spun the color wheel my eyes landed on my favorite color: Pink. Once I selected Pink, I was given five other shades of pink to choose from. I ended up selecting two pinks (Lavender Pink and Hot Pink) I adore. According to the HGTV site these color choices mean:
If you like lavender pink, you're seeking to be more inventive. New possibilities flood your mind. By constantly examining possible practical applications, you create new things, new ideas. Using this purple-pink shade in room design is empowering. You and others will become more determined and self-constructive in a lavender pink office or library. Because it invites warm, exciting conversations, it's perfect for dining or living rooms. Guests will feel welcomed.
If you like hot pink, you are constantly thinking about exciting things to do. Through your body language and appearance, without even being aware, you are sending out enticing messages. Designing with this magenta shade of pink creates adventurous conversations and situations. It makes you and others less skeptical and more enthusiastic. Use this color to turn dull into exciting. Think party room!
Not scared to use strong color, Winters often love reds but avoid soft pinks. Achromatic color schemes employing tonal variations of black, white and grey are commonplace, giving clean lines and sharp contrasts. Assertive purples are considered a safe choice for the main color in a color scheme, a sharp contrast to other seasons who will use purple sparingly as an accent. Blues run the gamut of ice blues through to blue blacks, cool and delineating and reflect onto the green palette giving a range of strong aquas. Neutrals are blacks, whites and greys for dramatic relief against the stronger feature colors. You won't find warm creams here. Simple color schemes are favored - one color as the canvas and then accents of other strong colors for contrast and drama. Like Winter personalities, the Winter palette is self-assured and intense. Subtle colors are left to the other seasons.
Color Psychology
Perhaps many of you are contemplating new decorating and painting projects and perhaps aren't aware of the impact that color has on our mood. Before you pick up that paint brush or roller, read through our color psychology information. It just might help you set the appropriate mood for your indoor space.
First Things First - Choosing a Color Scheme
Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.
Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.
Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.
Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet.
Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.
Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas.
These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint color. But remember that color choice is a very personal matter. You're the one who has to live with your new paint color, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.
And after investing time to select just the right color, make sure it continues to look that way long-term by investing in a top quality paint.
Author : janey
Article Source: www.articlesnatch.com
Picture Cradit : www.best-home-furnishings.com,www.contentwire.com
Orange is Hot for 2008 and 2009
The color Orange continues its stellar run as a fixture for home d�cor color in 2008; and the leader in Color forecasting, Pantone, projects that the Orange color trend will continue on to 2009. It's no surprise why, Orange is a warm, inviting, dynamic, invigorating and energetic color.
Fall Color Infusion - Decorating with Flowers
Want to add a some natural autumn color palettes to your home's exterior this Fall? Then get ready to have some fun gardening: Replace summer annuals with fall bloomers such as royal purple, lavender and gold pansies to update the look of your garden. You'll stop traffic with curb appeal that will last for months.One of America's classic flowers, the chrysanthemum, happens to be a fall bloomer. Take advantage of its magentas, dark reds and shocking pinks and plant them in window boxes or outdoor planters.
Home Decorating based on your Color Personality
Confused about selecting color for your home? Why not try choosing decorating colors based on your unique personality? I decided to have a bit of fun and searched out several websites that discuss color personality types.
The Pratt and Lambert color quiz was the most comprehensive color personality test of all those I reviewed. Taking into account not only color likes but other factors that make you uniquely you. This test was the only one that returned a color scheme that was very similar to my personal decorating style. I was impressed. According to the Pratt & Lambert site my color personality:
Colors in this palette are reminiscent of a sunny seaside. These combinations are refreshing and invigorating. They provide sparkle with lightness while also imbuing a sense of soothing calm. Oceanic hues are ideal for making a bathroom, bedroom or study an oasis. These colors provide a balance for those with a hectic life. The person who decorates with these colors is looking for their home to be their escape.
Home and Garden TV has an interesting color wheel that you can spin with your mouse and find the color that sings to your soul. When I spun the color wheel my eyes landed on my favorite color: Pink. Once I selected Pink, I was given five other shades of pink to choose from. I ended up selecting two pinks (Lavender Pink and Hot Pink) I adore. According to the HGTV site these color choices mean:
If you like lavender pink, you're seeking to be more inventive. New possibilities flood your mind. By constantly examining possible practical applications, you create new things, new ideas. Using this purple-pink shade in room design is empowering. You and others will become more determined and self-constructive in a lavender pink office or library. Because it invites warm, exciting conversations, it's perfect for dining or living rooms. Guests will feel welcomed.
If you like hot pink, you are constantly thinking about exciting things to do. Through your body language and appearance, without even being aware, you are sending out enticing messages. Designing with this magenta shade of pink creates adventurous conversations and situations. It makes you and others less skeptical and more enthusiastic. Use this color to turn dull into exciting. Think party room!
Not scared to use strong color, Winters often love reds but avoid soft pinks. Achromatic color schemes employing tonal variations of black, white and grey are commonplace, giving clean lines and sharp contrasts. Assertive purples are considered a safe choice for the main color in a color scheme, a sharp contrast to other seasons who will use purple sparingly as an accent. Blues run the gamut of ice blues through to blue blacks, cool and delineating and reflect onto the green palette giving a range of strong aquas. Neutrals are blacks, whites and greys for dramatic relief against the stronger feature colors. You won't find warm creams here. Simple color schemes are favored - one color as the canvas and then accents of other strong colors for contrast and drama. Like Winter personalities, the Winter palette is self-assured and intense. Subtle colors are left to the other seasons.
Color Psychology
Perhaps many of you are contemplating new decorating and painting projects and perhaps aren't aware of the impact that color has on our mood. Before you pick up that paint brush or roller, read through our color psychology information. It just might help you set the appropriate mood for your indoor space.
First Things First - Choosing a Color Scheme
Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room.
Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms.
Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways.
Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet.
Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools.
Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas.
These general guidelines are a good starting point in your search for a paint color. But remember that color choice is a very personal matter. You're the one who has to live with your new paint color, so choose a hue that suits you, your family and your lifestyle.
