Interior Design | Home Decor | Furniture & Furnishings | The Home Look

Postage Stamp Rugs

2012-01-27T17:00:00.007+08:00

What do you think of this rugs?

Article taken off trendir.com

Postage Stamp Rugs

Bring a little royal British charm from across to the pond to your home with these quirky rugs by UK-based company Stamp Rugs. The Postage Stamp Rug collection features Her Majesty’s head embossed in 100-per-cent New Zealand wool, hand-woven in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. Right down to the detail, these rugs boast authentic scalloped borders that echo the perforations you’ll find on the edges of real stamps. Available in a range of colors and sizes from 57-by-47-inch to 118-by-91-inch, and in custom made-to-order proportions as well, these rugs are a unique addition to any sized room. Cozy underfoot or hanging on the wall as a regal art piece, we love this fun must-have for the home. Check out the Postage Stamp Rug collection online at stamprugs.com

73rd Street Penthouse by Turett Collaborative Architects

2012-01-25T13:10:00.027+08:00

View this elegant Penthouse...

Article taken off yossawat.com

73rd Street Penthouse by Turett Collaborative Architects

Turett Collaborative Architects, the architecture firm that designed the penthouse with a steel slide in the East Village, has recently completed another innovative space, this one a triplex penthouse on the Upper East Side. A spokesperson for the firm tells us “the attention to detail on this [project] is unusually high — even by our standards.” This was driven by the client, who was interested in unique solutions rather than compromises.

The 73rd Street Penthouse, It was a nice collaboration between client and architects where homeowner traveled with architect Wayne Turrett to a remote quarry in the Swiss alps to hand pick the stone for the double-height wall around the 15-foot-wide fireplace. This penthouse is breathtaking, really beautiful and elegant. The wide spaces, bright colors, stone and wood combinations are amazing and create a modern and cozy place.

The kitchen counter has an integrated double sink. The appliances are built into the wall.

The second floor, overlooking the living room.

The master bathroom shower and seamless tub is in an all glass room. The glass is clear, but can turn opaque for privacy at the flip of a switch.

Here the opaque shield is “on” for privacy.

The master bedroom.

A trough sink with two faucets. The toilet, which is attached to the wall, seems to float.

Water trickles down from a fixture in the ceiling.

The stairway from the second to third floor.

Stair tread detail. They cast warm, orange-tinted shadows through the halls.

Top floor.

Seasonal white interior design

2012-01-18T17:03:00.017+08:00

Use white the right way in your home...

Article taken off homedit.com

Seasonal white interior design

White interior decors are actually very common. Nevertheless, they tend to seem more striking during this particular time of the year. When everything is white and snowy outside, it’s much easier to notice the resemblance with the interior in cases like this one. This particular interior design is very interesting not only because of the huge amount of white in there but also because of the way everything else seems to complement the house and the way the other colors stand out.

Usually we use white when we either have a small home and we want to make it seem bigger or when we simply want to have an airy and bright interior décor. In this case it’s probably both reasons. Notice how all the rooms have white walls and ceilings. This creates uniformity throughout the house and makes all the room seem so airy and spacious. That’s not only because of the colors but also because the furniture is minimalist and features pale colors such as grey or natural brown.

I love the way the interior of this house reminds me of a black and white movie but with small insertions of color. Also, it’s interesting how the designer incorporated natural elements inside without using clichés. There aren’t any fresh plants in there but only dead trees or leafless plants.{pics from site}

Staying Frugal with Your Apartment Interior Design

2012-01-16T17:52:00.007+08:00

How Frugal Are You?

Article taken off homeinteriorszone.com

Staying Frugal with Your Apartment Interior Design

One of the main goals of almost every apartment interior design is finding ways to save money while still making the apartment a place you will want to come to relax after work. It may seem like an impossible task to handle, but decorations and furniture are really cheap enough these days to make all of your dreams a reality at a low price.

After all, you don’t have a lot of space to cover in an apartment, so you should be able to fill all the gaps while still being able to hold onto the money in your wallet.

Your home is where you can really showcase your personality and create your own personal sanctuary.

No one can tell you what to do in your own apartment, and that’s one of the best things about apartment interior design. The only restriction on what you can do with your apartment will come from your own bank account.

You have to be able to express yourself with the design of your apartment because that is the only way you are going to be able to relax at the end of the day. Everything in the room needs to match your personality, so the colors, decorations and furniture all need to symbolize something meaningful in your heart.

This may seem like something that is impossible to achieve on a tight budget, but the truth of the matter is that anyone can get what they want in their own apartment for a low price.

Taking on the challenge of frugal apartment interior design

The first thing you need to do when you realize that you don’t have a lot of money to spend on your apartment interior design is decide that you are going to take this challenge head on. Don’t think of the negative sides of not having too much money to spend because that will only work to make you more frustrated as time goes on. You need to be happy with what you have if you are going to be able to build a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your apartment.

Anyone who has a roommate should find themselves in great luck because you will be able to split the costs of all the furniture and living room materials right down the middle. Hopefully your roommate is someone who shares the same desire as you when it comes to creating a quality home. You should never decide that you are going to buy all of the furniture and materials for the living room if your roommate has decided that they don’t care about the living room at all and don’t plan on paying for it.

Display objects and items that are important to you

While the majority of your apartment is going to be stuffed with furniture, you should also make sure you have room for the things that are important to you. Any piece of artwork or special family portrait should be displayed somewhere in your apartment to show off your own personality. This is one of the main staples of apartment interior design.

Original Pillows Featuring Vintage Cameras Painted on Canvasses

2012-01-13T17:35:00.009+08:00

Cool pillows for camera fanatics! =)

Article taken off freshome.com

Original Pillows Featuring Vintage Cameras Painted on Canvasses

We featured quite a few interesting camera-inspired home items on Freshome and are happy to see that design ideas are still on a roll when it comes to photography. For today we would like to present this original vintage pillow collection featuring vintage cameras painted on canvasses. I have to say I am not all that impressed with the overall appearance of the pillows, but the concept behind make them fun and appealing. The Vintage Amica Eyelux camera was used as a model for this collection. The items have different shapes and sizes, which may trigger the idea of decorating a themed-style room. The pillows go great in a modern and minimalist interior, adding a contrasting vintage touch. You can purchase them online at etsy.com, for $42. Would you consider having one in your home?

Interior Design Show 2012

2012-01-12T10:52:00.005+08:00

Interior Design Show 2012
26 - 29 January 2012
Venue: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto Canada

It Takes an Industry To Make a Party...
The design party of the year takes place on Thursday January 26, a night of food, libation and live performances– all to the beats of designer DJ Karim Rashid. Hear opening remarks from International Guest of Honour Piero Lissoni, and bid on one or more of the 20 Magis Julian chairs each re-imagined by a different designer including Yabu Pushelburg, Bruce Mau Design, Joe Mimran, Burdi Filek, Alfred Sung and more with auction proceeds benefiting the ONEXONE foundation...all among 300 exhibitors showing thousands of new design products.

Happy House Feng Shui - 6 Good Tips

2012-01-11T17:44:00.005+08:00

Feng Shui tips for your cozy home!

Article taken off kondrat.suite101.com

Happy House Feng Shui - 6 Good Tips

A happy house is not a miracle - it is a result of efforts applied to your home. These 6 simple but good Feng Shui tips will help to make your house happier

Probably among everyone’s wishes is to live happily and healthy in a cozy and comfortable house that is always associated with pleasure and joy. Well, Feng Shui can help in making the wish come true. However, nothing will happen in a minute – making your home a happy place will require some time and effort (both physical and mental). The 6 Feng Shui tips presented below will help you to speed up the process of becoming a happier and healthier person that lives in a good house that is full of love, joy and wellbeing.

1. Clean and Declutter for Good Feng Shui
Though Feng Shui, as most people believe, seems to be about moving furniture around, the reality is somewhat different. Good Feng Shui of any home always starts with cleaning and decluttering. Drawers and wardrobes staffed with hundreds of unused items, barricaded passageways, cluttered tables and shelves – neither of such appearances adds good to your house or life. So, throw away everything unneeded or broken, clean and free the space around you, and your life will gradually become more organized, just like your house. The article Organizing Life via Spring House Cleaning provides more information on this topic.

2. Happy House is Light and Fresh
Fresh air and light are not only good for your health, but are also an irreplaceable cure for the health of your house. These natural Feng Shui cures refresh and energize the energy flows within a house, making the home’s atmosphere more favorable for happy living. Therefore, do not forget to air your home regularly. If there are dark rooms or places in the house, consider illuminating them with additional lamps, chandeliers or frequently lit candles, so the energy in those areas does not become stagnant.

3. Good Feng Shui Smells and Sounds Well
Smells and sounds also have an impact on the quality of energy flows that fill a house. If pleasant, sounds and smells purify and energize Chi of the home so that it effectively works for the good of the dwellers. So, consider burning scented candles, essential oils or incense sticks, as well as playing relaxing calm music from time to time, in order to tune your home’s vibrations up to happiness and health.

4. Add Natural Life Energy
Pure energy of plants and animals greatly enliven the overall atmosphere of a house. So, a pet, or at least an aquarium, may become a great Feng Shui cure for improving you home and life. In addition, whether you choose to have a little friend or not, it is always good to have some potted plants in the house. They not only clean and refresh the air, but also clean and refresh the Chi of your home.

5. Know the Bagua of Your Happy House
While improving the overall atmosphere of the house is always good for all the aspects of your life, it never hurts to improve some specific area. Do you have a wish, a desire or a need to change something in your life? – Then determine where the Bagua area responsible for that life aspect is, and enhance it accordingly.

6. Love Your Home
Love and take care of your house and it will love and take care of you in return. Your house does everything it can in order to satisfy you. However, it cannot do more without your help: it needs your love, your attention, and your gratitude. So, be grateful to your home, take a good care of all its corners, thank your house for being your home and protection, treat it with respect and appreciation, and who knows, maybe with time it will thank you by helping to get a new and better one!

Feng Shui cannot change your life immediately. However, it can help to gradually move into better stages of life, and your home is your greatest assistant in this process. Therefore, take your time to make your house a clean and fresh place, so that it helps you to become a happy and healthy person.

HDFC's India Homes Fair 2012

2012-01-11T12:29:00.006+08:00

HDFC's India Homes Fair 2012
14 - 15 January 2012
Venue: Suntec Singapore
Location: Hall 402 (Level 4)
Address: 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City Singapore 039593
Time: 10.00am to 8.00pm

HDFC brings India Homes Fair back to you. Choose from a wide range of Row Houses, Flats, Apartments, Plots and Villas priced between 20 lakh and 3 crores. With over 50 leading developers from Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, NCR, Pune and many other cities showcasing their properties at the Fair, finding your dream home in India will be easier than ever.

Growing Lucky Bamboo

2012-01-09T16:02:00.015+08:00

Hope this Lucky Bamboo brings you good luck & prosperity!

Article taken off houseplants.about.com

New Year's Craft: Growing Lucky Bamboo

You don't have to look very hard to find lucky bamboo nowadays. These plants pop up in offices, on desks, in businesses, and in homes pretty much everywhere. An important part of feng shui, lucky bamboo plants are said to bring good luck and fortune, especially if the plants were given as gifts. It also helps that they have a well-earned reputation as nearly indestructible. These tough stalks can survive in vases of pure water or in soil, and in a wide variety of light conditions. Even a poorly kept lucky bamboo plant will live for a long time before it finally succumbs.

The vast majority of lucky bamboo plants are shipped in from Taiwan or China, where professional growers braid and twist and curl their stalks into a multitude of shapes. The more intricate lucky bamboo plants can cost hundreds of dollars and feature twenty or more individual stalks. More commonly, though, lucky bamboo plants in simple pots can be had for as little as $10 for a three-stalk bundle.

Technically, lucky bamboo is not bamboo at all, but a species called Dracaena sanderiana. Although most are grown hydroponically (in water), lucky bamboo can be potted up in soil. One final caution: lucky bamboo leaves are mildly toxic, so they should not be kept in a place where pets or children are likely to snack on them.

Caring for Your Lucky Bamboo

Light: Lucky bamboo prefer bright, filtered sunlight, such as found under a rainforest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves. They are more tolerant of too little light than too much. If the plant begins to stretch, however, or the green fades, provide more light.
Watering: Lucky bamboo can grow indefinitely in a simple vase filled with pebbles (for support) and at least an inch of water. However, they are very sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in tap water. Water your lucky bamboo only with bottled or distilled water, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Healthy lucky bamboo roots are red, so don't be alarmed in a glass vase if you can see red roots. Finally, good hygiene recommends that you change the water weekly.
Temperature: Lucky bamboo likes warmer temperatures of between 65ºF and 90ºF. Do not place the plants in front of air conditioning or heating vents.
Potting Media: In addition to water, lucky bamboo can be grown in a well-drained, rich potting soil. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking. Water as you would any Dracaena species.
Fertilizer: Plants grown in water will only need to be fed every other month or so, using a very weak liquid fertilizer. A single drop of liquid fertilizer is plenty for most lucky bamboo arrangements. Alternatively, specialty lucky bamboo fertilizers are available.

Trimming and Shaping Your Lucky Bamboo

Despite its intricate appearance, lucky bamboo is not shaped in the same way as bonsai, with plant wire and judicious trimming. Rather, they are shaped by rotating the plant stalks in front of a light source, thus causing the plant to naturally grow toward the light. In China, the stalks are often grown on their sides to cause the distinctive spiral. At home, this is a laborious process, but it can be accomplished by placing the plants under a three-sided box and paying close attention to its growth rate, rotating the plant slowly and regularly. Be patient, as it can take a while to get it right.

Trimming, however, is an important part of keeping your lucky bamboo healthy. Over time, most plants will become top heavy, or intricate shapes will begin to lose their form. In general, it's not a good idea to cut the main stalk of a lucky bamboo. Instead, cut the offshoots with sterile snippers. You can trim offshoots back to within an inch or two of the main stem. New shoots will soon emerge, and the resulting plant will be bushier. To discourage new growth, dip the cut end in parafin.

If you want to change its shape dramatically, you can cut a whole offshoot flush against the main stalk. A tan scar will result, and new shoots may or may not emerge from the cut. Don't throw the trimmings away, as they can be used to propagate new lucky bamboo plants. If you need to trim a main stalk for some reason, new shoots will emerge from below the cut, and the top portion—assuming it's healthy—can be used to start a new plant.

Common Problems with Lucky Bamboo

The most common mistakes related to lucky bamboo are usually connected to the water. Chlorinated water will kill them over time, and water that is dirty or infected with bacteria can be deadly. If a plant develops black roots, these should be cut away. Similarly, dead leaves should never be allowed to rot in the water as they might introduce bacteria. Practice good water hygiene by changing water every week with distilled or bottled water. If algae is growing in the water, it's usually because the plant is potted in a clear vase, allowing light to penetrate and encouraging algae growth. Just clean it out and start again, switching to an opaque container if algae is a persistent problem.

Leaves that are yellow usually indicate too much sun or too much fertilizer. Cut out the fertilizer and move the plant to a shadier location.

Brown leaves usually indicate dry air or polluted water. Raise the humidity level by spraying the plant regularly and make sure you're using the appropriate water.

If the stalks themselves begin to rot or turn mushy, they are likely beyond saving. Worse yet, decaying stalks threaten any other stalks they are close to. Remove them at once. If you really want to save it, cut away the yellow parts and try to root the trimmed stalk in new water.

Finally, lucky bamboo are susceptible to the same insect problems as other indoor tropical plants. They can be treated manually (picking off bugs) or by the same methods you'd use on any other indoor plant.

The girl with the dragon throw pillow: Chinese New Year decor

2012-01-04T20:54:00.032+08:00

Searching for home decor items for this Chinese New Year? Take a look at this Dragon items...

Article taken off mnn.com

The girl with the dragon throw pillow: Chinese New Year decor

Get into the spirit of 2012, the Year of the Dragon, by outfitting your lair with these handmade, fire-breathing serpent-themed items (and no, they won't make your home look like a dim sum restaurant).

Sure, the Chinese New Year doesn't officially kick in until Jan. 23 but it's never too early to ring in 2012, the Year of the Dragon, by sprucing up your abode with a few mythical fire-breathing lizard-centric decor items. Now I fully, realize that incorporating dragons into your interior decor scheme may be a bit more tricky than, let's say, rabbits. Still, there are some tasteful, handmade/eco-friendly options (most found at Etsy) for Chinese Zodiac-themed decorating out there that won't leave your living space looking like a dim sum palace, head shop, or role-playing teenager's bedroom circa 1985. And we wouldn't want that would we?

Ron the Dragon Bookend by Zuny @ emmohome.com ($56)

Binth Pixel Dragon Print @ fawnandforest.com ($28)

Jonathan Adler Ceramic Dragon Sculpture @ jonathanadler.com ($350)

Oolong Tea Tin Clock @ ReigrucheStudio's Etsy shop ($20)

Vintage Rice Grain Sack with Dragons Pillow @ etsy.com ($43)

2012 Year of the Dragon Calendar @ BaseMint's Etsy shop ($26)

Dragon Salt and Pepper Shakers @ etsy.com ($10)

39 Attic Rooms Cleverly Making Use of All Available Space

2012-01-02T23:12:00.030+08:00

Is your room getting smaller? Need help to make use of all available space? Take this as reference!

The Home Look wishes all a very Happy New Year 2012!

Article taken off freshome.com

39 Attic Rooms Cleverly Making Use of All Available Space

Attic rooms are usually the most appealing interiors in the whole house, even though we can not tell for sure what draws us to them so much. Some people unconsciously correlate them with secret rooms, or even with large playgrounds. Either way, they have a special charm, and a warm feel that seems to follow you around, even after you leave them. Designing such a space comes with its many challenges. That is why today we decided to try and make things easier for you. By putting together a list with the most beautiful attic rooms out there, we figured we would at least give you a starting point in decorating. You could also begin by acknowledging the fact that the space just beneath the ceiling is extremely versatile. There is nothing stopping you for turning it into the room of your dreams, whether we are talking about a crazy living space with a hammock in the middle or an exhibition interior for your miniature train collection. But before you take any decision, we have a few really sweet examples of attic rooms we would like to share. Does any of them come close to your tastes?

Let me entertain you: Coasters

2011-12-23T16:06:00.025+08:00

You must have this when you're having a party at home!

Article taken off mnn.com

Let me entertain you: Coasters

Make your holiday fete feel a bit more special while protecting household surfaces — after a couple of boozy eggnogs, party guests are liable to put their drinks anywhere — with Eco-friendly beverage coasters.

A very happy Monday-after-Thanksgiving and welcome to the third installment of "Let me entertain you," a new series of weekly posts that I’ll be running throughout this epically festive — and epically food-heavy — time of year. The topic? Holiday entertaining and the paraphernalia needed to make your gathering — whether it’s a traditional Turkey Day dinner with the extended family, a booze-heavy winter solstice shindig, or an intimate Christmahanakwanzaka brunch amongst friends — go off without a hitch. Naturally, the emphasis is on products that boast one or all of the following Eco-friendly attributes: a. handmade b. made from sustainable or recycled materials c. domestically manufactured or d. durable/made-to-last so in that they’ll be used not just this holiday season for many more seasons to come.

