Monday, November 24, 2008

Bathroom Accessories and Color Schemes That Make You Relax

How to Consider Bathroom Accessories that makes you relax?

When considering bathroom accessories it is wise to consider your bathroom style, design, patterns, etc. For instance, if you have a kiddie's bathroom, you want to consider its details to avoid adding bathroom accessories that make it appear. If you are designing a guest bath, you may want to add a sink skirt, fancy towels, soaps, dishes, mirror, shower curtain, toilet seat, decorative toiletries, and so on.

Decorating a master bathroom may benefit from fringed rugs, towel display, monogram towels, potpourri, decorative soap, and dish, bath oils, etc. After you decide you room, you want to consider your style. What do you prefer? Do you like traditional? Do you like contemporary? Do like Victorian? It is your choice. If you like the country style you can add a few baskets, picket fence accessories, rod-pocket shower curtains, etc. Add a couple of tiebacks to the curtain, preferably braided ties and you are off to a country setting.

If you like, the wood looks consider rustic bathroom accessories, such as birdhouses. Birch baskets are nice as well. Create a garden in your basket and you are off to the wood look. If you want dramatic, try adding live plants, vines, blending shower curtains, rugs, toilet seat, etc. On the other hand, if you want a fishery bath, add a fish toilet seat, matching curtains, and perhaps a sink skirt to match. Set off the area by adding nature-based tiles, walls, and so on.

Now that you have your style down, consider the patterns and colors you desire. If you are adding bathroom accessories to offset your bath, try coordinating your colors and patterns with fixtures, floor covering, wall colors, and other decorative. If you have porcelain fixtures, you may want to consider off-white, antique white or related colors and patterns when choosing bathroom accessories.

In addition, if you have porcelain sink, tubs, or toilet you may want to try a few darker shades or else brighter colors. Try to match the color. You can add greens to your room, which you can offset with accents of yellow as well.

If you are not, sure, which colors and patterns are best suited for your bath, try visiting Home Depots or related stores, and carry home a few samples. Any store that sells paints, tile, etc, will provide you sample colors.


How can I find color schemes?
You can match color schemes by considering neutral colors, in depth darker shades, brilliant colors, strong shades, etc. Patterns might include the pastels, which include the blonde woods. Wickers will set off blonde woods.

What about storage:
Once you have done your style, patterns, colors, etc, you may want to add storage. If you already have sufficient storage, you may want to add wicker baskets to the space.
Toss in your shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and other accessories to clear up additional space.


How much does it cost for accessories?
It depends on where you purchase the items. If you are on a budget, try visiting your local Family Dollar Stores, General Dollar, or related stores. Often you will find various bathroom accessories to offset your bath. The items are affordable, and often delightful to the eyes.

Online you will find a wide array of dollar stores. The stores online will ship your items to your doorstep while offering you a wider selection. In addition, you can view the images online, which helps you match your patterns and colors more freely.

If you want to add additional storage, online you will find affordable shelves and baskets. The deals online offer you the option of saving money and time.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Wicker Furniture and Keeping it in Good Condition

In order to be able to clean your wicker furniture properly first you need to know whether the wicker material is man-made or natural. If it is natural rattan or cane it is best not to use products to polish the furniture with just a damp cloth otherwise you may add a shine that just isn't going to look natural - many of the fashionable wicker chairs/sofas tend to be matt finished right now. Synthetic/plastic materials will take cleaning products better and are less likely to have their 'finish' altered.

Like all your other upholstered household furniture, your cane or wicker items should be vacuumed regularly using a soft brush attachment on your hoover so as not to damage the wicker material. It can be quite surprising how dusty your furniture can get, especially in a conservatory! Outdoor wicker furniture will need more than a quick hoover, once you have got rid of the surface dust, leaves, etc it is advisable to dilute a mild detergent in warm water and wash down the furniture with a soft cloth, then using an old toothbrush dipped into the cleaning water so you can get into every nook & cranny. Once soaped up, the furniture can be rinsed off using a hose, then it is best to turn the furniture upside down to make sure all of the excess water runs off and then fully dry the wicker/cane with a clean towel.

If you want to ensure that your wicker furniture looks good for years just be careful where you put it. If it is is the middle of the garden or in a south facing conservatory be warned that the summer sun will impact the fibres and can make them fade plus frost/freezing conditions of winter make lesser quality products brittle and even chip. Also leaving furniture outside and uncovered can be a target for bird poop, especially if under trees and this can also mean the furniture being covered by falling berries, leaves and other debris which will make it much harder to clean successfully.

It is also a good idea to protect the furniture from the rain and snow, as although designed for outdoor use these can over time damage the wicker making it look less than beautiful. Although this type of furniture is cheaper than it was you should always take precautions to keep it in tip top condition so that you don't need to replace it so soon!

Plan Your Furniture Before Constructing Your House

Most people think about furnishing their new house when it is almost ready to occupy. A furniture store will then be visited and numerous options explored. But due to ill planning of the house, however, you are unable to set up such furniture in your house and exploit its full potential. A little forethought for furniture requirements of the house at the time of building it would have avoided such a situation. This article is a guide to plan for your furniture at the construction stage itself.