And after investing time to select just the right color, make sure it continues to look that way long-term by investing in a top quality paint.
Author : janey
Article Source: www.articlesnatch.com
Picture Cradit : www.best-home-furnishings.com,www.contentwire.com
Home Decoration Tips for Decorators on the Budget
Not all of us are "do-it-yourselfers". And not all of us have the money to finance on classy furniture. However, each one of us can use some imagination to bring out the beauty even from the most shabby and old looking objects we can find around us.
So what one can really do is to think creatively. To use things in some ways they were not intended to. Or to buy relatively cheap items which when enhanced can really take their effects in beautifying your home.
Take that freshness from your house and start by thorough clean up. This technique is sure a simple method yet when used, your house will take a new sight again. Also, consider your lightning. Often, poor lightning spoils the loveliness of the house (even if your furniture cost lots of dollars to produce).
Here are some home decoration tips that can benefit you in a fashion that you would save considerable money:
Add interest to your room by using splashes of colors. These don't always have to match your household furnishings but be sure that colors are in good combinations.
Change the looks of your house with gallons of paints. Paints can be applied in every corner and every wall of the house. For flooring, paints had been used for a number of years now to hide imperfections, scratches and the likes. You can make a good deal of use from them if you applied your floor with paints and patterns.
Too few people may have knowledge of this but did you know that wallpapers (not the vinyl type) could do great for your floor? Paste them with wallpaper glue and coat with around 5 layers of polyurethane. Looks amazing and will hold up well for years. Plus, the savings that it guarantees.
Paint can also work well with metal and wood furniture. Yet keep in mind a plan that will balance painted walls and floor with your household items. (Unless, you would want to make a circus tent out of your home.) The trick here is to limit your choice of color with only two to three palettes ( a deep one and a light one may do!).
Seek treasures! Go to garage sales and see what you may find. There are good reasons why you should buy. The primary of which is that you save largely for furniture that could have cost hundreds of dollars when bought from furniture shops, only that they are far older than what you may buy from the shops. Besides, there are lots to choose from a garage sale. While everything may date back to several years ago, you can still make precious items from them.
Fabrics can add character to home decorating. Set the theme with your sheets starting from the bed to the walls. However, you may also prefer choosing a variety of fabrics to create unique designs. Be careful though not to trip on over designing. Nonetheless, it would be a good idea to echo something on your wall that will relate to your over-all fabric concept.
If you want some touches of nature into your home, you can place a selection of plants that will not outmode your entire house arrangement.
As you can see, the trick with home decoration does not solely depend on the budget that you can outline for your project. But on your ability to think creatively and to put that thinking into workable home decoration plans.
Author : Khieng Chho
Article Source: www.articlesnatch.com
Picture Cradit : www.splus.nation.com.pk
So what one can really do is to think creatively. To use things in some ways they were not intended to. Or to buy relatively cheap items which when enhanced can really take their effects in beautifying your home.
Take that freshness from your house and start by thorough clean up. This technique is sure a simple method yet when used, your house will take a new sight again. Also, consider your lightning. Often, poor lightning spoils the loveliness of the house (even if your furniture cost lots of dollars to produce).
Here are some home decoration tips that can benefit you in a fashion that you would save considerable money:
Add interest to your room by using splashes of colors. These don't always have to match your household furnishings but be sure that colors are in good combinations.
Change the looks of your house with gallons of paints. Paints can be applied in every corner and every wall of the house. For flooring, paints had been used for a number of years now to hide imperfections, scratches and the likes. You can make a good deal of use from them if you applied your floor with paints and patterns.
Too few people may have knowledge of this but did you know that wallpapers (not the vinyl type) could do great for your floor? Paste them with wallpaper glue and coat with around 5 layers of polyurethane. Looks amazing and will hold up well for years. Plus, the savings that it guarantees.
Paint can also work well with metal and wood furniture. Yet keep in mind a plan that will balance painted walls and floor with your household items. (Unless, you would want to make a circus tent out of your home.) The trick here is to limit your choice of color with only two to three palettes ( a deep one and a light one may do!).
Seek treasures! Go to garage sales and see what you may find. There are good reasons why you should buy. The primary of which is that you save largely for furniture that could have cost hundreds of dollars when bought from furniture shops, only that they are far older than what you may buy from the shops. Besides, there are lots to choose from a garage sale. While everything may date back to several years ago, you can still make precious items from them.
Fabrics can add character to home decorating. Set the theme with your sheets starting from the bed to the walls. However, you may also prefer choosing a variety of fabrics to create unique designs. Be careful though not to trip on over designing. Nonetheless, it would be a good idea to echo something on your wall that will relate to your over-all fabric concept.
If you want some touches of nature into your home, you can place a selection of plants that will not outmode your entire house arrangement.
As you can see, the trick with home decoration does not solely depend on the budget that you can outline for your project. But on your ability to think creatively and to put that thinking into workable home decoration plans.
Author : Khieng Chho
Article Source: www.articlesnatch.com
Picture Cradit : www.splus.nation.com.pk
Jumat, 19 Juni 2009
Going Country For Your Kitchen
You might be wondering how best to improve your kitchen. Before making a list of materials and decors to use, decide on a theme first, one that will give your kitchen a cheery and homely look. A country theme is highly recommended.
Picking out a color is no chore for a country design. The hues are anything bright, vivid or deep like shades of red, yellow, orange and green. Country theme is associated with a cheerful, homely ambiance, so making use of colors and patterns is an effective way to achieve a country look.
For flooring in a country kitchen, wood is nice. Laminate flooring is much cheaper and can give the look of real wood. If you don't like the idea of wood or laminate, then ceramic tile is always an option. Ceramic tile is a little bit more expensive, and usually needs to be installed by a professional. You might choose to do one solid color of ceramic or you may want to do a checkerboard pattern. Either way your ceramic tile is sure to look great. It will also be easy to care for and it will last for many years.