To complement last week's post on mess-minimizing reusable placemats and napkins, today I've wrangled up a few eye-catching coasters to help make cocktail-heavy holiday soirees a touch more civilized and add a bit of protective texture to household surfaces. Because really, there's nothing more frustrating than cleaning up the morning after to find eggnog rings gracing every single flat surface in your home. And while we're on the topic of libations ('tis the season!), be sure to check in next Monday as I'll be featuring wine and cocktail accoutrement.

Felt Coasters by Josh Jakus @ Branch ($18/string of 6)

Banded Wood Coasters by Pigeon Toe Ceramics @ Supermarket ($96/set of 4)

Toast It Coasters @ Paper Source ($11.95)

Recycled Glass Wine Coaster @ Terrain ($10)

Ferm Living Cork Coaster @ Velocity Art & Design ($21.95)

Bamboo Coasters @ Branch ($16/set of 4)

Newspaper Coasters @ MoMa Store ($10)

Hickory Coaster Set @ Terrain ($22)

Recycled Holiday Record Coasters @ Uncommon Goods ($22/set of 6)

Slate Beverage Coaster @ Brooklyn Slate Co. ($22/set of 4)

Sprig Recycled Leather Coaster by Shara Porter @ Supermarket ($6)

Contemporary Indoor Outdoor Furniture by Vondom - Vertex

2011-12-19T23:55:00.011+08:00

Let's take a look at this cool design!

Article taken off trendir.com

Contemporary Indoor Outdoor Furniture by Vondom - Vertex

Karim Rashid has created this cool contemporary indoor outdoor furniture with amazing sculptural qualities - the Vertex Collection for Vondom. The design of this table set involves the connection of a series of triangular planes so that surfaces and shapes evolve to accommodate seating and gathering, with architectural flair. It’s ultra contemporary, visually striking and 100% recyclable. Plus, the material is perfectly resistant to the elements, so there’s no need to worry about the furniture if you decide to put them outside. See more of this indoor outdoor collection at Vondom.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertops

2011-12-16T23:41:00.007+08:00

How to get your house the right kitchen Countertop? Let's read on...

Article taken off hgtv.com

Choosing the Right Kitchen Countertops

Searching for the perfect surface for doesn't have to be difficult. Here are some pointers about the most popular countertop materials.

Tempting though it is to choose a countertop based on looks alone, a material's durability, maintenance and, of course, cost are also important factors to consider when making a selection for a kitchen remodel.

Find a good fit
Homeowners have to assess the way they live before settling on a countertop surface, says Jeff Cannata, past president of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and president of Designer's Showcase Kitchens & Baths Inc. in Carol Stream, Ill. "If they have three kids and they're making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the countertops every day, they might not want to go with that white granite."

Countertop choices
The good news is if homeowners have their hearts set on a certain look, but the material just doesn't match with their lifestyle, odds are there's another material that does.

Granite, the top choice in countertops, is available in a variety of shades such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beiges, and no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in two finishes. A polished finish results in a shiny look and often darkens the appearance of the stone, while honing is soft and matte. Costs for granite depend on many variables, including color, finish and origin of the stone.

"If you pick a granite that's relatively easy to get, it could be affordable. If you pick a granite that I have imported from Zimbabwe, and [it] only ships once a year, that can be pretty expensive," Jeff says.

Other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone, are softer than granite and require delicate use and greater care. All stone countertops must be sealed periodically.

Engineered stone countertops come in a wider variety of colors than natural stone countertops, are more durable and are a cinch to maintain. They're "just bulletproof," Jeff says. However, engineered stone won't save any money over granite: the two materials cost roughly the same.

Solid surface countertops have a lot of appeal. They come in countless colors, are seamless, resist stains and scratches can be buffed out. One word of caution, though: Hot pans can damage solid-surface countertops.

Concrete countertops, which can be completely customized with pigments, are gaining popularity. Concrete is available in several different finishes: trowel (smooth), ground (sanded to expose the sand aggregate) and pressed (a tool is used to reveal marblelike veining). Extreme or abrupt changes in temperature may cause concrete to warp or curl, damp sponges left on the counter can cause discoloration and acidic spills may etch the surface. To keep a concrete countertop looking its best, it's advisable to seal them it to four times per year and wax with a paste every two to three months.

Wood countertops, like butcher block, instantly warm up a kitchen. They are easy to clean and any scratches can be sanded out. Water damages butcher block quite easily, though, so wood countertops must be oiled frequently to seal the surface.

Laminate is the most affordable countertop material on the market and comes in an array of colors and designs. Laminate can scorch if a hot pan touches the surface and has a reputation for scratching easily. However, the product has made strides in scratch-resistance in recent years, Jeff says.

On the edge
Square edges are standard on most countertops, but decorative edges like radius, bullnose, bevel, egg and ogee — while a bit more expensive — are another way to customize a kitchen. Availability of edges varies based on countertop materials.

Mix and match
Can't decide on just one material? Then mix and match surfaces. In her designs, Sarah Ann Busby, owner of Sarah Busby Designs in Elk Rapids, Mich., often uses a different material on islands than the rest of the countertops to differentiate the space. Another option is to inset another material into a countertop for specific tasks. Butcher block is common for chopping as is marble for baking.

Before making a decision on countertop material, see the surface in person, whether that means visiting a showroom or viewing samples in-home.

20 Cheerful Nurseries To Inspire Your Baby's Room

2011-12-14T17:19:00.018+08:00

Calling all Mums & Dads to be! Here you'll find inspiration for your Baby's room...

Article taken off freshome.com

20 Cheerful Nurseries To Inspire Your Baby's Room

Our list of 20 Cheerful Nurseries To Inspire Your Baby’s Room will help you consider a change in attitude and finally start the makeover you were dreaming about for some time now or will help you guide your searches for the perfect nursery that will comfort the most important person in your life. You need to know what you’re searching for when it comes to a nursery: a perfectly balanced color palette or a joyful mix of materials and textures? Will your crib be placed in the middle of the room or will it rest under a dreamy canopy? From details like the choice of whether buying organic baby bedding to which baby boy or baby girl nursery curtains should you choose, everything can be designed by a talented interior designer to make sure what you want is also what you need.

When the child will grow and learn to appreciate the surroundings, the memory of the first baby room will be responsible for many nice dreams. Some details can help create a stunning modern nursery where colors, patterns, textures and lines intertwine to shape the baby’s first memories about the first space he or she belonged to. Modern baby nurseries are not only fun to look at and spend time in, but they teach the child from early ages about the value of carefully planned, good designed spaces. Experiencing life in a carefully designed nursery could be the start of a beautiful friendship between your child and great interior design.

Ultimate Relaxation: Beautiful Corner Whirlpools by Teuco

2011-12-12T17:26:00.016+08:00

I believe this is what most of us would like to have in our bathroom!

Article taken off freshome.com

Ultimate Relaxation: Beautiful Corner Whirlpools by Teuco

We ran across these mesmerizing corner bathtubs designed by Teuco, which inspire ultimate comfort. Found in Trendir, the first two models we would like to present are particularly interesting, as they feature an interesting tub-shower combination. According to the designers, “one of the major advantages is the possibility of having the convenience of a shower function every day together with the comfort of a bathtub, without having to choose between the two since both functions are perfectly integrated. In addition, the design of the two new models is based on the compact size and offers more versatility, fitting in more easily in smaller bathrooms“. The ergonomic design of the models make them suited for various users, from children to the elderly. Because these models are all meant to adorn the corners of contemporary bathrooms, they take up less space than regular bathtubs or showers, meaning that they are suited for small homes as well. Find them appealing?

Tub-shower Combination, designed by Fabio Lenci

Tips for thoughtful holiday entertaining

2011-12-09T14:23:00.015+08:00

Are you hosting a party or gathering this coming holiday? Read on to get some useful tips!

Article taken off mnn.com

Tips for thoughtful holiday entertaining

Toast the holidays with a festive and organic wintertime libation, and for the food devotees on your gift list, give and give again.

Though it may seem obvious, staying mindful of the small stuff during holiday meals and parties can make a huge difference in offsetting your environmental impact. Here are a few tips for entertaining without sacrificing your eco intentions or your friends' and family's expectations.

Don't overbuy
Studies show that Americans throw away about 1.3 pounds of food on average every day, so you can imagine how easily that could skyrocket this time of year. The solution is basic math. "If you're having a cocktail party, plan on six to eight hors d'oeuvres per guest; for a small dinner, you'll need six to eight ounces of protein per person; and for more than eight people, do a buffet," says Nicole Aloni, whose book, Secrets from a Caterer's Kitchen, has a handy food-quantity chart.

Trick your party-goers' eyes
"People want to see a lot of food even if they don't want to eat a lot of food," says Akasha Richmond, owner of Akasha restaurant in Culver City, Calif. Instead of making pies, for instance, whip up six- or eight-inch tarts. "That way," says Richmond, "people get to sample everything, and there's not as much waste."

Shop local, sustainable and organic
It's worth repeating: Buy sustainable seafood or humanely raised meat, or serve a great vegetarian recipe, and plan your holiday menu around that. Visit your local farmers market, or, if options are limited, check out heritagefoodsusa.com to order once-endangered varieties of poultry and unique seasonal ingredients like Guajillo honey.

Use real silverware and cloth napkins
Not only is real cutlery more sustainable, it confers special-occasion status on your event. If you must use disposable, opt for good quality plastic ones you can use repeatedly, or choose biodegradable plates and cutlery made from bamboo or corn to reuse or recycle later.

Compost your leftovers
If despite your best efforts, you still have extra food scraps, start or add to your compost heap or indoor worm farm. Just be sure to avoid putting meat, bones or oily fats into the worm box, as they may emit odors and attract mice.

Give to food banks
Food is great, but donating cash can go even further toward helping your local hunger-relief organization. "Because we work directly with most of the major manufacturers, we're able to purchase food at drastically reduced prices," says Ross Fraser of America's Second Harvest, a nationwide network of more than 250 food banks.

Bag it
These days, there's a slew of reusable bags to take with you on grocery-shopping trips. Envirosax offers a bevy of colors and styles, and ChicoBag's carabiner-equipped totes clip easily to purses, backpacks and belt loops. And, if guests want to take home the extra desserts and goodies, opt for biodegradable doggie bags, like TreeCycle's recycled boxes or the Biodegradable Store's corn containers.

Dine by candlelight
Soy, vegetable-oil and pure beeswax candles are your best bets since they burn cooler — and thus longer — and don't contain paraffin, a petroleum product found in most conventional candles. Even if the energy you save can't be measured, hey, everyone looks better by candlelight.

5 Tips for Childproofing Your Home

2011-12-07T17:38:00.005+08:00

Take measures to protect your child from common dangers around the home. Here's some tips to childproof your home!

Article taken off hgtv.com

5 Tips for Childproofing Your Home

When childproofing a home, areas of particular concern should be cabinets, appliances, electrical outlets and bookshelves. Here's what to do about those potential trouble spots:

1. Cabinets are the most important areas to secure, as they are often used to store cleaning products and other hazardous materials. Secure these by attaching latches to the doors and frames.

2. A bookcase can tip over, so use an anchor harness to secure it to the wall. Attach one end of the harness to a wall stud with a screw, and then cinch up the adjustable strap to snug the bookcase to the wall.

3. Secure refrigerator doors shut with an appliance latch. The latch mounts to the fridge with adhesive tabs. Clean the area where it will attach before sticking it in place.

4. Insert plastic protectors into all sockets that are within reach of young ones.

5. For keeping toddlers away from anything they shouldn't be exposed to, a baby gate is a must. To install, hold the gate in place where you want it and mark points on wall for mounting. The gate should be mounted to studs. If you can't find studs, use plastic anchors.

Decorating a Boy's Room With Multiple Colors

2011-12-02T10:52:00.010+08:00

Do you want to know how to decorate your boy's bedroom or just give it a better look? Read on to get great ideas! =)

Article taken off robin-gonyo.suite101.com

Decorating a Boy's Room With Multiple Colors

Need ideas on how to decorate your boy's room? This article will give some tips and suggestions on how to decorate your little boy's room with many colors.
Things You'll Need

Bedspread
Sheets
Prints
Picture frames
Spray paint
Throw rug
Window treatments
Camera

Introduction
If your little boy is entering kindergarten and making statements about what he wishes to wear and eat, it's likely that he has outgrown his nursery's original Noah's Ark theme. Chances are, he has some ideas of his own about how he wants to decorate his room, but, unless you do not mind a SpongeBob SquarePants theme, a compromise needs to be made. While a themed room may seem charming, many times it can be very difficult to find pieces that fit a theme exactly. Instead, consider selecting two to three of your son's favorite colors and decorating around them.

Step 1
Determine which colors will be reflected in your son's room. Consider the effects of different colors when making your decision; for example, while a navy blue room may sound cool in theory, the dark color can make the room seem smaller than it already is. Additionally, consider the color's tone. Using the pure form of the color creates a bright appearance while combining the color with a complementary color will tone down the shade.

Step 2
Paint the room's walls in the primary color of your color scheme.

Step 3
Purchase a bedspread that contains the complimentary color(s) of the wall's color. Since the bed is the main furniture of the room, the bedspread will serve as a focal point and should be reflective of the theme. The bedspread does not need to be a solid color. Patterns bring in more coloring you can branch off with. Purchase sheets and pillowcases in tones that complement the bedspread's main color.

Step 4
Paint the dresser, desk or any chairs in the room. Use the wall color's complimentary color to create a bold effect. Use this color to paint a border around the room as well.

Step 5
Hang colorful art reflective of the boy's personality on the room's walls. If possible, bring him along when you make your selections. Look for prints that bring out the wall's color with a few brighter colors to highlight the print. Choose one or two larger prints and a few smaller prints.

Step 6
Purchase decorative picture frames and spray paint them to match the room's color theme.

Step 7
Position a colorful throw rug on the floor.

Step 8
Hang window treatments at the windows that match either the bedspread, the prints or bring in a third color found in the rug.

Tips
If the child does not find art he likes, give him a camera and have him takes pictures of things he loves. Blow these pictures up and hang them as prints.

Colors located across from one other on the color wheel are complementary colors; pair them together to create bold and interesting color combinations.

Christmas Color Trends: 2011

2011-11-28T17:38:00.007+08:00

Ho ho ho... It's time to prepare for Christmas!

Article taken off homeinteriorszone.com

Christmas Color Trends: 2011

There are some colors that are considered to be linked with Christmas, but the truth is that each season comes with a new color palette, and maybe this is something you would like to keep in mind when preparing the decorations for the holidays.

Silver and green
According to the specialists regarding trend, this year people should be thinking about having silver and a bright green mixture. The end result that you will have is a kind of frosted greenery that reflects the spirit of the season. You might be amazed how well the two colors work together.

Crimson and cream
Let’s face it: red and white have always been the colors of Christmas, but in this case it does matter what kind of hue we are referring to. The good thing about this color scheme is that you can keep the decorations simple with their help, but still have that warm and holiday-ish feeling.

Gold
It is just normal to be looking for items that sparkle and that are glittery, and this is why there is nothing better than to opt for golden decorations. Naturally you have to make sure that you won’t overdo, because the gold color has a huge impact, and at a moment it might be just too much.

Turquoise
This color is the most suitable for those people who have gotten bored with the classic colors, or simply they don’t like them. The good thing about turquoise is that it is a ‘happy’ color, so that it could make a room look brighter, and it also has an elegant touch to it.

Pink and metallic
The truth is that pink isn’t one of the traditional colors, but still it managed to make it to the list of the trendiest colors of the season. The color is the most suitable for the women who don’t mind showing their girlish and romantic side, or for the families who have a little girl among them.

Blue
One of the most elegant colors of the Christmas time is the blue. At this moment we are referring to the darker hue that works out with many other colors as well. You could match it with white, silver or gold, and for sure you will be happy with the end result. As you can see there are numerous color schemes to be looking for, so all you have to do is choose.

Why Hiring an Interior Designer is Not a Luxury

2011-11-23T11:04:00.004+08:00

Hand your house over to Interior Designer if you're not confident you can do it... I believe they will create an one and only dream house for you!

Article taken off networx.com

Why Hiring an Interior Designer is Not a Luxury

If you jump into things like I did, due to impatience or penny-pinching, you're almost guaranteed to waste money and time or end up with things you don't really love but can't afford to replace.

My wife and I bought our first and current house about four years ago. Not exactly a fixer-upper, the 1951 Ranch needed a cosmetic makeover — paint, new carpet, reclaiming hardwood floors, etc. We also wanted to strip away some of the trim and other trappings of bygone fashions that didn’t fit the spare midcentury aesthetic of the original house. And as with most first-time homeowners, money was not just an object; it was the object. Does any of this sound familiar?

The carpentry and other fix-up jobs were no problem for my construction experience, but decorating the empty house (not to mention the landscape) was another matter. Unlike the logical, start-to-finish nature of repair work, decorating is emotional and forever ongoing, and each decision supports, or detracts from, the next. My wife and I fortunately agree on most matters of taste, and if we had loads of cash we would have a field day decorating the house. But decorating on a tight budget is completely different. It’s painfully slow, and it’s fraught with missteps and cheap, “temporary” solutions. Four years into this project we’re far from having a well appointed house, but we’ve learned one invaluable lesson along the way: Design first, then decorate.

Finding Your Design
When I say “design” I’m not talking about generic ideas from a chirpy TV host in a toddler-size T-shirt. Creating your own design plan is all about taking a hard look at your house, thinking carefully about your style preferences, and deciding where you want to go with your home. Don't worry about how much it might cost in the end. The goal at the beginning is to establish your personal vision. What should your main rooms look like when you're done? From there, you can step back and decide how to get there from here.

More than anything, a design vision prevents you from common pitfalls, like buying furniture that doesn't really fit your scheme or lifestyle or painting rooms over and over again. When we were preparing our house for moving in, I made a snap decision to buy to coffee table from a friend's parents. We did need a coffee table; we just didn't need that coffee table. It was too big, it wasn't our style at all, and it was glass-topped and we had a three-year-old at the time. It also cost $150. Now it's gathering dust in our storage shed. Mistake #2 was accepting, storing and moving a free 800-pound piano without considering where it would go or whether it could be tuned (it's very old and well-worn). That too is in storage — on our back patio. It costs $200 to get rid of a piano.

Hiring a Pro
I'm a consummate do-it-yourselfer. I change the oil in our cars, I rent an auger to clear our sewer drain every spring, and I cut my own hair (but not always in that order). In the beginning, there was no way I was going to hire a professional designer to help us with something I could do myself. Then my wife bid on the services of a landscape designer at a fundraiser. This turned out to be the best money we've spent on the house so far.

It took the designer 1.5 hours (at $75/hr.) to turn our large and woefully neglected front and back yards into a manageable, affordable, do-it-yourself landscape that we could develop at any pace. This is all on paper, of course, but the plan is done. We buy a few nice plantings each year, filling in the pieces of the puzzle a bit at a time. Most importantly, the plan was created by someone who can visualize the finished product, which is very hard for most people to do, both indoors and, especially, outdoors. (I'm still paying in sweat for some of the mistakes I made with our landscape a few years ago…before we got the designer.)