Planning for setting up furniture should be done along with the drafting of the house plan. It should consider all the rooms of the house. Let us start with that small but all important place, the portico (lest we forget it here as well!). The portico should be able to hold two to three chairs without obstructing the main entrance. Low, easy chairs would be most suitable here, and excessively formal chairs would not be suitable. Plan for leaving adequate space for clear passage even after the chairs are put.

Coming to the dining room one should plan for the dining room furniture consisting of the dining table, chairs and hutch. You can plan for a dining table to suit your room design, and can choose from a large variety of shapes and sizes. You could decide whether to go in for a separate or an inbuilt dining room hutch in the wall, depending on whether you plan to change the settings a few years down the line.

Kitchen furniture consists of mostly racks for condiments and cooking spoons. Rack for condiments and other consumables may be positioned either at your right or at your left side. Then the cooking spoon and other cookware rack can be placed on the opposite side, but facing you. At the same time this rack can be positioned just above the sink.

Coming to the bedroom, if we plan the entrance door and the bath door to be on the same wall we can have a lot of leverage to position the bed room furniture. This is because doors require some place to open out, and placing them adjacent to each other will leave the other three walls free for you to place your furniture as you please. If you desire, you can place a fixed wall chest at the construction stage itself to save double the effort later.

The living room is the place where most attention is required. As a place where most of our guests are received, a lot of practical as well as smart looking furniture is required here. Also this room will have a number of windows and doors. Repeated trials will be required while drafting the plans to determine the furniture positions so that it does not obstruct the doors and other passages.

While planning, visiting a wholesale Amish furniture store will be of immense help as they will have a wide variety of furniture for various needs and of latest trends. This can be used to decide the type of furniture you require and their space requirements.

By considering the above points you should be able to plan your furnishing. With the designer/architect for your home, a proper plan for your house can be finalized. Necessary changes can be made by having an animated view of your house before actual construction starts.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

The Right Height and Size of Crystal Chandeliers

Knowing the right height and size of crystal chandeliers is very important before you make the purchase. You have to determine the type of lighting fixture you want your homes to have. By knowing some important factors like the height and size, you can always save on the purchase and make the buying process so much easier for you. Here are some ideas on the height and size of crystal chandeliers.

The Perfect Chandelier Height

If you are installing a decorative chandelier, make sure to hang it not too low. The bulbs can create a glare that can be painful to the eyes. Hanging them in spots in your homes depends on the style and dimensions of your crystal chandelier. You cannot hang a very small chandelier in large rooms. You always have to think about the sizing so you will know how to hang it on right levels inside your homes.

If your dining area is 8 feet tall, install the lighting fixture 30 to 34 inches above the table. If the ceiling is greater than eight feet in length, you have to shorten the chandelier chain by an extra three inches. Two tier chandeliers can also be used as a replacement. The chandelier should also normally be hung higher if it's a "bowl" style.

You can hold an open umbrella to serve as an example, which is usually as wide as your medium sized bowl chandelier.

The Right Sizing Of Crystal Chandeliers

The proper sizing of crystal chandeliers is also very important to get the right amount of light that is shed in a room. If your room is too big for a lighting fixture, the area could be very dim that corners would be hard to visualize. On the other hand, if the chandeliers are too big, you can get more than the enough amount of light you need which is basically not appealing to look at.

If you want to install a huge crystal chandelier that weighs more than 40 to 50 pounds, you have to install a special ceiling box that can help support the extra weight.

There is no need to spend too much on electricity just to enjoy the beauty of crystal chandeliers. Lighting fixtures that are rated well by energy programs make you save much electricity even if they are too big in size.

Once installed in your ceilings, crystal chandeliers are difficult to reach. Think about how you will clean the chandelier considering its size and location. You also have to look for ways to lower the lighting fixture without damaging any of its parts. Small sized crystal chandeliers usually have this built in feature where cleaning and replacing bulbs is so much easier to do.

Whenever possible, buy crystal chandeliers with a dimmer so you can manipulate the amount of light that is shed in a room.

Top 5 Reasons You Should Use Jar Candles

Candles are a wonderful addition to any mood or room but some people don't like to use them because they are messy. Candle manufacturers have realized this and have created alternatives to the traditional candle.

Jar candles are a great way to get what you want from a candle without the mess of melting wax or smoke. They can be great to use around children and others who may have a tendency to knock a traditional candle over accidentally.

One of the nice features about jar candles is that they can include more than one scent. This way you get complementary scents throughout your room instead of just one flavor. This can create a nice atmosphere in any room.

Reasons You Should Use Jar Candles

Jar candles are important to use especially when you need to leave a candle unattended. Here are the top 5 reasons that jar candles work well in any setting:

1. Jar candles are safer than other candles -- jar candles have wax that is even inside the jar which means that it sets solidly and balanced on your surface. They also are not as easy to knock over as other types of candles.

2. You have no mess to clean up -- jar candles are self contained which means and therefore you have no mess to clean up as they melt. Because the wax is inside the jar, it just melts within the parameters of the jar. Because of this, you can even set the jar on a tablecloth.

3. Jar candles burn longer -- jar candles generally burn longer than regular taper or pillar candles. They also can be reused easily. Some jar candles have at least 100 hours of burn time.