The flooring is ideally wood, laminate floor or ceramic tiles. For ceramic tile, it's better to have a professional install the flooring. You can also opt for a checkerboard pattern if you wish to shy away from the usual solid color.
Country themed rugs and window treatments are not hard to come by. Try looking for solid colored cafe curtains at your local discount store. If you know how to sew you may even want to try to make the curtains yourself. Pick out some fabric that you like at your local fabric store and sew some simple curtains for your kitchen. If you don't know how to sew you could always ask a friend or family member to help you, or you could hire a seamstress to sew the curtains for you. Rugs can be elaborate or just a solid color to match your curtains. Consider your budget and pick out a rug that matches your decor!
A country style kitchen looks neat, with storage for the pots and pans that are essential for cooking those sumptuous family meals. Accent the wood material with some colors for the hand towels, mitts, table mats and such. You can also have colorful bowls with fruits on the kitchen counter for a real homely look.
Going country is making your kitchen one cozy cooking place. Preparing meals or just hanging out with the family will be more relaxing with a comfortable kitchen to boot. It's not just pop singers who go country now...kitchens do too!
Author : Noel Williams
Article Source: www.submitarticlesfree.com
Picture Cradit : www.housetohome.co.uk,www.wallpaperhomedecorating.com,www.yeoldemerchant.com
Kamis, 18 Juni 2009
Picking Accessories For The Southwestern Style Decorating Theme
Accessories are to your home decor what jewelry is to an outfit, and your Southwestern decorating theme is no exception. This interior style works the best with natural accessories which help enhance the fun and colorful charm of the west. Adding items such as wall art, knick-knacks and pillows can help add the finishing touches to your Southwestern style home.
Wall art is a vital factor in any design theme, but your room will only look sharp if you situate it properly. When arranging art, think like a gallery and put the center of the piece at eye level. If you have numerous artworks to display on one wall, lay them out on the floor initially to get the best design. You can bring interesting ambiance into your Southwestern decorating theme design with colorful rugs or native American art that you should put anywhere.
Look at adding potted plants, horse figures, and colorful tiles for more of a feeling of the west. To best add to your decorating scheme, you should find accessories that not only match each other, but also the decorating theme. Stick to on theme pieces exclusively in order to achieve the look and feel you are working hard for.
Finding the perfect knick knacks to add appeal to your interior design can be fun plus help pull the room together. To add zip to your Southwest decorating, make sure you purchase accessories that have a fun and colorful feeling. Arranging Native American pottery in colorful groupings or having wrought iron knick knacks on wood shelves. When looking for accessories try to pick out ones which show your unique style. Contrary to what you might have been told, you don't have to break your budget to take home the proper knick knacks. Looking for buys at thrift stores, garage sales and flea markets can get you interesting accessories for a lot less.
Another item you can purchase to add flair to your room design is decorative pillows. If you had the notion that pillows were purely for the bedroom, think again, they can put a fascinating touch to any room including the living room, dining room, bathroom and kitchen. Pillows can be displayed in the bathroom and kitchen, think about displaying them in chairs, on the hamper or on shelves. Pillows can be a wonderful enhancement to the bedroom when piled in front of the headboard. Pillows on the sofa or chairs in your family room, den or living room should help instill a bit of the Southwest decorating feel. To appropriately enhance your room design, stick with pillows that have southwestern colors - red, black, aqua, peach.
Adding leather and Native American prints to your Southwestern decorating theme will truly help the room stand out. But before you go out and purchase a bunch of items, you will need to have an idea of what kinds of items you want and purchase those pieces. When decorating with accessories, proportion is key so be sure you purchase items in the sizes you need. Using this philosophy you can make sure to get items that fit and look together perfectly.
Author : Lee Dobbins
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/
Picture Cradit : http://home.howstuffworks.com/
Wooden Vs. Steel Furniture. Which one should I choose?
Furniture is an inseparable element in home decorating. It is furniture that makes the rooms in a home habitable/usable. Depending upon the use of the room, the quanity of furniture changes.
In early ages a lot of emphasis was given on the size of the furniture. for example the king was give a "throne" which clearly stated his status within the society. From then furniture has become a fashion trend with furniture design as a complete profession in itself.
Primarily furniture comes in two main body frames, wooden and steel.
The wooden furniture then gets divided into many types of woods depending upon the type of furniture required. for example teak wood, cedar wood, cane furniture etc...
The steel furniture also has varieties such as stainless steel, wrought iron furniture, etc...
Very basic difference between the two types of furniture is the method of manufacturing them. Lets take a look at some of the basic pros and cons for these two types of fornuture body materials.
1) Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture is the most widely used and opted for type of material for furniture. The main reason is ease of use. Stnce wood is a soft material to work with (as compared to steel), manufacturing furniture with wood requires less amount of initial investment in terms of money.
Carpentary skills required to carry of furniture jobs can also be easily learned, hence it is a popular type of furniture type. From users point of view, wooden furniture looks very aesthetic and becuase of its soft nature decoration can be easily made on wooden surfaces.
2) Steel Furniture
Steel furniture has gained much popularity after the advances in technology in the metallurgy field. Manufacturing of steel furniture does require special tools and skills. The greatest advantage of steel furniture is its strength and lifespan.
Stell furniture can be put under the category of "contemporary furniture". Becuase of the flexible manufacturing process, furniture with any size and shape can be easily designed and manufactured today. Wooden furniture does hace certain limitations when it comes to shapes.
But our main question remains unanswered! which one should you go for, wooden or the steel furniture?
Of course there is not a straight forward answer for this question. You can go for a wooden theme or a complete stell theme design or a combination of both. But there is a different point of view for looking at it and that's visual quality..
Both wooden and steel furniture has got their own visual impacts on our mind. This visual impact will differ depending upon final fiish of the furniture piece. So it's not just use of the furniture piece, but aesthetic features also matter a lot.
If you go for "all stell" furniture theme your interior space might look like a modern and contemporary styles, which might not be acceptable at times. On the other hand the "all wooden" furniture theme might give your spane a country type of look.
