Minimalist or Bare?

Is it possible to carry a minimalist look too far? What's the difference between a minimalist look and a simply bare room?



Article taken off ehow.com

How to Recognize Minimalist Style

Minimalism is exactly what it sounds like - minimal items or patterns showing in the decor. Here's how to identify minimalist style.

1. Inventory the room visually. Furnishings will be spare and spaced widely apart in the minimalist room.

2. Study the furniture. Its lines will usually be simple, perhaps Parsons-table styling or classic pieces such as Asian, Chippendale or American primitive antique pieces.

3. Check out the accessories. A minimalist room will have very few tabletop accessories, and they will usually be of simple styling themselves. Often you will see a platter with one to three pieces of fruit on it as a centerpiece, or there may be no adornment at all on the furniture.

4. Ask yourself if there is clutter in a particular room. The minimalist room will be free from collections of figurines, groupings of pictures, stacks of toss pillows, elaborate floral arrangements, busy wreaths or ornately painted furniture.

5. Look for an absence of layers. Many other styles layer tablecloths, bedding and other items; minimalist does not.

6. Examine the windows. Simple shades, venetian blinds, tab-top curtains or grommet-topped curtains are prime examples of best-dressed minimalist windows - or the windows can even be left bare.

Garment Storage Tips

Store your garments appropriately and they will continue to remain beautiful for years to come.

Article taken off www.garmentcare.info

Clothing Storage Tips
If you live in a climate where there is more than one season, you should store off-season clothing carefully to avoid damage from insects, mildew and mold. Be sure to wash and dry all garments thoroughly before storing. Do not store clothes in plastic bags or airtight containers. Rattan trunks are perfect for storing clothing, as they allow the clothing to breathe when air circulates through the rattan. Here are a few tips for safe storage of different types of clothing.

Leather and suede should be stored in a closet that is cool and well ventilated. The garments are best covered with white muslin that’s been washed. Supple leather garments should be laid flat and padded well with white tissue.
Rayon should also be stored flat. If the garment has to be hung, pad it with white tissue and cover it with clean, white muslin.

Linen garments should be rolled. If you feel you must fold them, be sure to refold often to avoid fabric from becoming permanently creased. Always cover with white muslin that’s been washed.

Knitted and silk fabrics should always be stored flat. If you feel you must hang these garments, be sure to pad well with white tissue and cover it with clean, white muslin.

Garments made of metallic fabric should be rolled with clean, white muslin or tissue paper separating each layer.

Fur garments need to be stored in a cool, dark place. Cover fur with clean, white muslin. However when storing fur, professional cold storage is best.
Wool should be thoroughly cleaned, padded and wrapped in white tissue. Add mothballs to the storage area to prevent moth damage.


More Storage Tips:

When storing garments, use a chemical desiccant to absorb moisture and prevent mildew. Do not let the desiccant touch the garments. Examples of chemical desiccant are calcium chloride or silica gel.

Reduce dampness in closets by tying pieces of chalk together and hanging them from a support post or from the ceiling.

If the weather in your area is cool and dry, be sure your storage areas are well ventilated.

Always store garments loosely so they can breathe and air can circulate. Never use fabric finish or starch on garments that are to be stored.

Protect clothing from wood acid by lining dresser drawers with an acid free shelf paper or quilted fabric. Never use wallpaper remnants or gummed shelf paper. The backing will attract insects to your clothing.

Always clean garments that are to be stored. Insects are attracted to drink, food and perspiration.

Areas where garments are stored should be dark and clean. Light fades colors and attracts insects.


Never store clothing in a cold basement or hot attic. Extreme temperatures will damage your clothes.

Cotton, linen, silk and wool are all natural fibers. Always store these in a well ventilated area.

To rid garments of wrinkles when they come out of storage, put them in the dryer on the fluff or air dry cycle that has no heat.

When adding mothballs to a storage area, place them in an old sock so they don’t touch the garments.

If you’re using moth crystals, put them on the adhesive backing of duct tape and hang them in the storage area.


For more on storage tips click here

We're Gonna Rock This Country

You may prefer the more fashion-forward and artistic home decor styles, but admit it, you have a little bit of country in you as well, doncha sweetheart?



5 Affordable Country Style Decorating Ideas

Inexpensive country decorating ideas that anyone can implement themselves. There's a reason why so many people enjoy sneaking away for a weekend at a country inn- it's because the welcoming and cozy atmosphere of a country style retreat is comforting, relaxing and entirely pleasurable. Likewise, country style decorating in one's own home can create a warm ambiance that is attractive for both guests and those who live in the home. Perhaps most importantly, do-it-yourself home decorators can implement easy country decorating ideas that will have the desired effect without costing a fortune. The 5 affordable country decorating ideas below can enable both homeowners and renters to create a space that they will enjoy for years to come.

1- Choose the right country-style cabinet hardware. Homeowners looking to turn their existing space into a country paradise can easily introduce a rustic feel by changing their cabinet hardware. The warm hues of copper cabinet hardware make it an obvious (and effortless) choice for those who want to instantly change the look of their space. Many bronze hardware options are also suitable for country decorating. Ideas for the actual style of the hardware can range from dramatic cup pulls to romantic floral cabinet hardware, depending on the homeowner's preference. Fortunately, many cabinet hardware manufacturers such as Amerock Hardware, Belwith Hardware and others offer a wide selection of suitable options starting as low as $2 a piece.

2- Decorate with candles. Few things say 'country style decorating' like strategically placed scented or colored candles. To create a completely idyllic environment, place the candles in sleek glass holders and complement them with matching potpourri vessels or wrap the candle with a bow in a contrasting color.

3- Invest in a baker's rack. In addition to creating an inviting space, many homeowners (and renters) can also benefit from creating a more efficient space- and baker's racks can be the perfect solution to this problem. Baker's racks offer a way to display things that deserve and to prominently store things that would otherwise be stashed away and forgotten about. Baker's racks are inexpensive and can be placed in kitchens, hallways and dining rooms, making them one of the most versatile country decorating ideas.

4- Purchase rustic linens. The welcoming nature of a country-style room is enhanced by the addition of country-inspired linens. Whether you enjoy the look and feel of a dramatic country-style quilt or even small bucolic dishtowels, your room will become instantly warmer with the addition of rustic linens. As an alternative to an expensive quilt, consider a smaller quilted wall hanging which can dramatize the room without adding drama to your budget.

5- Install wrought iron lighting. Wrought iron lighting serves a double purpose- it makes a room seem larger and more hospitable and it can also add a necessary style addition to any country home. From affordable wrought iron lamps to grand wrought iron chandeliers, consumers can find country-style lighting that will make an elegant statement in any space.

Considering the vast and varied options that are available today, consumers can find innumerable country style decorating accessories that will make an immediate and remarkable impression on any space. Do-it-yourself designers need only an open mind and a bit of creativity to create the rustic space of their dreams.

For more on country style, take a look at this Cocoon country style article.