4. You can experience a variety of different scents--as we said before, you can have blends of scents and you can always change the scent in the room. As an example, if you get tired of one scent, you can always close that one off (jar candles come with lids) and open a different one.

5. Some are wickless -- you can also purchase wickless candles in jars you don't have to deal with fire at all. Instead, you can place these on an electric candle warmer.

Now that you know why to use them, don't hesitate to experiment. You can generally purchase jar candles inexpensively so you can get more than one. Use them in different rooms as a group of candles or use them to freshen up a specific room by placing candles around the room.

You can also decorate the jar to match the décor of your room. As an example, you might take the glass jar and put a family picture, your own label or a picture from a greeting card on the outside of the jar.

As you start to use jar candles you will find that they have a variety of uses that are not open to other types of candles. Have fun experimenting and see what other ideas you can find to use jar candles.

Decorative Lighting, a Kitchen Improvement Without the Expense

Decorative lighting, can be a way for you to drastically change the look and mood of your kitchen, without breaking the bank.

If you kitchen is looking a bit dark and dingy, but you don't have the money for a complete facelift, then why not give it a partial facelift?

Start by giving your cabinets a good clean. Making sure to use the proper cleaner. If you have wood cabinets, use a soap or cleaner that is designed for wood paneling etc, and if you have melamine cabinets, make sure to use a product that will help degrease.

Then clear all the clutter away from your counters. This is a big turn off for a sleek looking kitchen. You should try and find a place for odds and ends, or at least purchase a decorative basket for the end of your counter for all those paper clips, keys, papers etc that tend to collect on your counter.

Next look at your cabinet hardware. Is it dated?.. boring?. Step it up a bit with some new hardware, and then look at decorative lighting. You will be amazed at the difference a change in lighting can make.

Maybe go for a new hanging pendant light over your table or island. Or a new, yet traditional chandelier?.. or maybe some track lighting. Or if you have an Victorian look to your kitchen, find a old style fixture and have it rewired for safety.

Now, after you install these great light fixtures, you will understand why you needed to clean your cabinets.. because now you can actually see!



http://www.my-pampered-kitchen.com/decorativelighting.html - change the mood of your kitchen to Happy, check out some great styles in decorative lighting now, and feel like you have completely changed your kitchen, also try new switchplates http://www.my-pampered-kitchen.com/switchplates.html - and see the difference. Article and website by Diane Palmer

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Change to Italian Kitchens Look Alike.

One of the most famous kitchen styles in the world is the Italian Kitchens Brooklyn style. There have been many changes in this kitchen format over the years. The kitchen usually has a distinct look and feel. If you own one such kitchen and are looking forward to refurbish you age old kitchen interior, here are some tips:

There has to be a harmony in the kitchen decoration, it has to look like a carefully designed space. It has to be soothing place so that anyone who entered it to prepare or eat a meal gets a relaxed feeling after a hard day of work. While refurbishing keep in mind that you do not have to add too many elements into one framework lest it might look cluttered. It has to be simple and calm.

The second thing that is related to the refurbishing of your Italian Kitchen is that the design you choose while refurbishing should be close to your family's life. Remember you should refurbish the kitchen in a way so that it can be used practically.

Usually, while refurbishing your Italian Kitchen Brooklyn style, you should go for strong wood kitchen furniture. However there is another option in the form of a linear type of kitchen furniture and appliances made of stainless steel. There is no need to add little nooks and corners which were previously used to place various decorative items. The reason for this exclusion is that the items placed on these nooks can easily catch dust and add to the already heavy household chores. Therefore instead of this, it is better to get out-of-sight storage.

You can also add a work island at the centre of the work area while refurbishing your kitchen. This island is multi purpose, it has open units as well as professional work top that can be used to cooking and wash the food material. There also is a sturdy preparation work top made of steel with easily moveable units. The island also has some useful accessories like, the utensil bar which is usually around the hood. This bar is designed to help in the circular movement of the island in the kitchen. It also has large sliding polyethylene chopping boards. The boards allow the vertical and horizontal movement of food from the sink to the area meant for cooking while the preparation is going on.

The Italian Kitchens Brooklyn style should include a linear design with enough storage space. Also there should be some extra space under the kitchen furniture as well as the appliances, so that the floor can be easily cleaned.

The kitchen should have a contrast of colors where the cabinet's doors, the worktops and the walls are concerned. The colors should be lively and should give an energetic appeal. However make it a point not to include too bright colors.

Use all the above mentioned tips to refurbish your Italian kitchens Brooklyn style and you are sure to come up with a new look.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Using Color in Window Treatments and Decor

Many people are inspired by color but are afraid to use it in their own homes. As a design consultant having worked with many clients to choose appropriate window treatments and décor, I find clients fearful of committing to the use of strong colors. There are endless possibilities when choosing color combinations for a room with no furnishings or decor. However, most people have some established colors in a room as a starting point.