Because furniture pieces are the first things which are visible when we enter any room, their selecton greatly affects visaul qualities of spaces.
There is one more point to consider here. If you are the kind of person who likes to shift the furniture layout more often, go for steel furniture. Of course this is not the ultimate rule of the world. I am saying this simply because it is easy to transfer the steel furniture from place to place with the help of wheels.
Thus whatever type of furniture you choose you must consider that it's not just usability but visual factors are eqaully responsible for the beauty of interuior spaces.
I hope you have enjoyed this text...
Author : Shrinivas Vaidya
Picture Cradit : www.thedecoratingdiva.com,www.trendir.com
In early ages a lot of emphasis was given on the size of the furniture. for example the king was give a "throne" which clearly stated his status within the society. From then furniture has become a fashion trend with furniture design as a complete profession in itself.
Primarily furniture comes in two main body frames, wooden and steel.
The wooden furniture then gets divided into many types of woods depending upon the type of furniture required. for example teak wood, cedar wood, cane furniture etc...
The steel furniture also has varieties such as stainless steel, wrought iron furniture, etc...
Very basic difference between the two types of furniture is the method of manufacturing them. Lets take a look at some of the basic pros and cons for these two types of fornuture body materials.
1) Wooden Furniture
Wooden furniture is the most widely used and opted for type of material for furniture. The main reason is ease of use. Stnce wood is a soft material to work with (as compared to steel), manufacturing furniture with wood requires less amount of initial investment in terms of money.
Carpentary skills required to carry of furniture jobs can also be easily learned, hence it is a popular type of furniture type. From users point of view, wooden furniture looks very aesthetic and becuase of its soft nature decoration can be easily made on wooden surfaces.
2) Steel Furniture
Steel furniture has gained much popularity after the advances in technology in the metallurgy field. Manufacturing of steel furniture does require special tools and skills. The greatest advantage of steel furniture is its strength and lifespan.
Stell furniture can be put under the category of "contemporary furniture". Becuase of the flexible manufacturing process, furniture with any size and shape can be easily designed and manufactured today. Wooden furniture does hace certain limitations when it comes to shapes.
But our main question remains unanswered! which one should you go for, wooden or the steel furniture?
Of course there is not a straight forward answer for this question. You can go for a wooden theme or a complete stell theme design or a combination of both. But there is a different point of view for looking at it and that's visual quality..
Both wooden and steel furniture has got their own visual impacts on our mind. This visual impact will differ depending upon final fiish of the furniture piece. So it's not just use of the furniture piece, but aesthetic features also matter a lot.
If you go for "all stell" furniture theme your interior space might look like a modern and contemporary styles, which might not be acceptable at times. On the other hand the "all wooden" furniture theme might give your spane a country type of look.
Because furniture pieces are the first things which are visible when we enter any room, their selecton greatly affects visaul qualities of spaces.
There is one more point to consider here. If you are the kind of person who likes to shift the furniture layout more often, go for steel furniture. Of course this is not the ultimate rule of the world. I am saying this simply because it is easy to transfer the steel furniture from place to place with the help of wheels.
Thus whatever type of furniture you choose you must consider that it's not just usability but visual factors are eqaully responsible for the beauty of interuior spaces.
I hope you have enjoyed this text...
Author : Shrinivas Vaidya
Picture Cradit : www.thedecoratingdiva.com,www.trendir.com
Selasa, 16 Juni 2009
Floor Tile Design For Better Home Decor
If one goes to a trip inside a house, the first thing that he will see is the floor. Once he takes his first step, he looks at the floor and nothing more. The difference is, if the flooring is not impressive, then the visitor will never notice it, but if the floor is filled with a wonderful array of tile designs, it's going to leave a good impression on the mind of the visitor.
If he goes to the kitchen, the presence of good tiles will also be the first thing that he will notice. It's not the pans nor the oven, nor the refrigerator, it's the counter-top. If he goes to the bathroom to relieve himself, we're pretty sure that he will definitely notice the tiles, if there are any.
Tiles are wonderful house ornaments which exist for the function of accentuating the beauty of one's home. Tiles also have a purpose, and they are chosen according to where they are going to be put and how they are going to be used.
Types of Tiles
There are thousands of different types and styles of tiles. This is because tiles are used practically everywhere, not only in the house but in other structures as well. There are the common stock tiles which one can find in any common folk's kitchen or bathroom. There are the higher-end ceramic tiles which are used in a more decorative fashion. There are also the stone tiles which come in different materials such as granite, marble or slate. Some tiles are mass produced and some are hand-made. The hand-painted tiles are usually the most expensive ones because they are made with a specific design which caters to a specific type of consumer.
Natural tiles (which are made from either stone or ceramic) will project a certain level of exquisiteness. These tiles are usually priced more expensively. They are very resilient and durable. The downside is that everything that falls into the tiles will certainly break most of the times because of the structural soundness of these tiles. They also keep the coldness of the environment which can be a downside in cold areas.
Different tiles are installed in different places according to their resilience, beauty and durability. There are tiles which are more suitable for flooring, there are those which are suitable for kitchen tops and those which are more suitable for the bathrooms. Diversity and combination are key things toward putting up a great tile design.
Installing Tiles
When installing tiles, it's important to take note of the kind of tile you are using and the location where it is going to be put. Different materials entail different procedures and tools for installation. Often times, the specific instructions are given by the manufacturer, but to be sure, always ask the sales person regarding the specifics of the installation procedures.
There are several tools that one needs to have to be able to properly and cleanly install tiles. For the more advanced tile enthusiasts, having tile nippers, tile cutters and trowels would be good. Remember that installing tiles in flat surfaces is the key, however, curved surfaces can also be covered with tiles if needed. Remember that when purchasing tiles, always get some extra tiles because accidents will happen and some of the tiles will get broken. The law of averages also applies to tile installation.