Other Design Pros
Given the expense, hard work and slow progress of landscaping, I highly recommend working with a local landscape designer to help you devise a comprehensive plan for the outdoors. Another design pro I would likely use is a color consultant (like Kass Wilson of Wallstreat Studios, whose work you can see on Hometalk). For about $100-$150, a color expert will help you choose a paint color scheme for your entire house in one hour. That's less time and money than it takes to buy three cans of good paint.

If we ever get around to remodeling our kitchen, I will probably hire a kitchen designer at least for a brainstorming session. The fee for a consultation might be a few hundred bucks, about the cost of one cabinet — a negligible price to pay for knowing you have a good plan on a $5,000+ project.

I Repeat…
Whether you hire a designer or not, my advice to all new homeowners is to spend the time up front to map out your decorating goals, indoors and out. Of course, there will be some experimentation along the way, and you can always change your mind about specific style choices. But the important thing is to always have a good idea of where you're going with your decorating and other improvements. If you jump into things like I did, due to impatience or penny-pinching, you’re almost guaranteed to waste money and time or end up with things you don't really love but can't afford to replace.

Philip Schmidt

9 green Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas

2011-11-16T15:59:00.009+08:00

Thanksgiving Day is around the corner! Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving is celebrated each year on the second Monday of October in Canada and on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.

Article taken off mnn.com

9 green Thanksgiving centerpiece ideas

Dressing the table is as important as dressing the turkey on Thanksgiving day. Try one of these easy, eco-friendly ideas for your holiday feast.

You can’t enter a store this time of year without being bombarded with holiday music and tacky decorations. As an interior designer, those tacky decorations really get my goat because I know that simple decorations look so much nicer. Contrary to what’s sold in the stores, there are many easy and elegant holiday decorations that can be made from things we already own, or can be easily purchased and reused. Here is a group of natural Thanksgiving centerpieces that look elegant and don't cost much.

1. Put leftover clear glass florist vases to good use by filling them with mini-pumpkins, pinecones or berries. Often, these inexpensive vases get tossed out or pushed to the backs of closets, but they can definitely be put to great use. Small vases can be clustered together or use a large vase for a singular statement. If you’re looking for a crafts project, you can wrap the vases with raffia or cornhusks and glue into place for a customized look.

2. Hollow out a smallish pumpkin to create a beautiful, seasonal vase. Fill with seasonal flowers such as mums or red and orange gerbera daisies.

3. From the pages of Better Homes & Gardens: Hot glue the heads of mums directly onto small pumpkins for a unique look. Place a few down the center of the table in different color combinations. These will make easy-to-see-over centerpieces and you can use less -than-perfect pumpkins to boot!

4. Also from Better Homes & Gardens: If you have an acorn tree in your yard, start collecting the fallen acorns early in the season. These can be hot glued onto an old basket or dish and used as a natural-looking container for a centerpiece. If you wish, you can also gild the lily by spray painting the acorns with a metallic paint and filling a clear glass bowl with the tiny golden nuggets.

5. From Fresh Home: Scoop out a round shallow hole in apples or pears and place a tea light candle inside for some festive lighting around the table. These are so tiny that each guest can have their own.

6. Fill a vintage metal pie plate or baking pan with apples and cinnamon sticks and a few flowers. It's an easy and quick centerpiece that can eventually turn into a real pie!

7. An idea from Southern Living: If you’ve had a relatively small tree come down in your yard, don’t just send the logs through the chipper. Cut 4-6” rounds for natural looking bases of varying heights to prop up centerpieces. Just make sure the wood is free of insects and is relatively clean.

8. From Good Housekeeping: Create a citrus-scented centerpiece by thinly slicing lemons and oranges, drying them in a 250 degree oven and then apply to thick pillar candles with hot glue. The warmth of the candles will release a gentle scent throughout the evening.

9. Also from Good Housekeeping: For a down-home, rustic-looking centerpiece, empty out a box of Clementines and loosely wrap the box with natural burlap, stapling in the inside base to secure. Spike the fruit with whole cloves in the manner of an old-fashioned pomander and refill the box. A spicy orange scent will fill the air nicely.

Tips for Using a Brown Leather Sofa to Inspire Home Decor

2011-11-11T08:00:00.001+08:00

Earthy Decor... Elegant Decor... Modern Decor with brown leather sofa!

Article taken off suite101.com

Tips for Using a Brown Leather Sofa to Inspire Home Decor

Decorating with a Brown Leather Sofa
Decorating around a brown leather sofa makes choosing the decor for almost any living room extremely easy. Brown is a versatile color that fits in well with most decorating schemes. A brown leather couch can meld with an earth toned theme, feel elegant against browns and maroons, or add a touch of modernity to your home. Learn about decorating around a brown leather sofa with these exciting home decorating tips.

Earthy Decor
Warm decor in earthy colors make for a relaxing and comfortable color scheme in any living room. Earth tones also make decorating around a brown leather sofa easy. Choose colors in earthy browns, dark reds, warm oranges, muted golds, and even dark greens. Paint the walls of your living room a medium dark brown or install wood paneling for an even earthier feel. Stain or paint floor, ceiling, window, and door wood trim in a lighter brown to natural wood color. For painted walls, add an earthy feel to the room with hardwood flooring. For walls with wood paneling, select an area rug or carpet in red, beige, or green. Add other earth tones to the room with curtains, blankets, pillows, and other accessories. Your brown leather sofa will meld beautiful with the earthy theme throughout the rest of the room.

Elegant Decor
Decorating around a brown leather sofa is a perfect excuse for more elegant decor. Choose colors in dark browns, maroons, and golds for a classic but elegant feel. Paint the walls of your living room dark maroon with dark brown trim, or paint both the walls and the trim dark brown. Hardwood floors look especially elegant against a brown leather sofa. If possible, remove any existing carpeting and install hardwood flooring stained in a golden brown color. Choose a patterned area rug with brown, maroon, and gold colors in the design. Use dark red or maroon for window curtains and valances. Select additional upholstered furniture like chairs in maroons and golds. Your brown leather couch will feel elegant against the new decor of your living room.

Modern Decor
For a more modern look, decorating around a brown leather sofa is as easy as incorporating light, neutral colors throughout the rest of your living room. Paint the walls of your living room a grayish olive green. Use white or off-white for the trim and ceiling. Install a medium dark hardwood or carpet on the floor. Select fabric in a solid or minimally patterned chestnut brown for the window curtains. For other furniture in the room like side tables, coffee tables, and entertainment centers, go with natural wood furniture in medium to dark browns. Add splashes of other neutral shades of whites, grays, and browns with pillows, blankets, vases, lighting, and other accessories. Your brown leather couch will feel very modern in a room with light, neutral colors. Finding color schemes for a living room for decorating a brown leather sofa is easy for almost any home. Being inspired by a brown leather sofa can be earthy, elegant, or modern with these simple but fun decorating ideas.

Integrating High Tech TVs in Home Design

2011-11-09T10:48:00.009+08:00

Can you visualize of having this high tech systems in your living room... Isn't this awesome?

Article taken off homeinteriorszone.com

Integrating High Tech TVs in Home Design

You might have never made the connection between home entertainment and gas prices. Consider this: the gas prices are constantly rising, and so the staycations are gaining more and more popularity. In case you spend your vacation at home you won’t have to worry about the prices of gas, lodging, and food.

You could get high quality entertainment all year round, so why to go on vacation to see one place if you can see the entire world right from your living room?

One of the most important things that people take into consideration when choosing their home theatre system is the price. If you go the right way, you can find some amazing systems without burning a hole in your pocket. The basic home theatre system comprises a DVD player, a video display device and digital surround sound.

Try to go for such theatre systems that can fit into your living room environment without being noticed until it is time to switch on and enjoy.

In case you have the money and also the place for it, you could have a room that is dedicated to the home cinema experience. The place of the room may vary between a basement that hasn’t been used before, and a new addition to your home.

There are some more fortunate people who can afford to have a dedicated room to use as their personal cinema, but since not everybody can do this, you should be thinking about how to incorporate all the hi-tech equipment in your living room.

The best solution is to keep everything casual. You don’t have to show off all the things that you have, because chances are that you are going to ruin the harmony of the living room.

The size of the room that you are using as home cinema doesn’t really matter, but it should have a rectangular shape to be able to place the best theatre seating and to create the best digital surround sound field. To have good viewing angle for all the viewers, the video display should be placed in the center of the short wall. In case the room is small and square, you should place the projector diagonally in a corner. This way the viewers could be more comfortably seated.

In case you would like to get more advice on how to create your own personal cinema, look up iLife Home Automation. You can be sure that you will get numerous useful tips on how to do things, and you will have the possibility to learn a lot about this exiting matter.

Is Your House Ready for Guests?

2011-11-04T11:44:00.007+08:00

Whoo Hoo... Holidays is around the corner! Are you heading to any places for holiday?
If you're not traveling, perhaps you can gather your friends or relatives to your house for a good gathering...

Article taken off goodhousekeeping.com

Is Your House Ready for Guests?

Does the sound of the doorbell fill you with dread? Holidays are coming up! You may be hosting family holiday meals, dinner parties, gift openings, or even (gasp)... overnight guests! Here's your checklist for making sure you're ready.

Front door:

Is your jack-o-lantern still rotting on the porch? Make sure your decorations are up-to-date with the season.
Does your doorbell work well?
Check your doormat and replace if tattered and worn.
Clean your front door and apply wood polish if applicable.
Is your sidewalk safe and clear? Does the yard look decent?
A brass kickplate on your door can be a beautiful crowning touch or an eyesore, if it's scuffed and worn. These are relatively easy to replace.
Sweep your porch and check for cobwebs and wasp nests on the walls.
Replace your porch light bulbs if needed.

Entryway:

Do you have a place for guests' coats?
How are your coat hangers? Move some nice, sturdy, wooden hangers into your coat closet to handle heavy coats with style.
Check first impressions-- anything need to be improved? Have you dusted everything, and changed light bulbs in the chandelier?

Pantry and Refrigerator:

November is National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Month. Really! It's a good idea, because Thanksgiving creates a lot of need for extra space for large amounts of leftovers and thawing turkeys.
Does your pantry still contain crackers and dried fruit from last year's holiday gift baskets? Clean out the deadwood and make room for the new. See my pantry organizing tips in this video on YouTube.
Do you need to stock up on sodas, wine, beer, or other items that your group needs for gatherings? Get ahead before you hit big crowds at holiday time.
Plan menus in advance of their visit and buy all of the groceries. Even prepare what you can in advance, so you can better enjoy your friends with less fuss and mess.

Guest Room:

If you don't have a dedicated guest room, where will they sleep? Think through sleeping arrangements for everyone involved, and borrow an inflatable mattress or cot if needed. (Here's an always appropriate article from Peggy Post about handling unmarried guests.) Make sure there are enough bed linens, towels, and blankets for everyone.

Make your guests feel special by having some of these items available for them:

Clock with easy-to-use alarm
Empty hangers in the closet
Hair dryer
Night-lights for the restroom
Internet access, with instructions
Books, magazines, and other reading material
A "tourist binder" with brochures about attractions in your city (See my video about creating a tourist binder here)
Key to your house with important phone numbers
Guest Book (like a special blank journal) for signing remembrances of the visit
Carafe of drinking water, or bottled water
Special treats like fruit, chocolate, or cookies
Fresh flowers
Extra toiletries "just in case," like shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, razors, cotton balls and swabs, hand cream

How to Clean Hardwood Floors 101

2011-10-21T10:04:00.007+08:00

Article taken off ivillage.com

Soap and water, polish, wax or what? Take the guesswork out of cleaning wood floors and go from dull and grimy to gleaming and gorgeous in a few easy steps.

First Things First—Determine the Finish
Before you grab a bucket of water and a mop, it's best to find out how your wood floor is sealed—if at all. Why? The finish, not the wood type, determines how you clean and care for the floor.

Surface-sealed floors: Most new wood floors are sealed with urethane, polyurethane or polyacrylic. Surface-sealed floors are stain and water-damage resistant and easiest to care for and clean: Sweep, mop and you're done!

Penetrating-seal-treated and oil-treated floors: Also common, a penetrating seal or oil finish soaks into the wood grain and hardens. This type of floor must be pampered and protected with liquid or paste wax.

Lacquered, varnished, shellacked and untreated floors: Although technically surface finishes, lacquers, varnishes and shellacs are not as resistant to moisture, spills and wear as the other sealants mentioned. Treat floors with these finishes and floors with no finish as you would penetrating-seal-treated and oil-treated floors.

Not sure what kind of finish you have? To tell the difference in a pinch, just rub your finger across the floor. If no smudge appears, the floor is surface sealed. If you do create a smudge, the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal, oil finish, shellac, varnish or lacquer, and then waxed.

Cleaning Surface-Sealed Floors

Product Do's and Don'ts

Don't use oils, waxes or furniture sprays. Oil leaves a residue, furniture spray creates a slippery surface (think ice-skating rink!) and wax takes time to apply and makes recoating (see Tackling Simple Wood Floor Problems) difficult.

Don't use straight ammonia, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners. They'll dull or scratch the finish.

Do use a floor-cleaning product recommended by the floor finisher or opt for plain soap and water. If the recommended product is hard to find or costly, and other floor cleaners contain ingredients that violate your floor's warranty, try soap and water. I add a quarter cup of mild or pH-neutral soap (like liquid dishwashing soap) or Murphy Oil Soap (despite the name, it doesn't contain oil) to a bucket of water.

Don't rely on water alone or a vinegar and water solution to clean hardwood floors. Mopping with water will result in dingy-looking floors and won't-budge dirt buildup. Vinegar and water is not as effective as soapy water and—some suggest—may dull floors sooner. (Eventual dullness and the need to recoat are inevitable no matter what you use. See Tackling Simple Wood Floor Problems.)

Routine Cleaning

In high-traffic areas, like the dining room and kitchen, you should sweep daily, if possible, and mop once or twice a week.

Mop less-trafficked areas once a month or once a season.

Mopping Technique

Remember: Water is wood's worst enemy (even on sealed floors!), so use a damp mop rather than a soaking wet one.

Dip the mop into the bucket of prepared cleaning solution, wring it out completely, mop in the direction of the wood grain and repeat. When the water gets dirty, empty the bucket, mix a new batch of cleaning solution and continue mopping.

When finished, go back over the entire surface with clean water to rinse.

Don't be afraid to get on your hands and knees if necessary. When a floor needs serious attention, I clean it with a cloth. (It's better than a sponge because you can "feel" the dirt as you wipe!)

Tackling Simple Wood Floor Problems

Scuff marks getting you down? A bit of baking soda on a damp sponge will erase them.

Noticed a stubborn food, water or grease stain on your surface-sealed floor? Always use a commercial cleaner to treat this problem.

Hairline cracks in the floor? Don't panic and attempt to fill them. Dry heat during the winter months causes wood floors to shrink and crack. Cracks should close up during the summer (though using a humidifier can also help).

Finish looking dull? Sand the floor lightly and recoat with an additional layer or two. Recoating is necessary about every five to seven years.

Gordon Ramsay's guide to cookware

2011-10-19T13:57:00.010+08:00

Do you cook frequently? If yes, do you want your cookware to have a longer life span? Let's read on! :)

Article taken off housetohome.co.uk

Gordon Ramsay's guide to cookware

Take your cookware cue from the professionals. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay gives housetohome his top tips on caring for cookware and keeping it looking as good as new.

Read on for Gordon's short, sweet and straight-to-the-point tips on keeping your cookware in top condition.

Match pots and pans to the hob
Stop pans overheating and becoming damaged by avoiding gas flames coming up the side of the pan. You can help prevent this by matching the size of the pan to the heating area of your hob.

Keep stirring when cooking
When adding salt to liquids in a stainless steel pan, stirring will prevent the stainless steel from pitting.

Choose the right kitchen utensils
Avoid chlorine cleansers, steel wool or sharp objects that may mark your pans - plastic, coated or wooden kitchen utensils are safest.

Allow cookware to cool after cleaning
Allow cookware to cool before placing it in cold water as this can cause it to warp.

Gordon's top cookware care tip...
Never allow cookware to boil dry.

Fun (and Functional!) Ideas for a Backsplash

2011-10-17T11:26:00.027+08:00

Here are some recommendations to improve a basic kitchen...

Article taken off ivillage.com

Fun (and Functional!) Ideas for a Backsplash

A bright turquoise backsplash enlivens an otherwise neutral-hued kitchen.

A shiny orange backsplash pops against a sleek mix of stainless steel and white lacquer.

Mounted glass is all it takes to make a lovely, sleek backsplash.

This tiled backsplash adds character to an otherwise simple kitchen design.

A mixture of colors and materials found in the vibrant red cabinets, patterned tile backsplash and stainless-steel oven create a polished, energized kitchen.

Natural wood surfaces complement soothing pastels. The colorful backsplash combines both accent colors and gives the space a lively feel.

Translucent glass tiles create a modern and easy-to-clean backsplash.

Tall, gothic-style windows shine plenty of natural light on a cheerful checkered backsplash.

A graphic black-and-white backsplash provides pleasant contrast to cool hues.

Subway tiles are an attractive and affordable alternative to a traditional backsplash.

15 beautiful canopy beds

2011-10-13T17:09:00.017+08:00

What's so special about canopy beds? The four corners! =)

Article taken off ideasforhouses.com

15 beautiful canopy beds

I’ve always been attracted by canopy beds. I’ve always been attracted by the idea of having one.
What do you think? What is the profile of a person who has a canopy in his bedroom?

I think a person who has something like this must be at least romantic. Since the bed is the main furniture piece in a bedroom, i think it should reflect that person’s personality. Canopy is a decorative accessory for the bedroom that evoke romance, intense love stories and…a lot of champagne.

Canopy beds represent the gateway to a whole new world. A fantasy with eyes wide open.

Technically speaking, a canopy leads to a private space. It creates the intimacy, the feeling of being protected by everything. And indeed, the main purpose of a canopy is protection. At it’s origins, the canopy was used for protecting the bed against bugs during sleep.

With time, it came out to be one of the most romantic ideas to create a romantic atmosphere. Choosing the right material, and the right bed, you can push your bedroom to be a romantic place where the magic actually happens.

If you find yourself being a person that i have described, i got for you 15 beautiful canopy beds as inspiration.

How to Reupholster a Chair

2011-10-07T10:31:00.009+08:00

Furnish your chair with a new look!

Article taken off suite101.com

How to Reupholster a Chair

Reupholstering a dining room chair
Replacing dining room chairs can be costly and time consuming. You might not be able to find a chair in the style you like or it just might be beyond your budget to buy new ones. You can update the look of your dining room, however, simply by reupholstering the chair seats.

Find a Fabric
The first step in replacing the old upholstery is to find a new fabric. It should be an upholstery grade fabric. These are thicker than others and hold up better to long-term use. Visit local fabric shops as well as larger craft stores to see a variety of options. The associates there will be able to help you determine how much fabric you will need.
When choosing the fabric, select a color or design that will fit in with the rest of the dining room's decor. Do not choose a bright orange, for instance, if the other dining room elements are pale shabby chic colors. Spend time comparing different fabric choices before making a decision.

Gather Supplies
You'll need only a few simple supplies to reupholster dining room chairs. Gather together a screwdriver, a pencil, a heavy-duty staple gun, staples, scissors, and fabric measuring tape.