If you are starting with a few neutral colors (i.e. sofas or wall color) and want to explore the use of color, try adding color to a room with colorful pillows or decorative drapery panels. If the drapery panels are decorative, they will not be fully operative drapes and will act as columns of color in the room setting. If the drapes are to be fully operative, you will be introducing a "wall" of color when the drapes are in the closed position. Patterned-fabric in multiple colors is one way to add color rather than working with a strong, solid color. Also you may want to consider adding some color-banding, colorful trim, or an added top-treatment piece to neutral drapes if you are unwilling to commit to a wall of colored drapes. In these examples, there are splashes of color added without overwhelming the room. Colorful vases or pillows can be coordinated with the drapery-colors to finish off the room.


If you are looking for some high-contrast color combinations, you will need to start with one extreme or the other: light-colored walls or dark-colored walls/flooring. One example would be to integrate chic, black-white window treatments with black-white bedding against white walls and flooring. This combination produces a high-contrast effect.


Many people express an interest in using the color red: a rug, draperies, or window treatments. If you are not looking for a high-contrast effect, you will need to make sure the red-colors are balanced. Red-colored drapery panels look best against dark wood floors and/or medium-tone walls, i.e. tan walls. Red draperies against white walls and white floors produce a high-contrast effect which may be a little unsettling for most people. The color red should be used sparingly; it is best used as an accent color for most people's tastes.


Another way to introduce color is to work with softer hues of color to create a tone-on-tone room. The combination of softer hues that coordinate well together will create a "soothing effect" in the room. Using a silk fabric with a sheen or an unusual texture is a way to add more interest to a softer-hue room.

Tips to Decorate Modern Bathroom

A bathroom is a special section in the house which is meant for personal hygiene. Some of us can even meditate inside the washroom. Bathrooms can be en-suite bathrooms which are connected directly to a bedroom or they can be private. The only difference is the access to the bathrooms. For achieving the desire of a dreamed washroom you should equip it with furniture and other washroom accessories. We should carefully choose the things we want for our bathrooms.

Bathroom suites include a sink, wash basin, toilet and shower. These are the basic elements that we must have in our washrooms. Adding elegant furniture will give extra beauty and luxury to the place. While choosing the bathroom suite you must consider the area and color of the washroom. There are suites which can be fitted in small bathrooms. Nowadays small bathrooms can be decorated in a special way.

The color of the bathroom walls should match with the accessories and furniture you want to buy. Blue tiles are best suited with white washroom suites. They produce good color combination that will capture your heart.

To enhance the beauty appropriate bathroom furniture can be used. A tall mirror cabinet can be installed in the washroom. Wash basins look good when fitted with a wash stand and toilets are most elegant when furnished with a modern seat. I am sure that tips and instructions stated in this article can help you a lot in designing a modern washroom for your new home.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Baby Room Decor


Baby room decor is very important for your children’s further development. Baby room decorations are a psychological factor, which helps the little one to feel comfortable and at home. The baby room décor should pacify the child’s eyes, and should be chosen accordingly to its age. It is that soothing environment needed for the healthy development of your child. You should carefully choose the wallpapers in the baby room, because they surround your little one and bring different thoughts and feelings. A baby is as sensible to its surroundings as any other adult. They will be affected by the way their surrounding looks like. A well-designed baby room décor can be really helpful in raising your kid.

Color is an important factor. You should decorate the room with the majority of one color. But which one should predominate? Which is the most appropriate color for babies? Soft, gentle colors can be the answer. Don’t choose too loud and bright colors, because they will not sooth the atmosphere. But the baby toys should be bright: because babies really enjoy seeing and playing with bright and shiny things. The walls and the wallpapers should be relaxing though. Babies would feel stressed if they were put in a bright baby room decoration, and would have sleep problems, panic attacks, eating deficiency and so on.

You should also choose the baby room décor in accordance with the whole atmosphere of your house. It is up to you to make the baby room part of your home.

The theme of the baby room should be carefully considered. It may by floral or animal theme, because babies really like animals and flowers. Animals are preferable, though, because they are more lively and vivid, and they can make your baby react more actively at its environment. Choose the animal decorations for the wallpapers, the blanket, the curtains. Animals are fun for everyone, and moreover, they give the babies something to look at while they are lying in their beds or cribs.

You can also pick up the night sky theme, which is very relaxing for a sound sleep. Deep blue is used to decorate the walls and ceiling. The pictures of stars and planets can give the baby a sense of wonder, and it will like it immensely. Babies can be touched by the wondrous universe, they appreciate the beauty, don’t forget that! A night sky decoration will make your baby a dreamer even from this early age on!

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Home Decor for Beach House


Beach house decorating should never be a chore, in fact, when deciding how to decorate a vacation home or beach house you need to keep one thing in mind: relaxation.

By its nature, decorating a beach house should not occupy a huge amount of your time. Instead, you should be doing what you bought the beach house for in the first place, relaxing by the beach.

If your beach house is a hideaway retreat for your, your loved on or your family, don't worry about a large amount of furniture and fancy furnishing. Instead, opt for a simple kitchen setup, one where you can all enjoy a nice breakfast and good meal without worrying about ruining the china or spilling on the table or rug.

Pick chairs and tables that capture the relaxing feel. Leathers and expensive fabrics should be avoided. Think about it, beach means sand dirt, wet bathing suits, shell collections, maybe the occasional bucket full of fish and, most importantly, lots of lounging. Get a few comfy couches for afternoon naps in the ocean breeze.