Designing through Tiles
If you are thinking about installing tiles in a certain area of your house, a good practice is to make an illustration of the area. The dimensions of the area in the illustration should be proportional to the dimensions of the area. The area should be divided into the dimensions that would be proportionate to the tiles that you are going to use. This way, you can clearly see how each tile would fit into the specified area and you can estimate how many tiles you are going to buy. Don't forget to include the buffer tiles in case some of them break.
Also make sure that the color of the tiles that you are going to use would match that of the rest of the area. The tiles need not to be of one-color only. One can mix and match as long as he knows that the colors will match.
Tiles greatly accentuate the beauty of one's home. Whether they are placed in the floor, in the kitchen or elsewhere, proper preparation and installation of these tiles will definitely mark up the value of one's home.
Author : Lee Dobbins
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Picture Cradit : www.flooringspecialty.com
Basics of Kitchen remodeling
First step in kitchen remodeling plan is to know your budget. Everyone wants a modern kitchen with all the facilities in it. Before starting your remodeling process do the research process. You can remodel your kitchen appliances, cabinets, flooring, countertops, faucets and sinks etc.
When you plan to purchase kitchen appliances do keep certain things on mind. Based on your kitchen layout, you should consider freestanding or built-in appliances. Appliances would blend better with the kitchen when they are built in. It is important to find kitchen appliances that fit your needs. Kitchen appliance makers have as many options and feature you can wish for-each tailored to meet specific needs.
Ovens offer as many features as there are styles. Most gas wall ovens in the US range from 27-30 inches in width and offer single or stacked double ovens-available in both gas wall ovens and electric. Both gas wall ovens and electric have meat probes that can measure the temperature of meat and turn off when it is finished cooking. Also check when the oven is described as a convection oven-this can get as customized as you like. Due to these high-tech options, many home builders are abandoning gas wall ovens and choosing brick ovens- or for the more rustic, wood burning ovens into their homes. Gas cook tops have gained immense popularity over the last few years. Gas cook tops are available in stainless or silver. Based on the basic functionality of a cook top, homeowners are driven by brand. Along with gas cook top, ventilation is a well sought after accessory. Stainless steel refrigerator tucked into the wall of your kitchen will always be the most used kitchen appliance you have.
Cabinets are no longer for just food storage; they're the cornerstone of your kitchen's style. Roll out and tilt-out drawers are popular kitchen cabinets. The highest quality and most expensive option are solid wood cabinets. Among your choices are hickory, walnut and cherry-each can bring a unique warmth, look and style to your kitchen? Another popular route is European kitchen cabinets.
When selecting kitchen flooring, choose something that is both beautiful and strong. If you need durable and cost-effective flooring, you can consider vinyl or ceramic tiles. Vinyl laminate flooring is a great idea for those who are working with a lower budget, but still want the tile look, however when choosing any type of kitchen flooring buyers should be aware that quality should be the determining factor in their selection. Hardwood flooring is another popular route in kitchen flooring. Other Popular flooring is Hardwood flooring and stone flooring.
Kitchen countertops vary in price based on material. Granite countertops, slate countertops or marble countertops are considered most durable. Modern kitchens can host a variety of countertop materials from cement and stainless steel to copper countertops. DuPont Corian countertops are the cheapest among all the countertops. Ceramic tile is tough, heat resistant, attractive and unyielding to stains.
Kitchen sinks are one of the most functional elements in any kitchen. Many homeowners now prefer very deep sinks that are flush with the countertops. These are often referred as inset sinks. Cast-iron sinks, with an enamel finish are an affordable option. These sinks are durable, however they can be chipped. Synthetic-composition sinks, made of solid-surface acrylic or quartz acrylic are always a safe option. There are a number of styles based on functionality, color and material. From brass, to stainless steel, to plastic molds, there are as many faucet choices as there are types of sink to match them. Just be sure to choose a kitchen faucet that is compatible with the kitchen sink.
Author : samehta s
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com/
Picture Cradit : http://www.furniturestoreblog.com/
Tapestry Wall Hanging Ideas For The Bedroom
Often your bedroom is the most neglected room. Generally people tend to focus on rooms that are public like your guest bathroom, living room and the kitchen. Your bedroom is your own private sanctuary that offers you a peaceful haven after a tiring day. This is reason enough for you to decorate this special room.
You could begin decorating your bedroom in small steps, as working on the entire room may seem like a monumental task. The easiest way is to start with the walls by adorning them with artworks. The best thing about using artworks is that they can be altered or undone if you do not like the design. Plus, the look of your room changes automatically.
Walls encircle your home. Apparently, they are the first to get noticed as well, by your guests. To give a right thematic impression you must not keep the walls blank.
So, start working on them right away!
Buying wall hangings created by a non-contemporary popular artist can be expensive. You do not need any instructions to create your own artwork. The foremost decisive thing is the theme for the bedroom. Feminine or floral artwork goes well with a ragged or neat Victorian bedroom theme. Prints in sleek frame blends well with a modern bedroom theme. Get some prints of exotic animals and birds or jungle style prints, if your heart is set on a tropical look for your bedroom.
You could also be very creative with those loads of pictures stacked away uselessly.
For instance, you could arrange them into a huge wall collage that may include photos of your growing children, weddings, exotic places and many such pictures. This is sure to give your bedroom a personalized appeal. A huge music collection of CDs can be probably found in the bedroom of your teenaged children. Utilizing the cover art from the CDs collection, they can create their unique wall collage for their bedroom walls. There are companies available to do this for you at a cost that may vary from $50 for an 8x10 to $150 for 20x24 wall collage sizes. However, creating your collage yourself is definitely more fun!
You may wish to press some foliage for artwork, if your bedroom contains them. Pressing them dry flat is considered the best. You can easily do this by placing the leaves or flowers in a book for a week or two. As they turn crisp, you can hang it on your wall by just mounting this artwork and voila! Your wall hanging is ready.
Only your imagination limits your ability to use artwork in decorating your bedroom.