Cut the Fabric
The first step is to remove the seat from the chair. Use a screwdriver to loosen and then remove the screws that attach the seat and the chair.

Lay the fabric on the floor, with the design facing down. The back or "wrong side" of the fabric will be facing up, toward you. Place the seat facing down on the fabric. The bottom of the seat will face up. Use the measuring tape to determine the length and width of the seat. Using the pencil, make a small mark one and a half inches beyond the measurements. For a seat that is 12 inches by 14 inches, for instance, you would make your marks at 13.5 inches and 15.5 inches.

Using the scissors, cut the fabric along these marks. The area you cut should create the same shape as the seat, only one and half inches larger on each side.

Staple the Fabric
Remove the extra fabric from your work area. Continue to lay the fabric face down. Place the seat face down on the fabric, as you did before, centering it in the middle. If the fabric has a design, make sure to arrange the seat so the design is properly centered.

Using the old fabric as a guide, pull the edge of the fabric neatly to the back of the seat. Follow the old fabric's pattern and staple the new fabric over it. Do this along each edge, using extra care with the corners of the seat. Pull the fabric tightly when stapling so there are no wrinkles in the fabric on the front of the seat.

Use the screws to reattach the seat and they're done. You'll have new chairs for years to come!

HGTV Dream Home 2011: Beautiful Room Pictures

2011-10-03T12:05:00.043+08:00

Article taken off hgtv.com

Front

Warm and welcoming, the exterior front of HGTV Dream Home 2011 showcases its builder's craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Mudroom

Practicality punctuates the design of HGTV Dream Home's hardest working space. A toned-down color palette, durable flooring and floor-to-ceiling storage lockers offer style plus function.

Front Entry

A passageway from the front door to HGTV Dream Home's captivating gathering room, the front entry makes a quiet statement with minimal furnishings and a neutral color palette.

Kitchen

An oversized gourmet kitchen-cum-performance space commands attention with stainless-steel appliances, crisp white Carrera marble tile, quartz countertops and dark charcoal cabinetry.

Gathering Room

A celebration of fall foliage colors, the not-so-formal family room handles even the rowdiest crowds with stylish ultrasuede- and polyester-covered furnishings.

Annex

Blurring the line between indoors and out, the glass-enclosed observation room — a treetop getaway — provides a front-row seat to Stowe's ever-changing seasons.

Dining Room

A casual dining area capitalizes on mountain views and accommodates a large gathering with a maple table surrounded by sleek, stylish — and adjustable — leather chairs.

Master Bedroom

A private suite that faces the chin of Mount Mansfield, the master bedroom gracefully blends menswear fabrics with sleek, black furnishings and modern art.

Master Bathroom

Light tile, pine floors and neutral bathroom fixtures and accessories step back and let amazing mountain views steal the show.

Master Balcony

A private deck, furnished with durable outdoor furniture, faces the chin of Mount Mansfield and offers a great escape for the homeowner and guests.

Deck

A space ideal for entertaining guests or relaxing solo in the sun, the back deck, constructed of low-maintenance AZEK building material, offers exceptional mountain views.

Guest Bedroom

A sleek space, inspired by luxurious five-star hotel suites, accommodates overnight guests and offers privacy and a picturesque view of the mountaintops.

Guest Bathroom

A clean, crisp color palette, plush towels and luxe amenities make visitors feel right at home and pampered in this guest space.

Living Area

Inspired by the colors of Vermont in springtime, the living area accommodates a large crowd with an oversized sectional, versatile furnishings and entertainment options at the ready.

Ski Dorm

An explosion of saturated color punctuates the ski dorm color palette. The bedroom, which accommodates up to eight guests, offers both privacy and entertainment opportunities.

Ski Dorm Bathroom

Designed to accommodate a large crowd of kids, the dorm bathroom pops with a bright tomato-red countertop and ski-inspired accessories.

Laundry Room

Located on the lower level of HGTV Dream Home 2011, the laundry room accommodates families and guests with extra-large appliances and task and storage space.

Terrace

The home's slate-paved back patio doubles as an outdoor kitchen and offers enviable views of Stowe’s magnificent mountain range.

East Side

A shimmering copper chimney and masonry-clad foundation add Old-World charm to the exterior of HGTV Dream Home 2011.

Car Barn Exterior

Mountain-lodge style extends to the two-car garage, clad in poplar bark siding. Sturdy timbers, constructed on site from local hemlock, add structural support as well as aesthetic value.

Car Barn

A bright fall foliage-inspired color palette extends to the two-car garage, where a pine-sided interior and vaulted ceiling lend elegance to the oversized space.

Modern Scandinavian Apartment That Literally Shines

2011-09-28T15:36:00.018+08:00

Gorgeous Scandinavian Interiors with the used of clean white as background...

Article taken off freshome.com

Modern Scandinavian Apartment That Literally Shines

We found this Scandinavian apartment that is quite different from the Swedish cribs we usually publish. With a total living area of 185 square meters, consisting of four rooms plus kitchen, you could say this crib is addressed to those used to an opulent style. The core of the loft is an open plan living room, designed in a highly contemporary manner. The white lacquer finishes make this place literally shine. The socializing zone includes a sofa, dining able and kitchen island. Splashes of color appear here and there, for creating interesting visual contrasts. A silver stag is the most striking decorating item from all the room and seems to be a statement of the luxury this home implies. The loft also features an indoor pool and a beautiful terrace for relaxation. Does the overall design of this apartment appeal to you?

Interior Lifestyle China 2011

2011-09-27T12:48:00.007+08:00

Interior Lifestyle China 2011
China International Trade Fair for Household Products and Accessories
12 - 15 October 2011
Shanghai Exhibition Centre, Shanghai, China

Debut ‘Talents’ showcase at Interior Lifestyle China
‘Shine Shanghai’ features up and coming local designers

For the first time, Interior Lifestyle China will import Ambiente’s ‘Talents’ showcase from Frankfurt to the Shanghai fair. Young designers will showcase their innovative design concepts and introduce avant-guard household products from 12 – 15 October 2011 at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre.

One of the participants, Ms Anika Engelbrecht from Germany, is eager to show her “Individuals” project, which is a series of glass objects with delicate patterns ranging from glacier landscapes sandblasted into drinking glasses to fence-like holes that add new functions to a vase, to a worldwide audience. “It will be a unique experience to go to a country I have never been to before and see how they react to my designs,” said Ms Engelbrecht.

She further praised the opportunity to market to a new group of potential buyers: “I mean, it is always good to leave your "comfort zone", to get a new point of view and without platforms like ‘Talents’, all of that would not be possible.”

French designer Margaux Keller agreed. “I want to discover Chinese way of thinking, meet Chinese designers and to understand Chinese design production.” Ms Keller will present a collection of objects inspired by human behavior. Among her products are glass bottles to help finish the last drop, ceramic plates that can be licked with fingers, a wooden tray for aperitifs with ceramic bells that allows one to "take the last piece of cake" as well as other design products."

Other participants include: Mr Miguel Fiores Soeiro from Portugal, Mr Stephane Choquet from France, Mr Jimmy Chang from Taiwan as well as Mr Wenmiao, Mr Xiao Tianyu, Ms Jiangjing, Mr Chen Darui and Mr Xu Gongwei from mainland China.

There is also a special “Shine Shanghai 3” platform which groups Shanghai’s top designers from different professional backgrounds who design a theme through purely subjective and independent designing. This year' s theme "True Lies" will be interpreted by using crystal glass, which embodies both truth and lies, for it is about both innocence and maliciousness, both love and vanity, and both honor and obscurity. Among the designers involved in this showcase are Mr Hou Zhengguang, Mr Ding Wei and many others.

In addition to a number of designer driven programmes are more than 250 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions including pavilions with products made and designed in Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Interior Lifestyle China 2011 is organised by Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Ltd. To learn more about this fair, please visit www.il-china.com

For press information, please contact:
Ms Amra Durakovic
Tel (852) 2238 9972
Fax (852) 2519 6800
amra.durakovic@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Vinegar

2011-09-26T22:45:00.012+08:00

Great uses of vinegar... =)

Article taken off homedit.com

How to Clean a Coffee Maker With Vinegar

You're sick of your coffee tasting like mud and you keep forgetting to buy those coffee cleaner solutions. Not to worry; you don't need a fancy solution to thoroughly purge your coffee maker. You can use ordinary vinegar to clean a coffee maker. A few simple steps will have you on your way to a tasty cup of coffee once again.

Instructions

1. Dump out any leftover coffee from the carafe and empty the basket of the old coffee ground and filter.

2. Rinse the carafe in cold water then fill with one part white vinegar to two parts water.

3. Pour the vinegar and water solution into the coffee maker's reservoir and turn the maker on to brew a pot. Once the brewing cycle is complete, shut off the coffee maker.

4. Allow the vinegar solution to sit in the carafe for about 15 minutes.

5. Rinse out any vestiges of vinegar by brewing water only through the coffee maker twice more, again shutting of the coffee maker and letting it cool about 15 minutes between cycles.

6. Wash the carafe and filter basket in warm, soapy water. Rinse and get ready to enjoy great-tasting coffee once again.

7 Costly Home Improvement Don'ts

2011-09-23T11:27:00.014+08:00

Article taken off hgtv.com

Don't Ignore Safety

This goes for any home improvement project. Simple precautions like wearing safety goggles, not overloading outlets and turning off breakers will only take a few minutes or a few extra bucks, but these steps can save you from disaster.

Don't Skip the Primer

The key to a successful paint job is always prep. A coat of primer will seal the surface, provide durability and create a solid bond for the paint to adhere. The only time primer may not be needed is when painting latex over latex and the colors have a similar intensity.

Make Sure You Get a Real Pro

If you need to hire a pro make sure they are qualified for the job. Never let anyone other than a licensed electrician repair or alter the wiring in your home. The same goes for plumbing — many states also require them to have a license or state certification.

Don't Skimp on Grout Sealer

You can spend a lot of time and money installing tile, but if you don't properly seal the grout it can absorb water, dirt and other stains.

Don't Forget About the Subfloor

Laminate flooring needs an underlayment/vapor barrier for almost any surface it is being installed upon. Not only will it protect it from moisture, it will also help with soundproofing. Hardwood floors need an even subfloor, so use subfloor compound to ensure a level surface. If laying tile in a bathroom, cement backer board should be used underneath.

Make Sure to Get Necessary Building Permits

The last thing anyone wants is to spend time and effort building a beautiful deck only to find out it must be ripped up because there was no permit. Find out the rules and regulations for building permits, codes and inspections before you start any remodeling project.

Don't Get the Wrong Style Window

The wrong windows can have consequences on both the interior and exterior of the home. When choosing windows, make sure the style matches the appearance and architecture of your home's exterior. On the inside, windows will affect the light, ventilation and temperature of the home.

7 Useful Tips for Decorating a Studio Apartment

2011-09-19T15:40:00.006+08:00

Hope that you will find these tips useful! =)

Article taken off homedit.com

7 Useful Tips for Decorating a Studio Apartment

Decorating a studio apartment can prove to be very challenging as all the things are a part of a single undivided space. All the different parts of a house such as sleeping area, cooking area, dining area, study area, and the living area coexists together and hence the decoration of the apartment is a difficult job.

Here is an extensive list of tips for decorating a studio apartment –

1.Studio apartments are known to have limited space, so in order to have efficient storage space, try to purchase furniture that performs a double duty. You can easily find ottomans and chairs with storage space. You just need to lift the top to access the storage area. You can use this space for storing your pillows, blankets and other items.

2.If your studio apartment has sufficient height, then create a loft and make it accessible by stairs. You can use this as a storage area or evolve it as a hobby or study area.

3.Create specific areas for varied activities. For instance, a bed along with the dresser can be placed at one end, and the other end can be used as kitchen and dining area and the living area can be created somewhere in the mid way. Moreover, if you are really short of space then try to use a sofa cum bed. Instead of a dresser, just mount a mirror and a shelf on a wall.

4.Try to use dividers to demarcate space but limit them to just one or two. Thin glass with slight etching or frosting is the perfect material for the divider. However, you may also select wood if you desire to create completely separate areas.

5.Make use of mirrors to reflect light. Several small mirrors or a large mirror located strategically is known to make a small space appear larger and lighter.

6.Avoid blocking the source of light. Restricting natural light to travel in by the use of draperies and blinds will make the room look crowded and small. Leave the windows completely bare or at the most dress them with sheer fabric to allow the light to come in.

7.Studio apartments should always be painted in lighter colors, unless they are really large. It is not mandatory to stick with whites and creams but using light colors such as soothing pink, yellow, blue, shall expand the space and make it look large.

15 New Uses for Your Hair Dryer

2011-09-14T11:06:00.009+08:00

Read on to check out how useful a hair dryer can be!

Article taken off care2.com

15 New Uses for Your Hair Dryer

Hand held hair dryers were introduced for the domestic market in 1920, and since then countless hairdos have relied on that combination of heat and air to achieve their coiffed perfection. But the humble blow dryer has plenty of other services to offer around the house–here are a handful of them:

1. If you need to quickly set the icing on a cake, the air and heat of a hair dryer can quicken up the process.

2. If your cake won’t unstick from the cake pan, use your hair dryer on the bottom of the pan then invert it, it should drop right out.

3. Running an ice cream scoop under hot water helps, but you can also try using a hair dryer on the carton to soften ice cream for easy scooping.

4. Some people use pots of boiling water to quicken freezer defrosting, a hot hair dryer works even more quickly. (Be careful of puddles of water and the dryer, though.)

5. Automatic ice-makers can get jammed with frozen ice, relieve that with a long blast of hot air to melt unwanted icebergs.

6. Remove contact paper from shelves by heating it with the hair dryer and gently working the edges up. Also works for bumper stickers and other rogue sticky things.

7. Use a hair dryer to dust hard-to-dust items; the air will blow the dust somewhere else, but hopefully somewhere else that is easier to dust.

8. Personally, I like my kids’ crayon marks on my walls, but for the rest of you: heat the crayon marks until softened, then scrub with hot water and detergent.

9. Old photo albums with magnetic pages can get stuck–unstick them with a blast from the hair dryer.

10. Spot iron wrinkles by lightly dampening the area and then heating the wrinkles with your dryer.

11. Wet boots, shoes, and sneakers can take on a terrible odor if left to dry slowly–alleviate that by drying them with your hair dryer.

12. Winter can bring frozen windows and locks–thaw them with a hair dryer.

13. Window screens collecting dust and pollen? Blow it back to whence it came.

14. Removing bandages can hurt more than the wound, soften the adhesive with a hair dryer first to ease the rip.

15. If you have trouble keeping a hot compress hot, keep your hair dryer by you and reheat as necessary.

Practical Storage System Hidden Understairs

2011-09-12T10:48:00.006+08:00

Organize your home with this space saving idea!

Article taken off freshome.com

Practical Storage System Hidden Understairs

Chiswick Woodworking Company completed an interesting and highly practical project consisting of several storage units that can be pulled out from under the stairs. This idea is not new, we presented quite a few similar projects here on Freshome. However, this time the finish is so cleverly executed and the units so well hidden, that we thought we had to share it with you for inspiration. In the photos below you have four different “lockers” and each of them can be accessed individually. We also appreciate the design of the storage devices: each of them futures diverse solutions, for the smallest objects and even large boxes, clothes, shoes and so on. The pulling mechanism is simple; this way anyone can have easy access to the items inside the “stairs” (children too). How do you make the most of your under-stairs space?

11 Modern Minimalist Computer Desks

2011-09-05T15:25:00.031+08:00

Still using PC desk at home? Take a look...

Article taken off home-designing.com

11 Modern Minimalist Computer Desks

Recently I set out to find a new desk for my PC to rest on and came across a lot of ideas that I thought were worthy enough to share. Actually the search was tough. I mean, I know there would be a lot of people out there who would be happy with huge desks that house a nook for every peripheral… (like the one below)

…but somehow they just don’t work for me. Design wise, I am more of the minimalist so naturally the ones I tend to like also favour this type of style. These minimalist computer desks we are going to feature are light weight, easy on the eyes and most of them are as sleek as the technology they are designed to hold.

OneLessDesk from Heckler Designs has a 2 deck design and takes up merely 12 inches of space when put away. The company’s pitch for the product actually sounds convincing.

At one time, you needed a desk that could fit a mountain of paper, a two-foot-deep monitor, printer, and a CPU the size of a Labrador. Today, your computer is an inch thick. You have moved forward. It’s time your desk caught up.

If you normally tend to work on a laptop, this floating Ledge desk from Urban Case might be all you need.

Milk‘s computer desk is another minimalist desk concept that is defined by clean lines and in-built compartments for hardware and fish tank!

The Airia Desk From Herman Miller is the latest example of the design giant’s genius. The desk is sleekly modernized version of a drafting table, giving you storage with style.

The Signalement Desk designed by Germany’s Peter Petersen as part of his Tank Collection, and is made entirely of medium density fiberboard and looks like something from the future.

If you are the kind who gets easily distracted, you would love the ReWrite desk by GamFratesi. The half cubicle-half egg design would help you get work done!

The iDesk is as sleek as any iMac, making it a great décor compliment to your computer.

MisoSoup Design’s K Workstation looks like a single piece of material mounted to a wall to provide a workspace, storage and overhead shelving with the aesthetic fluidity of a noodle.

The VU.VU.VU desk by Emmemobili appears to nearly levitate, while providing space for a PC, keyboard and accouterments.

The XYZ desk offers something revolutionary – it integrates the computer right into the desk.

Another computer-desk integration concept. But this Sync Desktop by Gareth Battensby allows you to fold in the monitor too.

Top 10 Ways to Use Expensive Fabric on a Budget

2011-09-02T10:52:00.007+08:00

Let's see how you can handle your high end fabric on a budget way...

Article taken off home-designing.com

Top 10 Ways to Use Expensive Fabric on a Budget

So you’ve found a fabric you absolutely love, but it is just too expensive to use everywhere in your room. What to do? Buy less of it and use every inch wisely. Here’s how.

1. Pillow Front
Whether your pillow is a small rectangular accent pillow or a larger bed sham, using expensive fabric on the front of the piece is a terrific way to highlight it. Be sure to center the pattern on the top and make an edge with a plain fabric or even a pleated grosgrain ribbon for a finished look.

2. Flanged Edge on a Pillow
A flanged border is simply a strip of fabric folded in half and sewn into the pillow seam (where the pillow front is stitched to the pillow back). You’ll want to cut a strip of fabric the perimeter of your pillow, plus another 12 inches or so, to allow for pleats or gathering at each corner.

3. Table Runner or Tablecloth
Flat pieces are always easy sewing projects. Even if you don’t sew, you may be able to use an iron-on fusible webbing or even fabric glue to finish the fabric’s raw edges. Be sure to test your preferred hemming technique on a scrap of fabric to make sure you get the look you desire.

4. Valance or Cornice
In past years, valances were traditionally gathered onto curtain rods using lots of gathers (and lots of fabric). Valances and cornices are now much simpler and many styles require only flat panels of fabric which will generally require minimal yardage.

5. Drapery Border
The leading edges (or center split) of a pair of draperies are the vertical edges closest to the center of a window. Dress up this seam with a flat border of expensive fabric, sewn into drapery panels made of less expensive yard goods. A great look, for much less.