Wicker has proved enormously popular in beach communities, many choosing it for its durability, its natural and summery feel and the ease in which it can be cleaned. Wicker furniture definitely captures the beachy feel, but without the proper cushioning, can be somewhat uncomfortable. Don't worry so much about matching. Walk into any beach home, and often the furniture is a rag-tag collection of mixed and matched (or unmatched) thrift store pick ups, discarded old furniture from the main home, or furniture that has been around for ages.

If entertaining is your thing, plastic tables and chairs are not only the perfect solution, but are almost an expected staple of the beach house.

When guest arrive, they are generally there to enjoy the view, soak up the ocean air, and engage in some casual conversation over a cocktail or a nice cup of coffee. While it should not be completely ignored, don't stress over style and elegance, that's not the idea here. Instead, the idea is to enjoy the company of others. Since mingling is key, make sure you have extra chairs around that can be pulled out and put away when more people come to join.

A buffet table is a great investment, especially folding ones that can be set aside in a closet or attic and brought out and set up inside or out when the need arises.

Make sure the furniture is lightweight as well. One of the reasons plastic sets prove so popular is they can be moved with ease around the house, and can be taken outside. Another practical reason for plastics is its durability and ability to stand up to the elements, beach house decorating should also take into consideration the fact that rain, high winds and humidity are par for the course. Salt air also can have a negative effect on furniture, which makes plastics such an attractive option. Not only can it be moved when the wind and rain arrive, but it can stand up to the salt air and humidity.

In the end, remember that beach house decorating should be done with the ultimate goal of relaxation. Don't worry about the furniture, focus on the view.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Learn The Language

Moving to india must be hard if you cannot speak or understand the language of people there. So get start to learn the languages. However you must know that there are different type of languages even the sound almost the same. Different regions uses different language such as Hindi language and Punjabi language.
So have your self confidence in learning and improving by make Hindi translation as your first step. Try to read more the Hindi newspaper or magazines and get the word which you don’t know the meaning and then translate it.
If you are living around the Punjab region, so you have to learn the Punjabi language. Don’t confuss between the Hindi language and Punjabi language as its look alike. Same as before, try to do the Punjabi translation. Why don’t you use the IT technology to help your India translation, it fast and easy. The most important is how you will you survive there is not only the language but you have to know the culture there to make you one of them.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Western Home Decor


Western home decor has always been a popular style, and recently seems to be growing even more popular! The down home appeal of western decor is attracting more and more people to use this style of furniture and accents. Part of this growth certainly comes from television, decorating books and magazines.

This type of decor is not only popular in the western area of the United States, it has become popular all over the country. The charm and inviting atmosphere of this decor is hard for anyone to resist, and the comfortable, relaxed feeling is very inviting to visitors and guests.

There are several different styles to choose from when using this type of decor. Some people prefer the rough and rugged western look such as a wall adorned with an old wagon wheel, exposed wooden ceiling beams and rough textured walls. Others like just a few more modern accents such as a western style mirror or cowboy figurine. The rustic look can be acquired in different ways, according to your taste.

Western home decor can be found in furnishings, mirrors, candle holders, pictures, rugs, figurines, throw pillows - you get the picture. The colors frequently used for this style come from the colors in nature - reds, golds, browns, anything rustic looking. The colors used are rich, warm and absolutely beautiful.

Southwestern decor is a variation on this theme, using color a bit more boldly and textured patterns. For example, in southwestern decor you will see many striped accents, decor items adorned with leather, native American figurines, feathers, and very bold patterns. This style is extremely popular as well. If you love color, texture and bold patterns this style would suit you very well.

Many people love an old fashioned western look. Horse and cowboy figurines, pictures featuring old time Roy Rogers themes and ponderosa pines are perfect for those who like the look of yesteryear. Rustic wooden framed mirrors, a horse lamp and a couple of old black iron candle holders shaped like horses will complete the look.



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Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Ideas for Decorating A Small Dining Room


Your dining room is a space for family meals therefore you are looking for it to have a great interior design. But how can you make a small dining room look big on style? But if you practice these suggestions, you will realize that there are numerous methods for decorating a small dining room.

One thing you might want to do is be sure to decide on a room design that makes the most out of small spaces. One principle feature to avoid with small dining rooms is clutter due to the fact that it tends to make the room seem a great deal smaller.

By applying a particular decorating style, you can insert furniture and accessories which will make good use of the space in your dining room. Keep in mind design themes which allow for a variety of baskets and shelving since these can be used as extra storage. Deciding on a design you really can live with, however, is imperative as this is where you will be eating lots of meals.

Another core aspect of making your dining room look sizeable is the color palette. If you always believed that you were supposed to keep your spacially challenged rooms white, then here is some wonderful news for you. If you don't want drab paint that is boring, think about having a monochromatic interior design in a muted color, or combine different colors which all produce the same intensity. For a scheme that is more colorful consider blues and greens that all have an equal intensity or if you prefer a soothing ambiance think about a monochromatic color scheme of pale blues. To add drama and depth, work on painting one wall a deep, intense tone - this gives it the impression of being further away along with adding an unusual charm. Pale colors will recede, therefore making the room seem larger and blueish gray is a great decorative paint color for a small room. But then if that sounds too colorless, don't despair cool colors like blues, greens and purples also recede so you can use your beautiful shades without making the room appear small sized.