Artwork can be reversed easily, as explained earlier. Just be creative and use plenty of imagination to design your artwork.
Leave your fears aside and start experimenting!
Author : Kimberly Thane
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Picture Cradit : www.saladotex.com
Home Decor Using Tassels
When it comes to decor in your home, what kind of shopper are you?
I am a bargain shopper and I love my treasure-trove of great buys which I've gathered through the years. Whenever I find a good deal on one of my favorite items, I snap it up and store it.
I have collected plates for all the great dinner parties I am going to throw someday. When I have time I am going to fill the many photo albums that are waiting to display my family pictures. And don't even remind me of all the beautiful fabric that I have bought and stored around the house. I know that someday I will be snowed in for a month and I will sew and sew until I have used it all up. (Never mind that I live in the South and we rarely even get snowed in for two days!) Am I the only one that does this?
Fringe Benefits
Tassels are on my list of favorite things to collect. I love using them in many decor styles. They can be made from thread, shells, beads, ribbon or feathers. Small ones can be purchased for less than a dollar or you can spend hundreds on elaborate curtain tiebacks. They can give areas of your home a touch of interest with little effort on your part.
Let's walk through the house and explore interesting places where you can use tassels:
* Enhancing the corners of a duvet cover or comforter
* Looped around the button on a couch or chair arm
* Hooked on a lamp finial
* Creating napkin rings
* Tying back your window treatments
* Hanging from a door knob
* Accenting a drawer pull
* Tied to a bed post
* Dangling from a fan pull
* Sewn to the pinch pleats of your drapes
* Wrapped around the neck of a vase or ginger jar
* Attached to cushions
Even More Tassel Ideas
Large tassels that are made for drapery tiebacks look great hanging from the back of some dining room chairs. Place the cord loop over each post on the chair and let the tassel hang down in the back. If your chairs are fabric you can tack them on with needle and thread.
Small tassels can be attached to a ribbon and used as a bookmark. Place an open book with a tassel on an end table for a decorative accent.
In your guest bathroom use cording and tassels to embellish the towels. A tiny one makes your favorite perfume bottle look even prettier.
It's always fun decorating with touches that are easy and interesting. Tassels fit the bill perfectly for your home decor. You'll always find great free ideas for home decor at my site below.
Author : Melisa Verch
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Senin, 15 Juni 2009
The Master Suite Decor
The master suite in the home is where you and your loved one want to go and relax. Many times you look around and think you need an update but aren't quite sure what to do. Here are a few tips and tricks of the trade.
If the paint on the walls is still a neutral or even white color you may need just a touch of colored paint to spruce up the space. If the bathroom is connected you can also paint as well a different color. It will brighten up the space and give you a great start with a new design with pieces which you already have.
You can even decorate for each season, just by changing the bedding and the curtains. Curtains can sometime be pretty expensive and if you are operating under a budget like most people these days, then simple tabbed topped curtains or panels are good to use. Just make sure that the curtain rods you are using are appropriate for tabbed topped panels. If you are unsure what tabbed topped panels are, it's simple; you will be able to see the rod that the panel is hanging on, so you want to make sure it's not the old metal type of rod.
So if it is a spring seasonal look you want, start with the bedroom and changing out dark bedding for light airy type with pastel colors is good for a spring look. You can use some pale yellow or pink or melon or light greens to give it the spring time look you want. For you ladies whose husbands might balk at the feminine colors, try to steer away from flowery prints, just use solids or maybe a checked pattern in the pastel colors for throw pillows on the beds. Pale blues or shades of blue and or greens may not give them such a fit as yellows or pinks.
When figuring out what to do with the bathroom which won't break the wallet, try a paint change. If you aren't looking to paint but just place a few decorations throughout go for great plants if you have enough sun light coming through or a great silk arrangement. Many master suites have a huge tub which as a shelf around the back. Add a few plants and candles to spruce the look in the bathroom as you did in the bedroom.
Placing lace doilies on your end tables and even dressers will give you a great new look as well. It will soften the furniture piece as well as add a pinch of color. Placing area rugs on each side of the bed as well as the foot of the bed will also bring a punch of color and also a warmer feeling into the room's textures.
Of course if you have a patio as well which runs off of the master suite you can't leave this area out. Try adding some color outdoors as the same which is indoors. Use the cushion covers, flowers, and additional decor to represent the space and the flowing of design.
Author : Marge Billings
Article Source: http://www.submitarticlesfree.com
Give your Kitchen and the Eat in Area A Facelift
Kitchens may be sometimes the smallest room in the home minus the bathroom but they are not cheap to decorate in most cases. Kitchens are sometimes the room which you aren't quite sure what you want to do. Other times you have a vision of knocking down a wall into the next room and making a breakfast bar.
If you aren't into remodeling but just want a few updates to get your kitchen into the proper style then just do a few changes. Try a fresh coat of paint in a new color or a neutral color. This will brighten the area up and give you that great look it's needed. Curtains are another way to update a space and its design. They are both inexpensive and can be done at any time.
If your cabinet doors and drawers have pull handles and knobs, check to see what it would take and those can be changed out. A lot of pulls and knobs can be bought in colors and you can match them to the paint color or another color that you might be accenting with around the kitchen.
If you have windows which let the natural light in, add a few plants in the window. This will just add a different punch of color into the room's decor. Another great idea if you aren't someone who has plenty of light entering their kitchen is a great silk floral arrangement. This will just give you the visual of nature without the watering.
As you know many individuals have canister sets which hold your sugar, flower, and sometimes coffee and tea bags. Why not update these by painting the ones which you already have or even purchasing new ones since they are inexpensive. Finding great salt and pepper shakers are other items you can switch out. You always have to remember those are items which others who visit may use and they'll notice little changes as such.
Flooring in most kitchens is either laminate, hardwood, or tiled which may seem cold when the winter time comes. By adding a few area rugs with color and texture it will soften up the room's dcor. Just make sure it has slip proof padding underneath or purchase rug slip guards to make sure their aren't any accidents in the kitchen.