6. Border or Hem
Whether you decide on a contrasting hem for a bed skirt, drapery panel, or a tablecloth, borders and hems are another good way to spread an expensive fabric you love around your room.

7. Slipcover an Ottoman
Many ottomans or foot stools are small and rectangular – and thus are easy to slipcover to get a new, fresh look. You might make the slipcover out of your chosen fabric, or just use it on the top section or as a hem around the bottom.

8. Chair Cushion
Sewing a chair cushion may be a more advanced sewing project. However these items are usually small and require about 1/2 yard for every 2 cushions (assuming the back of the cushion is made of a contrasting fabric.)

9. Flat Panel Café Curtain
Forget the fussy gathers and measured pinch pleats. Next time you need to cover the bottom half of a window (for privacy or just for color), consider designing a flat panel curtain. It will not only be easier to sew, you’ll get the full benefit of any pattern, since it won’t get “lost” in the gathers.

10. Fabric Trim or Welting
Though you’ll see very little of a fabric when used in welting or cording, there are some fabrics that will stand out wonderfully in this application. Look for bright colors, small patterns, or elegant stripes that can all make lovely welting.

Modern Kids Room Furniture from Dielle

2011-08-31T14:33:00.011+08:00

Need help to your kid's bedroom... Read on...

Article taken off home-designing.com

Modern Kids Room Furniture from Dielle

To fill a child’s world in one room is a tough job! Creating room for the toys, books, sports equipments, shoes, clothes, computers, tables and all their imagination can become daunting, but thanks to Dielle, this task is now much simpler.

Manufacturing minimalistic furniture that is accommodating and takes little room for itself, the company executes bright ideas that save space. The cupboards, drawers, beds and other pieces of furniture provided by them are not only simple and pleasant to look at, they are also conveniently fitted together to maximize space.

These rooms play host to creativity. With eye-grabbing color schemes that are soothing as well as exciting, they help in stimulating the cells that lie dormant. Pink rooms for girls and blue rooms for boys are a thing of the past; take a look at the images here to see what we mean.

Choosing Illuminated Bathroom Mirrors Rather Than Conventional Types

2011-08-29T09:23:00.002+08:00

Mirror mirror on the wall...

Article taken off allbestarticles.com

Choosing Illuminated Bathroom Mirrors Rather Than Conventional Types

Your bathroom renovations or upgrades should be done with a lot of care and thought. Get to know the different products available on the market area. By doing so, you'll have extremely satisfactory results. That's because you will definitely bring in beauty as well as practicality and function. All these are very important in the bathroom. That will bring you to comparing the various items on the market, like vanities or mirrors. Then you would clearly seeing why you should choose illuminated bathroom mirrors over conventional ones.

Technology and innovation have touched practically every product as we know it today. Avoiding moving forward will only keep us back. That means that we won't be bringing in the best things to simplify our lives and make our homes function better.

What you put into your home is exactly what you're going to get out of it. For example, if you find storage solutions and use them to their full extent, you will have an organized and stress-free home. And, when you invest in products that can be time-savers, you actually make life so much easier for yourself.

These bathroom mirrors which light up will improve your home. In terms of style, there are numerous models to choose from area they come in all types of shapes and sizes as well. So, it won't be difficult to find the right one. All you have to do is apply some interior design tricks and you'll figure it out. That means being patient.

Its design, shape, and size should all blend in well with the overall decor. For instance, in a contemporary bathroom, it would probably be best to choose something that is square or rectangular. There should be no fussiness about it and no curves at all.

With regards to the size, this too is extremely important. Making an incorrect decision will affect the outcome. One of the biggest mistake that people make is incorporating a mirror that's far too small for the size of the vanity or the wall.

After having said all that, you need to focus on the particular item and what it can do for you. For one thing, it brings an extra light in the room that really needs it. As most people get themselves ready in this room, having the best lighting is absolutely necessary. It facilitates applying makeup, shaving, or other task that you may have. The problem with conventional mirrors is that we rely on them and they give us false results because the lighting usually comes from the ceiling. That can cast shadows and render tasks practically impossible to complete.

Tips for Creating a Pet Friendly Home

2011-08-26T11:35:00.003+08:00

Let's pamper your pets!

Article taken off interiordec.about.com

Tips for Creating a Pet Friendly Home

For many pet owners their dogs, cats and other furry or feathered friends are a part of the family. They have free run of the house and make themselves as at home as the two-legged members of the household. But let's face it, they can cause a mess. So here are some tips for keeping your pet-filled home as clean and attractive as possible.

Use pet-friendly fabrics on the furniture as much as you can. Save not-so-pet friendly fabrics like silks and velvets for areas the pets won't be using (such as window treatments). And be honest with yourself. If you're going to invite the dog into bed to cuddle with you make sure you have the appropriate washable bedding.

If you have a dog or a cat it's fairly safe to say that vacuuming is a big part of your life. Save yourself time and hassle by investing in a good quality vacuum. Cheap versions often don't have as strong a suction and it can make it a lot tougher to pick up pet hair.

Don't use wall-to-wall carpet. Pet stains are a fact of life and it can be really tough to remove odor from carpets. No matter how often you clean it the stains can set in and eventually it can even get a bit moldy. If you like the look and feel of carpet try an area rug that can be removed and periodically sent for cleaning.

Keep pet accessories like leashes, coats, and whatever else your pet uses outside near the entrance the pet uses most frequently. It's also a good idea to keep a towel there for wiping down dirty paws. This will prevent him or her from tracking in dirt.

Keep toys and treats in attractive containers. Wicker baskets are great for pet toys (unless he or she chews on it in which case you might want to find an alternative). Treats are great in nice glass or metal kitchen canisters. There are also tons of nice ones available in pet stores.

Create a designated area for your pet to eat and drink. Set aside a corner of the kitchen, mudroom, or whatever area works in your home and have a placemat set up with food and water bowls. Make it attractive so that it works with your décor and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

If you really want to go that extra step you can buy furniture that matches your pet. It might sound a little crazy but choosing a sofa fabric in the same color shades as your pet's fur will keep the sofa from looking really hairy all the time. Granted, the hair will still be there until you clean it, but at least casual visitors won't notice it!

What does your sleeping "position" say about you as a person?

2011-08-24T08:00:00.001+08:00

Which sleeping position is best for you?

Article taken off flatseats.com

What does your sleeping "position" say about you as a person?

Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the UK Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service analysed six common sleeping positions - and found that each is linked to a particular personality type.

What your sleeping position says about you ...

Foetus
Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1,000 people who took part in the survey. More than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.

Log
Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible.

Yearner
People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it.

Soldier
Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards.

Freefall
Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don't like criticism, or extreme situations.

Starfish
Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the centre of attention.

The remainder of those in the poll said the position they fell asleep varied or did not know.

Professor Idzikowski also examined the effect of various sleeping positions on health. He concluded that the freefall position was good for digestion, while the starfish and soldier positions were more likely to lead to snoring and a bad night's sleep.

Professor Idzikowski said "Lying down flat means that stomach contents can more readily be worked back up into the mouth, while those who lie on their back may end up snoring and breathing less well during the night. "Both these postures may not necessarily awaken the sleeper but could cause a less refreshing night's sleep."

The research also found that most people are unlikely to change their sleeping position. Just 5% said they sleep in a different position every night.

How to Take Good Care of Your Marble Floor

2011-08-22T10:06:00.004+08:00

Want to maintain the look of your marble flooring? Read on.

Article taken off joyfuldesignsinsoy.com

How to Take Good Care of Your Marble Floor

Marble, indeed, is beautiful and attractive, which is usually used to make countertops, mantles, table tops and especially floors.

There are great choice of colors, sizes and shapes of marble tiles. Yes, there are absolutely plenty of choices to choose from, make sure that you have a very good idea in mind in choosing the style and design you want for your floor.

When buying the marble tiles for your floor, the shape, size, color and design are things you have to consider. Another factor to look into is the measurement, since the marble tiles are being sold by square foot.

As soon as you find the right marble tile for your floor, have it installed, and viola! You definitely have a beautiful, attractive sparkling floor.

You have to remember that to maintain the beauty and spark of the marble floor you have at home, there are some preventive measures that should be taken into consideration. You have to make sure that the marble floor would always looks at its best. If in case, the marble becomes dirty, the marble should be cleaned immediately.

You always have to bear in mind that you have to protect your marble floor from any damage.

But at some point no matter how you protect your marble floor, it becomes dirty. There are ways to make your marble floor clean. First thing you need to do is prepare lukewarm water and a soft, clean sponge that you will need in cleaning the marble floor. In cleaning the marble, you have to make sure that the sponge is just barely wet; you do not need to use too much water in cleaning your marble floor.

Rub the marble gently until your marble floor is shining and clean again. If in case, the marble floor is enormously dirty, scrubbing with lukewarm water and sponge won't do. You better use a little amount of dry borax and a clean damp cloth. Scrub the marble gently and dry it will clean cloth until it is sparkling clean again.

There are also some marble polish that you can purchase and use in cleaning you marble floor. You have to make sure to mix the marble polish with water and use a clean and dry cloth in cleaning your marble floor, so to make sure that the shine will be restore at to what it looks like before.

Marble floor can make your home look attractive and beautiful, so should be taken care of as well, you have to maintain its shine and beauty, in order to make sure that it will continually to look its best. Marble floor have also a cooling effect, which is an advantage to those homes with tropical climates. Marble floor will maintain the coolness in ones home.

Indeed, marble floor has a lot of advantages in a home, but of course you have to bear in mind that you have to take good care of your marble floor as well. This article have mentioned some ways on how to take good care of your marble floor, so now it is up to you if you take it into consideration, if yes, then, definitely your marble tiles at home will maintain its shine and beauty.

Leather Vs. Fabric Sofas

2011-08-18T10:31:00.010+08:00

Are Leather or Fabric Sofas more durable?

Article taken off ehow.com

Leather Vs. Fabric Sofas

Buyers shopping for a new sofa should consider their budgets, lifestyles and decorating tastes when deciding between leather and fabric. Differences between the two include price, durability and choice of colors. Cleaning methods also vary. Manufacturers continue to improve the qualities of leather and fabrics, building on the rich histories of the two coverings.

History
Sofas date to Greek and Roman times when they were used more for reclining while eating than sitting. Originally covered in fabric, leather has been used as an upholstery material for couches since the Renaissance period. Spanish craftsmen excelled at embossing, tooling and painting leather furniture. The Industrial Revolution caused a steep price drop in couches, making them available to more people. A recent innovation in sofa covering is the 1989 introduction of ultra suede, derived from synthetic microfiber fabrics first developed in Japan in the early 1970s.

Leather Benefits
Manufacturers choose leather for sofas because of its many attractive traits, including its tried and true reputation. Leather is durable and repels stains. It cleans easily, making it a good choice for families with children and pets who need a low-maintenance material. Also, very few people are allergic to leather. It comes in a variety of colors, including red, blue and popular neutral tones. Leather can be expensive, although it has come down in price due to new manufacturing methods.

Cleaning Leather
In the Good Housekeeping article "How to Clean a Leather Sofa," hints maven Heloise recommends dusting often and vacuuming seat crevices. Before applying any surface protectant, make sure it is approved for leather. Use a cloth to wipe up spills as soon as they happen. Avoid using saddle soap, furniture polish or alcohol-based cleaners when cleaning a leather sofa. These cleaning items can change the leather's pigmentation.

Fabric Benefits
Fabric sofas come in a wide variety of patterned and solid designs, giving a room a specific look. Fabrics provide a wide variety of colors, textures and patterns. Fabrics can be chosen to match drapes and curtains and are made from cotton blends, silks, other natural fabrics, man-made materials or blends. Microfiber fabrics are also used on sofas because they resist wrinkles and moisture while keeping their shape and form.

Cleaning Fabric
According to the article "Caring for a Fabric Sofa" at professorshouse.com, before treating a stain, spot test any cleaner on part of the sofa that is not usually seen. A wet cloth can usually be used to clean stains as soon as possible. Applying a protective spray can increase the fabric's longevity. Using upholstery attachments for vacuuming is also recommended.

Labware Lights Series Display a Fascinating Chemistry

2011-08-15T10:36:00.013+08:00

Searching new lighting for your house? Let this creative & interesting collection inspire you!

Article taken off freshome.com

Labware Lights Series Display a Fascinating Chemistry

The Labware Series consists of pendant lights, table and floor lamps, all in the shape of lab tubes and cylinders. Three simple elements were adjoined to shape each light: mouth-blown white opaque glass that, due to the nature of the material, makes each light unique, a hand-turned oak cork bark stopper from Portugal and braided blue flex. All the lights come with a bright white low energy bulb. The collection gathers beautifully designed lighting systems: a spherical pendant lamp, a large spherical table or floor lamp, a conical pendant lamp, a large conical table or floor lamp, a cylindrical pendant lamp and a cylindrical table or floor lamp. Designed by award-winning Benjamin Hubert, the Labware Lights won the Blueprint Award for Best New Product at 100% Design, so if you want your guests to express their admiration for your good taste, this is a collection of lights you should look into.

Beautiful Shelf Designs by Maria Yasko

2011-08-10T22:14:00.013+08:00

This is absolutely gorgeous!

Article taken off home-designing.com

Beautiful Shelf Designs by Maria Yasko

A few weeks back, we featured the creative stylings of Maria Yasko in an article showcasing her design project for a family entertainment center. Apparently, designers like her are in high demand for people in need of innovative ideas to maximize the use of space in their homes. It helps to create more storage and shelf space in such a way that doesn’t interrupt, but cleverly enhances the style of a room.

The following series was designed by Maria Yasko who came up with some cool concepts for modular shelving that also serve as pieces of wall art. Go ahead…be inspired!

The Integrated Fridge

2011-08-05T08:00:00.001+08:00

A fridge can sometimes stick out like a sore thumb in the midst of your interior decor, especially when it's hard to find a fridge that can fit in with the theme of your decor. Having a seamless integrated fridge might just be the thing for you.

Article is taken off interioguru.com

The Integrated Fridge

I think most people would agree that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where all the meals are prepared, where everyone goes to fetch a snack or a drink, and where family members often gather. It’s a room you spend a lot of time in. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that this room is receiving a lot of attention when it comes to building and remodeling. Lots of new trends have come along for kitchens in the past few years. One of the most dramatic is the fully integrated kitchen, including an integrated fridge.

What’s an integrated kitchen?

An integrated kitchen is one in which everything matches – cabinets and appliances. There’s a seamless flow, with no metal appliances visible. An integrated refrigerator is part of this decorating scheme. Integrated refrigerators are fitted with a wooden panel over the door that’s crafted to match your cabinetry. An integrated fridge door is stained or painted and routed or fitted with molding and hardware to completely match the wooden cabinets in your kitchen.

Standard refrigerators have to be placed where they have enough air space around them for proper ventilation, but integrated refrigerators are different. Most of them are ventilated from the front instead of from the back like older refrigerators, so they can be placed anywhere.

Types of styles of integrated refrigerators

Integrated fridges come in several different styles. Homeowners might choose an appliance that’s all refrigerator space, or one that’s a combination integrated refrigerator freezer. Configurations can include models with the freezer on top or on the bottom. Side-by-side units are also available, along with slide-out refrigerator or freezer drawers.

If you decide at some point in the future that you need more cooling area, it’s easy to add an under counter fridge or freezer that will match your existing kitchen décor. You can even add an ultra chic wine cooler!

Many homeowners are using the integrated fridge freezers in other rooms in the house, too. They make great additions to family rooms, home bars, game rooms, and mother-in-law suites. They’ll fit in practically anywhere!

The specifications

Integrated refrigerators come in several different sizes, and most of these new units are very energy efficient, which will save you money on your power bill. Some have handy alarms that alert you when the door or refrigerator drawer is left ajar – another energy-saving characteristic. Many integrated fridges also have electronic controls upfront that are super simple to use.

Another wonderful point about most integrated fridges or integrated fridge freezers is that they have specific temperature zones for different types of foods. This allows different foods to be kept at their optimum storage temperatures, increasing their storage life – yet another money-saving feature.

Why you should consider an integrated fridge

If you’re building or remodeling, consider adding a fully integrated fridge or integrated fridge freezer to your kitchen or other rooms in your home. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what a difference this type of appliance will make in the appearance of the room, and you’ll love all the handy functions an integrated refrigerator offers.

Tips to Reduce Electricity Bills

2011-08-03T08:00:00.002+08:00

Hot weather is causing Electricity Bills to soar!

Article taken off allbestarticles.com

Tips to Reduce Electricity Bills

People often complaint about high bills, but forget the fact that they themselves are responsible for that. Using refrigerator, air conditioning and heating systems, washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers is common now. Saving energy automatically results in saving money. A little responsible attitude can prevent you from wasting energy and reducing bills.

Following are given the list of items used to reduce the electricity bills:

- CFL Lights
- Commercial Solar Panels
- Residential Solar Panels
- Solar Heaters

Steps

1. You have to start with inspecting your electrical equipment. Many times defective components of electrical appliances cause you to pay heavy bills. You can take help from certified electrician to inspect the performance of your electrical appliances like heating and cooling systems, ventilation, refrigerators etc. Inspection though causes you $50 to $100, but it has a long term impact on your saving in the coming time.

The use of energy saving products in offices and homes can be very handy in reducing electricity bills to large an extent.

2. The better way is to exchange your incandescent lights with more energy efficient fluorescent lamps. The best example is CFL lights which can save up to 75 percent of energy than the traditional fluorescent lights. Also CFL lights have longer life than traditional lights.

3. To reduce electricity bills, keep the thermostat reading at 78 degrees or higher. This will help you save energy.

4. As much as possible avoid using electrical appliances at peak day hours. Instead you can use dryer, dishwasher, washing machine, vacuum cleaners in the evening time of the day.

5. Provide proper ventilation to your home. Keep your windows and doors open to let the fresh and cool air come in.

6. Keep the filter of your air conditioner clean. Regularly check your air conditioner filter for any accumulated dirt or grime. This will improve the performance of your air conditioner and also reduces the consumption of energy.

7. Inspect your refrigerator s condenser coil and thermostat regularly. Clean it if required. Also inspect the door gasket for any wear and tear. If you find it loose enough to grip, replace it.

8. Turn off all the lights which are not needed. This is an important point; people often leave the lights on unnecessarily that cause them high electricity bills.

9. Reduce the use of personal appliances means use them only when it is inevitable.

10. If you are not working on you computers, turn them off. To keep them on uselessly consume energy and cause high electricity bills.

11. Always keep your computers on sleep mode. This will help you to save energy when you are not at the desk or away doing some other work.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference in Your Apartment’s Decor

2011-08-01T08:00:00.002+08:00

Article taken off movingtoday.com

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference in Your Apartment’s Decor

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to upgrade your apartment decor. With some ingenuity, a good eye and the patience to hunt, you’ll be amazed how you can change your apartment’s decor with small changes.

Move it around
Sometimes, just rearranging the furniture can make a huge difference in the look and feel of a room. You can swap pieces from another part of your apartment or switch what’s along the walls within the same room. Creating new combinations of your pieces can give any room a fresh start.