When it comes to loading the room with furniture, keep to small-to-medium sized fittings. One means to maximize space is to use a table with leaves, in lieu of a huge dining table which will free up some room while allowing additional seating when necessary. You can also fix any monotony in the decorating approach of your dining room by mixing large with small, so though you might decide to try the small table, add into your design a large mirror or server, which not only gives some style, but also gives you the feeling that the room is more spacious than it really is.

Thinking about where you place the furniture in the room is an additional tip for decorating a small dining room. Even your dining room might add to your well being when designed with Feng Shui in mind. Easy access into a room will make it seem more spacious, so place your furniture away from the doors. If you can, steer the eye from the open door to a bigger piece like a server or mirror can help divert the eye and give the illusion of space.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

Friday, May 16, 2008

Interior Decorating Ideas - Kitchen and Bathroom Themes


Often people think of decorating themes as cheesy or dated, but you can really create a themed bathroom or kitchen without going over the top. Here are some great ways to create a themed room. The first thing you will need to do is determine what theme the room will have. It should be something that you are familiar with or are very interested in. Pick a subject matter that you know a lot about. You will be able to come up with more creative ideas and variations when you really know the subject at hand. Make sure that the theme you choose goes with the color scheme you are looking for. This will make for a unified design that works well with all the elements in the room. Also, choose a theme that is readily available in stores, unless you plan on preparing your own artwork and original creations. Here are some great suggestions for themes you can use for your bathroom or kitchen:

1. Food themes are great for kitchens. Some popular kitchen themes include apples, chili peppers, fruit, citrus fruit, Italian food, Spanish food, cafe and coffee drinks, pasta, vegetables (carrots, celery, tomatoes), wine and grapes, tropical fruit like bananas and coconuts, and water themes.

2. Themes relating to a particular era, such as 50's diner, retro 1960's kitchen, and sleek modernist themes.

3. Themes relating to a certain geographical location are great. Some ideas include the Caribbean, Hawaii, Southwestern themes, Italian Provence themes, and Asian Themes.

4. Some great bathroom themes can be inspired by particular objects that remind us of freshness, such as shells, or palm trees. Ocean themes, colorful fish, tropical birds, and sun and moon themes are all great. You can also choose things like flowers (or perhaps a particular type of flower like roses, daisies, hibiscus or even violets). Perhaps a child's bathroom could have a theme relating to something that the child enjoys. Horses, trucks, sports, or even a particular sports team are all great kids bathroom themes.

5. A theme can be based around a particular color palette or feeling that you want to evoke. Perhaps the sunset inspires you, or the colors of the beach. Maybe you enjoy the colors found in the rain forest or in a summer flower garden. Inspiration can even come from a piece of furniture or a particular painting you love.

Finding a great theme for a kitchen or bathroom (or for any room of the home for that matter) can be challenging, but there are many great products on the market as well as themes to choose from. Be sure to have fun creating whatever room you love!

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Khieng_Chho

Saturday, May 3, 2008

5 Kitchen Decorating Style Trends


When looking to redecorate your kitchen you first have to decide want kind of kitchen decorating style you should go for. Certainly the choices that are now available will leave you baffled and bewildered but by remembering a few things about the kitchen the choice you make will be the right one for you. After the bathroom the kitchen is the most important room in any house and it should also be remembered that after the entrance hall to your home the kitchen has the most foot traffic occurring in it.

Below are provided a number of the more popular styles of kitchen that can be considered if you happen to be planning a remodeling or revamping of your current kitchen. It is also an idea to carry out some research as well by looking in house and home magazines, visiting kitchen showrooms, DIY stores, Kitchen Websites or even looking at your family and friends homes to see if they have a style that you like.




1. Country Style - Often called Early American or Colonial as it is designed to create a lovely quaint farm style kitchen. Often such kitchens will feature open shelves, pot racks and have the feeling of it being well lived in. Such kitchens are usually accented by the various colour schemes relating to the actual cabinetry of the units.




2. Contemporary - More and more often this style is being used because of its clean and simple lines. Often the cabinets are quite futuristic looking have no carvings or ornate features on them. With this style of kitchen the emphasis is put more on style and practical sophistication rather than beauty and that warm lived in feel.




3. Shaker - A simple and utilitarian style of kitchen that has flat panel doors, wooden countertops and brass handles (hardware).




4. French Country - Such kitchen designs based on this style are warm and inviting with lots of wood and soft colours being used. Not only do natural materials feature heavily in this style of kitchen, but you will find that the furniture used is large and rather ornate.




5. Arts and Crafts - Yet again another style of kitchen decoration which is becoming more popular because of the use of feature glass doors and natural wood tones which are finished off in a matt sheen effect. Certainly with this style of kitchen decoration there is the chance for you to be a little bit more artistic and creative in the design.


However, it is important when choosing a theme for you kitchen that you look at the designs and styles of the other rooms in your home to ensure that it fits in with the overall scheme of your home.