Scented and colored candles can also add color and they are wonderful for giving the kitchen that "I just baked an apple pie" smell if you buy those that are scented or "Flavored". Baskets on top of the refrigerator or freezer are also a nice touch and you can change the flowers out to go with the seasons. Another ideal would be seasonal fruits in a basked in the middle of the table. These are not very expensive ideas and the change can be very subtle but awesome as well. Hand towels and pot holders are also a good way to add a little touch of color and decorations as well.
Author : Beau Hartwick
Article Source: http://www.submitarticlesfree.com
Picking The Best Fabric To Decorate Your Home
If you want to do some home decorating, picking the right fabric is important. For example, the type of fabric you use is very important if you decide to do a theme like Oriental, Modern or Victorian.
There are a lot of types of fabric that one can use to decorate their house. If you want a certain theme for your home decoration, you should do a bit of research before, finding out which fabric works best. Look online, read some home decorating books and magazines and find the information you need about that theme.
If you want a more feminine look for your room or for all the rooms, you could go with the Victorian theme, which is a bit more elaborate and difficult to do. When you pick a fabric for a historical theme, you should make sure that it fits the period of time that you're choosing. It should be at least similar to the fabrics used in the Victorian period. For example, you should choose heavier materials for your curtains and for the bedding. Brocade and velvet are two good choices for fabrics similar to what was used during the Victorian period.
If you want your house to look more modern, you should pick a fabric that looks vibrant and bold. A modern house will usually look more open and it will have rooms that are spacious and big. The space, being larger, will get people's attention to the fabric and to the other details of the room. You can use these vibrant and bold fabrics for your slip covers, curtains or for your throw pillows. Due to their nature they will look good in a room that is spacious and has a modern look. In this type of room, with cool colors, the fabric will stand out and get noticed.
A lot of people enjoy decorating their house in an oriental style. The design, when combined with elephants, Chinese dragons, screens and fans, will look very good and it can even be a good conversation topic. When you want to do an oriental theme, you should go with fabric in colors like ivory, red, jade or coral. Most people will choose silk as their fabric of choice and when it has a color like red or coral, it will look well when combined with furniture made out of dark wood.
Fabric is used in most cases to enhance the look of a room already decorated. It's like painting the walls with great colors, adding furniture to it, and finally you use the fabric to accent a window or the furniture. One of the focal points of a room is the window, since it gives you outside access. When you use a good fabric you can get the attention on that window.
When you're looking to buy home decorating fabric, you have a number of places at your disposal to buy them. You might also consider buying cushions, slip covers and curtains that are made already.
You can find a lot of models to choose from in department stores, or you can go to home decor shops if you want more options. Another option is buying the fabric and doing it yourself, if you enjoy crafting it yourself. If you're not sure what to pick, you can buy a book, go online or read a magazine, and you might get a few ideas there.
Author : Martina Hanson
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Home Interior Design Ideas For Children
Designing and decorating living space for children can be a very fun and exciting part of home Interior design. It's easy to let your imagination go because children are very creative and imaginative on their own. That's also why it's a good idea to include children in the planning stages of your design as they can often come up with great ideas on their own that you would never think of.
Probably one of the best places to start on designing a theme for a child's room is to start with their own favorite activity or interest. Of course, as children grow up their interests often change dramatically, so try to decorate in such a way that the accessories can be changed as a child gets older and gets more interested in other activities. But usually, children will get very excited if they know that their room will be decorated to reflect their favorite interests. Just be sure to go over it carefully with them in advance to get their input on what they really like. That way your Interior design will be sure to be a hit.
When designing and decorating for children, one of the advantages is that you can often choose color schemes and combinations that you do not often use in adult surroundings. In fact, you can often go much brighter and bolder with colors that you select for children. You can also arrange the room in a different way then you would normally with most adult rooms. For instance, a chalkboard or toy box may be the centerpiece of a child's room, and this would be far more appropriate than making a seating arrangement the focal point instead.
The accessories that you choose for a child's room will also be completely different than those that you choose for an adult. Toys and collectibles make great accessories for the room of a child. However, the child may want to play with these toys instead of just leave them on display. In this case, it may be advisable to buy duplicates of the toy accessories. One set can be used for display, and the other set can be used as an actual toy. It's also not best to use collectibles that are of high value in a child's room. Remember, children just want to have fun. And they aren't thinking about the price or cost of a collectible item. So whatever collectibles you choose to use as decorations in your child's room should not be so expensive that it would cause a problem if it became broken.
Another great way to spice up the appearance of a child's room is to use one of the millions of available bed treatments as a central theme that fits in with the overall design of the room. Usually these kind of bed treatments packages come as a full set that includes matching sheets, a comforter, dust ruffle, and window coverings. Altogether, these can quickly change the overall appearance of the child's room very fast. Once again, just make sure that you involve your child in the buying decision process to make sure that it is something that they will be happy with.
When changing the overall theme of a child's room, just keep in mind that most changes you make should not be considered to be permanent at this stage in their life. It's not uncommon to have to change the theme of a child's room every couple of years or so to stay up with their changing interests. And kids are very hard on their furniture as a general rule. So there is no need to be buying expensive furniture and accessories that may only last a short while or get ruined.
Finally and most importantly, the focus of all home interior design ideas for your children can be summed up in two words, have fun!
Author : Jim Johnson
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Dining Room : Dining Room Decoration | Dinning Room Furniture, Dinning Room Table, Chairs & Sets
Dining Room Table- A Family Spot For Food, Conversations And Bonding
Dining room table and chairs accentuate the interior décor of your home and specially your dining room. Traditional homes usually have a fine oak dining room table and chairs to furnish as it adds comfort and warmth to the place. In modern homes, sleek dining room table and chairs of different materials, design and color are used to match the other areas of the room. The dining room table and chairs are the focal point when we enter a dining room. It catches the eye. There are many shops that sell dining room table and chairs. Online shops are the right way to compare prices. You can see the display of dining room table and chairs on the internet and get the one that matches your setting.