Add accessories
With a few well-placed accessories, you can really spice up your apartment decor. Area rugs and pillows can be packed with color, adding warmth and energy. Window coverings make for a colorful focus to the subdued hues of your room or can add texture. You don’t want to overdo it, but finding the right patterns and colors for these inexpensive add-ons can give your room a real boost.

Rotate your exhibits
We all have things on display, whether or not we realize it. Look around your apartment. Are there trophies, photos or hobbies on the furniture, bookcases or walls? Why not cycle in some new items? Changing the photos in frames, your posters, awards or collectibles can create an array of eye-catching possibilities for you and your guests.

If you’re ready for a change in your apartment decor, think small. Affordable little differences can give your apartment a big new image.

28 Red and White Living Rooms

2011-07-29T21:28:00.014+08:00

National Day is around the corner, any plans for some red and white decor?

Article taken off home-designing.com

28 Red and White Living Rooms

Of late I came across so many attractive living rooms that use the red and white combination that I thought it was time to put in a post. Color-wise, White is subtle and Red is intense. Together these two colors seem to work really well. Not all the rooms that we feature today will use the two colors in the same manner or proportion. Each room solves the balance problem in its own unique way. For example in some living rooms, the color red is sparingly used as an accent while in others it dominates. Whatever be the ratio of usage, we can tell you one thing: some people have put very careful thought in designing these red and white living rooms!

Clutter Video Tip: Organizing Pots & Pans

2011-07-27T22:58:00.004+08:00

Follow this and you'll get organized!

Creative Lighting in Your Home Decor

2011-07-25T12:24:00.005+08:00

Which lighting do you prefer for your home?

Article taken off suite101.com

Creative Lighting in Your Home Decor

Use lighting in your home decor to set the mood and add to your room designs. Light fixtures like floor lamps and chandeliers come in a wide variety.

Lighting is arguably one of the most important components in a room. Bad light will create ugly shadows, dim your view of the room's contents, contort color schemes or washout a room completely. Using creative lighting and interesting lamps or light fixtures can enhance your home and the whole mood of a room.

Japanese-inspired Home Lighting

Looking at Japanese traditional lighting, we see strong lines and a variety of strengths in the actual light from bright to quite dim. An evening living room might need some dim mood lighting, while a working kitchen definitely needs bright lights specifically located in areas for work. You can find Japanese-influenced lighting in most home decor stores, from the cheap round paper lanterns made to fit over existing fixtures, to glass box style lights. Another idea is to use a Japanese Shoji screen and place it in front of a bright floor lamp to create a dimmer and more intimate feel.

Eastern Asian Lighting Ideas

For more detail and a deeper ethnic look, try Egyptian/Moroccan style lamps. Extremely detailed metal covers with tiered levels seem to permeate this theme. The black and light colors match most decors, and they make an excellent showpiece in a room that also serve a function.

African Style Lamps and Light Fixtures

African style lamps sometimes have colored glass which can create a very different effect. Perhaps more for an evening feel, or something out on the veranda or porch. These lights often remind me of treasure or treasure-filled caverns and the Arabian nights!

Other World Lighting Ideas

Other countries have their own style of lighting, however you don't have to go traditional. Russian-inspired lamps can be colorful and fun without being too serious, such as those that resemble traditional Russian architecture. They serve as a beautiful light fixture as well as a great addition to an ethnically themed home.

For something different, yet still in a world theme, try looking for old British lamps or lighting. Rough metals and candle style lights set a slightly castle tone, while something more Victorian can be playful and stylish. These lamps can be found at second hand stores or antique shows, and often aren't too pricey. They cast a moody glow and fit into most rooms.

Light fixtures and lamps give you a ton of variety and serve as a way to theme a room in a very useful way. Mixing up the decor with other world cultures can immediately change the mood of the area. Make sure you look at a few options and weigh them. Warm light versus cool, gentle light versus stark, and floor lights versus ceiling.

Multi-Functional Furniture

2011-07-21T01:14:00.004+08:00

Will you consider getting this Multi-Functional coffee table?

Finding Art for Your Apartment

2011-07-18T09:44:00.003+08:00

What is Art to you?

Article taken off movingtoday.com

Finding Art for Your Apartment

Everyone has a different definition of art, but one thing is certain - whatever is beautiful or compelling to you qualifies. Finding art for your apartment can be an adventurous hunt or a surgical strike. Read on for ideas of how to adorn the walls of your apartment with artistic delights.

What’s your artistic style?
Look around your home. Perhaps your style trends towards the modern, with sleek metal and light-colored wood furniture. Contemporary prints or photographs would blend well with this style, or even industrial pieces: metal railings and window frames can create a modern urban atmosphere.

Are you a classical art fan, or one of the “found art” variety? Perhaps you enjoy a rustic country or retro environment instead. Old signs, magazine ads and classic posters can all work with these styles.

Mix and match elements of your favorite milieu. You can even create room themes to match your mood or the room’s function: soothing impressionist paintings for the bedroom; vibrant, vintage fruit and food prints for the kitchen; and forest scenes in prints, posters, photographs, oils or watercolors.

Where to find art
You can find art almost anywhere you want to look. If you’re looking for an original piece, try visiting local galleries. On a tighter budget, you might try antique stores, thrift shops, or eBay. Prints of classic photographs and paintings can be found in chain stores or online. Since art can be anything that hits you where you live, you might discover that a rusty old sign or a scarred piece of wood may speak to you as powerfully as a Picasso or Renoir. Be open to whatever appeals to you in order to create a look that’s all your own.

Other types of wall decoration
What adorns your wall doesn’t need to be in a conventional frame or hung on a single nail. You can use the entire wall as a palette. How about a montage of things that you care deeply about — photographs of friends and family, fliers from shows or exhibits you want to remember, or a collection of old clocks? These beloved objects can surround you with familiarity and create a unique atmosphere in your apartment. You can also use temporary wall art stickers to create new looks as they suit your mood.

Do remain aware of the terms of your lease as you add art to your apartment walls. You will want to be able to return the unit to its original condition if you move.

Finding art for your apartment can be like the icing on the cake of your design adventure. Whatever style of art you choose for your walls, be sure it reflects your true passion and taste, creating an atmosphere that makes your home truly your own.

Top 10 Must-have Home Accessories

2011-07-15T16:21:00.016+08:00

Let's check out the importance of home accessories!

Article taken off tlc.howstuffworks.com

Top 10 Must-have Home Accessories

1. Mirrors
For the ultimate in accessories, try adding mirrors to your home décor. Though we look into our mirrors many times throughout the day, rarely do we see the magic that is contained in these devices. Mirrors can serve many purposes, from helping us to fix our appearance to delighting a young child who catches a glimpse of his reflection. Mirrors also are an affordable, effective way to make your home look more spacious. How? Floor-to-ceiling mirrors, like those found on many closet doors, can instantly make a room look twice as big. A mirror placed across from a window will bring more natural light into your home, making it appear more spacious. Small mirrors placed in dark or small corners can draw light to the area and brighten it up.

Beyond these practical uses, mirrors are simply beautiful decorating items and come in many shapes and sizes. A large framed mirror can be hung like a painting, making it a centerpiece in a room. Even small hand mirrors, typically silver, can act as complementary accessories to your décor.

The earliest incarnations date back to the 1st century A.D. and were made of pieces of silver or bronze that were highly polished. Hand mirrors, and later full-body mirrors became popular in the Middle Ages, though it wasn't until the time of the Renaissance that anyone thought to add glass to improve the reflective images. This improvement was added by the Venetians, who were renowned for their glasswork. Their mirrors became popular throughout Europe because of the superior reflective quality they offered.

As mirror-making techniques improved, they became cheaper to produce. By the 19th century, they were found in most households throughout the western world. Today you'd be hard-pressed to find a home without some kind of mirror.

2. Candles
Candles have been used throughout history to provide light, warmth and ambiance in the home. They're often associated with romance and are a great way to create a mood of relaxation or calm. Almost every home has a selection of candles handy in case of power outages.

The earliest candles were created by the ancient Romans, who rolled sheets of papyrus and dipped them in melted tallow. It is believed that the Chinese created candles in the same way, using rice paper in lieu of papyrus. Since this time, the wax used to create candles has changed dramatically. The early tallow that was used created a bad smell when burned and was messy due to soot and debris. It was eventually replaced by beeswax, whale oil and then paraffin. Today, candles made with soybean wax are popular, as the wax is soft, slow burning and odor-free.

Throughout history, candles have played a major part in many religions. Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, is known for its use of candles, which have played a role in this holiday since its inception around 165 B.C. The emperor Constantine was said to have used candles in an Easter celebration in the 4th century A.D., and there are also references to candles in the bible. Many Buddhists light candles at their shrines, where the candle's light represents the enlightenment they seek. In Wiccan religions, candles represent gods and goddesses and are common during religious ceremonies.

Candles can be incorporated into your home in many forms, from collections of small candles to large pillars in their own decorative holders. Even if they're never lit, today's candles are created to complement your home's décor simply based on their color and design.

3. Houseplants
Houseplants are a great home accessory because they not only look good; they're designed to make you feel good, too. Studies have shown that not only do plants remove carbon dioxide from the air and convert it to oxygen, they also neutralize harmful chemicals like polyethylenes and formaldehydes. These chemicals are naturally occurring in many kinds of furniture, flooring and paints used in the home, and have been linked to respiratory and other illnesses. Some of the best plants for improving air quality include English ivy, bamboo, snake plants and spider plants.

Other studies have shown that plants can decrease stress, improve mood and help us to feel more creative. In a recent study, people with a plant in their office had an average blood pressure four points lower than those without plants. Another study suggested that people could generate more original ideas when they work in areas decorated with plants [source: Relf].

In a decorating sense, plants are appealing both visually and for their scents. Why waste money searching for the right artificial air freshener when plants can do the job for you naturally?

When you're choosing your plants, try to find ones that complement your décor. Ferns and vines work well with Victorian and classic themes, bold colored flowers look great with modern décor, and cactuses fit in well with Southwest or earthy designs.

If you think you're too busy to keep houseplants, think again. Try jade, rubber plants or spider plants, all of which don't require much light, frequent repotting or a great memory when it comes to watering them.

4. Personal Collections
Almost everyone has one of these. That quirky object or collection that people just don't quite understand, but which makes your home feel like it belongs to you. Whether it's that kitty-cat clock on the wall with the wagging tail, or your collection of superhero figurines, your home just wouldn't feel like home without these items.

One popular collection found in many homes is music, either in the form of CDs or classic vinyl records. Equally popular are movie collections. Visitors are often drawn to these collections and can't help but browse to see how your taste in music or movies reflects the you that they know, or are getting to know better, as well as how it compares to their own.

These collections can complement your home décor in other ways too. People who collect art, rugs or other decorative items often showcase them in plain site in their homes. Just as we hang posters of celebrities on our walls as teens, we continue to decorate our homes with our current favorites.

5. Rugs
Nothing feels quite so good as a rug beneath your feet. They offer a layer of warmth and comfort that is unmatched by any other floor covering. Available in infinite patterns, colors and styles, rugs have been used to accessorize homes for thousands of years. Antique rugs are often treated as family heirlooms and passed down through the generations.

The oldest known rug in existence dates back to the 5th century B.C. and is called the "Pazyryk rug." Named for the ancient people who likely produced this rug, it was found in a burial mound in Siberian Russia near the Mongolian border. The rug's design is similar to the art of the people of this region, leading historians to believe that the rug was made locally.

Though the Pazyryk people are credited with creating modern day rug making, it was the Persians who perfected the techniques. Persia, an ancient empire located near modern day Iran, has been renowned since the 1st century B.C. for its exquisite rugs. Throughout history, Persian rugs have been sought after by wealthy collectors all over the world [source: Cole].

Today, these rugs are still one of Iran's main exports. Though much of the rug making process has been mechanized, hand-woven models are the most highly coveted because of their unique craftsmanship. To satisfy this demand, Iran produces over $500 million worth of handcrafted rugs each year for export.

6. Art
From paintings to sculptures to kids' crayon drawings, art is one of the most common and most versatile home accessories. No matter what your tastes or decorating scheme are, you can find or create a piece of art that fits your home's look.

Going for a modern décor? Consider a metal wall-hung sculpture or a bold colorful painting. If your home is more traditional, consider porcelain or ceramic sculpture or a classic landscape. Reprints of classical works are always popular, as are religious pieces like the Christian cross, the Star of David, or Buddha figurines made of jade or rosewood.

One of the best things about art is that it's possible to find items that are truly one of a kind, and will make your home décor unique.

The use of art in home décor dates back to prehistoric times, when ancient man created cave paintings that served as both decoration and communication. Hundreds of these cave paintings still exist today, and serve as popular tourist destinations, especially in France and Spain.

It can be argued that home décor at its most basic form is a type of art. The careful selection of colors, paints, fabrics, flooring and furniture is artful in itself. It takes a skilled eye to match these materials and decorate a home successfully.

7. Nothing!
Some people feel that the best home accessories are none at all. This concept is popular for those with minimalist décor. Minimalism emphasizes the use of color and structure over clutter and complicated decorating themes. A home styled after these concepts would focus on the basics, with the only furniture being required for day-to-day living, and everything else stored away neatly and out of sight. Floors and other surfaces are clear and free of clutter. Solid colors are used in lieu of complex, visually cluttered patterns.

This doesn't mean your home should be completely accessory-free. It simply means that you choose quality over quantity when it comes to décor. A single piece of artwork, a family photograph or a vase of fresh flowers would all complement this look.

Why is this style so appealing? First, it's easy to keep neat. There are no trinkets to dust and not much to shuffle around when you're cleaning. Second, a clutter-free home is calming and helps keep our stress levels low. Without so many things distracting the eye and the mind, we are better able to focus and decompress.

This style takes its roots from Japanese architecture, which in turn is heavily influenced by Buddhism and Zen principles. These principles are based on mindfulness, concentration and self-awareness, all of which are more easily achieved when we're not distracted by the mountain of stuff in our homes.

8. Designer Storage
Does anyone ever have enough storage space in their homes? As people accumulate more and more belongings, they're forever looking for ways to store them. The need for storage has helped develop the concept of storage as design element, where the systems not only keep our belongings organized, but do so in an attractive way. This is done through furniture and containers cleverly designed to maximize both form and function.

Closet organizers are one of the most widely used systems, with countless setups available including shelving, drawers and units designed to hold everything from scarves to snow boots. These storage systems are typically expanded and modified easily so that homeowners can update them as their needs change, or to accommodate that 25th pair of shoes.

Modular garage units are popular as well and allow total flexibility for those who want to organize their tools once and for all. These units consist of wall-hung panels with a selection of hooks and shelving that can be arranged to meet the homeowner's needs.

9. Vases
If you have a vase in your home, you're in very good company. Of all the accessories used in the home, vases have one of the longest histories. The earliest known vases date back to ancient Greece, where they were made mainly for practical uses like the storage of food, medicine, oils and water. Vases have been found dating from around 5000 B.C., and the pictures and carvings they depict present some of the best information we have about ancient Greek life.

The ancient Chinese also produced many vases that have survived to this day, including the exquisitely crafted Ming vase. Produced during the Ming Dynasty
(around 14th to 16th centuries A.D.), these vases were made of porcelain and elaborately painted, making them a highly coveted collector's item today.

Today, vases made from ceramic, crystal and glass are used to complement our home décor. They're popular as a vessel for displaying fresh or synthetic flowers but are also valued for their beauty and decorative aspects. Crystal vases also make great wedding or anniversary gifts.

10. Teapots
In so many homes the teapot is the first object reached for when either celebration or comfort are needed. At the first signs of heartbreak, illness, or a special occasion, the teapot is set onto the stovetop, and families bond over the rich aroma and taste that's both comforting and familiar.

Though tea has been enjoyed for thousands of years, the first teapots weren't introduced until the 1500s. The earliest incarnations, called Yixing teapots, originated in the Jiangsu province of China. They were made from a purple clay called zisha that is found only in this region. The zisha was unique in that it absorbed the flavor and scent of the tea it was used to brew. During this time, many Chinese citizens owned their own teapots and would drink directly from the spout.

The teapot design quickly spread across Asia to Europe, where afternoon tea has been a tradition for centuries.

Today's teapots come in many different varieties, from traditional porcelain to newer insulated models. They can be admired for their beauty and design, or used as a centerpiece. Many teapots are passed down through generations, bringing a touch of family history to the home's décor.

Dining Table Shapes

2011-07-13T11:06:00.002+08:00

Which shape do you prefer?

Article taken off furniture.about.com

Dining Table Shapes

Rectangular Dining Tables
Rectangular dining tables are maybe the most common. A rectangle is possibly the best shape for a dining table because most dining rooms are also rectangular. Also, it is a good shape for seating more than four people.

A rectangular dining table also lets you seat a greater number of people, especially if it comes with an extra leaf for extending the length should you need to seat additional guests at your table.

Ideally the table should be 36” to 42” across. Narrow rectangles can work in a narrow room, but if the table is any narrower than 36” you may find it difficult to fit place settings on both sides and also have enough room for food on the table. If you have to have a narrow table, you might want to consider placing the food on a sideboard, so that guests could help themselves before sitting down.

Square Dining Tables
Square shaped rooms look best with a square dining table. Square dining tables are also a good solution if you don’t have a large group to seat most of the time. A square table that can be expanded with leaves is good for the times you need to seat more guests around your table.

A benefit to having square tables is that they provide intimacy and a satisfying solution to seating a small number of people. It can be off-putting to have large rectangular tables when only two or three people are going to be present most of the time. That arrangement can feel makeshift and cold.

Two square tables can be grouped together to create a larger rectangular seating arrangement for special occasions.

Round Dining Tables
Another possibility for a square shaped or smaller dining room is a round dining table, which is also possibly the best shape for small gatherings. Every one can see everyone else and it just seems to provide a cozier and more intimate setting.

A round table is not ideal for larger gatherings, as a large round table simply means that while you can see others, you still seem far away, and may have to shout across the table to be heard. Besides, most dining rooms are not large enough to accommodate very large round dining tables.

If you do prefer a round table over a rectangular one but you need to seat a larger number of people from time to time, consider getting a round table with an extension leaf. That way you could use your round table most of the time but extend it when you have company over.

Oval Dining Table
An oval dining table is very similar to a rectangular one in almost all its attributes. Visually, it seems to occupy less room than a rectangle because of rounded corners.

Use an oval table when you have a narrower or smaller room, but need to seat more people.

How to Feng Shui the Bedroom - Colors and Object Placement

2011-07-11T10:51:00.009+08:00

Let's learn more about Feng Shui & other Feng Shui Tips!

Article taken off hubpages.com

How to Feng Shui the Bedroom - Colors and Object Placement

Ask yourself whether you feel that your bedroom is a peaceful sanctuary, your favorite spot of retreat and a wonderful love nest or not. If the answer is no, maybe there is something wrong with your bedroom feng shui. A simple rearrangement of furniture and a little tweak in the color theme may be able to enliven your bedroom quite a bit.

Feng shui (pronounced fung-shway) literally means "wind and water." It is an ancient Chinese art of space arrangement, object placement and decoration. In feng shui practice, everything is categorized into either yin or yang. Yin conveys slowness, relaxation, passivity, coldness, gentleness and tranquility. Yang, on the other hand, stands for rapidity, excitement, vigor, heat, hardness and restlessness. The fundamental idea of feng shui is to arrange things in a way that keeps yin and yang in good balance so that the "life force or spiritual energy" called "chi" can flow through all objects in your home freely.