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Kitchen Decorating Ideas


More and more today, the kitchen is the most popular room in the house. No longer just the place where food is stored and prepared, it has become the focal point of home life. Kitchens used to be closed off from the rest of the house with walls and doors. Today, however, both in new houses and in remodeled older style homes, you can see into the kitchen from the living room, the family room, or both. Since the kitchen is constantly on view, kitchen decorating is an important part of home decor.

Some kitchens are treated as completely separate areas in plain view. Others are carefully decorated to blend in with adjoining spaces. In both cases, kitchen wall treatments are key to decorating this busy room. Paint continues to be a popular choice, but the range of "kitchen" colors has exploded. Cornflower blue, butter yellow, bright reds and lively greens are commonly used as a base for French country or Tuscan kitchen decorating themes. Wallpaper options run the gamut from contemporary designs to Americana. In addition, slate, saltillo and ceramic tiles once used exclusively on floors are being used on walls to add texture and visual interest.

Part of decorating a kitchen is creating an organized space. Whether you have a specific decorating theme or not, you'll want to give some thought to which kitchen accessories stay on the countertop and which are hidden in cupboards and drawers. Many cooks find a tall cylindrical container to hold frequently used cooking utensils keeps them from frantically rummaging through drawers. Appliances that get regular use, such as toasters and electric can openers are a good choice for countertop position, although most can be mounted under high cupboards.

Major appliance manufacturers recognize that their merchandise is a major visual element in any kitchen. Instead of just offering a choice between white, black, harvest gold or green, they produce an amazing range of "looks." From gleaming stainless steel, to retro 1950's look to standard white, you can choose refrigerators and stoves that blend with your kitchen decor. Some manufacturers can even help you match your appliances to your countertops for a seamless look.

As in any room in the house, it's the little touches that pull your kitchen's look together. Choose a "punch" color (usually contrasting to your walls) for window treatments and a throw rug. A tiled sink backsplash in this shade will add an extra bit of pizazz. Don't be afraid to add ornaments to the walls of your kitchen. Framed family photos, or even a collection of cookie cutters will add personality and warmth.

How To Make Your Modern Bedroom Decorating Idea Come To Life

Everyone wants a great up to date look in the bedroom and you might find yourself inspired by a modern bedroom decorating idea that you have seen on TV or in a decorator magazine. If you are planning on duplicating a room plan exactly, have an open mind as the probabilities of an exact replication will not be possible, but you can come close with some innovative ideas. But, if you observe the following basic elements of modern design, you can obtain a nicely designed bedroom.

Color

Unlike popular decorating schemes in the past, our modern era likes to concentrate on one or two colors for a smooth, sophisticated look. Browns and white are typical colors today. Black and white is a great choice for modern decor and it doesn't have to be boring if you spice it up with a bright color like red or yellow. One color that is very popular is chocolate brown and this can be used in varying shades of darkness. I chose these colors for two reasons. First, they go well with most modern furniture pieces, and second, they give the room a nice warm tone.

Pattern

The rugs and fabrics used in modern bedroom decor don't rely on the fancy patterns of the past. Solid colors can be made more interesting by combining them with different textures. Not all patterns can be used when going for a modern design; geometric patterns are your best choice.

Furniture

The Modern style calls for furniture with clean, simple lines. The darker shades of wood are preferred for this decor style. The overall look will be enhanced if you avoid rounded lines. No need to be fancy: stick to straight lines and simple details. Brushed metal is a great, simple hardware look.

Accessories

Less is more with modern design so keep accessories to a minimum. When looking for the perfect finishing touch, experiment with long-lined glass vases and single flowers. Sparingly place a few items around the room rather then filling it with clutter. Steer clear of anything ornate or frilly in your modern bedroom. Try adding a modern work of art to your new room--one that really enhances the colors around it.

With these tips, any modern bedroom decorating idea can come to life. Choose a style you love and recreate it in your own bedroom for a unique look that is all your own.


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Cheap Bedroom Decorating Ideas


Did you ever wake up one morning, look around your bedroom and want to pull the cover back over your head? Join the club. Humans are one of the few creatures that frequently rearrange and re-do their living space. Bedrooms are the most frequent redecorating candidate. Every so often, for reasons unknown to many, we look at that cozy nest we carefully created and think "ugh." It's boring, it's outdated, I'm sick of that color. Grand visions of a totally gutted and remodeled space may fill your mind, until you look at your bank balance. Don't be glum! Redecorating doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg!

The quickest way to a new look is a splash of paint. Even if you use the same color (because you had paint left over), a fresh coat of color reinvigorates the room, makes it look cleaner, newer. If you've grown tired of your wall color, choose a new one, drape protective cloths over the furniture and get rolling. The endorphins pumping through your veins after painting the whole room may just fire up some other decorating ideas for your bedroom.

One reason a fresh coat of paint reinvents a room is that the different color gives the space a whole new identity. The same idea applies to your bedding. If your budget is extremely limited, you might start by adding new pillow shams. Usually sold as a separate piece from comforters, sheets, or pillowcases, a sham is a highly decorative pillow covering. When making the bed in the morning, you slip your covered pillow into the sham-remove the sham at night before you go to sleep. If you find a great deal on pillow shams, buy a bunch-you can fill them with plain foam pillows and give your bed a luxurious look by piling them on.