Getting a good dining room table and chair will make your room look inviting, comfortable and friendly. It can draw the whole ensemble together. An incorrect or not so perfect dining room table and chair will show a bad illusion and will not give you the feeling to sit and dine. Be creative in your designing skills and decorate the room with a unique set of dining room table and chairs. Look for newer designs, shapes and colors to design your room. Get the ones that are perfect for your dining room.
Dining room tables should not be too long. It won’t help the people talk or serve the purpose. People usually talk and interact with each other when they dine. Dining room table is the place where they meet, eat, talk and have fun. So it should be small and closer, for every one to see each other. We cannot throw cookies from one end of the table to the other or use an intercom to talk to the persons at the other end. For the best part, dining room table is the place to have intimate talks and enjoyment. When you buy tables get the one that is round in shape or smaller one for people to sit, talk and eat.
Buffet tables are a classic piece of dining room tables. There are many ways to add beauty to interior designing, and one of the main rooms is the dining room with its tables and chairs. Dining room is the entertainment table for family, friends and guests who spend lot of time dining and snacking. Dining room table and chairs make the guest feel comfortable and at ease while enjoying a meal.
Dining room tables are beautiful and sophisticated as well as functional. A dining room table is used by both adults and kids and so while purchasing dining table and chairs see if you can get a table which has baby chairs too.
Dining room table and chairs gives the guests and members of the family the luxury of sitting comfortably. It gives the guests the sense of importance. Selecting the right kind of dining room table serves the purpose and also adds beauty to your room. So whenever guests are invited and a delicious meal is cooked, see that you give them the best dining room table and chairs to sit comfortably and have their meal.
Author : allaboutthehome.info
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
How To Get Great Home Interior Design Ideas
If you like the idea of coming up with your own home Interior design, you are not alone. Lots of folks these days are planning out and then executing their own interior designs. But how do you come up with great home interior design ideas? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Probably one of the easiest ways to get home decoration ideas is to simply watch television these days. There are several shows that are dedicated to the subject of completely redesigning an entire house room by room. The biggest problem with watching these television shows is having something in front of you as documentation. So a couple of ideas that may help out is to have a pencil and paper available to take notes as you go, and also to record the program for viewing later on.
Even though you may get some great home interior design ideas from these television shows, ask yourself whether or not they will fit well in your particular home. Just because they look great on television in someone else's home does not mean that it will fit in well in your home. So try to visualize the whole project from beginning to end in your house. And plan, plan, plan. By taking extra precaution in the planning stages, you can ensure a more problem free application.
However, television is not the only source for home decoration information and ideas on Interior design. There are several great books on the subject that are able to help designers of almost any background and experience level. The advantage of books is that the documentation is already done for you. It usually has a very well thought out plan for implementing any kind of home interior design on its pages. And usually you'll be able to have more than enough photos and pictures to help get a good mental picture of the process as it goes.
Another way to get excellent ideas for interior design is to look through magazines on the subject. There is no shortage of magazines that are devoted to home decoration and interior design. Believe it or not, even many professional interior designers collect large quantities of magazine articles and pictures and store them in a way that will help them have a larger pool of ideas to draw from in the future. Not being a professional yourself, it may be a good idea to start your own scrapbook of home interior design articles and photos that you can separate according to a specific theme or room type. Sometimes, the best decoration ideas are a combination of things that are brought together from several different sources to form a unique, one-of-a-kind design.
As you become more comfortable with your own level of creativity, you will be able to combine aspects of one design with another more adeptly. However, as you start out it may be best to stick to the overall themes and suggestions given in the magazine for achieving the look that is desired.
If you begin right away to assemble this archive of home interior design ideas, it won't take long for you to have a really sizable reference guide to help you come up with almost any idea that you could ever need.
So as you can see, gathering information and ideas from several different sources and compiling them all together in an easily researched form can be one of the best ways for you to get great home interior design ideas quickly and easily.
Author: Jim Johnson
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Probably one of the easiest ways to get home decoration ideas is to simply watch television these days. There are several shows that are dedicated to the subject of completely redesigning an entire house room by room. The biggest problem with watching these television shows is having something in front of you as documentation. So a couple of ideas that may help out is to have a pencil and paper available to take notes as you go, and also to record the program for viewing later on.
Even though you may get some great home interior design ideas from these television shows, ask yourself whether or not they will fit well in your particular home. Just because they look great on television in someone else's home does not mean that it will fit in well in your home. So try to visualize the whole project from beginning to end in your house. And plan, plan, plan. By taking extra precaution in the planning stages, you can ensure a more problem free application.
However, television is not the only source for home decoration information and ideas on Interior design. There are several great books on the subject that are able to help designers of almost any background and experience level. The advantage of books is that the documentation is already done for you. It usually has a very well thought out plan for implementing any kind of home interior design on its pages. And usually you'll be able to have more than enough photos and pictures to help get a good mental picture of the process as it goes.
Another way to get excellent ideas for interior design is to look through magazines on the subject. There is no shortage of magazines that are devoted to home decoration and interior design. Believe it or not, even many professional interior designers collect large quantities of magazine articles and pictures and store them in a way that will help them have a larger pool of ideas to draw from in the future. Not being a professional yourself, it may be a good idea to start your own scrapbook of home interior design articles and photos that you can separate according to a specific theme or room type. Sometimes, the best decoration ideas are a combination of things that are brought together from several different sources to form a unique, one-of-a-kind design.
As you become more comfortable with your own level of creativity, you will be able to combine aspects of one design with another more adeptly. However, as you start out it may be best to stick to the overall themes and suggestions given in the magazine for achieving the look that is desired.
If you begin right away to assemble this archive of home interior design ideas, it won't take long for you to have a really sizable reference guide to help you come up with almost any idea that you could ever need.
So as you can see, gathering information and ideas from several different sources and compiling them all together in an easily researched form can be one of the best ways for you to get great home interior design ideas quickly and easily.
Author: Jim Johnson
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
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