This notion applies to bedroom feng shui as much as the rest of your home. A good bedroom feng shui should depict a sense of comfort and safety, create a romantic atmosphere for lovers, and invigorate sleepers for a new day. According to all feng shui gurus, if you keep everything in good balance and allow chi to flow freely, longevity, contentment, success and prosperity will also come. Everything that surrounds us, so to speak, affects our life.

On a higher level, feng shui can get quite complicated. If you hire a professional feng shui consultant to help decorate your bedroom, a lot of things will be called into consideration. For example, in which direction your bedroom faces, in what year your home was constructed, your birthdate, your partner's birthdate, other buildings surrounding your home, etc. But of course, not all of us can afford to hire a feng shui consultant. So we will just have to do it ourselves! And the good news is it's not that difficult. Here you will learn some basic feng shui precepts, applicable to all types of bedroom.

Colors
In feng shui, colors are divided into two groups. Yin colors are supposed to soothe your soul and help you relax whereas yang colors tend to motivate and excite you. As a bedroom is a place for retreat, yin colors should be dominant. Having too much yang will stir up too much tension and stop you from relaxing. However, your bedroom should not completely lack the yang energy, for having too much yin can cause languidness and the lack of motivation.

Color Feng Shui for Good Health and Longevity

Green and blue are said to be the colors that can enhance our health. Feng shui practitioners believe that the color green symbolizes longevity, growth and rebirth while the color blue represents calmness, flexibility and inner peace. To paint your bedroom walls green or to use it as the theme color is like bringing nature into your room. It can revitalize those who have been ill and be the soul tonic to those who are already healthy. Similarly, decorating your bedroom with the color blue is believed to be good for relaxation and meditation. When your mind becomes more refreshed, your body will do the same.

Color Feng Shui for Wealth and Career

Red, purple and gold, according to feng shui masters, can induce good luck and prosperity. However, they are yang colors, therefore you should not use too much of these shades in your bedroom where you are supposed to rest and relax. Use them as accent colors, instead.

Black, white and gray are the colors that can improve luck in your career. Black symbolizes good income and insightfulness. White represents creativity and mental strength. And gray is said to create the sense of self-empowerment and confidence. Keep in mind that even though black is a yin color, it tends to absorb negative chi when you use too much of it to decorate your home.

Color Feng Shui for Romance and Relationship

The best colors for enhancing your love life are pink, yellow and orange. Feng shui practitioners believe that pink can create positive energy for all couples both in terms of sexual fulfillment and selfless love. Yellow can induce acceptance and tolerance, though using too much yellow to decorate your bedroom may create anxiety. Orange, the vibrant blend of red and yellow, can lend passion and undertstanding to you and your partner.

Spectacular Mirror Furniture Designs

2011-07-08T10:11:00.007+08:00

Mirrors are not just decorating items but play a major role in home decor...

Article taken off hgtv.com

Spectacular Mirror Furniture Designs

All-Around Sparkle

This mirrored dining table catches the light of the chandelier above, which adds an extra sparkle to the room.

Spread the Sunshine

The mirror panels on this nightstand reflect the colors of the rug, carrying the color scheme throughout the room.

Elegant Appearance

Mirrored furniture dusted with the color gold creates an elegant, regal look in any room.

Rows of Tiny Mirrors

The rows of tiny mirrors reflect the light at different angles to create an abstract look.

Dream Big

Adding mirrored furniture to a small space, like Designer Erinn Valencich did here, creates the illusion of a bigger room.

Seeing Double

The mirrored tables accentuate the accessories and create a perfect backdrop for them.

Vain Vanity

This mirrored vanity adds a touch of glamour and youth to this fun girl's bedroom.

Entertaining Reflections

The tall mirrors on the entertainment center, custom designed by Troy Beasley, open up the living room space.

15 beautiful bedrooms

2011-07-06T11:18:00.016+08:00

Let this beautiful bedrooms inspire you...

Article taken off styleathome.com

15 beautiful bedrooms

Fabulously feminine Flirty and girly, this bedroom reminds us of a fashionable French apartment in Paris. The hits of colour and abundance of texture ooze glamour.

Splash of green This colourful bedroom reminds us of a luxe holiday escape in the tropics -- who wouldn't want to wake up to that every morning?

Wonderful whites This bedroom is a perfect showcase of how a room can be decorated in all white but be full of character. The tones range from cream to brilliant white, giving the room depth.

English charm For the more traditional types, this bedroom would be your cup of tea. Chinoiserie on the bedding and tall window coverings give the space some colour, while the repainted chandelier acts as a strong focal point.

Style for less Peter Fallico took this space from dumpy attic to beautful bedroom space and cut down on decorating costs along the way. He chose bedding from HomeSense and covered the bench in $40 fabric to match the pillow shams.

Rustic renovated barn By far one of our favourite interiors, this master bedroom is housed in a renovated barn that was moved from Canada to Connecticut. With high-beamed ceilings and a simple four-poster bed overlooking a wall of windows, this is the perfect place to snuggle on a cold winter's day.

Romantic retreat Curvy lines and antique finishes are the perfect touches for a romantic sleeping space.

Tribal patterns A simple bedroom is brought to life with tribal-patterned bedding. Opt for classic white bedding and introduce accessories like colourful cushions and throws that can be switched up when tastes change.

Contemporary classic A neutral palette and traditional design are what make this bedroom a cosy classic, but the addition of a sassy animal-print bench gives the room an edge.

Simply cosy Sometimes it doesn't take a lot to make a bedroom beautiful. The simpicity of this sleeping space is what draws us in, from the three-colour palette to the unfinished flooring.

Gorgeous greys Shades of grey and white come together to make this a serence space. Elements like the textural bedding and patterned rug help to keep things interesting.

Dreamy daybed It's not hard to see why we love this heavenly haven. A palette of pure white -- from the bedding to the art to the draperies -- makes this a perfectly pretty escape.

Personal touch Having a beautiful bedroom doesn't mean it needs to be void of personal items. The homeowner of this space opted for doggy photography rather than artwork or prints.

Pretty in pink Pops of hot pink are what make this small space bedroom stand out from the rest, from the feather wreath above the headboard to the bed accessories.

Stylish nursery This pretty baby girl's room keeps things simple and stylish enough for when she grows out of it being a nursery. The decal on the wall can be easily removed and replaced at any age.

What do colours mean in the bedroom?

2011-07-04T08:00:00.004+08:00

What does colour say about your bedroom?

Article taken off sharps.co.uk

What do colours mean in the bedroom?

We all associate different colours with certain moods and meanings. So within a bedroom, what does it say about the person if they choose to decorate their space in a certain colour? This is what we discovered…

Red is generally associated with danger, adventure and passion. The best room in the house to have red would be the dining room as it evokes sociable and sprightly feelings all that while stimulating the appetite. Red can be overpowering if used too much but if it is your favourite colour for the bedroom consider having a feature wall or choosing red wardrobes – our Metropolitan range features warm burgundy doors that create a sensual feel.

Orange is a warming colour and is said to offer stability, reassurance and is rumoured to aid digestion! So it’s a great colour for the kitchen, but painting your bedroom in the colour could make the room look smaller. If you do want to inject some zesty orange in the bedroom, use accessories such as this orange Conran bed throw.

Yellow depicts sunshine and energy, and is said to stimulate the intellect, making it a great colour for a study. It you put a few desk accessories in this colour it should help you get down to those books. Add a lamp, chair and notice board to get colour flowing through your home office.

Green is the colour of nature and energy. It’s calming and restful making it ideal for the bedroom due to the soothing effect it has on your mood. The right shade will circulate a fresh space where you can relax and unwind at the end of the day.

Blue has always been seen as a soothing colour but has lots of other beneficial qualities too. It encourages intellectual thought and prevents nightmares – perfect for the bedroom!

Pink can be just as peaceful and restful as blue, but it depends on the shade. If you choose a sweet baby pink, this evokes calmness, whereas a hot fuchsia can introduce passion.

Purple rooms evoke creativity, fertility and joy. It is also associated with magic. Similarly to red, it can become overpowering if used too much. Perhaps to balance this feeling you could have a feature wall such as this Tahiti wallpaper or choose a wardrobe such as our Cosmopolitan in aubergine.

So tell us, which colour would you choose?

7 Ways to Add Sensory Beauty To Your Home

2011-07-01T08:00:00.002+08:00

Simple and easy ways to scenting your home!

Article taken off joyfuldesignsinsoy.com

7 Ways to Add Sensory Beauty To Your Home

Adding various methods to scent your home or office or even car is so soothing and relaxing to the senses, There are a myriad of methods to accomplish this, so today we'll be exploring a few.

1. Carpet Freshener - Very easy to make your own, take about a pound of pure baking soda and mix to it a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil and blend it up in a food processor. Then pour this out on a shallow tray to allow to dry for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally. After this has dried, put in an airtight container.

This carpet freshener can either be sprinkled on your carpets directly, left a few minutes and vacuumed up, or simply put some in your vacuum cleaner bag and you'll get scent as you vacuum your carpets.

2. Simmer a scent by taking a saucepan on your stove and adding apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves & some orange peel. Simply let this simmer on low, adding small amounts of water as necessary so it doesn't run dry. This is a very homey, comforting scent that's so easy to do.

3. Try scenting a centerpiece. Here's an idea, bake a fresh bundt cake then take a small jar and fill it with fragrant flowers and then set this small jar of flowers in the center of the bundt cake. Experiment with different scent combinations. Lemon is beautiful with honeysuckle for example.

4. Perfume your pillows. Either by lightly misting with your favorite perfume, although be sure to test color fastness first on a hidden out of the way area to make sure it won't ruin the fabric. You can also use a purchased linen spray for the same purpose and is safer for the fabric in general. Another way to scent the pillow is to insert a small amount of potpourri inside a small sachet bag and either pin it to the side of the pillow, or insert it into the pillow case.

5. Scent your linen drawer or closet by tucking dried sprigs of lavender in between the layers of towels and sheets. You can also tuck them near the sides of the linens directly in the closet. Lavender not only provides a soothing, calming scent to those linens, but also works as a moth and insect repellant as well.

6. Scent seashells for your bathroom. If they are small shells, simply soak the shells for a few minutes in olive oil with a few drops of essential oil. For larger shells, add a few drops of essential oil right into the middle of the shells. Then set the shells on some type of decorative tray or basket in your bathroom or bedside table for a sight & smell treat.

7. Scented powder puff. Get some of your favorite scented powder, or even baby powder if that's your preference. Get one of those luxurious powder puffs, and take a long bubble bath. After the bath, pamper yourself with these beautifully scented powders applied with the soft powder puffs. The scent stays with you a long time and is one of those small ways to feel truly pampered and distressed.

Beautiful scents can be so calming in today's rushed, stressed filled lives. Finding ways to incorporate different scents, textures, sights & sounds can truly help relax and remind us to slow down and to enjoy life. Sometimes these simple things help us to refocus and not stress so much about those things we cannot change.

Types of Wood Used to Make Furniture

2011-06-29T06:00:00.002+08:00

Have you taken an interest to wood furniture lately? Here are some basics you should know.

Article taken off ehow.com

Types of Wood Used to Make Furniture

Wood types are usually categorized as hard wood or soft wood. Typically, soft wood comes from evergreens, or trees with pine needles, and hard wood is from trees with broad leaves. Most often, hard wood is used for making furniture as it has higher durability, although soft wood is becoming more popular for furniture making.

Open-Pore Wood
Some woods have small holes, called open pores. These pores give the wood a distinctive texture. When finishing woods with open pores, stains can accumulate in the pores making those areas seem darker. Some open-pore woods are ash, oak and walnut.

Tight-Grained Wood
Cherry, maple and alder are types of tight-grained wood. These wood types have a tighter grain, are smooth to the touch and take stain well.

Red Wood
Cherry and mahogany woods will lend a red-colored quality to your furniture. Cherry is less expensive than mahogany.
Insect Resistant
Teak is good for furniture making if you are looking to craft for outdoor purposes. Teak has a natural oil that repels insects and water. Cedar is known to also repel insects.

Easy-Crafting Wood
Soft wood such as pine is typically easier to work with. Pine also holds up to humidity better than many other woods. Cedar is a soft wood that is also easy to craft.

Exotic Wood
Lacewood from Australia is often used for accents. Granadillo from southern Mexico can be used for all furniture crafts. African mahogany from Ghana can be used to make any type of furniture.

Storage solutions for small spaces - 10 ideas

2011-06-27T08:00:00.005+08:00

Living in a small home or apartment? View these space saving ideas!

Article taken off housetohome.co.uk

Storage solutions for small spaces - 10 ideas

Build a media storage system

A TV can take up valuable space in your living room. Don't allow it to. Instead, use it as a focal point to build storage around. Simple shelving and movable TV units, like this one on wheels, offer flexible solutions. Or, for something tailored to your needs, try fitting a bespoke design.

Turn a headboard into storage

A clever way to maximise space in a small bedroom is by using a headboard for storage. Go for a bespoke solution to suit your bedroom layout.

Use every inch of space

Where space is tight in a small kitchen, it is important not to waste even a millimetre of potential storage space. A thin pull-out cupboard, with multiple shelves or racks, offers the perfect solution and makes food supplies easy to view and reach.

Build a home office in an alcove

Want a swanky home office but don't have room for one? Why not transform an alcove into a hideaway office? All you need are open shelves, perfect for storage boxes, which can sit above a desk consisting of a simple plank of wood. Folding or sliding doors keep all the clutter tucked out of sight.

Keep everything in one place

When there isn't room for a lot of different furniture pieces in your home, choose one that will house everything. This multipurpose unit includes drawers, shelves and boxes. Plus, it provides extra surface space for hot dishes ready for serving.

Create storage in the walls

If all that will fit in your bathroom is a shower and toilet, make use of space in the wall and in corners. Built-in storage compartments, which in this case fit under awkward eaves, allow you to utilise wasted space and create storage that wouldn't otherwise fit in.

Fit a laundry room in a cupboard

No space for a separate laundry room? Do not fret! A well-ordered storage cupboard can work just as well. With a mixture of shelves at different heights, varying sizes of storage boxes and a selection of hooks, it's bound to keep all your essentials in their place. Complete the look by lining the shelves in a pretty wipe-clean oilcloth.

Use storage to divide spaces

If your living room is also your kitchen, dining room or even bedroom, use block furniture and handy storage to divide the space. Fitting units around the sides of a sofa is a genius way to maximise your storage without taking up wall space, and helps to define the separate areas further.

Keep hallway clutter at bay

A storage bench is an ideal way to contain hallway clutter. Cubbyholes, like the ones in this bench, allow shoes, hats and other paraphernalia to be tucked away out of site. The hooks above use wasted wall space to order coats.

Use under bed storage

Utilise space under your child's bed by building one that incorporates storage space. This can then store pull-out boxes that will hide away toys and clothes. A super thin wall-hung shelving unit is also useful as it won't impose on the space.

Custom Home Decor And Personalized Photo Wall Art

2011-06-24T17:56:00.003+08:00

Fully utilize your personal photos to give your home a unique home decor!

Article taken off home-decorating-made-easy.com

Custom Home Decor And Personalized Photo Wall Art

Custom home decor is the latest of many interior design trends and one that is here to stay.
Whether you’re redesigning your home or helping clients find their decorating style, it’s about infusing more individual personality into the space you call home.

One of the most popular, easiest, creative and effective ways to accomplish this is with the use of personal photos. Billions of photos are snapped, uploaded and shared online every month. When decorating or redecorating spaces, people select photos and personal images that mean something to them for display on their walls and around their homes. For years, picture frames and canvas prints have occupied center stage in home decor, without actually being considered ‘decor’. They were more keepsakes than creative expressions.

However, today’s photo personalization technology combined with the digital photo sharing explosion and innovative product catalogs has changed this view.

Photos, today, are not merely an part of the background but the central element in personalized wall art and custom home decor accents.

Photos Create Custom Home Décor

There’s no shortage of photos in any home, thanks to digital cameras and the ease with which we can now take and share digital photos. You probably have hundreds of them stored on a CD, on your computer or on an image sharing site. Facebook alone is estimated to be hosting over 60 billion photos. As enticing as online photo sharing is, there’s something about turning photos into physical gifts and displays that can’t be achieved with mere online sharing. Now, what if you could choose the best among your digital photos and turn them into tasteful photo accents and personalized wall art for your space?

Canvas prints are not new to us, but have you really considered them as home décor accents and not just ways to display your photos? With a little creativity, you could decorate your whole house with photos as the central theme. Seasons, colors, family, modern, nature, travel – whatever you decide as your theme, you can pull it off with photos on canvas and other wall art.

Imagine turning your pictures into incredible accents for every room. These include tabletop, countertop and desk accessories like desktop organizers, photo mouse pads, photo mugs, photo coasters, personalized water bottles and more. Additionally, you could also create stunning wall accents like canvas prints, framed posters, mounted prints, photo calendars, tile murals and more that weave your favorite visuals into your walls in an elegant, fashionable manner.

Whether your taste in décor is traditional or modern, eclectic or Asian-inspired, you can easily use photo accents to incorporate your ideas into your space.

Photo Accents For Every Room

The beauty of personalization is that it blends with any décor and room. If you’re looking to lend a classier feel to your living room, a wrapped canvas and mounted prints are perfect choices. A keepsake box would add a touch of personalization to your bedroom while providing handy storage for your earrings and other valuables on your dresser or night stand. A growth chart wall cling is perfect for the family room or your child’s bedroom – where you can actually watch your kids grow…personally! Frameless photo panels are also great addition to a child’s room, as they are durable displays with no frame or glass. Photo calendars and photo magnets make your kitchen a little brighter, while helping you stay on track with the family’s upcoming schedule. The fact that you can add your photos to all of these items is what truly differentiates your home décor from everyone else’s.

Personalized home accents are easy to create online, affordable and give your existing digital photos a new purpose and platform. So, go ahead and create custom home decor with personalized photo accents.

MTV Cribs featuring Manny Pacquiao's LA Mansion

2011-06-18T12:18:00.006+08:00

This video showcases the fabulous Los Angeles home of Pound-for-Pound Champion Manny Pacquiao.

How to Declutter and Brighten Your Home for Summer

2011-06-15T21:09:00.003+08:00

Let's light up your home with these simple tips!

Article taken off oprah.com

How to Declutter and Brighten Your Home for Summer

1. Create a Winter Storage Area

Create a winter storage area in your attic or basement, using a canvas-covered clothing rack and heavy-duty plastic shelving. This makes everything easily accessible—and lets you annually appraise inventory and throw away or donate things you no longer use or wear. (Dry-clean your coats before storing them, and use cedar blocks to keep away pests.)

2. Replace Dark Throw Pillows

Replace dark throw pillows and slipcovers with affordable white or bright-colored versions; clean and store winter fabrics with your linens. Consider adding an extra lamp to further lighten things up.

3. Add Brighter Accents

Swap out dark photo frames on your shelves for white. Ask kids to pick their favorite piece of artwork each week and drop it into a frame; toss the rest (after photographing for posterity).