A new comforter or bedspread is another way to redecorate your bedroom inexpensively. Check local malls for discount linen stores, or browse the Internet for great deals on beautiful, but cheap comforters and bed skirts.

A simple way to create a coordinated look without spending a lot of money is to use bed sheets to make window treatments. Often, comforters are sold in "bed sets," which contain the comforter, as well as a fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases. Since you sheets will usually be covered by the comforter, you can use the fitted and flat sheets as material to frame bedroom windows. If you don't sew, use the special "no-sew" fabric glue sold in craft and fabric stores to hem a nice edge. In a pinch, you can hold a hem using a hot glue gun.

Decorating or redecorating a bedroom is often a matter of changing one or two elements. You can have a new look even if you don't feel up to the task of choosing colors or shopping for the best bedding deal. Sometimes, all that's needed is to re-arrange the furniture. And if that simple change leads to others, good for you!


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Easy Bedroom Decorating Ideas


Decorating your bedroom can be a great way to give your self a tranquil retreat, yet so many people neglect this room. Often times people focus on the public rooms of the home – the kitchen, living room and guest bathroom but the bedroom is your own private sanctuary and you owe yourself to decorate it!

If decorating your bedroom seems like an overwhelming task, you might want to take it easy and make small changes over a period of time instead of one huge change. On way to ease yourself into decorating the bedroom is to start with the walls. Artwork can make a huge difference in the look of your bedroom and is one decorating idea that you can easily reverse if the look doesn't work.

What is the first thing you notice when you walk into someone's home? The walls, right? Walls enclose the home, giving a thematic impression. So, if your walls are empty you've got to get to work to populate them. Wall hangings can be expensive, but that's only if you purchase something by a famous dead artist. You can create your own artwork without any art instruction whatsoever. First, you have to consider your theme. If you have a Victorian, feminine or shabby chic bedroom theme then you will want floral or feminine artwork. A modern bedroom theme will look best with prints in sleek frames. A tropical look? Then get some jungle style prints or prints of exotic animals and birds.

Do you have hundreds of pictures and just don't know what to do with them? If the idea of a personalized bedroom picture wall appeals to you, you could arrange the photos into a huge wall photo collage. Examples include pictures of exotic places, weddings, and children growing up. If there is a teenager in your home, their bedroom is probably home to a huge collection of music CDs. They can create their own wall collage using the cover art from their CDs. Although you will have more fun creating your collage yourself, there are companies that will take care of this for you. The cost ranges from about $50 for an 8x10 to $150 for a 20x24 wall collage.

If your bedroom contains foliage, you might want to consider pressing leaves or flowers and framing your work; the best of these are flat. You basically place the leaves or flowers in a book to allow them to dry flat. They are ready for your wall hanging when they become crisp. This shouldn't take longer than a week or two. After the items are pressed, you will just need to mount the artwork and hang it on your wall.

When you decorate your bedroom with artwork you are only limited by your imagination. Don't be afraid to experiment. As mentioned previously, artwork is easily reversible. So, be imaginative and creative and design your artwork.

Lee Dobbins

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Bedrooms


Master Bedrooms

Master bedrooms are not just spaces where we go to slumber. They are relaxing havens where we can examine the day's events and retreat into a meditative and inquisitive state. Do you want your bedroom to be a Zen-like sanctuary filled with soothing neutral tones or a French provincial bonbon?

Make it the bedroom of your dreams with a sleep-inducing bed, adequate storage, and good lighting. Include family photographs, a TV, a sound system, a desk -- whatever makes you content.


Kids' Rooms

From nursery to preteen, it happens fast! Choose neutral colors and wallpaper that will adapt as the child grows. In lieu of bunnies, use a small-print wallpaper. Rather than buy furnishings that are age-specific, look for pieces that will endure, such as a rocker or armoire. The armoire can hold toys now, electronic gear later.

If you're remodeling, install childproof electrical outlets for future use. Built-in bookcases and dressers provide lasting storage. Shelves, window seats with pullout drawers or lift-up seats, and cubbyholes can serve as storage.

Teens' Rooms

Create a private hangout for your teen using the teen's favorite colors and sensible furnishings. A bed is the center of their universe; it's where they talk on the phone and lounge with friends.

Opt for comfortable simple bedding like a duvet and a minimum number of pillows to encourage bed-making.

Twin beds are practical for sleep-overs and, painted the same color, need not match. Upholster the headboards, or decorate them with stencils.

Mismatched but coordinating linens will keep separate beds looking upbeat. Try yellow-and-white-checked sheets with a red bedskirt on one bed, for example, and red-and-white-checked sheets with a yellow skirt on the other.

Wallcoverings that mimic decorative painting techniques or their favorite fabric, such as denim, are also cool in girls' or boys' rooms.

Call in modular units customized with shelves and drawers, a flea-market desk refurbished with paint, or an antique table as a workstation. Install shelves nearby to hold books and papers. A large bulletin board is a good catchall for photos and sports schedules. And an ergonomically designed office chair is a healthy choice for a young back.

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