4. Keep Surfaces Clear

Keep surfaces clear by instituting daily cleanups ten minutes before dinner, when everyone puts away his or her own possessions. Cynthia Tobin, like many moms, finds it easier and faster to pick up after everyone herself, but "why bark when you've already got a dog?" says Walsh.

Painting the color red

2011-06-13T17:45:00.003+08:00

Follow these steps and you will get beautiful red...

Article taken off home-decorating-made-easy.com

Painting the color red

If anyone know's anything about painting they will tell you that red is the most difficult color to cover on walls. Here are some important tips when using the color red...

Tint your primer grey and the same shade as the type of red you are using. This helps the red pigment seem like it is filling in as a solid even color and not a transparent mess. This is the most important tip of them all.

- Use a quality brush and sleve for best coverage.

- Make sure to use a flat finished paint rather than a semi-gloss or eggshell.

Following these tips will make sure your red covers successfully in two even coats.

Easy and Cheap Home Decorating Ideas

2011-06-10T13:52:00.003+08:00

Do you know that you can have a new home decor without spending big money?

Article taken off ihavenet.com

Easy and Cheap Home Decorating Ideas

Redecorating a room is one of the best ways to breathe new life into your surroundings -- and help you feel more energized. But the word “redecorate” can be intimidating; dollar signs start popping into your head, as does your packed schedule, leaving you wondering where you’ll find the time or money.

Fortunately, you can redecorate on a budget -- one of money and time.

There are plenty of easy, cheap and quick things you can do to change a space, says Stacey McGarity, a partner in the interior design firm Acquisitions for the Home in New York City.

Check out her low-cost, high-impact decorating strategies:

1. Embrace Accessories

“Swapping out items like decorative pillows and a vase can transform the look and feel of any room in five minutes,” McGarity says. A new or different rug also achieves that fresh feeling.

Keep the old items on hand and you’ll swap them in mid-year to create two seasonal looks. Pillow covers versus new pillows help keep costs down, and not using the same rug year-round means both last twice as long. For warmer months, try a sisal rug and cotton pillows. When the temperature drops, go for a darker, patterned rug and pillow covers in lush velvet.

2. Rethink Artwork

Pictures and paintings aren’t the only things you can hang. “Think outside of the box,” says McGarity. Your basement, garage and closets are a treasure trove. Postcards, snapshots, kids’ drawings, posters and even wallpaper and fabric scraps can all be cut and put into inexpensive frames and hung together to create a quirky personal home gallery.

Or, if you find a large fabric remnant, consider making it into a wall hanging by hemming it and sewing in a rod pocket. “You can do it yourself with a sewing machine, but a tailor charges only about $10,” says McGarity.

3. Use Your Library

Take a few of your coolest books off the shelves and incorporate them into your décor. Gather ones with similarly colored jackets or focus them on a theme, such as travel (try mixing a guidebook, an Italian cookbook, a photography book of Alaska and your copy of Eat, Pray, Love together). They’ll look great stacked on a table or tall piece of furniture.

Another tip: Purchase an inexpensive tabletop easel at a craft store and use it to display a beautiful open book, McGarity says. You can change up the look by swapping in a different book.

4. Create an Accent Wall

Painting or wallpapering an entire room is a pricey undertaking. Instead, do just one wall to create a focal point. It makes the whole room pop and you only do a quarter of the work!

Which wall should you choose? “Usually the longest in the room, but it could also be the one lined with all furniture,” says McGarity. “In general, though, you won’t go wrong with the one that feels the most blank.”

To select the right paint, pick a shade that’s in nearby furniture or other décor. “If you love the gray upholstery on a chair, for example, paint the wall behind it a lighter shade of gray,” says McGarity. If you’re decorating with wallpaper, small rooms like bathrooms, foyers and mud rooms often produce the best results. Also consider inexpensive vinyl wallpaper. It’s twice the width of regular rolls, making it a cinch to hang. Plus, vinyl is durable and easy to clean. "For a small amount of money, you can make it the coolest room in the house,” says McGarity.

Increase the value of your home! Follow some ground rules.

2011-06-08T15:49:00.004+08:00

Thinking of how you can increase the value of your flat? Here's what you can carry out...

Article taken off homeinteriorsjunction.com

Increase the value of your home! Follow some ground rules.

None of us wish for diminution in value of the pricey possession of our life — our HOME. So, we need to consider some points to increase the value of our home. Though the role of present market conditions can not be ignored in deciding the value of your home, but there are number factors that demand your attention. Here are some guidelines that can help you to increase the value of your home.

First of all you need to take into account the interior as well as the exterior of your home. Certain amendments require a professional expertise, so you may need to hire a contractor. But for simple jobs, you are the best person. So, it’s up to you when you are going to start and finish the task. I suggest you to complete the work in stages, as it won’t hinder your regular schedule.

In order to increase the home value, keep your home updated with new trends of kitchen, rooms and other places. Equip your home with the advanced gears and gadgets. Replace your old kitchen appliances with advanced ones. If this seems to be expensive for you, go for alternative ways like changing the kitchen tiles, renovating the cabinets, polishing the drawers and keeping all the appliances in good condition.

Change the flooring of the house, if required. Else, keep it clean and bright. Get new figurines to keep your home decorative. You can add decorative accessories on the walls, doors or ceilings. You can even install a new roof with decorative lights. Vinyl windows are good options, as they look more beautiful. They are considered good for the conservation of energy also.

If you will paint the entire house, interior as well as exterior, you will get a new look and it can fetch you a good amount of money on resale. Enhance the looks of your house with vinyl siding. If vinyl siding are affixed previously, then do get them power washed for a brighter look. Do some modifications in the furniture, so that they look classy. If possible, get your central cooling system changed. Replace your old refrigerator. Buy a new carpet. Go for tile flooring with contemporary designs. Keep your garden in good shape. Remove the weeds on regular basis. Grow new plants. Clean the flower beds. Prepare a good landscape to watch from the window of you house.

Do some research on Net and follow these simple ways to increase home value.

The Joys of Letting Go

2011-06-06T17:40:00.010+08:00

Downsizing? How to decide what goes and what stays.

Article taken off oprah.com

The Joys of Letting Go

The Solomons began one night 38 years ago when Angela, who was living in a "no-bedroom" in Greenwich Village, reluctantly agreed to go on a blind date with a young doctor who had just finished studying in Switzerland. "I was so not into settling down," says 70-year-old Angela, now a communications consultant for television and film clients. "It was the '60s."

The two were married on May 3, 1969—a date they're reminded of by a signed '69 Spoleto Festival poster, a wedding gift from a friend, on display in their living room. All the art in their home is the work of people close to them—everything from photos taken in Japan, India, and Paris to groupings from a school of ceramics Joel simply calls "friend pottery." The couple doesn't have children, but pictures of young relatives are everywhere. "What we wanted to hang on to in our new home is what downtown New York represents for us—it's all about our friends," Angela says. "Other than that, we wanted to cut and run!"

Of course, you can make a clean break with your fireplace tools (and heavy Persian rugs, elaborate draperies, hulking dining-room table, gilt-edged mirrors) and still have to figure out where to put everything you're leaving behind. "We had 30 years in 4,000 square feet," Joel says. "That's 120,000 square feet of stuff over the years. We clearly needed a decorator and a therapist." The couple found both in Robert Levithan.

An acquaintance of the Solomons, Robert is a counselor who works with Friends in Deed, a crisis center for people dealing with life-threatening illnesses. When Angela and Joel learned that he also consulted on the design of friends' homes, they signed him on to help with their transition.

"Moving is high up on the life stress list, which includes things like the loss of a loved one or divorce," Robert says. A thorough, compassionate listener by profession, he came up with a design plan for his clients that was part talking cure ("There were absolutely daily conversations"), part triage.

Joel estimates that in the end, half of his and Angela's belongings were given away or sold. About a quarter went to his new office and the rest fit into the clean grid and airy, serene aesthetic Robert created for the Solomons' new home. "It's as clear and light as possible," Angela says. "There's a see-through, floaty theme, which is great for small spaces. Everything has very thin legs. Everything but me," she adds, laughing. "I don't have thin legs."

In their new downtown lives, Angela says that she and Joel "walk almost everywhere." The two also enjoy a luxury they didn't have uptown—outdoor space, in the form of a terrace overlooking Washington Square Park and one of the city's last charming mews. "They are lively," Angela says of the New York University students in the storied park, "and the view will always be here."

She's true to Robert's mantra for moving with a good mind-set. "Focus on where you're going and what you're creating, not on what you're leaving behind," he says. "It's not about less; it's about different. And once you get there, everything shifts in your life, often in marvelous ways."

Angela considers her new, trim, skinny-legged dining table and says that she and Joel used to host a Thanksgiving feast for more than 30 people on the Upper West Side every year. Now they prefer to be in India, or Paris, or Indonesia. "We tend not to be in the city on holidays anymore. Place cards and the whole thing are no longer necessary," she says with relief. "Living downtown again hasn't really reinvented our lives, but having time at our discretion—and a home that fits our new lives—has. It's very freeing."

Before moving to a new home, consider Robert Levithan's strategies for relocating with the right mind-set.

• Do It Quickly: There's no point in drawing out the process or dwelling on where you used to live, mentally or physically. "You need to get where you're going," Robert says. "As soon as you're in the new place, it's very easy. You've shifted from the loss process to the creation process."

• Be Practical, Not Sentimental: If your move is about downsizing, Robert recommends that you start by identifying the objects that will go with you and those that can be left behind. If there's an item you're not quite ready to part with, consider storage. Better yet, he says, "Give it to someone you love or to a charity. You can also pass something down as an heirloom now, rather than waiting until you die."

• Entertain: "It's a good idea to surround yourself with a support system," Robert says. Include friends and family at various stages of the process—invite them over, pick up some wine, and have a box-packing party. "Then the move becomes a social rather than an awful, desperate thing. Make it a transition that includes the people in your life."

10 Inspirational ideas for kitchen design

2011-06-01T15:23:00.016+08:00

Wow! I'm sure you will fall in love with the gorgeous kitchen design...

Article taken off yossawat.com

10 Inspirational ideas for kitchen design

Monochrome kitchen diner : Monochrome is so well suited to a kitchen-diner, adding designer style to simple white units. Give the look a twist by papering the back wall with a bold floral pattern and fixing a clear acrylic splashback over it to keep it clean and dry.

Monochrome kitchen : Black gloss units give this kitchen its modern look, while rustic worktops and furniture, retro accessories and classic chequerboard floor tiles give a welcoming feel. The room is completed with a styish black and white statement wallpaper.

Rich wooden units : For a big impact in a small kitchen, go for American walnut units with chunky handles to keep them feeling up-to-date. Curved worktops will add extra interest and soften the feel, while floral curtains give the kitchen a contemporary touch.

Ultra-contemporary kitchen-diner : White units and stark worktops create a bright and airy look in this uber-modern kitchen-diner. Ice-blue splashbacks continue the sleek, crisp look, and a central island unit doubles as a food preparation area and breakfast bar.

Modern glass splashbacks : Combine glossy white units with glass splashbacks to maximise the light in the kitchen. Glass shelves and stainless steel appliances will also help bounce light around the room and enhance the sense of space.

Candy-colours kitchen : Create a contemporary feel with beautiful traditional styling by choosing units in a fresh cornflower blue. Here the bespoke kitchen has rounded detailing and a large Belfast sink and is accessorised with a candy-stripe window blind.

Light and bright kitchen-diner : A large dining table provides the focus for this modern kitchen-diner. White walls and kitchen units create a bright room and a wooden storage unit adds warmth and offers the perfect place to display books and family photos.

Zesty kitchen-diner : Glossy kitchen units in caramel shades creates a look that is modern and warm and bounce light around the room. Try extended a kitchen worktop to create an informal eating area, with space underneath for essential storage.

Modern kitchen-diner : A spacious island unit doubles as an informal dining area. Use cream floor tiles and ivory walls to create a light and airy backdrop and them accessorise with warm wooden finishes and pendant lighting.

French doors : A large island unit is great for a kitchen-diner and can be customised with a cooking hob, eating areas and tailored storage details. French doors lead out to the garden table, perfect for alfresco dining. Keep things warm in the winter with a pair of heavy, lined Toile de Jouy curtains.

Got Ugly Wall Texture? Something You Can Do

2011-05-30T14:05:00.003+08:00

Getting bored of your wall texture? Here's some inspiration!

Article taken off home-decorating-made-easy.com

Got Ugly Wall Texture? Something You Can Do

Ugly wall texture is a pretty common headache for many homeowners. Both plaster and walls with drywall covering present their fair share of troubles.

Sometimes, it can just be a case of boredom. That old wall texture or ceiling texture no longer looks attractive to the jaded eye.

A lot of do-it-yourself homeowners are fairly adventurous when it comes to all kinds of home repair or renovation projects. But for some odd reason, they balk at plaster or drywall work.

The truth is, like many things, some instruction, practice and growing self confidence can take the mystery out of this.

If it is a case of wanting to get rid of texture completely, then that is accomplished by skim coating the whole area. Now, the new smooth wall or ceiling offers new options. Do I go with just a smooth finish, or would I like some new kind of texture?

Putting on a different kind of wall texture can be a fun challenge, a fresh adventure that creates attractive results to be enjoyed for years to come.

You’re not artistic? How do you know? I am not artistic, but I have been giving clients beautiful texture effects on walls and ceilings for many years. If you had told me when I was in my early 20s that I would be doing this kind of work for a living, I would have said you were crazy. But
I learned to do it under the instruction of a drywall master, and it wasn’t hard. It was fun.

And I have taught others to do the same.

Here’s the way I looked at it. I remembered my mom in the kitchen, pulling a homemade cake from the oven and while it cooled preparing the frosting mix.

It was fascinating watching her apply the cool creamy stuff over that cake, with deft strokes of the knife. Beautiful swirls and peaks or just about anything that she decided to try. If you had accused my mom of being “artistic,” she would have laughed in your face. But those cakes were almost too lovely to eat.

So I think of applying wall and ceiling textures as “frosting the cake.” You’ve got the cool creamy texture mix you have prepared, and now you can do anything you want to with it.

But, of course, like many things, some practice goes a long ways. I always encourage people to find a surface somewhere to practice on. Maybe a smooth garage wall? A sheet of drywall is cheap. Or maybe painted plywood or even cardboard. Don’t forget, you can erase and start over as many times as you need to.

When you arrive at a point where you can say - “Wow. That I like!”, then ask yourself - can I do this over an entire wall or ceiling and be consistent throughout? That may be the most challenging part. It is better to arrive at something simple, where you can break off at anytime you need to and know you can come back to it later without a seam or lap showing. Like a texture with an irregular open edge.

What about tools? There are lots of things that work to create textures. Brushes, drywall broad knives, rubber floats like tile setters use, plasterers trowels, paint rollers, even your hands (remember finger painting in grade school). You can even build pattern tools you can press into freshly applied texture compound to leave unique imprints.

Like fingerprints, what you do will be unique to some extent. You will always know - I did that!

What you could use is some instruction. See samples of different kinds of wall and ceiling textures. Or watch someone actually doing texture work. This can fire up your imagination and motivation, as you find yourself saying - Hey, I think I could do that.

Edwin Brown has almost 40 years experience doing plaster and drywall renovation work on the west coast of the US.

For some guidance regarding wall and ceiling texture work, and for pictures of various textures, check out his web page at http://www.plaster-wall-ceiling-solutions.com/wall-texture.html

Home Aquariums, living with fish

2011-05-25T10:12:00.003+08:00

Marine life that will lead you to a healthy environment!

Article taken off homeinteriorsjunction.com

Home Aquariums, living with fish

An aquarium can be described as an artificial habitat for marine life. Normally we think of only tropical fish when we consider having an aquarium, but aquariums can house even aquatic mammals and amphibians. Now if you are thinking of an aquarium for home, there are a wide variety of fishes and aquarium plants you can choose from. Plants enhance beauty, offer shade to fish, serve as spawning nest and food. You van even use plastic plants. The best fish for home aquarium are butterfly fish, bicolor blenny, pseudochromis, clownfish, goby, firefish, fox lace etc.

Maintaining an aquarium is a hobby for many around the world. If you are a true lover of fish, you can have your own little private collection of marine life at your home. They in their own way provide some tranquility in a world full of stress and strain.

Home aquariums can be made to replicate marine environment like the Barrier Reef or even the Amazon River. However before getting an aquarium for the home you must know how to maintain it. Tropical fish tanks may be salt water or fresh water. Experts however suggest that one should start with fresh water home aquarium, as salt-water aquarium is expensive and difficult to maintain. You can always switch over to salt water aquarium or home reef aquarium later using most of the same available equipments. A home aquarium generally consists of glass panels bound with silicone. Because of lightweight and durability acrylic home aquariums are gaining popularity. They are readily available at pet shops.Where selection of fish and supplies is concerned, the pet shopkeeper is well trained to guide you in this matter.

A home reef aquarium is usually made of glass or acrylic. The acrylic ones are attractive but expensive. Fishes like centropyge, tangs, amphiprion, mandarin fish, and dragonnettes can be kept here. Filtration and lighting in home reef aquarium is important because of photosynthesis. In order to survive the corals must produce zooxanthella.Seaworld.org, you tube.com, fullhyde.com, sea.org, aqua-fish.net may be accessed for home aquarium tips and pictures of home aquariums.

Home aquarium care is essential for healthy environment for the entire family. It has to be kept clean both from outside as well as inside. The ideal temperature is 23 to 28 o Celsius. Where lighting is concerned, colour temperature ranging from 5000-7000 0 is ideal depending upon the variety of animals. Ph testing kits should be used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the tank water.

If a beginner,get for yourself a small home aquarium and create your own little sea world at home.

Incredible Oscar Dress-Inspired Interiors

2011-05-16T16:14:00.011+08:00

Need some inspiration for your home interior design?

Article taken off ivillage.com

Incredible Oscar Dress-Inspired Interiors

Red Hot
The Oscars have come and gone, but it's hard not to continue to be inspired by the gorgeous dresses of the red carpet. This year's selection of dresses did not disappoint, with many leading ladies showing up in fantastic red-oranges, jewel tones and sparkly metallics. Here we've paired some of our favorite dresses with some Oscar worthy interiors.

Midnight Blue
Amy Adams sparkled in her navy blue L’Wren Scott sequined dress with pretty cap sleeves. While Amy accessorized with a gorgeous silver and green emerald Cartier necklace, this handsome navy favorite from Domino magazine pops with hints of bright pink.

Silver Lining
Mandy Moore looked stunning on the red carpet in her sheer Monique Lhuillier sequined gown, embellished with gorgeous metallics. This delightfully neutral living room shines with metallic accents, grays and blush tones.

Purple Haze
Natalie Portman, who took home top honors for her performance in Black Swan, simply glowed in her purple Rodarte dress. This gorgeous purple looks equally as elegant as part of a sleek, modern kitchen.

Gold Dust
When Gwyneth Paltrow met up with Taylor Swift at the Vanity Fair Oscars After Party, the duo sparkled and shimmered in their chic gold metallic dresses. This Paco Rabanne gold curtain in room designed by Eric Hughes is equally as eye catching.